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.
In 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.
Read moreAre we so bedazzled by new media that we are losing possible legacies?
by Andrew Papworth
You and I know that we can make statistics say whatever we like. But check out this from Andrew Papworth: one in four adults don’t use the Internet every day. Astonishing huh? Are you alienating your donors by denying them the way they want to give?
Read moreMost stupid ad concept, bar none
by Jeff Brooks
This month, Jeff has identified a particularly bad advert that fails to convey any information about the cause; it also hurts to look at. What do you think?
Read moreWhat makes a nonprofit ad stupid?
by Jeff Brooks
Pointing out stupid nonprofit ads tends to generate a lot of controversy. So, I am going out on a limb when I call these things stupid. And I could be wrong.
Read moreOther people: together not separate
by Charlie Hulme
In his latest article on storytelling, Charlie Hulme, says, ‘If you want people to donate, make sure they know that others are. Don’t ask them to join at the starting line, show them the finish line – show them the money.’
Read moreInvesting in testing - part 1
by Ken Burnett
Has the rigorous testing regime that used to pervade in every seriously ambitious charity been allowed to slip in your organisation? Are your trustees afflicted with the ‘lowest possible acquisition cost’ mentality? You must test properly, says Ken Burnett, otherwise your prospects for innovation are reduced to a matter of random chance.
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