Major donors showcase
Major donors: all you need to become a truly successful major donor fundraiser
This showcase is produced in partnership with I.G. Advisors.
Major donor fundraising is one of the most important but delicate areas of the fundraiser's profession. This showcase will equip you with all the tools you need to become a truly successful major donor fundraiser.
Click here for the full contents and index for SOFII’s major donors showcase.
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.
Read moreThe 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?
Read moreGive that gift back!

by SOFII
What happens if a donor wants their money back? Donna Caputo has some advice.
Read moreA ‘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.
Read moreMake–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.
Read moreAfrican 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.
Read moreRNLI: the legacy letter

by SOFII
This is a classic example of a direct appeal to supporters, asking for information that will help plan future income. The candid, plain-speaking, respectful copy reminds supporters that RNLI relies heavily on legacies to fund their work. You can read the whole thing here.
Read moreNature 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.
Read moreNature Conservancy: launch of their Science Council

by SOFII
Many fundraisers shy away from asking for big gifts particularly through the mail, but experience constantly shows that if it is well done, it works.
Read more