The agency, which said it worked with 18 major not-for-profits including the National Deaf Children’s Society and Rethink Mental Illness, ceased trading on Friday

Charities that used the street fundraising company Gift Fundraising to carry out face-to-face fundraising have said they will continue to use the method, despite the agency going into administration last week.

Gift Fundraising, the UK’s largest and longest-established street fundraising company, went into voluntary administration and stopped trading on Friday with the loss of 300 fundraising jobs. The company said it worked for 18 major not-for-profit organisations.

James Huitson, associate director fundraising at Rethink Mental Illness, which used the agency, said the move would have a short-term impact on how the charity would raise money. But he said Rethink had planned for street fundraising to be a key part in the growth of its donor income over the next few years.

“Face-to-face is an important component of how we raise money,” he said. “I would hope it’s something we can find a way to continue to do in the future.”

Third Sector.

To find out  more read the article in full from Third Sector

January can be more challenging for fundraisers as donors want to keep warm rather than having a conversation on the street and door.

This year our face to face fundraisers have been having great conversations with donors and potential donors even though it is the winter.

It is often difficult to pinpoint the reasons for fundraising success.  We put it down to a mix of

• in-depth training for the fundraisers so they speak passionately and authentically about the charity
• nurturing of fundraising teams so they are fulfilled by their job
• feedback from donors so fundraisers know they make a difference
• maintenance of high professional standards
• accurate record-keeping
• day-to-day management of practical details to avoid any mis-communication
• respect for fundraisers so they know they are valued

None of these factors depend on the weather, so we hope this record-breaking start to the fundraising year will continue even if the weather turns icy!

The Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics are two important celebratory events take place this year which should contribute to a feeling of good-will.  We expect that this will encourage donor retention (individuals to keep on donating to causes they already support), as well as  motivate new donors. Forecasts for retail in London are already higher because of these events.

The Diamond Jubilee of HM The Queen in 2012. The Queen has now been on the throne for 60 years.  She came to the throne on 6^th Feb 1952 after the death of her father George VI , and her Coronation took place a few months later on 2^nd June 1953.  Celebrations of the Diamond Jubilee will focus on the central weekend of 2^nd – 5^th June.  An additional bank holiday has been created for Tuesday 5^th June, and the end of May bank holiday moved forward to make a four day weekend.

There was a surge of good will surrounding the wedding of Prince William and Kate last year, and we expect that the Diamond Jubilee will create a similar mood of celebration.  The Queen will also be undertaking a programme during the year.

Olympics in London in 2012

The Olympic Games will be held in London and the surrounding area from the 27 July – 12 August.  The Olympic site is well under construction, and athletes will be housed in a special “village”.  This is in sharp contrast to the previous time the Games were held in Britain after the end of World War II.   Athletes brought their own food because of the general food shortages, and no new buildings were erected, although Wembley Stadium could be used as it had not been bombed.  Even so the Games were judged a great success and boosted the mood of the country.  It is expected that the Games will have a favourable impact in 2012, and the mood could carry on over the duration of the Paralympics which will be held from 29 August to 9^th September.

Future fundraising getting ready for Christmas

Future Fundraising meeting up for a look back at the year before we party.

After a successful year of charity fundraising – including during the winter months – we are getting ready to celebrate with our party.

Rupert Tappin outlined the main acheivements of the year and indicated what 2012 will bring.

In the photo you can see members of the calling team, Rupert Tappin at bottom right of the picture, Laura – our financial maestro is in the very Christmas-y red dress, Naumann our chief IT whiz is on the left, and behind him is Mike who is next to Alex. A good time was had by all!

• Average street attrition back below 50 per cent
• Average first year street F2F at lowest recorded level
• Average doorstep attrition at 37 per cent

Rupert Tappin and Morag Fleming presented the results of the 2011 PFRA charity-wide survey at the PFRA AGM.

Attended by members of the Professional Fundraising Regulatory Association the results from the fourth annual survey are creating a reliable picture of face to face fundraising in the UK.  This is part of a mission by Rupert and Morag to measure and value longvity of donation, rather than simply the acqisisition of donors.

A highlight from this year’s survey includes the fact that Door face-to-face fundraising has increased dramatically in the last year with over 550,000 donors recruited on the door step.

More information will be available at the IOF Convention  at the beginning of July.

Rob, Amy and Alex hit the streets of North London to do our bit for this special day.   The first half hour was quite quiet but then more people arrived on their way to work, and fundraising and conversations began in earnest.  Very satisfying feeling the collection growing heavier and talking about the ways that GLFB helps those who cannot see well.

Geranium Day is part of a campaign for GLFB (Greater London fund for the Blind). This is the 90th year of this campaign which an excellent face to face fundraising record for any charity!

According to Third Sector Apple are refusing to re-open their app for mobile donations, and 10,000 names have already been collected to try and persuade the company to change its mind.

Technology is undoubtedly a wonderful thing, and any ways to make donations easier to give are to be applauded.

However, our experience at Future Fundraising is that it is the connection with another human being that makes all the difference in encouraging them to donate.

Time and again donors mention the interesting conversation they had with the fundraiser, as well as their committment and passion for the cause.   Deciding to commit to a charity is a personal decision, and donors tend to respond to people.

As technology gradually becomes more and more common, personal  face to face interaction acquires scarcity value and makes more impact.

A report today in The Metro states that “old-fashioned” christmas cards with a handwritten message delivered to the door are perceived to be more valuable.  However, as you might expect the number of real cards is down, so perhaps the cards are opened with more interest and enthusiasm.

• passionate fundraisers work on the street
• details processed promptly & accurately and fully validated
• long-term value assured by transparent attrition guarantees

Case Study: Street Face-to-face fundraising.
Charity: Mencap

Background

Mencap, the learning disability charity, had used face to face fundraising on the street a number of years ago. Having conducted a review of the long-term performance all forms of fundraising, Mencap decided to reinvest in F2F in 2010.

Why Future Fundraising?

Mencap wanted guaranteed long-term income from quality donors to meet their projected Return on Investment. They wanted to work with an agency that could understand their specific local group requirements, and build-in substantial lead-times relating to site planning. Additionally, fundraisers would be speaking to members of the public who may have personal or family experience of learning difficulties and it was important the subject was approached with sensitivity.

Campaign details

The street campaign started in October 2010, and was expanded to include doorstep face-to-face-fundraising three weeks later. Both campaigns remained active throughout the winter and continue to the present. There were some issues over the subject of learning difficulties which were resolved promptly and with trust on both sides. Quality control welcome calling and reactivation calling were selected as part of the campaign package.

Results

Call recordings and written feedback of interactions with donors helped build cross-department buy-in to face-to-face fundraising across the charity. The comments validated the importance for Mencap in meeting the public and proved inspirational for Mencap’s fundraising team. Early attrition figures are meeting the PFRA benchmark, and most Key Performance Indicator targets are being met.

“We have absolute trust in our partnership with Future Fundraising. The results are good, problems are dealt with quickly & honestly, and we are excited about the opportunities that Rupert and his team have uncovered for us.” Michael Naidu, Mencap.

“I’ve learnt so much about Face to Face since working with Future Fundraising. All the staff including the fundraisers are very passionate about their work and the charity they are working with.” Angela Duncan, Direct Marketing Officer, Mencap

• passionate fundraisers work on the doorstep
• details processed promptly & accurately and fully validated
• long-term value assured by transparent attrition guarantees

Case Study Fundraising on the doorstep Charity: hft

Background

hft (previously Home Farm Trust) is a smaller charity based in Bristol, creatively supporting people with learning disabilities.  The charity is best-known in the local area, but has a national reach.

Why Future Fundraising?

The local Bristol team of fundraisers were available to work closely with hft, and the emphasis on quality donors fitted with the sensitive conversations involved in raising awareness of the needs of disabled people.

Campaign Details

hft and Future Fundraising have been working in partnership continuously for the last four years since 2007.  A campaign for engaging donors on the doorstep was chosen because householders may have more time to listen.  Different options were trialled including working in different locations, and using a two-step approach using a postcard. An ongoing reactivation campaign to connect with lapsed donors, and upgrade donors who are already giving, has been continuously in place.

Results

hft and Future Fundraising have an excellent relationship which has taken place during the company re-brand.  Targets have been reached and regular income delivered.  It has proved most worthwhile to maintain presence in the area local to the charity to enhance loyalty.

“I and my predecessor have an excellent relationship with Future Fundraising and have found all the team easy to deal with.  We have access to all our results, and have regular communication.  It is easy to pick up the phone and get a point explained.”

Gemma Hill, Donor Marketing Manager, hft

• passionate fundraisers work in private sites such as shopping centres
• details processed promptly & accurately and fully validated
• long-term value assured by transparent attrition guarantees

Private Sites Case Study Charity: World Vision

Background

World Vision donors sponsor an individual child, who is known by name, and pay £18 per month to support their education and community. Future Fundraising have been delivering street and door campaigns continuously for World Vision since 2007, so were chosen for campaigns in private sites.

Why Future Fundraising?

Future Fundraising already have achieved success with campaigns, and have a dedicated manager who deals with private site allocation.  As the ask is high the quality approach to engaging donors is especially valuable.

Results

Despite the additional expense of operating on private sites results have been encouraging with more sign ups achieved.  A smaller team has also proved to be of benefit, and ongoing relationships with quality donors continued to be a hallmark of the campaign.

“Of all the agencies that we work with, Future Fundraising was my first choice when it came to testing the feasibility of our fundraisers allocating a specific child’s details to every new donor in the field. We were impressed with the types of sites that they managed to secure which closer matched our core target audience”

Diane Harrington, Neighbourhood Fundraising Specialist