You don't choose donors, they choose you
Choice is an important concept in fundraising – donors love it. When we offer choice through simple techniques such as shopping lists in appeals or more complex devices such as post-recruitment questionnaires that give donors control over the communications they receive, we build loyalty and...
The boy who learned how to chat up girls from fundraising appeals
Very funny video from Jeff Brooks from Donor Power that shows what might happen if the techniques used in some fundraising appeals were copied by a boy trying to get a new girlfriend. No wonder attrition is so high!
City bonuses – another reason to be cheerful
One of the range of strange but incredibly useful activities we undertake at Bluefrog is keeping a close eye on the various global stock-markets. Much of the success of our high-value donor recruitment programmes can be directly related to our approach of targeting men and women with fairly large lumps...
Micro-volunteering
This morning I volunteered for the the Smithsonian Institution. Based in Washington DC, it's a fantastic group of museums that you should try and visit if you are in that part of America (I particularly recommend the air and space museum). I helped them out by assisting...
The donor wears slippers
For many years I was rather critical of charity newsletters and magazines, mainly because of the very low income to cost ratio they always seemed to offer. If an appeal to 50,000 donors could bring in £500,000, a newsletter to the same bunch would struggle...
Secret taping in the bar at the IOF conference 2005?
I've just stumbled upon this recording of some people talking about the popularity of different charities. It sounds like it was recorded at a UK fundraising conference back in 2005. Click on the link below to hear. IOF secret taping I'm sure you'll recognise the...
How to raise money from face to face recruiters
Next time you are stopped in the street and asked if you have "a few minutes to spare for charity", try this approach and see if you can turn their request for help into a donation for your own organisation. When you click on the...
Research results: What type of images generate most money?
One of the most contentious parts of putting together an appeal is choosing which photographs will be featured. I've seen images rejected for a wide range of reasons – too sad, too happy, too paternalistic and even too stimulating. Considering the impact that a photograph can have...
Guy Stringer 1920 – 2009
I heard today the very sad news that Guy Stringer had died at the beginning of the month. Guy joined Oxfam in 1969 in the specially created post of commercial director where he was responsible for the development of Oxfam's shops and was involved in...
The problem of face to face attrition
A few weeks ago I was preparing to give a presentation at the PFRA AGM. With a few days notice, I was told I wouldn't be needed. I'm not actually sure why it was decided I wouldn't be required. I've heard that it was in...
The Essentials
Crack the Code to Regular Giving: Insights, Strategies, and a Special Giveaway!
‘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?