SPOTLIGHT ON STORYTELLING

Top tips for connecting with donors through stories

St. Patrick’s Home of Ottawa Foundation: ‘One Song’ direct mail

by John Lepp

This warm direct mail appeal has it all. Using great copy and simple and effective design, the appeal begins a beautiful conversation with each donor. Unsurprisingly, the results and emotional responses from supporters of St. Pat’s prove that taking time to craft a special appeal can really pay off. Dive in and get inspired before writing your next appeal.

PANS PANDAS UK: ‘Helen and Jessica’ fundraising event film

by Emma Bracegirdle

If you’re a small to medium-sized organisation looking to boost your events fundraising through film, look no further. In this case study you are sure to find inspiration in PANS PANDAS UK’s storytelling and fundraising film-making process – and be impressed by their target smashing results too! 

Secrets of direct mail 4: storytelling, fundraising and the dialogue method

by Chris Keating

How does Siegfried Vögele’s dialogue method work in terms of storytelling? In the final piece in his series on the great man, fundraiser Chris Keating explores how and even asks why storytelling matters in fundraising.

LATEST CASE STUDIES

Fantastic fundraising campaigns from around the world

CAFOD: Digital Advent campaign with ethical, authentic creative

by CAFOD and Blue State

CAFOD, the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development, wanted to create a new campaign, supporting their work in Afghanistan over the festive period in 2023. The resultant digital fundraising appeal, created with Blue State, was not just successful in recruiting new donors – it also put ethical creative front and centre.

Pasqual Maragall Foundation: ‘A piece of news to be remembered’

by Júlia Padullés Mas

With their first-ever capital campaign, this Spanish charity delivered something very special. An emotive concept, a moving video, well executed landing pages and strong messaging to donors all helped to ensure their target-beating success. If you’re planning a similar appeal, you’ll find plenty of tips here!

The Sandcastle Trust: Christmas appeal and fundraising film

by Danielle Singleton

When you work at a small charity with a tiny team, setting up an important appeal can feel like a big responsibility. In this case study, charity founder Danielle shares how she learned variety of new skills – including how to co-create a fundraising film and design a landing page – so The Sandcastle Trust could reach more donors with their 2023 Christmas campaign.

LATEST ARTICLES

Expert opinions, insights and how-to guides to inform your fundraising

Team Trees – digital fundraising success in aid of the Arbor Day Foundation

by Lynda Harwood-Compton

This article celebrates a viral campaign that has been making a big impact since 2019. Keep reading to learn how two men took on a challenge to plant 20 million trees, engage Gen Z donors, and achieve fundraising success for the Arbor Day Foundation.

Unleash the might of the donor – power as a component of a fundraising plan

by Mark Phillips

Your donors want to make a difference. But sometimes when they give, they aren’t sure if their generosity is making an impact. In this article, Mark Phillips shares three techniques you can add to your fundraising appeals. Each one will help ensure your donors know that they DO have the power to make a difference.

Is your donor a Spiderman, Batman or a Wonder Woman?

by Marina Jones

Superheroes have a unique backstory that makes them who they are and shapes their narrative. But in fundraising, your donor has an ‘origin story’ too. Marina Jones believes that making an effort to learn more about your donor’s story can give you an insight into why they choose to give – and help you build supporter loyalty.

SOFII’S MOST POPULAR

Your shortcut to our must-see examples of fundraising inspiration

How to create a donor journey map

by Ally Smith

Ally Smith of fundraising technology company Fundraising KIT shows you how to create a donor journey map and shares why they’re important to your fundraising strategy.

Bush Heritage Australia: Autumn appeal turned donor care pack

by Jasmine Coronado

Bush Heritage Australia shows you how you can achieve surprising results by thanking, acknowledging and inspiring your donors, even if you never ask for money.

Tutorial 24: how to write a long letter

by Jerry Huntsinger

Extensive testing by a wide variety of charities shows that long copy wins most of the time, especially for prospect mail and emotional house appeals. Of course, there are exceptions and it’s always best to test. Read more here.