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.
Direct mail clinics – Introduction and contents
by Joanna Culling
Welcome to the Agents of Good (AOG) free direct mail clinics. These 11 useful video lessons 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.
Read moreUnleash 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.
Read moreIs 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.
Read moreSt. 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.
Read moreFrom 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.
Read moreNew 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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