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…
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…
‘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:…
Is there something irregular about regular giving?
I’ve just published another video on LinkedIn that looks at regular giving (or recurring giving or committed giving, depending what terminology you use). Skip to the bottom of the page if you’d like to cut to the chase and watch it now. You’ll see that…
Unleash the might of the donor! Power as a component of a fundraising plan.
Mention power in fundraising circles and you’ll perhaps find yourself hearing stories detailing how wealthy donors have compromised work, disrupted plans, and helped create a hostile working environment. It’s a subject that’s highly likely to evoke a strong emotional reaction from fundraisers who have struggled…
Beyond words: How thanking can transform your relationship with your charity’s supporters.
When a charity reaches out asking for help with their fundraising, especially if they’re facing challenges such as low second-gift rates, high attrition, and limited interest in legacies, my first reaction is to hop online to get a first-hand experience of being one of their…
What street food can teach us about good fundraising
There is a Sunday street food market near where I live. It’s not called ‘Come and awkwardly attempt to eat food standing up that would be easier to eat sitting down, but it doesn’t matter because you’ll feel like you’ve done something with the day’….
Coronavirus fundraising. What we’ve learned so far
We are now about two weeks into the Coronavirus crisis in the UK. Dust is beginning to settle and we are getting some idea about what is becoming the new normal. Though we can still expect things to change, I thought it might be useful…
How to run a quick supporter experience audit
This was originally part of my recent Donor First beats Digital First post. But the length made it too unwieldy, so I subsequently shared it on Twitter instead. It went down well and generated a few questions so I thought I’d share the original long…
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?