I'v   I've   I've worked for a lot of charities. The story that I am working through international NGOs in alphabetical order is a total slur (I've already done W), but I have experienced quite a few causes. And without exception, from the fundraisers in each charity I have heard at some point the complaint … Continue reading Fundraising Myths: No 4: It’s easier for them

How often have you heard it, "but hasn't <insert name of latest techno fad here> changed everything"? Often from board members or CEOs. Or direct mail or face to face fundraising is "so 20th century". Don't get me wrong, I don't think that fundraising is somehow immune from the revolutionary changes in how people communicate … Continue reading Fundraising Myths: No 3: New shiny stuff has changed everything

Some of the best people in the fundraising sector, in my opinion, have come from doing marketing in the for profit world. But lots of people also come into the sector from often large commercial brands and, to put it politely, don't do all that well running fundraising operations. I think we can all think … Continue reading Fundraising Myths: No 2: You can’t fundraise without awareness

So, at the risk of never working again in this sector, here's a confession. I don't know the secret of great fundraising. I really don't. You want a fundraising miracle? Sorry, need to go elsewhere. But what I do know is how to avoid doing really bad fundraising. And, I rather think that's as least … Continue reading Fundraising Myths: No 1: Cheap is good, free is better