Why do people give?

By: Mark Phillips
  • Summary

  • From face to face to regular giving and from high value to reporting back, the roots of our favourite fundraising techniques go back many, many years. It's astounding that the ideas and tactics our fundraising forebears developed still boost income when we use them in the technologically advanced environment of today. As a result, when I consider a fundraising problem I always look to the past and use that understanding to create a solution for today. As part of my personal fundraising journey I've been spending time with the fundraisers who were involved in some of the most amazing campaigns from the second half of the 20th century to see what what I can learn from them. And I thought it would be a good idea to share their thoughts and stories so everyone can benefit - so I recorded them. This series of podcasts is the result.
    © 2025 Why do people give?
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Episodes
  • The one where we discuss what donors tell us about why they give with Amber Nathan
    Jan 27 2025

    Have you ever wondered what really makes people give to charity – and why they sometimes stop? Well, we’ve got the answers for you in today’s episode of Two Ps on a Pod!

    Together with Giles Pegram CBE, I’m interviewing Bluefrog’s Head of Research, Amber Nathan who has spent much of the last twenty years interviewing thousands of donors worldwide. This conversation is packed full of insights that will transform your fundraising strategy.

    Here’s what you’ll learn:

    • The real emotional drivers that move the most valuable donors to give.
    • Why donors stop supporting charities – and what you can do to prevent it.
    • The most common fundraising mistakes that could be costing you money.
    • What donors really think of rebranding.
    • Practical strategies to deepen donor relationships and grow a sustainable IG programme.

    If you want to understand what’s driving giving, how you can strengthen donor connections, boost retention, and make every penny of your budget count, this podcast is for you!

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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • The second part of our Regular Giving discussion
    Jan 15 2025

    If you’re looking for deeper insights into what’s working (and what’s not) in regular giving, Giles Pegram and I are back with Part Two of our deep dive into all things RG on this new episode of Two Ps on a Pod.

    Here’s what we’re covering today:

    Stewardship & Upgrades – How and when to upgrade regular givers, and by how much.
    Mid-Value Giving & Membership Programmes – The pros, cons, and how to build RG portfolios effectively.
    1% Attrition Challenge – Can we realistically achieve this? What about face-to-face recruitment?
    Mystery Giving & Cancellation Processes – We’ve uncovered some surprising truths!

    Just like in Part One, we’re also sharing tactical ideas to improve recruitment and retention strategies.

    And don’t miss our giveaway!

    We’re offering two incredible books:

    Ken Burnett’s Relationship Fundraising - the brand new updated third edition.
    Lisa Sargent’s Thankology

    To win, simply drop a question or debate topic in the comments below. Whether it’s on LinkedIn or YouTube, if we use your suggestion, one of these books will be winging its way to you as soon as next week.

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    55 mins
  • The one where we discuss Regular Giving
    Jan 8 2025

    🎙️ In Today's Episode: A Deep Dive into Regular Giving

    Join us as we explore the fascinating subject of Regular Giving (RG) – from its origins in religious tithing to products like child sponsorship and RoomSponsor. Discover how RG has become a cornerstone for driving sustained, long-term impact.

    We tackle pressing challenges, such as the overuse of low-value asks and the pitfalls of traditional "urgent" messaging, which can dilute donor engagement. Plus, we delve into the dynamics of donor behaviour, including how portfolios are capped and managed.

    From recruitment strategies to donor stewardship, we discuss how to foster trust and a strong sense of belonging among supporters. Explore various recruitment channels, including TV, telephone, and digital, and learn why credibility and alignment in messaging are critical for success.

    Finally, we highlight the importance of testing and adaptability in crafting campaigns that resonate.

    🎁 Special Bonus: Share this podcast on LinkedIn, and you’ll get a chance to win a free copy of Lisa Sargent's brilliant new book, Thankology!

    Don’t miss this insightful episode packed with strategies to elevate your Regular Giving campaigns.

    #Fundraising #RegularGiving #DonorEngagement #NonprofitInnovation

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    1 hr and 6 mins

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