A good way to make sense of this change – and separate fact from assumption – is through the use of tracker studies.  By regularly and consistently ‘taking the temperature’ of the donating public, their changing wants can be [...]]]> We hardly need to mention that the needs, tastes and preferences of donors are changing.                         

A good way to make sense of this change – and separate fact from assumption – is through the use of tracker studies.  By regularly and consistently ‘taking the temperature’ of the donating public, their changing wants can be more clearly seen.

Our very own Paul Seabrook, committee member and co-founder of research company Fastmap has been doing just that.

Fastmap’s annual Charity Tracker Survey was first run in 2005, and most recently in Feb 2012.

Come along to our networking event

Tuesday 24^th April at The Devonshire Arms (upstairs bar), 17 Denman Street, Piccadilly, London, W1D 7HW

Come along to hear and discuss the important findings of this ongoing study, revealing:

• changing patterns of donor loyalty and value (not all bad news as you might think)
• motivations for giving
• reasons for lapsing
• attitudes to charity communications from direct mail to social networks

Tickets cost just £5 (including nibbles) but are strictly limited in number at this venue.

To book online and for venue details click here:  http://insightnetworkingevent.eventbrite.co.uk/

•  Doors open from 5.30pm

• Speakers on 6pm approx
• Questions, drinks and networking from 6.30pm until the bar empties.

Paul Seabrook – Board Director, Head of Research and Co-founder

Former Head of Research for CCB, Paul brings a wealth of both client side and agency experience having work at senior levels within the automotive industry for 15 years. Paul has a Business Studies degree and a post-graduate diploma in Marketing from the CIM.

Now we [...]]]> The one thing that the SIG members ask for time and time again are best practice case studies for using data and insight in fundraising.  The new SIG awards have been launched in response to this, to generate a fresh view on what leading edge practitioners are achieving . . . and how.

Now we know that many of you won’t have entered industry awards before, so we have created a ‘Tips for Writing your Entry’ guide to help get you started.  We so often take for granted the good work that we do, day in, day out – so why not seek some recognition for the results achieved?

You’ve done the hard work and achieved some excellent results.  So here are a few reasons why it is worth making a small amount of extra effort to package up your experience and learning into an award entry:

• Industry recognition.  Not only will an award win look good on your own CV but your work will a credit to your organisation, too, underlining the value delivered from investments in fundraising and insight.  Now that will impress supporters in the Annual Report.
• Bolster internal profile.  Being unassuming is a common trait of us analytical folk, but let’s seek credit where credit is due.  Even the process of crafting an award entry will help you reflect upon your team’s intelligent approach, helping you to articulate why you have been successful and how you have contributed significantly to fundraising performance.  Won’t the investment in better insight and data capabilities be so much easier to make?
• Increase team morale and loyalty.  Winning an award will ensure your diligence and wisdom is celebrated.  Success breeds success and you will find it easier to retain key staff and attract talent into your team and the organisation.
• Best practice case studies for the industry.  Your work can help educate and inspire others, continuing to raise standards within the sector and our discipline.

  . . . and don’t forget, by preparing your entry for the SIG awards you will have the material to adapt for other industry awards that you may also wish to enter such as the Database Marketing Awards, the Data Strategy Awards, the prestigious DMAs and others.

So why not clear a few hours in your schedule and invest in drafting your SIG award entry soon?

What is it and why is it essential?

by Nigel Magson, SIG Chairman Download

Impact of recession on Donors study findings Nov 09

By Steven Dodds, DMS

The Search for Green Shoots: Tracking the recession’s impact on donors

As the banking crisis and recession hit at the end of 2008, there was much concern and debate about its impact on fundraising and charitable income.  Since this time DMS has [...]]]>

Impact of recession on Donors study findings Nov 09

By Steven Dodds, DMS

The Search for Green Shoots: Tracking the recession’s impact on donors

As the banking crisis and recession hit at the end of 2008, there was much concern and debate about its impact on fundraising and charitable income.  Since this time DMS has been tracking how donors giving habits might change via a monthly quantitative study.  In particular, the study aims to identify who is most likely to change their giving habits and which methods of giving are likely to be winners or losers.

The study has helped DMS advise its clients on how their fundraising program needs to adapt to this changing environment, and where potential opportunities lie.  This session aims to share the key findings from this tracking survey and the implications for insight managers and fundraisers.  As the tough economic climate continues, and in a world where attitudes to money (and parting with it) may have changed for a good, come and learn where tender green shoots might be starting to grow.

Just Giving Online Supporter Insight presentation Nov 2009

By Jonathan Waddingham, Just Giving

Using real-life examples, you’ll learn how joining up the data from your web analytics and database can give you actionable insight to help your fundraising. You’ll also hear about the latest research JustGiving has undertaken into the types of people who [...]]]>

Just Giving Online Supporter Insight presentation Nov 2009

By Jonathan Waddingham, Just Giving

Using real-life examples, you’ll learn how joining up the data from your web analytics and database can give you actionable insight to help your fundraising. You’ll also hear about the latest research JustGiving has undertaken into the types of people who raise money online for charities to enable you to better target them and provide a better experience based on their needs, wants and habits.

CCB Fastmap presentation at Insight 2009 Conference

By David Cole, CCBfast.MAP

A practical discussion of how online research can be used to improve the performance of fundraising. We will explode the great myths about online research, educate attendees so they can avoid the mistakes of others and show specific examples of how charities (big [...]]]>

CCB Fastmap presentation at Insight 2009 Conference

By David Cole, CCBfast.MAP

A practical discussion of how online research can be used to improve the performance of fundraising. We will explode the great myths about online research, educate attendees so they can avoid the mistakes of others and show specific examples of how charities (big and small) have improved their fundraising performance through using online research.