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.
Demographic trends: ten reasons why we’re not the way we were
by Dr Judith E. Nichols
Here are ten jaw-dropping demographic trends, according to Cheryl Russell, editorial director of New Strategist Publications, in American Consumers Newsletter, 8 January 2008, that make us different from the way we used to be – and what they tell us about our future. While the statistics may be based on Americans, the trends are fairly universal in developed societies.
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Five lessons learned from higher education fundraising
by David Hazeltine
My agency, Yellowfin Direct Marketing, works mainly with fundraising professionals in development, alumni relations, and marketing. Though classed together as a single group, the differences between these institutions – from small, private colleges to large, public universities – can be vast. This, along with the differences between the various constituents of these institutions – alumni versus parents versus faculty and staff versus community – creates many challenges and opportunities for which we have provided and tested solutions.
Read moreNSPCC – a new approach to legacy training
by Adrian Salmon
Innovative angles on the fundraiser’s ‘pot of gold’, byJacqueline Gunn, NSPCC legacy marketing fundraiser and Victoria Stephenson, NSPCC development manager.
Read moreGet positive: you know you want to
by Frances Hurst
In her instructive and practical article, Frances Hurst, shares her lessons in how to create a positive attitude and how to find more reasons to make you happy.
Read moreIn lieu of flowers: how to write lively memorial donation thank-you letters
by Lisa Sargent
Are your in-memoriam donation thank-you letters destined for donor oblivion?
This copywriting clinic looks to help you rescue them from a fate worse than, well… death.
Read moreHow to write a better newsletter
by John Grain
In this article, John Grain tells us in simple terms what a good newsletter should be. If you want some solid, practical advice about writing a better newsletter, you need to read this.
Read moreEight lessons for online fundraising
by Corinne Bekker
Fundraising consultant, Corinne Bekker tackles the ongoing debate about online fundraising. Using the example of Wikimedia’s recent success – success to the tune of $16 million – she argues that clearly online fundraising can work, if you know how to get it right.
Read moreTop tips to get the best from your agency - part 2
by Gill McLellan
This stage of your project has the biggest influence on your campaign’s future success.
Read moreTop tips to get the best from your agency - part 1
by Gill McLellan
With experience on both sides of the charity/agency divide, Gill McLennan shares her insight into how the best relationships are managed and has some un-missable tips on how to get the most from your agency, as well as your colleagues, to ensure your project is the best it can be.
Read moreThe view from the doormat
by Andrew Papworth
Fundraisers all over the world have been working frantically in recent weeks to get their Christmas mailings out. Have they been wasting their time? Yes, according to Andrew Papworth’s friend Miss Stevens.
Read moreA triumph of artlessness – the St Luke’s Hospice loose insert
by Andrew Papworth
This loose insert from a hospice is, says Andrew Papworth, a triumph of artlessness. It is simple yet clever, knows its audience well and explains clearly that continuing to care needs continuing support.
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