Do we need to help?
Helping is a basic need state. Even before we are explicitly taught social rules, we seem to want to assist those in need. Whether it is because of an innate desire or because, as babies, we’ve had loads of opportunities to experience acts of helping…
How should we defend face-to-face fundraising?
During my recent break from blogging, I've been keeping an eye on the debate about face-to-face fundraising. It's been quite a saga. It was obviously all kicked off by the piece on BBC's Newsnight. If you missed it, you can watch it here. The central…
Forgiveness or permission?
One thing that fundraising isn’t short of are rules and regulations (OK, I know that’s two, but I’m sure you get the picture). There are taxation regulations that define what fundraising materials must contain in order to be exempt from VAT. There are the industry…
Flashfunding – donor power in action
I’ve mentioned lendwithcare.org before. Rather than ask people to give money to charity, lendwithcare.org gives people a chance to end poverty by funding poor entrepreneurs in developing countries. You can read more about the site here or visit it here. The official launch is still…
Why do older people give to charity?
Here’s a little research that helps shine a light on why it’s predominantly older people that give money to charity – particularly through direct mail. It makes them feel good! Wow. What a shock! I heard your chin hit the floor. But what’s interesting is…
What happens after that mailing pack lands on the mat?
TNT Post have just released the results of a poll on the importance of direct mail for raising funds. They surveyed 2,000 British adults and found that: One-third of people who give to charity are prompted to do so by receiving direct mail appeals. 57%…
Ten (eleven) best practices for online fundraisers
Sean Powell has just published a rather useful free e-book that will point anyone who isn’t well versed in online fundraising in the right direction. His key points are: Set up a listening post (I’d addsamepoint.com to Sean’s recommendations). Re-purpose your content (what works in…
Where are you on the remarkability curve?
Whenever we undertake research with donors, we rarely hear them question the grass roots work of the charities they support… “The trouble with that charity is they aren’t that good at drilling wells.”“I’m not sure if the housing they provide is good enough.” “I know…
Understanding the barriers to giving
Donors don’t particularly like to say no to charities. That’s because charities are great. When you give to them, you demonstrate to yourself and others that you are both kind and generous. But what does refusing to give say about you? It might be something…
Putting the power of mums to work
Nick Clegg is off to the UN Summit in New York at the end of September andSave The Children want to put some pressure on him to encourage world leaders to refocus their efforts to ensure we achieve the Millennium Development Goals. Getting help from…
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?