The Blog

The Vagina Museum demonstrates the power of crowdfunding

From labia length to orgasms, The Vagina Museum has bared all since launching in 2019. But the charity faced a major setback last summer when it was unexpectedly turfed out of its Bethnal Green home.

However, it reopened on 4 November in a new location, thanks to a successful crowdfunding appeal.

Find out more in our latest blog post.

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Fundraising News Tim Barnes Fundraising News Tim Barnes

Funding opportunities for February

Trawling through databases for funding opportunities is a time-consuming task. Before you know it, 5pm has come around and you’re cross-eyed from hours of fruitless screen time.

To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of opportunities from trusts, corporates, and the public sector in our February funding round-up.

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Return of the Big Help Out 

Following the unprecedented success of the Big Help Out in May 2023, the organisers have announced it will return in 2024.

But this time, it’ll take place over three days, from 7-9 June, to coincide with the end of Volunteers’ Week.

Read on to find out how to get involved.

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Has the charity telethon had its day?

BBC Children in Need is synonymous with the word ‘telethon’. Since it first hit our TV screens in 1980, the annual event has raised a whopping £1bn for disadvantaged young people.

But the on-the-night total has been declining in recent years, hitting an all-time low in 2023.

Does it spell the end of the traditional telethon fundraiser?

Read our latest blog post to find out.

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Katharine House Hospice trials innovative CO2 till displays to promote sustainable shopping

Climate change is real, folks. The earth is warming at an unprecedented rate, and, according to Nature Sustainability, if we don’t take action now, 22% of the earth will be uninhabitable by 2100.

Charities have a vital role to play in promoting climate change awareness. And some, like Katharine House Hospice, are doing it in creative and impactful ways.

Find out more in our latest blog post.

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Fundraising News Tim Barnes Fundraising News Tim Barnes

RNIB launches new audio identity

The roar of the MGM lion. The “ba-da-ba-ba-baaa” at the end of a McDonalds ad. The iconic ‘ta-dum’, as you launch Netflix.

When we hear these memorable ditties, we immediately think of the brands behind them.

But, sonic branding isn’t just for corporates.

Find out how RNIB is using audio branding in our latest blog post.

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The Captain Tom Foundation: Tarnishing a legacy

In April 2020, Captain Sir Tom Moore raised over £30 million for NHS Charities Together by doing 100 laps of his garden with his walking frame.

Tragically, the WWII veteran died in 2021, but he left an incredible legacy in the form of The Captain Tom Foundation, which his family set up to support "causes close to his heart".

However, four short years later, the Foundation is set to close.

Find out what went wrong and the lessons we can learn in our latest blog post.

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Tips & Advice Tim Barnes Tips & Advice Tim Barnes

Dates for the diary: Fundraising Conferences in 2024

Planning to attend a fundraising conference this year?

If not, you’re missing out.

They’re excellent opportunities to expand your knowledge, keep your finger on the pulse of industry trends, and build relationships with potential donors, volunteers, and suppliers.

And there are plenty to choose from.

Check out our top picks in the latest Bamboo blog post.

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Tips & Advice Tim Barnes Tips & Advice Tim Barnes

Peer-to-peer fundraising hit an all-time high on JustGiving in 2023

According to JustGiving, 2023 was a record-breaking year for fundraising.

Despite the challenges posed by the cost-of-living crisis, £550 million was raised through the platform, the highest amount since it launched in 2020.

In our first blog post of 2024, we share some fundraising takeaways from 2023 and look at some of the inspirational fundraisers that contributed to that record-breaking total.

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Five psychological hacks to help you unwind over the festive period

Its been another challenging year for the charity sector. But the end is in sight.

The festive break is the perfect opportunity to grab a glass of mulled wine, put your feet up and enjoy some much-needed R&R.

But that’s easier said than done. For some of us, relaxation doesn’t come easy.

To help you switch off, we’ve compiled five top tips from experts in the fields of health, science, and psychology, and shared them in our latest blog post.

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Introducing the Charity Mentoring Network

Fancy upskilling your fundraisers - for free? Thanks to the Charity Mentoring Network, you can.

The UK’s first nationwide mentoring scheme has launched to connect people working across the sector and help them become more effective in their roles.

@‌TheRoyal Voluntary Service, @‌StJohnsAmbulance, @shelter, and @‌EpilepsyAction have signed up. Should you?

Read our latest blog post to find out.

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Fundraising Ideas Tim Barnes Fundraising Ideas Tim Barnes

The power of podcasting

Whether you love them or hate them, there’s no denying podcasts are a growing medium.

Over 19.1 million Brits regularly listen to podcasts, and the number is on the rise. And, contrary to popular belief, podcasts aren’t just for celebrity gossip - they’re an untapped marketing and fundraising resource for charities.

Read on to find out more about this growing format.

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