Individual donors
What would fundraising be without donors? And what would SOFII be without a special area devoted to nurturing and developing donor relationships? Within this special space SOFII has selected and assembled a glittering array of specialist showcases in which we display a treasure trove of examples of the art and science of donor relationship development.
The Brain Tumour Charity: ‘Waiting is the hardest part’ appeal
by Carolina Herrera
Discover what happened when a fundraisers and creatives developed a brand new fundraising proposition and rolled out a whole host of donor communications. They created an emotive and effective appeal that surpassed all of those that had been run previously.
Read moreA softer year for giving – but four donor groups show us where there’s growth potential
by Anjali Bewtra
Every year, Blue State releases their Giving Behaviours Tracker. In this article, Anjali Bewtra explains that the latest findings show the UK public is still profoundly generous, but increasingly selective about their donations.
Read moreFrom the Myth Smashers: We can’t ask new patients to donate, or can we?
by Saarah Abdeen
Saarah Abdeen discusses the assumption that fundraisers shouldn’t ask new patients to donate. Keep reading and discover the personal experiences that got Saarah thinking about how and why we should finally smash this myth.
Read moreWeRateDogs & 15/10 Foundation: Online fundraising campaign
by Kate McGranaghan Chow
Not all fundraising campaigns start as fundraising campaigns. WeRateDogs is a super example of this. In a fun and informative case study, Kate McGranaghan Chow highlights why fundraisers must capitalise on opportunities but still focus on the need, the impact and the mission of our organisations.
Read moreKey fundraising insights for 2026
by Anjali Bewtra
Blue State are back with their Giving Behaviours Tracker. This time they asked 2,010 people in the UK about their giving habits – including what motivates them to give and what holds them back. Click to read an overview, then download the full report to explore the data further.
Read moreDirect mail clinics – Introduction and contents
by Joanna Culling
Welcome to the Agents of Good (AOG) free direct mail clinics. These 11 useful video lessons (and extra special episodes) offer you tried and tested tips that will make your direct mail appeals more engaging and effective. Please explore all the clinics and share them widely with your fundraising friends.
Read moreI wish I’d thought of the ‘Touch, Look, Check’ campaign
by Laura Webb
At I Wish I’d Thought of That in November 2024, Laura Webb chose to celebrate a fundraising campaign that was created in 2012 and is still going strong today. Raising both money and awareness, ‘Touch, Look, Check’ is a value-exchange proposition that continues to engage donors.
Read moreCamp Oochigeas: Mid-value direct mail appeal
by John Lepp
An effective direct mail appeal is a wonderful opportunity to have an emotional conversation with your donors – as well as a chance for you to raise vital funds for your cause. This masterclass in direct mail has everything you need to craft your next engaging, target-busting direct mail pack.
Read moreUNFPA: ‘No matter what’ digital acquisition campaign
by Melanie Trabi
In this recent digital fundraising campaign, the creative focussed on images that juxtaposed difficult and dangerous environments with safely delivered newborns. It achieved excellent results and even increased return on investment from UNFPA’s existing donors.
Read moreBritish Muslims are the most generous group in the UK – how can fundraisers engage them?
by Jasmine Miah
Blue State’s essential report shows that UK Muslims gave four times more in the last 12 months than UK average. Almost half are planning to give more to charity in the next year. Three in four have already donated to support individuals impacted by the war in Gaza. And one in two are open to giving their Zakat to charitable organisations. What does this mean for charities and fundraisers like you?
Read moreDogs Trust: ‘Home from Home’ direct mail appeal
by Amber Gerrard-Maxwell
This bright, bold and compelling fundraising campaign from Dogs Trust exceeded all expectations. With a record number of dogs in need of homes, the ‘Home from Home’ appeal raised vital funds to expand the charity’s foster caring network. It smashed its targets and saved many dogs who had nowhere else to go.
Read moreTeam Trees – digital fundraising success in aid of the Arbor Day Foundation
by Lynda Harwood-Compton
This article celebrates a viral campaign that has been making a big impact since 2019. Keep reading to learn how two men took on a challenge to plant 20 million trees, engage Gen Z donors, and achieve fundraising success for the Arbor Day Foundation.
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