simongeorge's blog

Legacy marketing can be a bit "us" and "them" can't it? We the charity ask them the supporters for a donation, using marketing techniques to overlay and crunch the data. We segment and target prospects that match the best profiles and have the greatest propensity to give. It can all seem a bit one way, impersonal and data driven. But there is a different way.

For those feeling daunted by 2012, a word of encouragement. It’s not all bad news. Yes, things will be tough, but we’re all getting used to that. Nevertheless, you will still need something to carry you through the year and help you raise the funds your organisation depends on.

This month at the IoF West Midlands conference, Liz Loudon brought a useful reminder of the importance of effective language in fundraising. In an excellent presentation, she gave valuable tips on making an impact with appeal writing.

This month (November 23rd) the UK celebrates National Freelancers’ Day and I hear there are even parties planned. Since 1998, the number of freelancers in the UK has risen from 1.25 million to 1.4 million today and I suspect this trend will continue.

Last week NCVO said 98% of charity leaders it sampled were pessimistic about the economic outlook and today BBC news featured the plight of charities cutting staff due to falling donations. Clearly, a lot of donors are feeling the pinch, with rising prices, more redundancies and a falling stock market. Even those in jobs are feeling poorer as their pockets are hit and they see the value of their savings falling. No surprise then that some charities are finding it tough at the moment.

So what can we do to ensure our organisations get through the next 12 months?

A good friend of mine is currently enduring the nightmare of sorting out the affairs of an aged relative who has died intestate.

The recent comments by Mark Astarita, Chair of the IoF, about payroll giving may have embarrassed the Institute, but of course he is only saying what most of us have known for years.

Bad news for big charities – some donors really don’t like you!

In this week's budget, the Chancellor has handed legacy fundraisers a gift by incentivising legacies as a form of donation.

The shock resignation of Amanda McLean as CEO of the IoF has come at a difficult time for the Institute, as it is also still seeking a permanent Chair of Trustees.