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: I turn to the better thank-you checklist that helps us value our donors
by Virginia Anderson
Virginia Anderson is an experienced, effective major donor fundraiser in Scotland. So why does she keep SOFII’s 17-point better thank-you letter checklist pinned close to her desk? Find out here.
Read moreWant to get inside your donor's brain? Try storytelling
by Charlie Hulme
Emotional storytelling keeps popping up on SOFII and rightly so given its importance to fundraisers everywhere. Here we have the introduction and the first article in a series SOFII will be publishing in coming weeks on the art of storytelling, from Charlie Hulme of telemarketing agency Pell & Bales. If you care about catching your donor’s interest and imagination, read on here.
Read morePeople not numbers: emotion not reason
by Charlie Hulme
This is the first article on SOFII's new storytelling series.
Read moreThis ad imagines donors look like dead bodies
by Jeff Brooks
Jeff Brooks thinks the people at the UN wanted us to take part in events for the millennium development goals campaign, but he’s not sure. They never actually say that. They just hint at it.
Read moreHow I wrote it: Alan Sharpe’s War Child fundraising letter.
by Fergal Byrne & Alan Sharpe
In this, the sixth of a series of interviews with leading fundraising writers, Alan Sharpe talks with Fergal Byrne about a fundraising letter written for Canadian charity War Child in 2011. During this conversation, Alan reveals the thinking that went into his letter and what really matters in making a letter a success.
Read moreHow 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
