Hands-On Fundraising

Donor Communications

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

Looking for attention? Why the details matter

It’s almost that time of year again. Your mailbox and inbox are probably getting as crowded as mine are. Appeals from organizations you’ve supported. And appeals from new organizations, hoping to grab your attention. It’s overwhelming to you, a professional. Imagine how it feels to your kind donors. Plus, we’re living in an age of […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: appeal writing, attention, details Leave a Comment

This is why you can’t find a great development director

Great development directors are precious. It seems there is a constant demand for development directors. Turnover is a tremendous problem. People wonder why they can’t find a great one. In their study, Underdeveloped, CompassPoint, and the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund found “high levels of turnover and lengthy vacancies in development director positions throughout the sector.” […]

Filed Under: Blog, Fundraising Tagged With: Development director, Fundraising 43 Comments

The new way to fundraise? Trust your mail.

So, have all the cool kids moved to digital? Is AI going to replace human communication? (Don’t get me started on that one…) And is mail so yesterday? Sometimes it seems like that’s what I’m hearing. And I often feel like a grandma, warning people not to move everything online. But grandma or not, I’ll […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: digital fundraising, direct mail 5 Comments

Donor identity: How do your donors see themselves?

Understanding donor identity will strengthen your fundraising. My daughter graduated from Oberlin College. At the ceremony, speakers repeatedly encouraged the grads to go change the world. They were greeted with loud cheers. It was obvious that from alumni to faculty, to graduating students and their younger friends, Oberlin has a strong sense of self. It’s […]

Filed Under: Blog, Branding, Donors Tagged With: donor identity, donor retention, donor survey 2 Comments

12 human quirks you can use to fundraise better

We humans are quirky. You know fundraising is never as simple as asking for donations. Behind your ask is a world of study. We think about our language. We consider exactly what we’re asking for and why. And we keep the language clear and simple. We’re straightforward about the need and use stories to illustrate […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications, Fundraising Tagged With: donor communications, Fundraising, neuropsychology Leave a Comment

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • …
  • 110
  • Next Page »

Fundraising advice served fresh to your inbox

Get yours here:

Search

Recent Posts

  • Can’t afford to raise money?
  • You can stop listening to excuses and raise more money
  • Write a better fundraising appeal
  • So you want more active donors and more income…
  • How to help people feel connected

Work with me!

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

Contact

  • Donor communications
  • Fundraising Strategy

Copyright © 2026 · Mary Cahalane · Hands-On Fundraising · 847 S. Main Street · #183 · Plantsville, CT 06479