My name is Kristian Steffes. I’m a fundraising copywriter and creative strategist. I’m also a composer.
For more than two decades I’ve written words, dreamed up ideas and developed strategies to help charities make life kinder, happier and safer for you, me and everything that calls this planet home.
I’m currently based in the UK, but am fortunate to have worked with clients that span the globe - from Australia to North America and many places in between.
These are just a few of the dozens and dozens of brilliant organisations I’ve been privileged to help.
Here are some lovely people saying some lovely things about working with me.
"If Kristian could only duplicate himself the sector would be a richer place. Kristian is an amazing writer. He understands why people give. He cares passionately about the work he produces and the causes he produces it for. It's not surprising that his creative approach consistently beats target."
Tim Longfoot, Managing Director and Co-Founder, Open Fundraising
“When it comes to fundraising copy, Kristian is one of the best copywriters I have ever come across. Some of the best performing direct mail packs I have ever had were written by Kristian. He has excellent insight, researches well and tries to press the right buttons for the reader in exactly the right way. The right way being not to impress, or lecture, or teach – but to generate a desire to take action.”
Sean Triner, Co-Founder, Pareto Fundraising Australia
“Kristian and I have worked together for almost two decades (longer than any other creative partner I’ve worked with) and in that time he’s helped my team produce hundreds of brilliant fundraising campaigns. If you want someone who writes heartfelt, beautiful, clear and effective fundraising copy, look no further. Kristian is your man.”
Jonathon Grapsas. Founder and Director, Flat Earth Direct
"For the past 10 years Kristian has played an instrumental role in the growth of the appeals program for one of our biggest clients, The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Queensland. We appreciate his creative approach, out-of-the-box thinking and clear messaging, that in turn pulls at the heart strings of donors to give. In fact, Kristian copywrote RFDS's biggest grossing appeal in history, which we will forever be grateful for. Kristian delivers high quality, emotional and bespoke copywriting to create greater impact and results for our clients."
Josie O'Hara-Davies, Account Director, Flat Earth Direct
What do I do?
My direct mail, digital and press appeals have helped raise millions, and my creative strategies have helped agencies win and retain major clients.
My work consistently beats target and regularly trumps banker packs in tests. I am proud to have contributed toward campaigns that have won major industry awards in both the UK and Australia.
Here's a list of some of the ways I may be able to help you. And please get in touch if you would like to view samples of my work.
Direct Mail
High value donor recruitment
Bequest conversion and acquisition
Regular giving conversion and acquisition
Donor care
Cash acquisition
Creative ideas, strategy and support
Creative concepts
Proposition development
Pitch-winning creative ideas
Story gathering
Digital, online and social
Website copy
Email copy
Banner ads
Social media campaigns
Music composition and sound design
Original compositions and sound design for DRTV, film and events
Audio idents
Other
Face2Face (street) fundraising materials
Press ads
Case-study interviews
Copywriter recruitment and training
Some things you might find useful to know about me:
I’ve been writing copy and dreaming up ideas for the NFP sector since 1998.
My words and thoughts have helped my clients raise north of $100 million.
My appeals have helped my clients win several major industry awards.
My clients have included massive international charities, local hospices, and everything in-between.
I have loads of experience working with agencies, both in a freelance capacity and as a full-time employee.
Many moons ago I helped run a performance company called In Toto. I wrote a play that got some attention, and that’s how I was offered my first job in fundraising copywriting.
My rates are competitive, and I always take into consideration the scale of an organisation when quoting.
This a picture of my excellent son when he was little - because he’s lovely, and as everyone in fundraising knows: never miss a chance to include a cute child in your communications!