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If you want to raise more money, tell me a story

Storytelling rightfully gets lots of attention After all, human beings communicate through stories – and always have. You probably know someone who is a terrific storyteller. I’ve got a friend with a real gift for it. It doesn’t matter whether she’s telling me about a life-or-death situation or a trip to the grocery store. Either […]

Filed Under: Annual Giving, Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: appeal writing, donor communications, storytelling 3 Comments

Looking for new donors? 5 things to think about

Looking for new donors? 5 things to think about So you’re looking for a few good (new) donors, are you? (Isn’t everyone?) Before you start pushing mail out the door or emailing wildly, there are some steps you should take. 1. Before you start: are you caring for your current donors? If you’re not already […]

Filed Under: Annual Giving, Blog Tagged With: donor acquisition, fundraising appeals, new donors 5 Comments

What sloppy data means to donors

What sloppy data means to donors Are you ignoring crossed wires? If tending to your donor database is a job passed off on the intern or an occasional volunteer, you’re playing with fire. Why? Because that’s not just “computer stuff”. That information is where your donors live. Those relationships you know you should be building? […]

Filed Under: Annual Giving, Blog Tagged With: data entry, donor management systems, donor preferences 15 Comments

Do you want to keep last year’s donors this year?

How to keep those donors Oh, hello 2024. Yes, your year-end fundraising efforts are over. Take a deep breath. Relax. OK. Enough of that. Time for 2024 fundraising! And here’s what I want you to think most about: retention. I hope you welcomed new donors last year. And maybe even welcomed back some others. But […]

Filed Under: Annual Giving, Blog, Planning Tagged With: donor communications, donor relationships Leave a Comment

Stubborn as #$%*

Call it commitment. Or maybe, determination. Possibly, just sheer cussed stubbornness. Whatever you call it, it’s the key to a successful annual giving program. Here’s the thing: I could write a really good appeal. The data could be in great shape. The stars might all align and the message, audience, and timing could be perfect. […]

Filed Under: Annual Giving, Blog Tagged With: annual giving program, donor communications Leave a Comment

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  • You talking to me? Or why you must focus on donor retention
  • Zoom in for more effective stories
  • How to raise more money? Less sell and more tell

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