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Too many cooks spoil the chili – or your next appeal

Or why too many cooks who don’t know what’s already in the pot can make a mess. Years ago, my family was gathered at my parent’s home to celebrate Christmas. By then, we were a big crowd – I have three siblings, and each of us has two children. So my mom planned to make eating […]

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

The why and how of fundraising

If you’re writing that year-end appeal or anything that goes to your donors, you’ll be more successful if you understand the “why” and “how” of fundraising. At first, you’d say it’s pretty easy, right? How is the way to do something, why is the reason you do something. “Why” and “how” matter to your fundraising […]

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

You are not your donor

Even if you are a donor to your organization, you see with different eyes. You’re not the donor you’re trying to reach. That’s always good to keep in mind. Because our opinions are shaped by so much that won’t affect how – or if – a donor decides to give. Here’s one example: My husband […]

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

Feel good or fear? How you can move donors to act

Knowing when fear and good feelings move donors to act is important. Here in the northern hemisphere, the sun is shining, the weather is warm… it’s summer. My favorite time of year. That means it’s time to start thinking about your year-end appeal. I know, it sounds nuts, right? But if you want the chance […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: appeal writing, donor care, fear Leave a Comment

Eff the ineffable

Or, how to make your ask concrete, if you work for an arts organization. Arts lovers know that art can’t always be constrained by words. I spent a good part of my career as a staff person in an arts organization. Theater was my route into the nonprofit world. But my love for all kinds […]

Filed Under: Arts Fundraising, Blog, Donor communications, Fundraising Tagged With: appeal writing, arts organization, donor communications, Fundraising Leave a Comment

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