By Bill Tedesco Strong donor relationships are built on exquisite communication strategies. Crafting the best donor communication methods is easily done when your organization knows your donors inside and out. Prospect research helps your organization fundraise smarter with insights on your donors’ financial, philanthropic, and general lives. You’ll obtain details like donors’ past giving history, […]
How to reach donors with a personal touch
I’ve said it before. Good fundraising is always one to one. That’s true even if you’re communicating with thousands. It should always feel one to one. That should always be your aim, even if it takes a little more effort. But when is the last time you really made a personal effort? OK, my major […]
Why somebody will never save your organization
A case for personal fundraising Somebody rarely volunteers. Somebody is easy to ask. Somebody is distant, polite, impersonal… safe. And Somebody never gives. Your organization has a mission – a problem to be solved. The solution almost always requires money. To raise that money, you turn to people who might care about your cause. Maybe […]
Is your annual report a vanity piece or a hard worker?
It’s a serious question: what purpose does your annual report serve? What outcomes are you looking for? Too many organizations see an annual report as part required reporting and part organizational brochure. But even if yours is meant to be a sales piece, is it selling? How do you know? And if you see reporting […]
Beware these pitfalls if you want to raise more money
Indulge me, will you? There are some common words or phrases that I see in too many appeals (and annual reports or even thank you letters) that set my teeth on edge. You’ll find me, almost daily, sorting my mail and shaking my head. So here, for your amusement or education, are a few. […]