Welcome to Propper Fundraising, the website collating fundraising blogs and articles written by some of the best fundraisers, leaders, marketers and data professionals.
Think yourself better: 10 rules of philosophy to live by
From Aristotle to Iris Murdoch: what the greatest minds of the past 2,500 years have to tell us about the good life. Julian Baggini shares 10 top tips on thinking and living well. Thinking well requires adopting the right attitudes and being prepared to nurture effective habits. Without these “intellectual virtues” even the cleverest end … Continue reading Think yourself better: 10 rules of philosophy to live by
CASE-Ross Support of Education Survey 2021-22
The CASE-Ross Survey is annually conducted by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). It provides an estimate of the overall state of philanthropic giving to the higher education sector and is a key source of information on the subject in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland. Sue Cunningham, President and CEO … Continue reading CASE-Ross Support of Education Survey 2021-22
Loosing motivation
Motivation — the willingness to get the job done by starting rather than procrastinating, persisting in the face of distractions, and investing enough mental effort to succeed — accounts for 40% of the success of team projects. Yet managers are often at a loss as to how to effectively motivate uninspired employees. Richard E. Clark, … Continue reading Loosing motivation
Fundraiser turnover problems: The stigmatized story character
Inspirational stories can motivate. But stigmatized stories can cripple. This matters for fundraising because it matters for fundraisers. Few professions suffer more from stigmatized stories than fundraising. Story begins with character. Consider the “fundraiser” character. What is this role? What is this title? Fundraiser. What does that mean? Fund means money. Raiser means one who … Continue reading Fundraiser turnover problems: The stigmatized story character
The why and how of fundraising
In another thoughtful post by Mary Cahalane, she asks "Would you prefer to read a grant proposal or a novel?" When you’re fundraising, it’s really important to understand the difference between the "why" and "how". Many fundraisers are rightly proud of their organization’s work. And they’re especially proud of what sets their organization apart from … Continue reading The why and how of fundraising
Fundraising in 2023 viewed from 2022
Nearly three years after COVID shook up charities and the way we fundraise, what does 2023 look like? A glance into the fundraising crystal ball shows a tumultuous year but with foresight, planning and some nerves of steel fundraisers and their charities can help those in greater need than ever and weather 2023. The perfect … Continue reading Fundraising in 2023 viewed from 2022
Providing Oxford’s margin of excellence
As her seven-year term as the University of Oxford's Vice-Chancellor comes to an end, Professor Dame Louise Richardson reflects on the substantial difference philanthropy makes to the life and work of the University. ‘We often think of philanthropy as something new that’s been imposed on us or as a necessary evil occasioned by the times, … Continue reading Providing Oxford’s margin of excellence
You’re Worth the Investment: How to Advocate for Your Professional Development
In this original blog, Ashley Gatewood, Communication and Marketing Director at CFRE International, explains the importance of investing in training. When employers need to trim a budget line item in leaner times, professional development frequently gets the first cut of the ax. It feels quite ironic, doesn’t it? If your organisation needs to succeed against … Continue reading You’re Worth the Investment: How to Advocate for Your Professional Development
How Jargon Destroys Nonprofit Fundraising & Marketing
Why would you ever use jargon if you wanted to truly communicate with someone? Just check out the definition: “language used by a particular group of people, especially in their work, and which most other people do not understand” — Cambridge dictionary. When you talk to people in words they don’t understand, really, what’s the … Continue reading How Jargon Destroys Nonprofit Fundraising & Marketing
As your team gets bigger your leadership style has to adapt
As Development and Fundraising teams become more successful, many are lucky enough to start growing their teams. However, there are hidden consequences to an expanding team. What lessons can leaders learn to prepare? When Julie Zhuo, Facebook’s vice president of design, first began managing a team, it consisted of just a handful of people. When … Continue reading As your team gets bigger your leadership style has to adapt
Propper Fundraising 