Direct Response Decision Science Strategies

Key behavioural science principles to grow your fundraising programme.

This fast-paced, practical workshop will explore how behavioural science can supercharge your direct response fundraising. Through real-world case studies, you’ll learn how cognitive biases—both well-known and unexpected—influence donor behaviour and drive higher engagement and giving.

The session will break down a number of fundraising campaigns (on- and offline) that leveraged these biases to increase conversion rates, gift sizes, and donor retention. You’ll see how small tweaks—like framing donation amounts, using human-like imagery, and strategically placing social proof—can create big breakthroughs in your fundraising results.

Learning outcomes

  • Get science-backed, actionable strategies to optimise your campaigns and drive stronger donor engagement.
  • Discover how small design tweaks can punch above their weight when it comes to impact.
  • Learn how cognitive biases influence the ways your donors think and act.

Speakers

John Lepp
Partner & Creative Director, Agents of Good
Marina Jones
Executive Director, Development & Public Affairs, English National Opera