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…
Mobile giving – it’s easy to stand out in a crowd of one
This is a guest post from Bluefrog's new Head of Donor Engagement – James Waring. In the first couple of weeks after you start a new job (as I have done this January) you often find yourself looking for things to do, or waiting around…
Jeff Brooks to speak in the UK
If you'd like to radically improve your DM fundraising, make sure you are free on the 10th of September. Jeff Brooks, blogger at Future Fundraising Now, is running a day-long private seminar where he'll be sharing a host of creative secrets that will help you…
What do we do about face to face fundraising?
Face to face fundraising has been through the mill over the last few weeks. Following on from the revelations in the Sunday Telegraph, the IOF has called the fundraising directors from member charities that use the technique to a summit meeting. Peter Lewis, Chief Executive…
The case against the case for support
On the face of it, the case for support should be the key organisational tool for fundraisers, but having seen a fair number over my working life, I'd question how many are actually fit for purpose. Tim Seiler, Director of the Fund Raising School at…
Five things we learned at the IFC
Following a very enjoyable few days at the International Fundraising Congress in Amsterdam, I've put together my key take aways from the event. 1. There's loads more to data than just numbers. Chuck Longfield, Blackbaud's chief scientist, has a job where he can crunch millions…
The anatomy of a failed campaign
A few weeks ago, I questioned the decision of the D&AD to award a coveted Yellow Pencil to a student team for an idea that they developed for Oxfam. The D&AD asked me to write a follow up piece that you can read here. Or…
Should no one be able to fundraise until they learn direct response?
A presentation from David Ogilvy on the importance of direct marketing. As I watched it, I couldn't help but be reminded of the relationship between advertising people and fundraising people today. Well worth a few minutes of your time. Thanks to the Jewish Donor Blog.
Who should influence fundraisers? Make your vote count
The poll for the most influential person in fundraising has just opened at the Civil Society website. It's a rather weird accolade as it's obvious that votes aren't always cast in recognition of influence. Some voters will support friends and colleagues and others may well…
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?