If you’re a fundraiser, telling a good story is a skill you need. Why? The simplest answer is that stories – not facts – are how we make decisions. But there are lots of delicious layers to that answer. Stories are how we relate Facts – especially statistics – light up a part of our […]
So you want to write to donors
Here are some basic rules that I try to keep front of mind when I write to donors. Kind beats clever It’s tempting for a writer to fall in love with clever prose. We read it, we get it, we smile and nod. But if the purpose of your writing is to help people open […]
What do you have to offer?
I’ve been gobbling up a series Steven Screen has been writing about your fundraising offer. Go read everything he’s been writing! This is such a critical part of any appeal you will send. Yet, it’s often overlooked. And that’s a shame because when you can work out the offer the rest of the piece is […]
Can fundraisers be both human and smart?
I received a lovely email from the Fundraising Everywhere folks. In it was a piece by Wayne Murray. He urged all of us in the nonprofit sector to be more human. That gets a rousing YES! From me. But then we veered from the big picture – keeping fundraising human – to tactics like font […]
5 Ways Mobile Apps Can Support Your Fundraising Strategy
These days, it seems like there are mobile apps for everything. Online shopping, stargazing, photo editing, meditation — the list goes on. Apps can help you figure out what to cook for dinner. They can keep you from getting bored in a waiting room. Or introduce you to your new favorite music. Mobile apps are […]