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Warning: bad mail coming to a box near you

Warning: bad mail coming to a box near you Do people actually go for this stuff? Every once in a while, I just can’t take it anymore. So you’ve been warned: rant ahead. The carrier envelope It came in a larger than usual 9 x 6 envelope. So far, so good. Then things went right […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: direct mail solicitation, emotional fundraising, fundraising appeal 2 Comments

Do you write like you talk?

Do you write like you talk? Would you write to your mother like that? Open the last appeal, newsletter, or email you wrote. Now read it out loud. Does it sound funny? And does it sound like you? Does it sound like you talk? If so, congratulations – you’re a step ahead of many. If […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: emotional fundraising, fundraising appeals, writing for donors Leave a Comment

5 Simple Ways to Capture Stories and Produce Simple Videos for Your Nonprofit

5 Simple Ways to Capture Stories Today’s post comes to you from Kristin Sukraw of Nonprofit Film School and Reliant Studios. Storytelling is at the heart of what we do – and we live in a visual age. I think you’ll find her post interesting and helpful! “We’re a small organization. We don’t really have […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: storytelling, video 1 Comment

Are your donors eager to be part of the show?

Are your donors eager to be part of the show? How’s your organization performing? Are donors part of your show? My husband and I went to a Jackson Browne concert recently. Now, I’m about to make myself look foolish. But enjoy it and stick with me, will you? I’ve been seeing JB since high school. […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: donor communications, donor love, donor relations 2 Comments

Hope or fear – which powerful emotion should you use?

Hope or fear… picture a year-end appeal. The goal isn’t met. Time is running out. Your appeal urges donors to act right away, or bad things may happen. “Can’t we keep it upbeat? You know, focus on the good stuff?” a board member will ask. “We know that’s more effective, right?” Well… I don’t think […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: appeal letters, emotional fundraising, negative messaging 2 Comments

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