Unlocking restricted funds, ethical storytelling & THE CASE FOR better endings

Every couple of months, we aim to share a round-up of some of the most interesting perspectives and niche ideas being published by other fundraisers, experts and bloggers in our sector.

Here's the latest edition of our Unconventional Wisdom round-up - I hope you find it helpful!

How to involve supporters in campaigning
Written by Kirsty Marrins and published by Charity Digital
MPs should listen to and act on their constituents’ needs. However, this isn’t always the reality, and this article delves into what charities can do to ensure that MPs not only engage with their campaigns but take meaningful action. Find out tips on why personalisation is key, how technology can be used to drive offline actions, and how you can change up your tactics in order to help achieve your organisation’s campaigning objectives.

ChatGPT and fundraising - what do you need to know? (part two)
Written by Cherian Koshy and published by SOFII
In our last round-up, we shared part 1 of SOFII’s article on ChatGPT and fundraising. Part 2 looks in more detail at what fundraisers need to know before using ChatGPT, and whether it poses a risk to the charity sector. Our key takeaway is that ChatGPT is developing not to take your jobs, but to make them easier and faster - read on to find out how ChatGPT can be a tool for your organisation.

Unlocking restricted funds: our top tips
Written by Laura Soley and published by Bates Wells
It’s a difficult economy for charities right now, and the cost-of-living crisis is leading to many charities looking at whether they can cover core operating costs by unlocking restricted funds and endowments. Bates Wells recommend that all charities review their restricted funds and endowments from time to time to make sure they are still fit for purpose - this article includes a jargon buster and tips to help charities in the same position.

Fortune Favours The Brave: The case for better endings
Written by Iona Lawrence and published on Medium
Where charities and social enterprises are already underfunded and running over-capacity, it can be difficult to justify taking a step back to reflect on what is working, what isn’t, and what difficult decisions need to be made. This blog tackles the important but under-discussed topic of closures, mergers and programme terminations, and shares a vision for a civil society that embraces better endings.

How to make operational changes
Written by Christine Chiu and published by Charity Digital
On a similar theme to Iona’s blog above, Charity Digital have published this article for organisations who might be considering making operational changes as a result of the current climate. Find out why organisation leaders need to be clear about why the change is happening, and how to address these difficult issues, including reduction of costs, redeployment, and, at worst, redundancy.

Ethical Storytelling -10 tips
Written by Rachel Erskine and published by Fundraising Everywhere
Most funders expect applications to include a balance of data and relatable stories to demonstrate the evidence of need and bring your organisation’s work to life. However, there are implications in taking service users’ stories and experiences as property, with the potential to cause harm through reductive storytelling which centres the charity rather than the contributor. This blog, on the other hand, offers 10 ethical tips to make meaningful and sustainable changes to your storytelling.