When a Makeover Breaks the Magic: The Cost of Changing What Works
Imagine this: a new fundraiser joins a charity that has a well-oiled, effective appeals programme. They’re keen to improve results and decide to spruce up the next appeal. No major overhaul, no rebranding or changing the core offer. Just a redesign to give those “tired”…
Fundraising is flatlining. Do you want to do something about it?
The latest CAF UK Giving Report is out. And on the surface, the numbers look strong. In 2024, the UK donated £15.4 billion to charity. That looks like significant progress… until you realise we’re haven’t caught up with where we should be. If charitable giving…
A mini-masterclass in direct mail
If you’ve been following my recent rants over on LinkedIn (I mean, highly insightful fundraising critiques), you’ll know I’ve been on a bit of a roll about what NOT to do if you actually want to raise more money. As my Gen Alpha daughter would…
Let’s talk fundraising. Let’s talk sandwiches.
The charity sector always seems to be looking for the next big donor group. And from what I see and hear, more often than not, all eyes turn to Millennials. The thinking seems to go: if we just find the right way to ask, they’ll…
Do rebrands tend to suppress fundraising success?
I’ve been digging through annual reports lately, looking at which organisations have seen the most impressive growth over the last few years—huge credit to UNHCR, Tearfund, Islamic Relief, and MSF for their strong performance! One area that’s caught my eye in the reports that I’ve…
40 years on: Why wouldn’t you wear a Band Aid T-shirt?
The reception of the re-release of Do They Know It’s Christmas? as a super-mix to mark its 40th anniversary highlights some shifting attitudes toward global charities that need to be understood by fundraisers who work for INGOs. Unlike its past successes, the single failed to…
If your income is in decline, here’s five things you can do…
Is your income down because of the cost-of-living crisis? There are some gut-wrenching figures shared by Rathbones Charity Investment Management today. Put simply, senior execs at UK charities have reported that the financial health of 61% of UK charities has deteriorated over the last few…
‘Tis Halloween. Keep to the light and beware the Four Fundraisers of the Apocalypse!
In the eerie world of fundraising, not all strategies are as they seem—some lure you in with charm only to drain your resources and leave you haunted with regret as costs mount and income falls. As Halloween looms, meet the Four Fundraisers of the Apocalypse:…
Who gives what to charity?
Do you know who gives what to charity? This chart is a simplified version of a presentation we use at Bluefrog to try and get fundraisers to consider which audiences they should focus on when developing fundraising strategies. It’s all self explanatory, but acts as…
Do younger donors like direct mail? And do they care about being thanked?
One of the things that’s seems to have entered the fundraising psyche over the last year or so, is the thought that younger people are a completely different philanthropic creature to their parents and grandparents. Most importantly, there is a sense that they are going…
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?