I've always been rather squeamish, particularly about anything to do with eyes and have always hated hospitals. So working for an eye health NGO was maybe not the most obvious career choice. And to do it twice verges on the really quite strange. But having decided to go back to Sightsavers, there would come the … Continue reading Up close and personal in Uganda
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Doom, gloom and despair
I was recently at a seminar run by the estimable folks at BOND (how we love an acronym in our sector!) on public attitudes to international development and what to do about them. It was very illuminating with latest research findings being presented on media coverage of issues related to world poverty and what people … Continue reading Doom, gloom and despair
The Greatest Fundraising Idea Ever
One of the challenges of working in fundraising is how to deal with the many, many people who approach you trying to sell you fundraising ideas. In the vast majority of cases these are pretty terrible. Or when not terrible just not at all new. But you can't just ignore these approaches because every so … Continue reading The Greatest Fundraising Idea Ever
Why I hate events
I'm just back from New York City. Yes, I know it's terrible the sacrifices I have to make in this job. Although as I keep saying, to general total lack of sympathy it has to be said, you try this amount of economy class travel and tell me then that it's glamorous.. I'd never been … Continue reading Why I hate events
What do we have to hide?
If you think that charities are having a hard time in the media at moment, spare a thought for our Irish colleagues. There it has felt like it's been open season on the sector for months. There seems to be a new attack in a major newspaper or other media outlet almost every day. For … Continue reading What do we have to hide?
The Swedish Way of Fundraising
Having spent a couple of days in Stockholm, a beautiful city which really needs not to be visited in the middle of February, I've come away with some interesting insights into fundraising practices here. Well I think they're interesting anyway. But I've been known to find charity VAT regulations fascinating… But back to Sweden. What … Continue reading The Swedish Way of Fundraising
Shouldn’t we work for free?
Most of the time charities get a pretty good press and frankly a fairly easy ride from the media. Every now and then we don't and some aspect of what we do comes under more searching scrutiny. I think that's a good thing, honestly. Charities raise large sums of money from the public, deliver all … Continue reading Shouldn’t we work for free?
Why Fundraising Awards Are Evil
M Now, let's be clear. My attitude towards the regular cycle of fundraising awards (such as the Institute of Fundraising national awards now being advertised), is completely driven by the likelihood or not of me, personally getting one. Any award Tobin's organisation gets is a true watermark of distinction, reflecting pure quality and excellence and … Continue reading Why Fundraising Awards Are Evil
5 Things I Learned in India
I spent a recent trip to India largely in traffic jams in Delhi, Calcutta and Bangalore. Which was sort of interesting, for example speculating on why when the rules of the road are there are no rules and everyone drives with an utter disregard for their own or anyone else's safety, I didn't see a … Continue reading 5 Things I Learned in India
Fundraising Myths: The full list
51. F So here's the full list of my top 7 Fundraising Myths; 1. Cheap is good, free is better 2. You can't fundraise without awareness 3. New shiny stuff has changed everything 4. It's easier for them 5. It's the economy, stupid 6. It will never work here 7. My fundraising method is better than … Continue reading Fundraising Myths: The full list
Fundraising Fundamentals 