You cannot not communicate
"You cannot not communicate. Every behaviour is a kind of communication. Because communication does not have a counterpart (there is no anti-behaviour), it is not possible not to communicate." Paul Watzalwick's First Axiom of Communications. Everything you do to a donor communicates something: If you...
What's the point of branding?
So you've got a brand. You've brainstormed with stakeholders, you've paid many thousands of pounds for a sparkling new logo, a corporate identity and a list of adjectives that are going to help you change the world. And what's the result? Has it increased response...
The difference makes little difference
Of everything the International Fundraising Conference offers, it's the international part that's the best – the opportunity to share ideas and learn from fundraisers from throughout the world. In my experience, it doesn't matter where an idea comes from. I've learnt from fundraisers in many...
The oldest fundraising letter in the world
I've just got back from the International Fundraising Conference in Amsterdam. I'd been invited to speak about direct marketing and seeing as it was their 30th anniversary, I decided to look at what fundraisers were doing back in 1981 for some source material. As regular...
Why all charities should thank donors
One of the most dangerous things you can do to any appeal is add a 'we don't value you enough to thank you' tick box to your donation form. They seem to offer supporter choice and some donors appear to like them, but to my...
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...
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?