Arts and education fundraising
This is a collection of creative approaches to fundraising in arts and education. Keep reading to discover how fundraisers have carefully crafted successful appeals and campaigns for organisations both small and large. There is plenty here to inspire you.
Royal Ballet and Opera: Annual ‘Pointe Shoe Appeal’
by Lewis Hammond
This new addition to our arts and education showcase is a great example of ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’. The Royal Ballet and Opera have been sending a variation of this successful appeal for over 20 years – allowing many donors to give the gift of pointe shoes.
Read moreThe HandleBards: Finding the best ‘messenger’ for an online fundraising appeal
by Tom Dixon & Marina Jones
Will the identity of the messenger have an impact on the level of and number of gifts? This small theatre company tested the importance of the messenger when embarking on a £10,000 fundraising drive for their hugely important education programme.
Read moreTen fundraising truths inspired by Booker T. Washington
by Marina Jones
Booker T. Washington was the first president of the Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University). But did you know he was also a skilled fundraiser? In this article, Marina Jones shares ten fundraising truths based on Washington’s success and insight. Dive in and be inspired!
Read moreCelebrating donor recognition through history and exploring why it works
by Marina Jones
Join Marina Jones as she shares a selection of her favourite examples of donor recognition. Dating back to mediaeval times, this is a wonderful (and sometimes weird) collection of ways that donors have been recognised for their gifts.
Read moreStripes Social Cooperative – ‘Make legality blossom. Turn the world into a beautiful place.’
by Caterina Ferrari
How a small organisation managed to spread the culture of giving internally, leading to its employees developing a very strong donor community.
Read moreThe University of Manchester: Emergency hardship appeal
by Jemma Gurr
In a difficult time, this appeal demonstrates the power of reaching out to your community and simply asking for their help.
Read moreArt Fund: Crowdfunding to save Prospect Cottage (part two)
by Joe Burnett
We bring you part two of an interview with the fundraisers behind a successful crowdfunding campaign to save Derek Jarman’s home. In this instalment, SOFII explores the intricacies of how such a project works.
Read moreArt Fund: Crowdfunding to save Prospect Cottage (part one)
by Joe Burnett
Derek Jarman was a huge figure in modern British cinema and art. Now his unique home, a work of art in itself, is the subject of a truly inspirational and ambitious crowdfunding campaign by the Art Fund. We sat down with three of the drivers behind the campaign to discuss Jarman, Prospect Cottage and crowdfunding.
Read moreMinistry of Stories: Hoxton Street Monster Supply Store
by SOFII
Fiendish fun in this creative shop that raises funds for the children's writing and mentoring centre on the same premises that is accessed through a secret door.
Read moreDurham Cathedral in LEGO: innovative buy-a-brick fundraising
by Sue Kershaw
An innovative version of traditional buy-a-brick fundraising with a spectacular totaliser and easily replicable as a fundraising mechanic.
Read moreSanitation First’s fundraising challenge with a local primary school
by SOFII
Here is the inspirational tale of St Phillip’s primary school in Bath, who teamed up with Sanitation First to raise money for the construction of a well and provide clean drinking water and an ecosan toilet for Kouma, a village in Sierra Leone.
Whitney Museum of American Art: Curate Your Own Membership
by SOFII
A unique example of a membership model that allows members to select what they want based on interest and useage not on traditional demographics.
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