Foundations of Fundraising
Direct marketing copy and the amazing power of fear
by Denny Hatch
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.
Read moreThe Bata Shoes story
by Ken Burnett
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.
Read moreThe wit and wisdom of George Smith: infantile musings
by George Smith
In a piece from 1997, George Smith reflects on how the joy of becoming a grandparent made him more altruistic, and why charities should tap into that well of happiness.
Read moreThe wit and wisdom of George Smith: instead of Help the Aged, let the aged help
by George Smith
‘A good proportion of one fifth of the population is loaded and leisured, financially secure and has quality time on its hands’ said George Smith. How can fundraisers tap into that potential?
Read moreA medieval ‘course’ in writing an appeal
by Mark Phillips
Do you think appeal writing is a recent science? Think again. In this super article, Mark Phillips of Bluefrog Fundraising takes you all the way back to the Middle Ages.
Read moreCommunication and the English language
by Ken Burnett
Ken Burnett tackles bad use of the English language in fundraising and explains why getting this crucial matter right can make all the difference.
Read moreThe Olive Cooke story
by Ken Burnett
How the tragic case of Olive Cooke impacted the fundraising sector and led to radical change.
Read moreOur Right to Heal – Marva Wisdom, Canada
by Marva Wisdom
There are so many great women of colour working in fundraising, but still a severe lack of diversity at the highest levels. From Our Right to Heal, Marva Wisdom looks at this disparity and asks what we’re going to do about it.
Read moreThe wit and wisdom of George Smith - Why shame the punters when you can threaten them?
by George Smith
In this new entry to our series by the great writer, George Smith tackles the 'aggressive' tactics used by direct marketers.
Read moreIntegrity is not something you show others, it’s how you behave behind their back
by Ken Burnett
Ken Burnett, SOFII’s founder, looks at questions of integrity in fundraising and where it’s lacking, asking the question ‘Whatever has happened to plain ol’ knowing "right" from "wrong"?’
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