by Helena Monteiro In an increasingly complex and interconnected world, solving social problems is beyond the reach of any single sector or actor. Our most complex challenges are best addressed through collaborative approaches, involving public, private and nonprofit sectors bringing together diverse knowledge, strategy and connections to turn vision into social change. … [Read more...]
So when is a lapsed donor not a lapsed donor? John Grain says they may not be who you think they are. I have been thinking a lot about lapsed donors lately. In particular about the way we define them and the way we try to ‘reactivate’ them. Three things struck me. First, it is dangerous to simply assume a supporter is lapsed (horrible term that) if they haven’t given for a while. Second, perhaps they were never truly a donor in the first place. And third, how carefully are we thinking about what we ‘reactivate’ donors with? In part this is because I recently received a letter from a charity asking me to renew my support for the organization. This gave me pause for thought - the thought being if I needed to ‘renew’ my support, presumably I was now considered a lapsed … [Read more...]
People are changing their giving habits, fast. So what's happening? Time to wise up to the new world, says Rik Haslam Here’s the thing. I am a charity. I’m not registered. I have thousands of fundraisers, but I don’t pay any salaries. I have advanced technology and communication systems, yet zero overheads. Nor do I pay business rent. I have my own in-house media production studio: it’s my camera phone, bargain basement netbook and some free, open-source software. I create dozens of ads but wouldn’t dream of shelling out on media placements. Instead I put my messages on email, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, my blog and fundraising platforms like YOCO and JustGiving. There are millions like me. And we are your real competition. If it feels like we have an unfair advantage, we do. If … [Read more...]
Sean Triner ponders what we have actually leaned from our experiences in the worst recession in living memory. So the recession happened and if we believe what the pundits tell us, it's been and gone. Of developed world countries, Australia suffered less than Europe and North America. And some countries, like Australia are breathing a sigh of relief, feeling like the recession is over. But if you are reading this in Greece, Portugal, the UK or many other countries you probably don’t have the relief of that sigh just yet. But the lessons still apply. What did we learn? Back in October 2008 over 100 fundraisers gathered in a hastily convened session at the IFC in Holland. Shortly afterwards, books, papers, blogs, seminars and reports looked at and offered advice on fundraising in a … [Read more...]
Is that a phone you've got in your pocket, or is it the next big thing in fundraising? by Bryan Miller I'm pretty sure that when Alexander Graham Bell made the world's first ever telephone call back in 1876 (apparently calling his assistant with the inspired words "Mr Watson, come here. I want to see you") he never in his wildest dreams imagined that telephones might evolve into the amazing little device I have in my pocket today. To be honest, to call my mobile phone 'a phone' is a serious understatement of what it can do. Of course I can talk to people on it, just as Bell had envisaged (only without any wires, obviously). But I can also send them a text message or an email, or call them via Skype, or engage with them however I like over the internet through the phone's web browser. I … [Read more...]
A non-profit, charitable organization located outside the United States with an interest in taking its fundraising global may want to look at using the US market as a first step. Why? Well, America’s philanthropic market combines several features that make it a welcoming culture for new ideas. Griet Dehandschutter explains... If your organization espouses a big idea, cure or solution to an urgent global problem, Americans may be willing to engage more quickly in your cause than citizens, corporations or foundations in other countries. Americans like to act quickly and they are generous. Very generous. In 2008, they gave away more than US$308 billion (Giving USA, 2009). The lion’s share was given by individuals (82% including bequests), followed by foundations (13%) and corporations … [Read more...]
