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How to move hearts with a great story

Why your story is the key to moving hearts I might not have opened the letter yesterday. It was from Covenant House, a charity I supported only occasionally and long ago. But I did open it. And though I planned a different post to share with you this week, I knew I had to share […]

Filed Under: Annual Giving, Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: Christmas appeal, End of year appeal, fundraising apeal, storytelling 13 Comments

Are you bothering people or inspiring them?

Are you bothering people or inspiring them? So here we are – for fundraisers, this is the home stretch. The last weeks of the year. The most generous time of the year. (Cue the canned holiday music). We’re thinking about giving and new starts and miracles. We want to picture ourselves as kind and generous […]

Filed Under: Annual Giving, Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: donor communications, donor relationships, writing for donors 8 Comments

Are you ignoring your annual fund?

Are you ignoring your annual fund? The Chronicle of Philanthropy recently reported: Some 77 percent of organizations with an annual fund meet total fundraising goals as compared to just 55 percent of organizations without such a fund, according to a new report on the impact of annual-fund campaigns in overall fundraising. I know you’re focused […]

Filed Under: Annual Giving, Blog Tagged With: annual giving programs, fundraising plans, individual giving 8 Comments

If I was really your friend, you’d know my name

If I was really your friend, you’d know my name, right? You’re busy now, getting those appeals ready for the most wonderful time of the year. I know how busy it can get. But don’t forget the role good data and personalization play in your success or failure. I’m amazed at how many “Dear Friend” […]

Filed Under: Annual Giving, Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: annual appeals, donor relations, personalization 11 Comments

I am more than my checkbook

I am more than my checkbook. Do your donors feel that way? And does a well-written appeal really matter? In the rush to get something, anything, out the door on time, does it really matter how good it is? Judging from my mailbox, many charities – even large ones – don’t seem to think so. […]

Filed Under: Annual Giving, Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: appeal writing, donor-focused 11 Comments

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