Explore Fundraising Articles & FAQs

May 11, 2026

Courses I wish I’d had when I started fundraising

I’ve been thinking a lot recently about my first proper fundraising role.

I was one of two fundraisers in a small organisation. And when I say small, I mean small. My “office” was a spare bedroom in a housing estate that had been converted to a business park.

The kind where you’re never quite sure if you’re meant to be working or apologising for being there… I had to make a business case to buy a hoover.

But despite being scrappy, we had big ambitions. Proper, change-the-world kind of stuff. Having seen the work in person, I knew how much it mattered.

But day-to-day? I was scrabbling around in the dark.

I knew what we were trying to do. I just didn’t always know what to do next.

May 7, 2026

What Fundraisers need to know about Diversity in the Charity Sector

The charity sector is built on purpose, fairness and a desire to make a positive difference. But there is an uncomfortable truth we still need to acknowledge. As a sector, we’re not as diverse as the communities we exist to serve.

Recent research from Charity People and Oxford HR, Beyond Representation: How diverse is the charity sector?, shows that while some progress has been made, momentum has slowed in key areas. For fundraisers, this is not just an internal people issue. It directly affects income, influence and long-term sustainability.

May 1, 2026

Age Action: ​‘There is no fire­side like your own’ direct mail

Finding new donors and reactivating lapsed supporters is a huge challenge for any charity. However, Age Action in Ireland wanted to give it a try. Their recent direct mail appeal combines a long letter with hardworking lift pieces and a super matched giving offer. 

In doing so, they have created something special. The appeal is emotive and starts a conversation between the donor and the supporter. 

US-based fundraiser Pamela Grow recently said, ‘lapsed donors are not lost causes’ and this appeal proves she’s right. Keep reading to find out how Age Action reactivated lapsed donors, recruited new ones and secured large average gifts too!

April 23, 2026

Meta ads are going to get more expensive: Why CRO is essential for charities in 2026

If your charity relies on Meta ads to attract donations, fundraisers, legacy giving leads, or campaign supporters, you’ve probably already felt the impact of rising advertising costs.

Meta’s Q4 2025 earnings report (I read these things so you don’t have to) revealed an average of over 14% increase in the average cost per ad served in Europe last year. In our review of 2024’s Earnings Presentation we predicted a CPM rise between 10-15% in 2025, and as upsetting as it is to have predicted correctly, assuming the trend continues in 2026, as it has done for almost 3 years running, charities could reasonably expect a further 10-15% rise. That means your cost-per-acquisition (CPA) will increase (and your ROI will fall) unless you improve conversion rates (CVR).