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…
Heritage branding. A great opportunity for charities.
Here’s my prediction for charity brands over the next few years. They will go back to their roots. They will revert to their old logos and names. The ones they used in the 60s, 70s and 80s. They might be slightly tweaked, refreshed or produced…
Change the future of fundraising by sharing your best practice
I’m currently working with Ken Burnett who has asked me to identify the best global fundraising practice to be featured in the final report of the Commission on the Donor Experience. Our goal is to demonstrate what can be achieved over the long-term by focusing…
The fundraising paradox
Keep your communications in the purple zone and you won’t go far wrong.
The fundraising decision making flow chart
At the heart of any fundraising programme lies a plan. That plan identifies an audience, details what they will receive, through what communication channels, timings and what actions the recipients will hopefully take. They can be hefty documents akin to a telephone directory or something…
This is not fundraising
Over the last fifteen years or so, we’ve seen a fundamental change in how we raise money. For most of the twentieth century, fundraising was about engagement. It was about recruiting new donors, nurturing them, getting a second gift, then a third and then moving…
This is not a strategy
Nor is this… Great fundraising isn't about reducing the amount you ask for until it means so little to the donor that they simply don't care about handing it over. Nor is it about asking again until the donor feels uncomfortable saying no. It's…
