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How to write a super fundraising appeal

Do you want to write a super fundraising appeal? Here’s a quick primer. Start with a super story Find a story that illustrates the “why” of your organization. Talk to your program staff. Gather several stories and see which one is best. This won’t be the story that shows off the breadth of your programming. […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: copywriting, fundraising appeal, fundraising letter

She’s the one.

She’s the one. Your donor, that is. Or she should feel like the one. Strong communication is one-to-one. Underline that for fundraising communications. Who me? Think about it. You’re writing with a purpose. You want someone to do something. Want donors to ignore your request? Ask “someone” to do something. (One funny exception: my younger […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: donor focus, donor love, Writing Leave a Comment

Why it’s smart to love your donors for who they are

Why it’s smart to love your donors for who they are Identity matters. So are we letting a few verbs stand in the way of better solicitations? I read an article in the New York Times about the U.S.’s struggles with low voter turnout. One point made was that an experiment showed identity mattered more […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: donor appeals, donor retention, neuropsychology 1 Comment

Stop talking about fundraising. Start talking about results.

Ah, fundraising results… so important, right? What have you done to justify your existence? I had a boss, years ago, who liked to walk around and ask staff that question. It was obnoxious, to be sure. I think it was meant to keep us on our toes. (Like we had time to stand up?) But […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: donor communication, trust, what donors care about 2 Comments

Are you using the magic fundraising word?

Are you using the magic fundraising word? Wait, fundraising magic? You’ve heard it before: a magic word that will transform your fundraising. The word is YOU. So you dutifully make sure that word is everywhere. But maybe it doesn’t do as much magic as you’d expected. You is magic, but there’s more to it than […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: donor appeals, donor as hero, donor focus 1 Comment

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