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.

UNFPA: ‘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.

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British 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?

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Dogs 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. 

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Team 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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Unleash the might of the donor – power as a component of a fundraising plan

by Mark Phillips

Your donors want to make a difference. But sometimes when they give, they aren’t sure if their generosity is making an impact. In this article, Mark Phillips shares three techniques you can add to your fundraising appeals. Each one will help ensure your donors know that they DO have the power to make a difference.

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Is your donor a Spiderman, Batman or a Wonder Woman?

by Marina Jones

Superheroes have a unique backstory that makes them who they are and shapes their narrative. But in fundraising, your donor has an ‘origin story’ too. Marina Jones believes that making an effort to learn more about your donor’s story can give you an insight into why they choose to give – and help you build supporter loyalty.

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St. Patrick’s Home of Ottawa Foundation: ‘One Song’ direct mail

by John Lepp

This warm direct mail appeal has it all. Using great copy and simple and effective design, the appeal begins a beautiful conversation with each donor. Unsurprisingly, the results and emotional responses from supporters of St. Pat’s prove that taking time to craft a special appeal can really pay off. Dive in and get inspired before writing your next appeal.

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From the Myth Smashers: Guess what? Mid value donors are not major donors in disguise!

by Kate Rule

Just like the cliché of the middle child, mid value donors can sometimes be forgotten, ignored, or swept up in other segments. But 2023 Myth Smashers winner Kate Rule believes that mid value donors are not major donors in disguise! Keep reading to discover why Kate wants you to rethink your stewardship strategy for mid value donors.

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New research says the cost of living crisis doesn’t have to be a ‘cost of giving’ crisis

by Lizi Zipser

A new study by agency Blue State looks at how people in the UK are engaging with charities. This research into UK giving behaviours, through the cost of living crisis, shows a mood of cautious generosity among the UK public. Click to read an overview then download the full report today.

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Exploring the evolution and trends of mid-level fundraising

by Simon Dickson

What is the difference between major and mid-level giving? What changes are we seeing after years of traditional mid-level programmes? What charities have been innovating in this area of fundraising? In a special long read written especially for SOFII, Simon Dickson explores all these questions and kick starts your thinking about what mid-level giving could look like at your charity.

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I wish I’d thought of… charity shop Gift Aid

by Jonathan Cook

Charity shop Gift Aid. Is it fundraising history? Is it fundraising innovation? Is it a tax loophole for good? Honestly, it’s probably all three! Jonathan Cook takes you on the somewhat strange yet fascinating journey of how charity shops began making 25 per cent more for every pound they earned by simply selling the UK’s donated goods.

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Celebrating 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. 

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