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 use SOFII: to take advantage of coming second
by Margaux Smith
Find out how enthusiastic new fundraising magpie Margaux Smith uses SOFII to learn from those who’ve been treading the fundraising boards for many a year.
Read moreSupporter surveys: what do your supporters really think?, part 1
by Jonathon Grapsas
The first part of a three-part analysis of the benefits of annual supporter surveys.
Read moreThe first big lesson in fundraising copy
by Margaux Smith
Margaux Smith, a new and enthusiastic fundraising copywriter, tells us how hard she struggled at first. Her love of fundraising compelled her to persevere until at last she heard: ‘Perfect!’ She must have felt just great.
Read moreHow I use SOFII: Ryna Sherazi, Nepal’s lone fundraiser
by Ryna Sherazi
One of the reasons we started SOFII was to help fundraisers working in countries without a tradition of raising money for charities. Here, Ryna Sherazi, tells us how the way she uses SOFII has changed since she moved from the UK to Nepal.
Read moreThe 10 pillars of great relationships between charities and consultants
by John Lepp
I shudder when people call us consultants – the word has been dirtied by many of them. Excessive billings, talking down to, ignoring, egotism, over use of buzz words...
Read moreWhat would Steve Jobs do at your Nonprofit?
by James Read
James Read, creative director and copy chief at Grizzard asks, ‘What would Steve Jobs if he were CEO of your nonprofit?’ Wow your donors, obviously, but what else?
Read moreIs Asian charity different from Western charity?
by SOFII
Looking for some insight into fundraising in Asia? Mitchell Hinz has some advice.
Read more‘The Last Word’: how copywriters can change the world
by Indra Sinha
A brilliant addition to the showcase of fine writing from acclaimed copywriter and author Indra Sinha.
Read moreCulver Academies: by example campaign
by SOFII
It’s not often SOFII gets to showcase an alumni fundraising campaign and this one is an absolute cracker. This campaign managed to exceed their (already ambitious) target, not once but twice.
Read moreHow I wrote it: the Starlight Children’s Foundation emergency appeal
by Fergal Byrne & Sean Triner
In this, the fourth of a series of interviews with leading fundraising writers, Sean Triner talks with Fergal Byrne about a fundraising appeal letter he wrote on spec for the Starlight Children’s Foundation, Australia, in 2009. In this conversation Sean tells Fergal how he wrote the letter and what really matters in making sure this kind of letter is a success.
Read more15 things I would do if I were the new head of donor development, part 2
by Ken Burnett
These 15 strategies aren’t the only things I’d do. They may not even be the most urgent things I’d do, or even the most important. But they are the things I’d do that I think would have the most lasting impact, that would make the most difference to converting my imaginary donor development department from the under-funded, misunderstood appendage to the fundraising function that I found on joining the organization, into the finely honed, high-earning core activity that I’d like to leave behind me when, in the fullness of time, I move on to pastures new (you have to indulge me a little here, in this fantasy).
Read moreHow, precisely, do you build a better board? Part 2
by Ken Burnett
Welcome to the second and final part of this listing of what makes an effective non-profit board.
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