Hands-On Fundraising

Donor Communications

  • About
  • Hands-On Fundraising Blog
  • Services
  • Contact

I see you

That’s what we all really want, isn’t it? Someone who sees us. We want to be known for ourselves, as people. To be recognized. That’s what our donors are looking for as well. So why is so much communication impersonal and generic? The lazy answer is because it’s easier that way. Large organizations might think: […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: appeal writing, communication, Donors, Fundraising, Letter Writing, Nonprofit, relationships 7 Comments

Extrovert? Why you might want to listen more

It wasn’t the first time I’d seen an out-of-control extrovert. I watched as a colleague confidently strode toward the party. Eager to talk to any and everyone in the room, she helped herself to a drink and hurried in. In the fundraising biz, it’s easier to be an extrovert. Extroverts don’t hesitate to wade into […]

Filed Under: Blog, Fundraising Tagged With: Donors, Fundraising, Nonprofit, Personality type Leave a Comment

Scarcity or Abundance?

Scarcity or abundance? What do we choose? Some time ago, I sat in a staff meeting, where the talk was all about scarcity. Not that anyone thought about it exactly that way. We thought were talking about how to be careful with spending, and about prudent choices about programming. We were talking about what we […]

Filed Under: Blog, Planning Tagged With: Abundance Mentality, Nonprofit, organizational planning Leave a Comment

Trademarked

Can a friend be trademarked? I received a solicitation in the mail the other day. I bet you’ve also gotten this one or one like it. It comes with many colorful address labels. And a nickel! What really made me laugh this time, though, was the salutation. They obviously knew my name, because it was […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: appeal writing, direct mail, Fundraising Leave a Comment

Letting Go

Letting go is hard. If you’re like me, you have a tendency to want to control as much as possible of your work life. That makes us good at what we do. You don’t want someone indifferent handling donor care – or data entry – right? But that’s a different dance when you’re working with […]

Filed Under: Blog, Boards, Fundraising Tagged With: Boards, Donors, Nonprofit Leave a Comment

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 106
  • 107
  • 108
  • 109
  • Next Page »

Fundraising advice served fresh to your inbox

Get yours here:

Search

Recent Posts

  • 4 Ways to Turn One-Time Donors Into Long-Term Supporters
  • Looking for attention? Why the details matter
  • This is why you can’t find a great development director
  • The new way to fundraise? Trust your mail.
  • Donor identity: How do your donors see themselves?

Work with me!

Let's talk about how I can help your organization raise more money.

Contact

  • Donor communications
  • Fundraising Strategy

Copyright © 2025 · Mary Cahalane · Hands-On Fundraising · 847 S. Main Street · #183 · Plantsville, CT 06479