Resources library
Welcome to the Resource Alliance resources library. From here you can find relevant articles, videos and research papers. To access our other resources, please click on the links on the menu on the left-hand side.
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20 top corporate fundraising tips
Resource type: Article
31 May 2009In this paper, the author shares their experiences of 11 years working as a corporate donor at Levi Strauss, and offers a step by step guide to finding and securing corporate support, with 20 easy… More Information…
28th IFC - Impromptu session on Fundraising, recession and the credit crunch
Resource type: Video
30 Nov 2006An impromptu session at the 28th International Fundraising Congress in Holland attracted over 100 delegates wanting some reassurance about how the recession might affect their organisations and what,…
30th IFC Celebration session
Resource type: Video
In this popular ‘end of the conference presentation’ Tony shared his latest thinking on trends and developments. Sharp, original observations challenging the way you do things and, above all,…
30th IFC Celebration session - Brilliant Fundraising Innovation
Resource type: Video
So many ideas used to get lost in time, but SOFII has changed all that, providing great fundraising thinking, examples of creativity and a source to inspire new fundraising ideas.
30th IFC Celebration session - The Digital Revolution
Resource type: Video
Social media and every piece of mobile technology have all been born during the lifetime of the IFC. Have we really understood the power of digital communications?
30th IFC Celebration session - The Direct Marketing Revolution
Resource type: Video
In the fastest moving area of fundraising, have you moved fast enough? Direct marketing is now about audience insight, donor obsession, choosing the right channel mix, eCRM thinking and original strategies…
30th IFC Celebration session - The Donor is Queen
Resource type: Video
A true celebration of a remarkable person, the donor; what do we really know about them? This session brought delegates up to date on the best thinking to understand the donors and to develop lifelong…
30th IFC Opening Plenary session - Celebrating the Power of Fundraising
Resource type: Video
30 Nov 2010This Opening Plenary had three main timelines, exploring the profound effects that modern fundraising has on Society. This session celebrated the role of the fundraiser and their personal ‘inner…
Access, Accountability and Advocacy
Resource type: Article
Boards serve as a link between the organisation and its larger community. In governing well, boards perform a mediating role that is rooted in three essential board duties: access, accountability, and… More Information…
Are you a future leader?
Resource type: eNewsletter article
28 Mar 2013The Future Leaders Programme for Fundraisers will help non-profits reach their full potential At a time when job insecurity and budgetary pressures are increasing it is vital that organisations large and…
Breakthroughs in online fundraising: the emerging philanthropic web
Resource type: eNewsletter article
07 May 2010We're all involved in philanthropy of one sort or another, but how can not-for-profits make better use of the philanthropic web? There's a plethora of advice out there, but Christine Egger is working hard…
Building donor loyalty
Resource type: eNewsletter article
14 Oct 2009If donor retention is so important to nonprofits, why are we not doing more to keep them? Adrian Sargeant looks at how we can persuade our donors to stay with us We continue to lose our donors at…
Colin Habberton Fundraising Online 2012 video
Resource type: Video
22 Mar 2012At this year's, Fundraising Online we are excited to have a host of inspiring speakers who will be bringing their expertise and experience to our online platform. Prior to the conference taking…
Compendium of the India NGO Awards 2009/11
Resource type: Promotional materials
Over the years, the Resource Alliance, through the India NGO Awards programme, has compiled and collated a large body of information on NGOs working across the country. This information provides an insight… More Information…
Could e-services be the way for your charity?
Resource type: eNewsletter article
14 Oct 2009Charities often don't invest in new technology and online services because of the cost, but software as a service (SaaS) could be the answer. Patrick Nash explainsCharity websites are big business. Growing…
Credibility, Image and Identity: A Crisis in the NGO Sector in Kenya
Resource type: Article
This guide provides an interesting and informative history and oversight of the non-profit sector in Kenya. Focussing on the current context, Elkanah Odembo has identified several challenges… More Information…
Direct Mail Fundraising on Trial
Resource type: Article
In this guide, Mal Warwick condenses over 30 years of fundraising experience, to provide you with an introduction to Dorothy Donor and her donor journey with ‘Green Earth’. Mal provides oversight… More Information…
Donor Commitment - What is it, What Drives it and Why does it matter
Resource type: Article
This article details the results of a survey designed to:Define and measure donor commitmentDetermine what drives donor commitment, andTo identify the impact of commitment on perceived and actual donor… More Information…
Ethics in Fundraising
Resource type: Article
The real issue in fund-raising by non-profit organisations these days, is whether your organisation is responsible, trust worthy and accountable in seeking funds from others for the cause it is espousing.… More Information…
Finding sponsors for your event
Resource type: Article
In this useful guide, Usha takes you through 9 key steps to winning and keeping event sponsors. Full of easy to follow and useful advice, this practical guide is helpful to anyone trying to secure sponsorship… More Information…
First America, then the world
Resource type: eNewsletter article
14 Dec 2009A 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…
Forum on Bridging Philanthropy and Development
Resource type: eNewsletter article
20 Jun 2012We are very proud to be working again in partnership with the Rockefeller Foundation on a Forum on Bridging Philanthropy and Development in Africa and Asia. Following on from our work on the Bellagio Initiative…
Fundraising leaders: the 'glue that keeps organisations together'
Resource type: Article
27 Mar 2013Insight and shared experiences were order of the day at the recent Resource Alliance Breakfast Briefing on effective leadership. It may have been a cold, grey, winters’ morning but the mood…
Fundraising Online 2012 attendee flash tour
Resource type: Video
01 Feb 2012Fundraising Online is the world’s best 100% online digital fundraising conference, featuring the best in digital and online fundraising advice from expert speakers.Watch this short flash tour to…
Fundraising Online 2012 promo video
Resource type: Video
02 Dec 2011Watch the Fundraising Online 2012 promo video to find out why it is indeed the world’s best 100% online digital fundraising conference, featuring the best in digital and online fundraising advice…
Fundraising Online 2012 sponsor flash tour
Resource type: Video
15 Feb 2012Fundraising Online is the world’s best 100% online digital fundraising conference, featuring the best in digital and online fundraising advice from expert speakers.Watch this short flash tour to…
Fundraising Online 2013 promo video - now free to attend!
Resource type: Video
11 Jan 2013Fundraising Online - now free to attend in 2013Make a date to join the world's best online and digital fundraising conference from 15-16 May 2013.The 2013 programme will be full of ideas and solutions…
Getting the most out of coaching and mentoring
Resource type: eNewsletter article
28 Mar 2013Written by Geraldine Kilbride, Leadership Expert – London Business School and Programme Director of the Future Leaders Programme for Fundraisers What is coaching? There are many definitions of exactly…
Guidelines on creating an association of fundraisers
Resource type: Article
Why set up a national association of fundraisers?To set and promote standards of ethical and professional fundraising practiceMonitor the implementation of standards and code of practicesBe able… More Information…
How to find funders
Resource type: Article
30 Nov 2003The following document explains how to find information about potential funders and how to research and approach donors. There is a great deal of information available about funding organisations, the… More Information…
How to organise events to raise money
Resource type: Article
This guide provides comprehensive insight into the fundamentals to organising a successful event, whatever the scale or scope, so whether you are organising a quiz night or a gala dinner, this guide is… More Information…
How to write a fundraising proposal
Resource type: Article
01 Jan 2003Writing a proposal is probably one of the most important skills in the fundraiser's repertoire. For many smaller organisations, the difference between a good and a bad proposal will be the difference between… More Information…
IFC 2011 Great Debate 1: What is fundraising success and how should we measure it?
Resource type: Video
As fundraisers we’re always talking about how successful our fundraising is. We talk about net income, ROI or perhaps our impact. But does everyone agree onwhat success really means and how…
IFC 2011 Great Debate 2: Who's in charge? The roles of HQ and national/chapter offices in large NGOs
Resource type: Video
The debate host, Geoffrey W. Peters, President and CEO of CDR Fundraising Group and international fundraiser with experience from more than 25 countries, explores solutions to…
IFC 2011 Great Debate 3: Are there any new ideas in fundraising?
Resource type: Video
Humankind has conquered the planet, tamed nature, and reached the stars. But in terms of fundraising has progress stood still? Back in 1235, Eihen Dogen, a Zen Buddhist teacher looking to build a…
IFC 2011 Great Debate 4: Should we be raising funds for disasters in developed economies?
Resource type: Video
No one questions the legitimacy and necessity of fundraising when disasters hit a developing country like the Tsunami in Asia or the earthquake in Haiti. Millions of people from all over the world showed…
IFC 2011 Great Debate 5: Is the future Bright or Bleak?
Resource type: Video
01 Dec 2011Everyone knows the importance of using ‘windows not mirrors’ to decide where to go next to protect, grow and dramatically change your fundraising. The speaker,Tony Elischer, specialises…
IFC 2011 Opening Plenary: Women in Philanthropy
Resource type: Video
01 Dec 2011The conference started with a high energy, multi-media plenary which aimed to open the delegates' eyes to an important and largely untapped trend: the growing empowerment of women…
IFC 2011 promotional video
Resource type: Video
29 Nov 2011IFC 2011 showcases the best fundraising skills on the planet. Watch the IFC 2011 promo video to find out why it was the best fundraising event to attend in 2011.
IFC 2012 North America Delegate Promo
Resource type: Video
13 Feb 2012Ever wondered what its like to actually be at the IFC? Watch our promo video to hear what our North American delegates have to say about their experiences at the IFC and the reasons why you should…
IFC 2012 sponsor and exhibitor promo
Resource type: Video
09 Dec 2012Get in front of the most important fundraising decision makers on the planet at the IFC 2012. The IFC is the world's leading conference for fundraisers and attracts some of the biggest, most progressive…
IFC 2013 sponsorship and exhibition prospectus
Resource type: Promotional materials
01 Feb 2013The IFC is recognised and respected throughout the fundraising sector. Our brand is solid and trusted and we have a long and proven track record having been running for well over 30 years. Becoming our… More Information…
IFC Speaker Poll 2011
Resource type: Survey results
In July 2011 the Resource Alliance launched an online poll in which six IFC 2011 speakers, including Karen Osborne, Stephen George, Anne-Marie Grey, Fiona Duncan, AJ Leon and Nick… More Information…
India NGO Awards 2010
Resource type: Video
The India NGO Awards is a unique national competition that celebrates and rewards the best non-governmental and non-profit organisations by showcasing examples of best practice and successful resource…
INGOs and Philanthropy
Resource type: Research paper
During the Resource Alliance’s Annual International Fundraising Congress (the IFC), a number of representatives from leading INGOs met to discuss the future of philanthropy from the perspective of… More Information…
Insights from the commercial world on fundraising from Martin Paul and Louise Brockbank
Resource type: Video
03 Jul 2012New to the International Fundraising Congress (IFC) programme this year are sessions offering brand new perspectives from outside the fundraising sector. These sessions will allow you to learn from leading…
Integrated E-Learning
Resource type: Article
For anyone thinking of desiging an online course, this guide is a must read!David Jameson is the E-learning Design Consultant for the CMPS (Government’s Centre for Management and Policy Studies)… More Information…
International Statement of Ethics in Fundraising
Resource type: Article
Fundraisers work in many varied fields, countries and circumstances, but they share several fundamental values and practices: they work to make the difference, help others and save what is valuable, in… More Information…
Jan Krol speaks about the IFC 2012 (Dutch)
Resource type: Video
Hear Jan Krol, Vice Chair of the Resource Alliance speak about the International Fundraising Congress (IFC) organised by the Resource AllianceTo find out more about the International Fundraising Congress…
Jonathon Grapsas Fundraising Online 2012 video
Resource type: Video
19 Apr 2012At this year's Fundraising Online we are excited to have a host of inspiring speakers who will be bringing their expertise and experience to our online platform. Prior…
Leadership Q&A with Gill Raikes
Resource type: eNewsletter article
28 Mar 2013Gill Raikes is chief executive at Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals Charity. Prior to taking this position, she was director of fundraising at the National Trust. 1. What makes a good leader?…
Leading from the front
Resource type: eNewsletter article
20 May 2010Neelam Makhijani took over as the Chief Executive of the Resource Alliance in April. How does she see her role at the helm of one of the most important organisations in global fundraising?“When…
Local Resource Mobilisation Through Media
Resource type: Article
In this guide, Ruta Mutakyahwa uses the case study of how media has been used to raise awareness of HIV in marginalised rural areas of Tanzania to sensitise viewers of the issues as well as promote… More Information…
Making the world a better place
Resource type: eNewsletter article
04 Nov 2009New chief executive of the Resource Alliance Hans Wolters took up his new post this month. He talked to Penny Stephens about his priorities, his thoughts for the future of the organisation and how it can…
Marcelo Iniarra Fundraising Online 2012 video
Resource type: Video
19 Apr 2012At this year's, Fundraising Online we are excited to have a host of inspiring speakers who will be bringing their expertise and experience to our online platform. Prior…
Michael Hoffman Fundraising Online 2012 video
Resource type: Video
09 Mar 2012At this year's, Fundraising Online we are excited to have a host of inspiring speakers who will be bringing their expertise and experience to our online platform. Prior to the conference taking…
Mix it up for the best returns
Resource type: Article
Discussing the untapped potential of multi-channel direct marketing and fundraising, in this guide Daryl talks about the need for NGOs to integrate fundraising, campaigning and communication tools in order… More Information…
My big mistakes - and what I’ve learnt from them
Resource type: eNewsletter article
05 Aug 2009We all make mistakes at some point in our lives, but hopefully we can learn from them, put it down to experience and remember not to do it again. The Resource Alliance's interim chief executive Lyndall…
Nokia Helping Hands
Resource type: Article
When non-profit organisations consider seeking support from the corporate sector they usually think money. Big profitable companies seem to be very rich, and indeed some do have significant corporate philanthropy… More Information…
Philanthrophy in Africa: A dialogue
Resource type: Research paper
This report documents conversations held during the Accra consultation meeting in September 2011. Participants from across the African philanthropic eco-system discussed the challenges to and opportunities… More Information…
Philanthropy in BRIC countries
Resource type: Research paper
This report shares the discussions held during the BRICS consultation meeting convened in Delhi in August 2011. Participants, from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa addressed the trends,… More Information…
Philanthropy in Middle Income Countries
Resource type: Research paper
The consultation addressed the trends, opportunities and challenges for the future of philanthropy in Middle Income Countries. Trends which can be observed are: growing local resource mobilisation; greater… More Information…
Philanthropy: Current Context
Resource type: Research paper
This report attempts to provide an overview of philanthropy and the ‘philanthropic eco-system’ that has evolved over the recent decade. Special focus of the report is on overseas philanthropy… More Information…
Promoting Transparency & Accountability
Resource type: Article
With a focus on the Philippine NGO sector, this guide talks about the challenges of regulation in the region, and introduces the Philippine Council for NGO Certification (PCNC), the role of this body in… More Information…
Raising Funds in Other Countries for Your Great Cause
Resource type: Article
In this guide Geoffrey Peters provides an insightful entry point to those thinking of developing fundraising activities in new markets. Dispelling ‘it won’t work here’ myths and commonly… More Information…
Risk and Philanthropy
Resource type: Research paper
26 Jun 2012This report examines how risks in international development philanthropy are defined, assessed and managed. It reports the conclusions from a series of interviews conducted with development philanthropists,… More Information…
SONI 2011 Global report
Resource type: Survey results
In association with Blackbaud, the Blackbaud Global SONI surveys are conducted to provide an overview of information that can help non-profits better benchmark their operations. These reports… More Information…
Spain: opportunity, growth and challenges for the third sector
Resource type: eNewsletter article
12 Feb 2010Charity has never been central to Spanish life, so there's plenty of opportunity for the third sector to grow. Daryl Upsall explains the not-for-profit sector in Spain. Say to a Spanish person that…
Synchronizing online and offline fundraising for better results
Resource type: eNewsletter article
07 May 2010Some of the best online fundraising campaigns have a strong offline component. Philip King explains how it strengthens the campaignI’m really looking forward to presenting at the upcoming IFC…
Tailored capacity development
Resource type: eNewsletter article
13 Mar 2012Do you or your regional partners need some extra support to develop your fundraising capacity? The Resource Alliance offers a bespoke training and mentoring service to help non-profit organisations around…
Testing the water face-to-face
Resource type: eNewsletter article
14 Dec 2009Face-to-face fundraising has been with us for more than a decade, but we’re still not testing our campaigns well enough. Owen Watkins explains how this could improve our understanding of F2F-acquired…
The Bellagio Initiative
Resource type: eNewsletter article
13 Dec 2011We are very proud to be working in partnership with the Rockefeller Foundation and the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) on the Bellagio Initiative, a series of global consultations aimed at delivering…
The Cardinal Rules of Fundraising Letters
Resource type: Article
This paper looks at eight fundamental rules of writing successful appeal letters, and then tells you when it is OK to break them! An insightful and practical guide to producing your appeal letters. More Information…
The Dilemma of Middle Class Philanthropy
Resource type: Research paper
08 Oct 2012As part of the Bellagio Initiative, a meeting was convened in Delhi with representatives from each of the BRIC countries to discuss what the future of philanthropy might look like for them. This report… More Information…
The emerging opportunities for smart fundraisers to use smart phones
Resource type: eNewsletter article
19 Apr 2010Is that a phone you've got in your pocket, or is it the next big thing in fundraising? Bryan Miller looks at how smart phones could be the way forwardI'm pretty sure that when Alexander Graham Bell…
The end of a few tough years - part 3
Resource type:
19 Apr 2010Sean Triner ponders what we have actually leaned from our experiences in the worst recession in living memorySo the recession happened and if we believe what the pundits tell us, it's been and gone. Of…
The end of a few tough years - part two
Resource type:
08 Mar 2010In the second of three articles, Sean Triner looks at how the recession affected fundraising in different parts of the world, and how each region has reactedHow bad was the recession when it came to charity…
The end of a few tough years - part two
Resource type: eNewsletter article
08 Mar 2010In the second of three articles, Sean Triner looks at how the recession affected fundraising in different parts of the world, and how each region has reactedHow bad was the recession when it came to charity…
The end of a few tough years...or is it?
Resource type: eNewsletter article
12 Feb 2010Fundraising has been through a hard time with the global economic recession, although some countries have barely noticed it. Sean Triner rounds up the global situation at the end of 2009 and muses on what…
The gift of time: how volunteering changed my perspective
Resource type: eNewsletter article
04 Nov 2009Derek Humphries reports back from his time volunteering as an emergency project manager for Borneo Orangutan Survival, and offers six tips and six potential pitfalls for organisations and volunteers. We…
The IFC 2012 Opening Plenary video
Resource type: Video
22 Nov 2012At the International Fundraising Congress (IFC) 2012, held from 16-19 October in the Netherlands, Bill Toliver presented an inspirational Opening Plenary to hundreds of fundraisers from around the world.'Leading…
The IFC 2012 sales brochure
Resource type: Promotional materials
12 Mar 2012Now you can download the International Fundraising Congress (IFC) 2012 sales brochure, containing everything you need to know about the IFC 2012 programme, this year's tracks, the network and social programme…
The IFC 2013 promo video
Resource type: Video
04 Jan 2013The International Fundraising Congress (IFC) is the world's showcase for excellence, innovation and inspiration in fundraising. We are excited to be back in the Netherlands from 15-18 October 2013. Watch…
The IFC 2013 sales brochure
Resource type: Promotional materials
24 Apr 2013Download the IFC 2013 sales brochure Now you can download the International Fundraising Congress (IFC) 2013 sales brochure, containing everything you need to know about this year's programme, tracks,… More Information…
The IFC 2013 sponsor and exhibitor video
Resource type: Video
07 Jan 2013Hear from leading suppliers to the sector why they get involved in the International Fundraising Congress (IFC) every year... Not able to view this video? Click here to view it.IFC 2013…
The Importance of Localizing Resource Mobilization
Resource type: Article
Finlay Craig explores the changing context in which we are fundraising, addressing the impact of the global village, the age of internet information and a 24 hour society, and discusses how the fundraiser… More Information…
The Resource Alliance 2010 Global Awards
Resource type: Video
The Resource Alliance 2010 Global Awards showcasing and rewarding expertise in fundraising.
The Resource Alliance general video
Resource type: Video
08 May 2012The Resource Alliance is a UK registered charity, based in London. Our mission is to be the global network for fundraising, resource mobilisation and philanthropy. We build skills, knowledge and promote…
The Resource Alliance Global Awards for Fundraising 2011
Resource type: Video
04 Jan 2012Organised and run by the Resource Alliance, the NGO Awards and Global Awards recognise and celebrate outstanding achievement in fundraising whilst setting aspirational standards and sharing best practice…
The role of digital for international charities
Resource type: eNewsletter article
03 Sep 2009Digital media has been touted as the next big thing in fundraising, but what has it delivered and how can we use it to our advantage? Jason Potts explainsThe opportunities and the challenges Digital…
Tips on how to get started in local fundraising
Resource type: Article
So you’ve decided that your organisation ought to be developing its fundraising.Before you actually get started, there are a number of things you need to do. This document provides valuable information… More Information…
Uncovering 'pain' to secure corporate partners
Resource type: eNewsletter article
08 Mar 2010Everyone thinks they have a unique proposal for potential corporate partners, but, says Mark Harrison, they’re sadly mistakenI was invited to attend a coffee chat yesterday with a national not-for-profit…
Using Giving Circles in diaspora giving
Resource type: eNewsletter article
03 Oct 2009Increasingly non-profit organizations are seeking the expansion of their donor base by reaching out to diaspora who will support causes in theri country of origin or among their own ethnic group in their…
Using Mission, Vision and Values
Resource type: Article
To effectively communicate mission, vision and values you need to understand what each is, and why each is so important. This document describes each of them in more detail and asks pertinent questions… More Information…
Using NGO image to develop Corporate Alliances
Resource type: Article
To build a successful corporate alliance you need to build a strong partnership in which it is necessary to find mutual benefits for both the NGO and the corporate. In this guide Norma Galafassi, Director… More Information…
Watch a video about the Resource Alliance
Resource type: Video
05 Dec 2012Watch this video to find out more about us and how we achieve our mission. Hear from staff and board members about how our comprehensive approach to capacity development equips NGOs around the world with…
Welcome to the Resource Alliance’s brand new eNewsletter
Resource type: eNewsletter article
12 Dec 2011A very warm welcome from myself and the Resource Alliance team.This is the first edition of our re-designed Newsletter and, as well as keeping you in the picture about all our activities and plans, we…
Why should I give your charity £100 now?
Resource type: eNewsletter article
05 Aug 2009Confident you can persuade me? Stephen Pidgeon thinks fundraisers could do with a bit more practice at coming up with a fundraising proposition that’s really going to persuade your donors to give The…
Why you should attend the IFC 2012
Resource type: Video
09 Dec 2012The International Fundraising Congress (IFC) is the world's leading conference on fundraising. Established in 1981, it attracts around 1,000 participants from almost 60 countries, and is renowned for its…
Why you should attend the IFC 2013
Resource type: Video
07 Jan 2012The International Fundraising Congress (IFC) is the world's showcase for excellence, innovation and inspiration in fundraising. We are excited to be back in the Netherlands from 15-18 October 2013. Watch…
Why your fundraisers are your biggest competitors
Resource type: eNewsletter article
07 May 2010People are changing their giving habits, fast. So what's happening? Time to wise up to the new world, says Rik HaslamHere’s the thing.I am a charity. I’m not registered. I have thousands of…
Winning Supporters through an Engaging Mission
Resource type: Article
It is important to articulate a mission and vision that are appealing and that have the requisite tools to deliver the set of activities required to fulfil your mission. It is important to convince a potential… More Information…