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Donor Communications

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 gifts readers… I know […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: donor care, donor relationships, personal fundraising 2 Comments

Somebody will never save your organization

Somebody will never save your organization. This is 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: donor relationships, fundraising appeal, personal fundraising 1 Comment

Is your annual report a vanity piece or a hard worker?

Is your annual report a vanity piece? It’s a serious question: what purpose does your annual report serve? And 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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: annual report, donor relationships, Thanks 5 Comments

Beware these pitfalls if you want to raise more money

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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: donor appeals, donor care, donor focus 3 Comments

How to address hard truths in the era of fake news

Hard truth or fake news? (Yes, this is still a piece about fundraising and nonprofits) I watched the press conference wind to an end. At that point, the spokesperson uttered demonstrably incorrect words and walked away from the podium. Boom. The intent was obvious: my “facts” will trump your “fake news”. Obviously, our current situation […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: donor focus, empathy, thank you 3 Comments

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