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 unconventional fundraising gallery
by SOFII
SOFII loves to celebrate all that is good about fundraising: what we can learn from and replicate. At the same time, we like something quirky, even controversial. So we were delighted to hear about the Good Agency's gallery of unconventional fundraising. Click here to see the first four nominations.
Read moreForcing or forging a relationship? Part 2: what makes a relationship?
by Charlie Hulme
If Pret A Manager, Pizza Express, or Starbucks were losing even half the amount of customers as we are they’d go out of business, says Charlie Hulme. And here he explains how we can be even better at customer, or rather, donor service than they are – and keep our donors from deserting us.
Read moreDoes thanking really work?
by Laura Croudace
Thanking should be fun, colourful, vibrant, exciting and, above all, personal, says new, enthusiastic fundraiser Laura Croudace.
Read moreNSPCC’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.
Read moreForcing or forging a relationship? Part 1: understanding your donors
by Charlie Hulme
This, the first of a three-part feature by Charlie Hulme, managing director, DonorVoice UK, kicks off an important new series for SOFII. Based upon evidence and experience rather than theory and opinion, Charlie’s first article spells out the crucial necessity of really understanding what your donors want from their relationship with you and your cause.
Read moreWhat kind of experience does your donor encounter when making an online gift?
by Pamela Grow
Pamela Grow shares some easy lessons you can steal and pitfalls you can avoid from the best, and worst, of donor experiences.
Less pessimism about the fundraising climate but…
by Andrew Papworth
Andrew Papworth reports on the latest Managing in a Downturn and you’ll be pleased to learn that although things are still tough, there is a less pessimism about the fundraising climate. Even better is that individual giving continues to be an important part of fundraising in the UK (and elsewhere too, no doubt).
Read more‘Nonprofit?’ Donors have no idea what you do with their money. And, frankly, they suspect the worst
by Tom Ahern
Research has shown that donors wonder if we really use their gifts to change the world. Tom Ahern says that you shouldn’t leave them guessing. They will guess wrong… and not in your favour. Find out how to reassure them here.
Read moreConfessions of an unethical nine-year-old fundraiser
by Norma Cameron
One of the golden rules of successful fundraising is that before asking others to give, you should first donate yourself. Norma Cameron shows how the memory of one major gift you gave will give you comfort and confidence to be a better fundraiser. Here she tells the rather scary tale of her fundraising epiphany, inspired by something as simple as a collecting box.
Read moreSave the Children: knit one save one
by Matthew Sherrington
Knit a tiny hat and you could save a newborn baby’s life. This beautiful campaign from Save the Children UK shows what can happen when you make it crystal clear to people the difference they can make.
Read moreThe UK donor commitment study. And why it could be worth thousands of pounds to you and your cause
by Ken Burnett
An open letter from SOFII’s managing trustee announcing a free SOFII/ Agitator webinar of some importance.
Read moreOperation Smile: special ‘thank-a-thon’
by SOFII
Operation Smile used the thank-a-thon as a unique opportunity for conversations with our most loyal donors and to reconnect our staff to the organisation through the stories.
Read more
