Lessons from the flu pandemic of 1918/19 that fundraisers can learn from today. A guest post by Giles Pegram CBE
There are a lot of words being used by politicians in the current crisis which irritate me: Working night and day Following the science Sadly-died But I have a particular aversion for Unprecedented as it isn’t true. There is a precedent – the 1918/19 flu pandemic. So…
Free resources for creating a Coronavirus Appeal
I wanted to share an update on preparations at Bluefrog for working whilst the Covid-19 situations continues. We want to be part of the broader solution to the current outbreak and protect staff and clients from infection (and anyone else for that matter). Though we…
Where is the value in subscription box fundraising?
Over the last few years, there’s been a huge growth in commercial subscription box schemes. Most work in the same way. For a monthly payment you get a box of sample products that you might like – make-up, artistic prints, coffees, sweets, beers, clothes, snacks,…
A guide to fundraising on the back of a postcard
A few weeks ago, I was reading BARB’s 2018’s Viewing Report and saw a mention of Harold Pollack, a professor at the University of Chicago. Back in 2013 he shared his views on personal finance advice, saying: “[The best personal finance advice] can fit on…
How do donors manage their philanthropic budgets?
For much of the past decade, UK fundraisers have worked in a market that has struggled to grow. Latest figures actually indicate a decline in income. Stagnation means one thing – it is impossible for all charities to raise more money. Many are actually spending…
What is your favourite fundraising book?
Today is World Book Day. Which is rather appropriate timing to ask you for some book related help. I recently met with someone who has a very large library of fundraising books that are not being used. It is packed full of volumes of great…
We have reached peak regular giving. So what next?
One of the things that has become apparent in Bluefrog’s ongoing qualitative research is a growing sense of negativity surrounding the issue of monthly gifts – particularly those paid by direct debits. This appears to be more than a general gripe. Take a look at…
She is not your donor. You are one of her charities.
This slide appeared in my recent presentation at the AFP international fundraising conference on Bluefrog’s research into the American mid-level donor. It’s taken on a life of its own as it’s bounced round the internet so I thought I would share it here too. It…
The Fundraising Ecosystem
I’ve now completed the analysis of Bluefrog Fundraising’s qualitative research into the opinions of donors regarding the safeguarding stories that hit the headlines in February. The process of presenting the findings to clients and sector bodies has begun and we will be sharing them more widely…
How to avoid the misuse of emotion in fundraising
Earlier this year I wrote one of my longest ever opinion pieces on fundraising. It’s on the use and misuse of emotion and was written for the Commission on the Donor Experience. You can find the full-length version on SOFII by clicking here. But…
