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...
Giving by Christians staying strong in the economic down-turn
A recent poll undertaken by ComRes and published by Premier Christian Radio shows that the vast majority of Christians are still giving to charity despite the impact of the recession. Bluefrog had looked at the attitudes of the wider public to giving to new charities...
It's the early bird that gets the worm!
Rapidata have released their mid-year update of their direct debit tracking report. In short, direct debit cancellations are falling – even though the latest figures are still almost 80% higher than we experienced back in June 2007 (before Northern Rock showed us what was in...
The Society for Nice, Middle-Class Older People needs your help
This is a simple way to increase response rates and average gift – by a big margin. Next time you are putting together a brief, forget the real purpose of your job. Whether you are working to end global poverty, protecting Canadian lakes, stamping out...
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?