The main areas of fundraising

Beyond words – how thanking can transform your relationship with your charity’s supporters

by Mark Phillips

The all-important thank you. After each donation, the thank you sets the tone for what could be a good or bad supporter experience. Yet so often, the thank you becomes automated, forgotten, or worse still – left out of the donor journey on purpose. In this article, Mark Phillips shares why he thinks improving your thanking can be transformational to the relationship you have with your supporters.

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From the Myth Smashers: Do donors really love having a brick with their name on it?

by Kellie O’Sullivan

When it comes to capital campaigns, 2022 Myth Smashers winner Kellie O’Sullivan isn’t sure putting your donor’s name on a brick is strictly necessary. She thinks it’s less about the brick and mortar or the physical building – and more about ‘building’ a legacy that lays the foundations of community, connection, and collaboration.

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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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Hear Me Out: Co-creation fundraising campaign

by Anna Zabow

Small charity, Hear Me Out, has been working hard to embed co-creation across their whole organisation – even in their fundraising appeals. In this case study, their team share how the ‘More Than A Label’ campaign was co-created with a talented group of people who all had lived experience of the UK’s immigration system.

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Inclusion or disillusion – how do LGBT+ people in the UK feel about giving to charity?

by Amy Nield

The LGBT+ community represents a huge and growing demographic with considerable giving power. For charities and fundraisers, understanding how to engage this group has never been more important. In this report from sector specialists Consider, their team found out how LGBT+ people in the UK really feel about giving to charities. 

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Supporter care – it’s the best investment you can make in fundraising

by Ralph Welch

Ralph Welch didn’t expect his chance encounter with a Women’s Super League customer service team to make him think much about fundraising. But an unexpected response after a recent purchase made him reflect on charities and supporter care. Read on to find out more and learn a few top tips.

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Battersea Dogs and Cats Home: ‘Leaving a gift in your will’ TV ad

by Gina Hollands

Since this upbeat, inspiring television ad started airing in 2020 it has helped generate over 1,000 legacy information pack requests. But how did the fundraisers do it? Keep reading to discover how Battersea Dogs and Cats Home created a legacy television ad that’s proven its worth over the past three years… and counting.

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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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PANS PANDAS UK: ‘Helen and Jessica’ fundraising event film

by Emma Bracegirdle

If you’re a small to medium-sized organisation looking to boost your events fundraising through film, look no further. In this case study you are sure to find inspiration in PANS PANDAS UK’s storytelling and fundraising film-making process – and be impressed by their target smashing results too! 

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How to fundraise from trusts and foundations when you have high reserves

by Mike Zywina

What happens if your organisation has ‘too much’ money? While most charities and social enterprises don’t find themselves with high reserves often, this can pose challenges when it happens – especially if you work in trusts and foundations. Mike Zywina shares four tips for what do if your organisation has a lot of funds in reserves or finds itself in an unusual financial position.

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Blind Low Vision NZ: Paws for Purpose collection box auction

by Gwen Green

This is a virtual auction done well. It includes many of the ingredients for success – good planning, sustainability, celebrity, partnerships, a strong ask and the pull of beautiful items that truly connected the donor to the cause. For all these reasons, Blind Low Vision NZ ensured their auction raised plenty of vital funds for their guide dog programme. 

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