Is Asian charity different from Western charity?

by SOFII

Looking for some insight into fundraising in Asia? Mitchell Hinz has some advice.

Deerfield Academy: the Bruce Barton classic long copy letter from 1925 that pulled a 100 per cent response

by Carolina Herrera

He sounds like the racy detective hero from a 1930s crime thriller. But Bruce Barton is something else, for sure – a great copywriter and communicator.

Fund for a Free South Africa: high value mailing

by SOFII

Apart from its historical value this colourful, beautifully-crafted direct mail appeal package, designed to create maximum impact from a carefully targeted group.

The donor pyramid is dead… Long live the donor pyramid!

by SOFII

Sarah Clifton shares her thoughts and asks: What exactly is the purpose of the donor pyramid if not to map the upgrade journey to a major gift?

Give that gift back!

by SOFII

What happens if a donor wants their money back? Donna Caputo has some advice.

A ‘magic porridge pot’ for those new to major gifts – but keen to learn

by Neil Sloggie

Major gift fundraising has been the ‘next big thing’ in a number of fundraising markets around the world for far too long. By this I mean that, although there is excellent work being done in this area by some not-for-profits, too many are held back by fear and lack of understanding…

Review by Charlotte Grimshaw.

Make–A–Wish Foundation: high value direct mail appeal

by Mal Warwick

The innovative proposal format singles out this interesting, informative and award-winning direct mail pack for special attention on SOFII.

African National Congress: the emergency pre-election fundraising, from 1992

by SOFII

The ANC campaign that pioneered professional political fundraising in the UK and offered the British public the chance to play an active role in getting rid of apartheid forever.The campaign raised £2 million in six months with no budget and just one paid member of staff.

RNLI: the legacy letter

by SOFII

This letter raised £millions. It is a classic example of a direct appeal to supporters for information to help plan for future income. An example of a candid, plain-speaking, respectful letter to remind supporters that RNLI relies heavily on legacy income to fund their work.

Nature Conservancy of Canada: legacy mailing

by SOFII

How NCC accessed the pot of gold at the end of the fundraiser’s rainbow with a classically straightforward but very appealing legacy piece. Without doubt, this carefully and sensitively crafted pack will raise funds very effectively for the cause and the organisation that created it.