The Ken Burnett archive
Welcome to the Ken Burnett archive! This is a repository of all the words and wisdom of SOFII’s founder, a man with over forty years’ (sorry Ken) experience in fundraising, charities and social change. Drawing on his extensive website, www.kenburnett.com, we’ll bring you recollections, thought pieces and case studies from a stellar career in the sector.
The Bata Shoes story
by Ken Burnett
In this article from his archive, SOFII founder Ken Burnett muses on how fundraisers should look at the world and our profession. He also draws unexpected inspiration from the number one shoe company in Africa.
Read moreCommunication and the English language
by Ken Burnett
Ken Burnett tackles bad use of the English language in fundraising and explains why getting this crucial matter right can make all the difference.
Read moreThe Olive Cooke story
by Ken Burnett
How the tragic case of Olive Cooke impacted the fundraising sector and led to radical change.
Read moreIntegrity is not something you show others, it’s how you behave behind their back
by Ken Burnett
Ken Burnett, SOFII’s founder, looks at questions of integrity in fundraising and where it’s lacking, asking the question ‘Whatever has happened to plain ol’ knowing "right" from "wrong"?’
Read moreActionAid’s journey to diversity
by Ken Burnett
How one of the UK’s leading INGOs improved performance from management, staff and board by putting its principles into practice. And found happiness in the process.
Read moreFundraising in a time of crisis: could this be fundraising’s finest hour?
by Ken Burnett
We’ve seen quarantined Italians serenading each other from their balconies - what can fundraisers learn from such solidarity? Ken Burnett explains all.
Read moreWhy do people give? The podcast with Ken Burnett
by Mark Phillips
We bring you Mark Phillips’ conversation with SOFII founder and fundraising expert Ken Burnett, from the podcast Why do people give?
Read moreBring back the indispensable guard book
by Ken Burnett
'There’s a lot that I recall with affection from my first fundraising job. But one thing I remember particularly fondly – the good old guard book.'
Read moreInvesting in testing
by Ken Burnett
'Why would you spend a big chunk of a slender budget with no immediate prospect of return?' asks SOFII founder Ken Burnett
The tester’s dilemma: to go on, or give up?
by Ken Burnett
‘When should we accept that our brilliant idea just isn’t going to work?’ asks Ken Burnett in this latest article on testing.
Read moreMajor contributors to this section
Ken Burnett
Ken Burnett is author of Relationship Fundraising and other books including The Zen of Fundraising, (Jossey-Bass Inc, San Francisco, USA). The Tiny Essentials of an Effective Volunteer Board and Storytelling can change the world, both published by The White Lion Press, UK.
He is currently working on a new book about campaigning fundraising, to be published in 2021.
Ken is also SOFII’s managing trustee.
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