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 power of a Twittering celebrity
There's a great post on Jonathan Waddingham's (from Just Giving) blog. He noticed that Stephen Fry had RT'd (that means shared a link) to Mel Cupper's, Big Issue fundraising page on his Twitter account, saying... "He just needs a tiny-winy bit more cash and he's...
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...
What's wrong with Mashable's Summer of Social Good?
The desire to raise serious sums of money for charities (or non-profits as our American cousins might say) is a fantastic thing. Animal rescue, tackling global poverty, protection of wildlife and the environment and funding cancer research and awareness are cracking causes that deserve every...
Why does it always have to be un-earmarked?
Which of the following statements are true? The earth is flat. Global warming isn't happening. Lemmings commit mass suicide. Wearing a warm coat will stop you catching flu. Warts are caused by handling toads. Appeals have to be for unrestricted funds. Yep. You got it....
Do your supporters look like nails, carrots or beetroots?
Recency, Frequency and Value are the mainstays of a successful segmentation strategy. You can use values, geo-demographics, regression and even snake oil to try and improve your targeting of appeals, but at the end of the day, the long-term use of RFV can make the...
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?