SOFII · The direct mail, door drops and household deliveries showcase

The Victorian Order of Nurses for Canada (VON Canada) 2014 report to donors

by SOFII

In 2014, the Victorian Order of Nurses for Canada sent a comprehensive report to their donors, showing them how a new way of working could be implemented by an old, well-established organisation very successfully. By making use of new technology, they were able to explain the transition to donors, respond to their needs and choices and continue their tremendous service to their users.

Toronto Humane Society's ‘Benjamin’ year end mailing

by SOFII

The Toronto Humane Society told a simple story well, sharing the case of Benjamin Buddy, an ‘orphaned’ dog with high care costs, via an eye-catching mail-out. It gave them an opportunity to thank their donors and share information on how their gifts were making a difference.

‘Humbert’ heartfelt message appeal

by Craig Linton

Humbert was created by Humber River Hospital not only to raise money but to celebrate the generosity and kindness of their donors.

How I wrote it: the NSPCC’s Simple pack

by Robbie Rae

When Robbie Rae started working as a fundraising copywriter at the turn of the millennium, he felt that true masters of direct mail had perfected the art in all its form. Despite that, he thought that it was time to change the orthodoxy. Click here to discover how he wrote a hugely successful pack that did just that.

Let’s keep in touch

by Rachel Hunnybun

Does your organisation miss simple opportunities to talk to your donors? Click here to see what happened when Rachel Hunnybun contacted her favourite charities to tell them she had moved home.

Humber River Hospital Foundation’s direct mail appeal featuring Humbert

by John Lepp

It's amazing how many capital campaigns bewilder donors with architect's drawings, graphs and complicated giving levels. Not so those brave people at Humber River Hospital Foundation, they turned their backs on stuffy institutional instincts and introduced Humbert – their storyteller supreme. Meet him here and see the fabulous appeals that achieved 33 per cent growth in giving in less than a year. Go on – take a risk!

Save the Children: Buy a brick capital appeal

by Reuben Turner

This warm appeal from Save the Children beat its target by over £150,000 and acquisition approached break-even. Clinics were built and children’s lives were saved.

Musings of a direct response fundraiser no. 2: finding the ‘sweet spot’

by Jonathon Grapsas

Our job as fundraisers is to find the sweet spot: an amount that is appropriate to that donor at that time. In his second article on the musings of a direct response fundraiser Jonathon Grapsas shows exactly how to do it.

The Children’s Center, Detroit: ‘children should be seen and not hurt’ winter appeal

by Marie Burnett

How the Children's Center in Detroit turned dwindling finances and donations into a huge success through a seamless, integrated, multi-channel campaign.

NSPCC’s thank-you mailing

by SOFII

This bright, colourful direct mail pack is a winner all of itself. With the delightful, powerful booklet as well it couldn’t fail to inspire donors to send their own messages and, indeed, send in another donation to the cause they love.

Musings of a direct response fundraiser no. 1: revisiting the basics

by Jonathon Grapsas

In this first article in a new series focusing on what you really need to know about direct marketing for fundraising, seasoned Australian fundraiser Jonathon Grapsas sets out some of the direct-mail basics. They might surprise you…