The Fundraiser’s Toolbox
You know that fundraising is hard work. To be successful you need to be well equipped to take on all its challenges. At SOFII, we thought you might like some help. So we’ve put together this fundraiser’s toolbox that we’ll be filling with essential examples, formats, articles, case studies, ideas and tips that we think every fundraiser should know about.
An ABC of direct response

by Jonathon Grapsas
This article is a fantastic ‘what’s what?’ of direct response fundraising and is a priceless resource for all those just starting out and a great checklist for those who have been around a little longer.
Read moreFive ‘must dos’ of bequest fundraising

by Fiona McPhee
In this helpful breakdown of how to set out a legacy fundraising strategy, Fiona insists that it is not just the big brand charities that have the potential to develop a significant legacy income and provides step-by-step advice on how to increase legacy-gifts for your organisation.
Read moreSeven steps to generating donor response

by Jan Chisholm
In this article Jan generously shares with SOFII readers the results of her long search, with seven steps she believes the very best fundraising approaches take to assure success. Does your next appeal have them all?
Read moreSeven steps to fire up your board

by Gail Perry
In this brilliant instructional video, US fundraising consultant and author of Fired-Up Fundraising – Turn Board Passion into Action, Gail Perry walks you through seven steps that will help you to really strengthen and fire up your board.
Read moreHow an egg McMuffin reminded me of the foundations of fundraising

by Derek Humphries
Recounting a mildly bizarre but uplifting encounter that was to involve not one, but two, popular fast-food snacks, Derek Humphries reminds us of the simple but firm foundations every truly compelling fundraising should be built on.
Read moreNine fundraising tips you can learn from a savvy seven-year-old

by Michael Rosen
Here’s what you can learn from a seven-year-old and an 11-year-old.
Read moreA fundraiser’s alchemy: turning tears to gold

by Lyndall Stein
In this new article about her time with AIDS charity the Terrence Higgins Trust, Lyndall Stein says, ‘…I have learned that it is a privilege to be a fundraiser. When you are working on the toughest issues in the hardest times, you know that your blood, sweat and tears will be turned to gold, that your work will be meaningful, relevant and will matter…’
Read moreHilda’s suitcase: when’s the right time to discuss leaving a legacy?

by Norma Cameron
Step into SOFII’s archive to explore more insights on legacy giving. We think you’ll love this charming and personal story from Norma Cameron, in Canada, who learned a very important lesson about gift planning from her mum.
Read moreThe great donor exodus, and what to do about it. A three-part series from Jay Love

by Jay Love
Jay Love’s revealing infographics have been setting American fundraisers alight recently, with good reason. Why do donors head for the exit? How does our sector’s attrition compare with customers of for-profit businesses? Do larger donors leave sooner? How many donors could you keep, if you just did some things differently?
Now on SOFII, widely respected data specialist and entrepreneur Jay Love explores these seemingly permanent hot topics with two generous helpings of practical advice all fundraisers could follow.
Read moreHave I told you lately that I love you? Part two

by Derek Humphries
OK, so you’ve done your strategic speed dating (also known as a pitch), and it’s time to get on with some proper work.
Read moreHave I told you lately that I love you? Part one

by Derek Humphries
In this two-part article, Derek Humphries offers some really valuable advice on how to develop the relationship with your agency in all its stages, from initial courtship all the way through to an amicable divorce at the end of the project. And he tackles the issue of pre-nuptial agreements, what to do if it all goes wrong and, just as importantly, what to do if it all goes right…
Read moreHow to find your inner writer

by Elizabeth Loudon
One of the best tips to find your inner writer is to steal one. So says Elizabeth Loudon here. You’ll also find other ideas and advice to help you force your inner writer into the open and write great letters that your donors will keep responding to for years.
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