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Want some action? Use emotion.

Years ago, on vacation, as I read 2312, by Kim Stanley Robinson a phrase stopped me cold. I had to dog-ear the page. “Reason can’t work without emotion. People who are cut off from their emotions can’t decide.” Reason can’t work without emotion. People who are cut off from their emotions can’t decide. So, ok, […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: direct mail, emotional writing, writing for donors

Saving the world, losing your mind

Saving the world, losing your mind… does that sound familiar to you? The Association of Fundraising Professionals says 75% of fundraisers are women.  and A Harvard Business School study shows that however lofty her professional position, family issues are still seen as a woman’s problem. (Speed reading? An article in Slate summarizes the information contained in the […]

Filed Under: Blog, Caring for yourself Tagged With: nonprofit management, women in fundraising, work life balance

Why “because” matters to your ask

Because is a word kids come to dread. I remember being a kid and getting a very unsatisfying answer to some questions. My questions were usually “Why?” or more often “Why not?” And the unsatisfying answer was “Because” or worse, “Because I said so.” Does that sound familiar to you? It was infuriating, of course. […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications, Fundraising Tagged With: appeal writing, donor communications, Fundraising

Your last-minute year-end appeal checklist

Ah… your year-end fundraising appeal isn’t out yet. And maybe, just maybe, life got in the way, too. I’m trying not to panic about Christmas shopping myself. But if you haven’t sent your year-end appeal yet, maybe this will help. And if you have already mailed something, maybe this will help with those late December […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications, Fundraising Tagged With: appeal writing, donor communications

Are you caught up in “Yay Us” fundraising?

“Yay Us!” Be honest… is that what your donor communications read like? First, I want you to know that I’m pulling for you. And if you’re lucky enough to work for a nonprofit whose work you absolutely love and believe in, I’m thrilled for you. Seriously. Not everyone is so fortunate. But you know your […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: donor communication

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