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What good politicians can teach us

I’ll admit to being a political junkie. I’ll be glued to the set tonight, watching returns until I fall asleep. The drama is better than most entertainment television has to offer. And of course, the stakes are huge. Think about all the people who don’t vote. In the US, only about 40% of people vote in […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications, Donors Tagged With: communications, donor retention, writing for donors Leave a Comment

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

No fundraising plan? Don’t worry. Here’s what you can do.

No fundraising plan? So, it’s October and you still haven’t gotten around to making a plan for your fundraising through December. Yeah. You’re screwed. No, just kidding. You can still make this work. But you need to start today. Why not just wing it? Just do what you always do, right? Who has time to think […]

Filed Under: Annual Giving, Blog, Planning, Thanks Tagged With: appeal writing, fundraising plans, year-end plan 2 Comments

Counting steps

Since mid-July, I’ve been counting steps. (The idea is to log 10,000 steps each day.) I started during vacation when we tend to walk a lot. Then I decided to keep going. I downloaded a little app to my phone and carry it with me. During the day, I can check in to see where I am […]

Filed Under: Blog, Caring for yourself, Planning Tagged With: end of year fundraising, fundraising plan, progress principle, small steps 1 Comment

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