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.

Amnesty International Australia: David Hicks press insert 2007

by SOFII

The clever presentation of a compelling message and the chance for involvement in a campaign that could make a real, tangible difference presented AIA…

Farm Africa: a thank-you letter and gift

by SOFII

This is just a very nice thank-you letter that is easy to copy, though perhaps it would be best not to do so directly, but rather to adapt the idea behind it in a way that’s distinctive, individual and personal to your cause.

Help the Aged ‘...little piece of plastic’ direct mail acquisition pack

by SOFII

More than a year after this classic pack originally appeared on SOFII, its originator, Chris Stoddard, has come forward with the full story.

Dr Barnardo’s Homes: four fundraising greats from the distant past

by SOFII

Dr Thomas Barnardo was one of the Victorian era's great philanthropists. These archive examples of his personal fundraising style and efforts are a unique treasure for the body of fundraising knowledge and best practice.

The early Christian Church: Paul the apostle motivates his church’s donors – c. 56 AD

by SOFII

This could be the first ever appeal for regular, committed donors. In the early days of the Christian church the missionary Paul asked his supporters in the city of Corinth to set aside a small portion of their income regularly, to sustain victims of a famine and then later to support good works generally.

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.

Hannah’s innovative direct mail appeal

by SOFII

Is real talent something you are born with, or can create, if you work at it really hard and smart? At best, we feel, it's a bit of both.

The Harry Secombe soft sell legacy approach

by Ken Burnett

This campaign dates back to the late 1980s and was created by Burnett Associates Limited with Dennis Kingshot at the NSPCC.

The gold standard in fundraising, part 2: exceeding expectations.

by Ken Burnett

Final part of a conversation about transformational fundraising that Giles Pegram and Redmond Mullin had recently with SOFII’s Ken Burnett.

The gold standard in fundraising, part 1: laying the foundations.

by Ken Burnett

Giles Pegram of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) and Redmond Mullin of Redmond Mullin Limited describe how a seminal five-year fundraising campaign irrevocably transformed the fortunes of one of Britain’s top charities.

Royal National Lifeboat Institution: ‘boots’ advertisement

by SOFII

The shopping list is a classic fundraiser's device and this ad exploits the instrument to its full, offering the donor, in effect, the chance to kit out his or her hero.