Does data really matter? In the increasingly crowded and vital world of fundraising, every interaction counts. Yet, for busy development teams, the shotgun approach of contacting just about anyone connected to your organisation or institution often yields disappointing results. This is where data steps in, transforming the fundraising landscape from a scattershot endeavour into a … Continue reading Turning Blind Calls into Bullseyes: How Data Empowers Fundraisers with Smarter Targeting
‘Dos and Data – how your database can help you make your events even better
Whatever you fundraise for, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to get away from events. They are a wonderful, personal way to raise awareness of your cause, bring together possible donors, and thanking those who have donated. On the flip side, they’re a lot of work to get right, and sometimes you can be left … Continue reading ‘Dos and Data – how your database can help you make your events even better
Do you like what we do? How can you measure and track engagement using what you already do.
By Adriana Williams Why is engagement important The traditional pyramid, or its inverted “funnel” counterpart, is (in my opinion) the best demonstration of the role that engagement plays in fundraising. Whether at the top or the bottom, the slice named ‘community’ or ‘potential donors’ is certainly where the vast majority of our constituents sit. In … Continue reading Do you like what we do? How can you measure and track engagement using what you already do.
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
How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Development Content: Five ways to reframe your donor stories
Higher education and nonprofit communications teams tend to turn their noses up at donor profiles. Their reaction isn’t unfounded; college alumni magazine readership surveys, for one, consistently show that donor profiles and gift announcements rank last in interest among types of content in these publications. After working for more than a decade on both sides … Continue reading How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Development Content: Five ways to reframe your donor stories
The big question your donors want you to answer: WHY
Why should I give you money? Why should I care about your work? Why will this matter to someone? Too often, we focus on HOW. We love to talk about how we do the work. All the cool ways we accomplish great things. A new process. A unique way of tackling a problem. All of … Continue reading The big question your donors want you to answer: WHY
What does the Rich List tell us about the super rich?
Every year Susie Hills writes about the Sunday Times Rich list and reflects upon what it tells those of us who work in philanthropy. This year though, Susie felt surprisingly depressed as she read the List. The news that the richest 250 on the list collectively are worth more than the whole 1000 listers were worth in … Continue reading What does the Rich List tell us about the super rich?
Propper Fundraising 