Communications toolbox
How can you raise money for your organisation if no-one knows about the good work you do or the need for funds? In the SOFII communications toolbox you will find some great tools and advice to help you tell stories to your donors that will motivate them to give.
Communication 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 more26 tips for more effective fundraising writing
by Jeff Brooks
Write like a tabloid journalist. Use emotion, even overdo it. Write a paragraph about your donor. These are just three tips of 26 from the great Jeff Brooks (of the Bad Ads Showcase fame) that will help you become the best writer possible.
Read moreCDE project 6. Section 5.2: the starfish story
by Robbie Macmillan
A poignant little story about a man saving starfish reflects the emotional driving force of Robbie Macmillan's Children of Rwanda charity.
Read moreCollecting stories from your donors
by Simone Joyaux
Do you ever ask donors for their stories? Nonprofits have access to a crucial resource and it’s a fundraiser’s role to tap into it.
I’m a fundraiser because…
by Damian O’Broin
Being a fundraiser is more than just a job for Ask Direct founder and leading Irish fundraiser Damian O’Broin.
Read moreDo you have the answer to the donor consent issue? Here’s a behavioural scientist’s perspective
by Kiki Koutmeridou
Asking for your donors’ consent about when and how to contact them is a hot topic right now. Where do you stand?
Read moreCDE project 22 summary: media relations and the public face of charities
by The Commission on the Donor Experience
This project will look at how to build better relations with the media so that coverage is better informed about the totality of practice and that good fundraising, is not undermined by collateral damage from exposure of incidents of bad practice.
Read moreHow thank-you letters can help you achieve your major giving potential
by Ikhlaq Hussain
Ikhlaq Hussain shares his expert advice on how to write considerate, effective thank-you letters for major donors that are more likely to lead to further donations.
Read moreThe perfect annual report
by Giles Pegram CBE
Veteran fundraiser Giles Pegram CBE argues that most charity annual reports are written about the organisation and don't focus on donors and beneficiaries.
Read moreSOFII stars: great fundraising writers
by SOFII
We’ve once again delved into our archive to bring you a collection of inspirational SOFII Stars, this time focusing on great fundraising writers. From the great George Smith to advertising legend David Ogilvy via Indra Sinha and Karin Weatherup, we’ve gathered the best fundraising writers together to share their unique insights and advice.
Major contributors to this section
Fergal Byrne
Fergal Byrne is a seasoned freelance journalist whose work has appeared in The Financial Times, The Guardian and The EveningStandard. He’s been writing about finance and business for more than 20 years, but his main area of interest is now non-profits and charities. Contact Fergal here.
See allCharlie Hulme
Charlie Hulme is managing director of DonorVoice. He helps charities uncover what, of all the things they do, improves the strength of relationships and what is harmful. Partners see a massive improvement in performance, value and retention.
Voted top speaker at the Institute of Fundraising’s National Convention in 2013, he writes frequently for SOFII, 101fundraising, the Institute of Fundraising and many others.
See all