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.
How I wrote it: the Salvation Army UK’s first large-scale cold mailing
by Pauline Lockier
In this, the fifth of a series of interviews with leading fundraising writers, Pauline Lockier talks to Fergal Byrne about a fundraising appeal letter written for the Salvation Army in 1990 which subsequently became their control for eight years. In this conversation Pauline tells Fergal how she wrote the letter and what really matters in making sure this kind of letter is a success.
Read moreIn search of baubles
by George Smith
Now, as part of SOFII’s continued commitment to fine writing we further celebrate the brilliance, wit and wisdom of George Smith with a series of articles taken from his last book, Up Smith Creek. We start with a seasonal article that first appeared in Professional Fundraising magazine in February, 1997 – and it’s just as relevant today.
Read moreNonprofit stories that inspire
by Larry Wilson
‘Do you have any idea what an M-16 rifle does to a child at close range?’
Read moreHow I wrote it: Mal Warwick on his letter for the Union of Concerned Scientists
by Fergal Byrne & Mal Warwick
A new interview from Fergal Byrne gives a fascinating insight into a master fundraiser at work: Mal Warwick. In it he describes how he wrote the letter that, in one form or another, was used to recruit new supporters for the Union of Concerned Scientists in the USA over many years.
Supporter surveys: what do your supporters really think?, part 3
by Jonathon Grapsas
The final part of a three-part analysis of the benefits of annual supporter surveys.
Read moreChanging the world is the only fit work for a grown man
by Fergal Byrne
Changing the world is the only fit work for a grown man: the story of Howard Luck Gossage, an adman who hated the ‘mad men’ and the hard sell campaigns they produced.
Read more‘I have a complaint to make’
by Andrew Papworth
The Fundraising Standards Board in the UK recently published the 2011 complaints report and, according to Andrew Papworth, it makes very interesting reading. This is an article about complaints in the UK. Could it apply to fundraising where you are?
Read moreLEGGE HEADS ARMS BODY: top ten secrets of headlines that pull
by Ken Burnett
If you are raising funds in any public medium your responses will directly relate to the effectiveness of your headline. A good headline can easily double or triple your response, and a great one can do even better – up to 17 times better, some say.
Read moreNine tips for effective e-mails
by Nick Allen
E-mail may seem boring, what with Google Earth, Web 2.0, Twitter, widgets, and badges, but it’s still the workhorse of online fundraising and communications.
Read moreIs your newsletter great donor relationship-building, or an unwise self-indulgence?
by Tom Ahern & Sean Triner
Almost all nonprofits produce a newsletter and send it out with their warm appeals. But should they?
Read moreTen tips to spur the creative grant proposal-writing process
by Pamela Grow
Pamela says: ‘Your final step should be a gracious letter to the foundation, thanking them for their time and their thorough review of your proposal. You’d be surprised at how few organisations take the time to thank the foundation.’
Read moreHow I wrote it: why I owe my career to a sea turtle
by Fergal Byrne
The direct marketing agency, Lautman & Company had hired Richard Armstong to write what he anticipated to be a routine fundraising package for the Center for Environmental Education. It seems there was a problem developing on the beaches of Florida; bright lights from beachfront properties were distracting hatchling sea turtles on their way to the ocean, reducing their chances of survival. In response, the Center for Environmental Education created the Sea Turtle Rescue Fund.
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