Are you a writer or communicator?
Bill Bernbach was one of the original Mad Men. The founder of DDB, he created some of the most famous lines in advertising. Bill appreciated that great ads came from an understanding of human motivations. And, in that respect, he didn't necessarily think that facts…
So what do people really dislike about direct mail appeals?
The FRSB has just released their Annual Report for 2010. Based on the detailed analysis of complaints received by 1,138 UK charities, I'd say it paints a pretty decent picture of our noble profession. Even when you look at the more 'engaging' fundraising techniques –…
Should no one be able to fundraise until they learn direct response?
A presentation from David Ogilvy on the importance of direct marketing. As I watched it, I couldn't help but be reminded of the relationship between advertising people and fundraising people today. Well worth a few minutes of your time. Thanks to the Jewish Donor Blog.
If you don’t build what donors want, they aren’t going to come
Blackbaud have just released their 2011 Internet and Multi-channel Giving Benchmarking Report. Based on data from 28 US nonprofit organisations, It takes a long-term look (5 years) on how donors move between online and traditional direct marketing programmes. It's a US study, but many of…
The great banner sale
GRAACC is a Brazilian hospital that offers free treatment for children with cancer. Over the last few years they have used a number of innovative approaches to raising funds. in 2011, they undertook the great banner sale. Rather than simply ask people for money, they…
A topp way to raise money
There is one simple way to dramatically increase income and improve your donor retention. You don't need to employ expensive consultants, install a new database or develop a brand new welcome strategy. Instead, you thank donors. That's it. You thank your donors. All of them….
If you prefer a milder view of why people give to charity, please consider another blog
Stewart Lee took a look at charity in a recent episode of Stewart Lee's Comedy Vehicle. In particular, he focused on the uneasy relationship between charity and celebrity, ironically summing up his position in the first minute or two when he explained why he does…
Five things we can learn about fundraising from DJ David Rodigan
If you saw David Rodigan walking down the street, you might imagine he was a bank manager or an accountant. He's a bespectacled 59 year-old who hasn't got much hair left, but see him on stage with a couple of turntables and you'll start to…
Watch out for your job – here comes the fundraising robot
Ok, that's probably an overstatement, but the robot fundraiser has finally hit the streets. Called Don-8r, the robot relies on donations to keep it powered. During testing on the streets of Dundee, it collected £25.86 over nine hours (mainly from one and two pence pieces)….
Fake philanthropy
I've seen one or two fundraising campaigns recently that seem to have taken a strategic leap in a strange direction – they tell people that it gives you a nice feeling when you give to charity. I can understand the thinking behind the approach. When…
The Essentials
‘Tis Halloween. Keep to the light and beware the Four Fundraisers of the Apocalypse!
Why do people give? The Donor Participation Project with Louis Diez.
A guide to fundraising on the back of a postcard
What does the latest research tell us about the state of fundraising?
How do donors manage their philanthropic budgets?