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Donor Communications

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

How to create something they will treasure

How to create something they will treasure Sad news this morning. We woke this morning to the news of David Bowie’s death. I had no idea he’d been ill. I’m not qualified to write about his music and life – so this isn’t about music. But this morning, an early response to a fan letter […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: donor relationships, thank you letters 5 Comments

Are you trying to make me cry?

Are you trying to make me cry? It keeps happening. And it makes me sad. And a little cranky. Newsletters or other pieces, intended for donors. That have forgotten they’re intended for donors. So I apologize if I’m repeating myself. (Then again, we know how effective repetition is, right?) But I  see it, over and […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: Branding, donor newsletters, donor-focused 3 Comments

How to write a thank you letter when you feel stuck

September’s Nonprofit Blog Carnival gave you links to great articles on thanking your donors. But it can be hard, I know. Here’s how to write that thank you letter – even when you feel stuck. Here’s how to write a thank you letter when you feel stuck First, a confession: I used to write rote, […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: donor-focused, gratitude, thank you letters 1 Comment

Nonprofits: Why you should stop trying and start doing

Nonprofits: Why you should stop trying and start doing Are you achieving your mission – or only trying? Last month, I read an article advising women to eliminate the word “just” from their vocabulary. The author explains why the word was bothering her: I am all about respectful communication. Yet I began to notice that […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: donor communications, mission statement, nonprofit mission 6 Comments

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