Hello! Testing! Testing! Testing!

by Andrew Papworth

Andrew Papworth says that testing is a vital part of good fundraising.

It’s hard work being a client these days. Part 2

by Andrew Papworth

We won’t be surprised if you have been putting off starting to prepare your brand book because it appears to be an awful lot of work. Now Andrew Papworth shows just how important it is and how it will actually save you time when preparing your successful fundraising campaigns.

It’s hard work being a client these days. Part 1

by Andrew Papworth

A brand book is possibly the most important document that you could have if you really want to be an effective client and get the best from your suppliers Andrew Papworth explains why it is so important and how to go about the daunting task – and make no mistake it is – of preparing one. With his guidance it will be made easier.

Good money going begging

by Andrew Papworth

Fundraisers in the UK just aren’t making enough of payroll giving, or Give As You Earn, says Andrew Papworth. Is it time for a drive to publicise its many benefits?

An opportunity grabbed and one wasted

by Andrew Papworth

It seems that when one opportunity is grasped another slips passed. The ‘IF’ campaign has a powerful message, but do you agree with Andrew Papworth when he says that they haven’t managed to get it across?

Don’t take research findings at face value

by Andrew Papworth

You are always being encouraged to know your donors, who they are and why they give. Research is a good way to learn this. But, warns Andrew Papworth, you should be suspicious if, like the findings here, full methodology isn’t given.

Working with suppliers: building partnerships based on value for money

by Mark Astarita

Click here to find out why Britain’s No 1 fundraiser thinks the relationship between client and supplier is so important. And why a few training sessions on how to be a good client (and supplier) would be a welcome addition to any fundraising conference.

The ad that trivialises tragedy

by Jeff Brooks

Jeff Brooks has some more severe words for ad agencies and their questionable campaign creations for charities.

Be womankind?

by Andrew Papworth

SOFII is all about celebrating and sharing great fundraising ideas so that we can all become a little more successful ourselves. But here Andrew Papworth, author of fundraising newsletter, Harvest, suggests that an Oxfam advert unveiled for International Women’s Day isn’t exactly top of the list to take fundraising notes from. What do you think?

Nothing is stupid about this

by Jeff Brooks

SOFII regular, Jeff Brooks has identified yet another stupid nonprofit advert. In this example he claims that what could have been an unusual, quirky and ultimately successful fundraising product was de-railed by the self-indulgence of its creators. Do you agree?

Violent video explodes nonprofit’s reputation

by Jeff Brooks

Jeff Brooks identifies not just a bad advert but, in his view, an evil one. He argues that this aberration has done lasting damage to the charity’s cause and reputation. Agree or disagree – what do you think?

A number of people have asked if I planned to feature this short film produced for climate change charity 10:10 in this bad nonprofit ad showcase.

Disaster fundraising at its worst

by Jeff Brooks

After the earthquake in Haiti, it didn’t take long for the bad fundraising messages to crawl out of the woodwork. Here's an example of run-amok abstractionism, from the People of The United Methodist Church. I’m guessing that they had some help from an ad agency on this one. Who else could have screwed up such a simple and compelling message?