SOFII

It’s hard to know how to start a conversation about legacies. But the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba nailed it! In the winning presentation from IWITOT: The Americas, Kimberley MacKenzie explains that instead of talking about death, the charity talks about life – through the stories of their donors.

Can a bank’s way of thanking customers be an inspiration for fundraisers? In this presentation from our IWITOT session at the FINZ Conference 2020, Karla Paotonu got attendees thinking about how they acknowledge their donors.

What can fundraisers learn from US presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg? In this presentation from IWITOT: The Americas 2021, Ryan Steele explains how Pete’s campaign used a video game format to create an engaging, successful appeal.

Can fear be a primary motivating factor in direct mail? Denny Hatch certainly thinks so. In this blog Denny not only explains why, he also illustrates the point by analysing two remarkable letters.

The impact of the pandemic means many people, particularly older donors, are wealthier. Mark Phillips of Bluefrog Fundraising offers you some simple ways to adjust your approach to mid-level donors as you plan for 2021.

In this article from his archive, SOFII founder Ken Burnett muses on how fundraisers should look at the world and our profession. He also draws unexpected inspiration from the number one shoe company in Africa.

‘Too often our focus is on our own needs and short-term goals.’ So says Lauren McDermott of Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research in Western Australia, winner of Mythsmashers at the Fundraising Institute of Australia’s annual conference 2020. 

By asking a simple question of their donors and sharing the responses in later communications, a small Irish charity provided inspiration for all fundraisers.

An appalling loss of life in 1886 leads to the invention of a fundraising classic that's still raising millions today. A horrific double tragedy brought about Britain’s first-ever street collection for a charitable cause. It was a significant milestone in the history of voluntary action in the UK and elsewhere.