Data Security in Philanthropy

As the saying goes “Data Is the New Oil” and charities and non-profits certainly hold a lot of valuable data. We collect contact details, build up donor giving histories, process payments, build up donor and prospect profiles and gain insights into very personal and sensitive information. And we do this for a vast number of individuals, […]

5 Ways to Create Meaningful Connections in a Virtual World

This list was initially created by Dr Andrea Dinardo for students embarking on a new career during covid-19 but it is equally useful for fundraisers trying to make online connections with new supporters. It also includes EQ techniques helpful for everyone. Find out more here: https://drandreadinardo.com/2021/02/09/meaningful-online-connections/

Landmark ruling eases telemarketing laws for Dutch charities

On 26 January 2021, the Dutch government unanimously approved two amendments to the proposed Telecommunications Act, softening the rules for charities in contrast with legislation for businesses. The former proposal for the Dutch Telecommunications Act restricted organisations from contacting individuals who have not opted in for marketing calls unless they have a financial relationship as customers or, in the […]

Making the business case for a chief data officer

The right CDO can help firms reap the benefits of data-informed decision-making. Companies are doing more than paying lip service to data-driven decision-making these days; many have added a chief data officer to their already crowded executive ranks. But the question remains whether this once obscure position can deliver enough business value to justify its […]

Data Governance: 5 Best Practices for Data Governance

The number of connected devices has expanded rapidly in recent years, as mobile phones, telematics devices, IoT sensors, and more have gained widespread adoption. At the same time, big data analytics has come of age. The deluge of new data has combined with an increased need for analyzing and exploiting that information to create an […]

Why Risk Management Solutions Are The Future Of Charity Cyber Security

Over the last few years, organisations of all kinds have experienced a significant change in the information security landscape. New data privacy regulations require increased compliance and diligence, with major penalties. These pressures weigh even more heavily on charities, who have a legal and ethical duty to do everything in their power to protect sensitive […]

Olive Cooke: Five Years On – How far have we come?

It has been five and a half years since the tragic death of Olive Cooke. Most fundraisers will remember the media furore that erupted in the months immediately following her death, when it was revealed she had been receiving close on 3000 mailings from charities in the course of a typical year. Family and friends […]

Data insight made easy: using RFM scoring to find great prospects

As fundraisers, when we think about data analysis today, we’re likely to drift into the world of complex modeling practices that predict what donors are most likely to give based on a wide variety of factors. Go to any conference and you’re bound to hear about the wonder of Big Data. But if you work […]

Let me finish: how to stop interrupting… and change the world

According to the Gottman Institute in Seattle, three years ago the average listening time of even professional listeners was 20 seconds. Now it is 11. Eleven seconds! And so we interrupt. All of us. We move through our days and years interrupting others and failing to foil it when others interrupt us. Interruption diminishes us. […]

“If You Can’t Measure It, You Can’t Manage It” – Using Metrics to Strengthen Your Fundraising Program

It is common knowledge that to effectively manage donor relationships and see the greatest success in your fundraising program, you must build strong ties between your prospects and your organization’s mission. Relationships will always be the foundation of a fruitful fundraising program. But, you can’t build a relationship on metrics. While relationships have and will […]