Newsletter fails make me sad. The tagline said “thanking those who make a difference”, but I don’t think that’s me. Why? Because out of maybe 15 articles in the newsletter, 10 refer to large individual or foundation gifts. Like, millions large. And while the stated purpose of this newsletter is thanks, the headlines read like […]
Do you have a cause worth joining?
What’s your cause? I’ve been watching the kids from Parkland, FL force the country to face our gun safety problems. They’ve succeeded in grabbing our attention for many reasons. But one important reason is that they’ve defined their cause. Successfully, boldly and in a united way. We know what they’re fighting. We know what they […]
When your goals matter. And when they don’t.
I’ll bet your inbox looked like mine as 2017 came to an end. So many emails and letters – from organizations you support and sometimes from those you barely know. But every time I saw an appeal (email or direct mail) based on the organization’s fundraising goals, I wanted to cry. So in case you’ve […]
How to create a donor communications calendar
How well are you communicating with your donors? A communications calendar is a combination of messaging and timing. You can create the most amazing appeal letter, but if it’s the only time your donors hear from you this year, you aren’t communicating well. Or you can communicate constantly, but still miss because your channels or […]
I don’t owe you: why I’m not giving back
Makes me sound awful, doesn’t it? “What a selfish person”, you’re thinking right now. But let me explain. When you ask people to “give back” by making a gift to your organization, you’re setting up a relationship based on obligation. And transaction. Think carefully about whether that’s really what you want. Are you looking for […]