Hands-On Fundraising

Donor Communications

  • About
  • Hands-On Fundraising Blog
  • Services
  • Contact

Donor Communications

If you want to raise more money, tell me a story

Storytelling rightfully gets lots of attention After all, human beings communicate through stories – and always have. You probably know someone who is a terrific storyteller. I’ve got a friend with a real gift for it. It doesn’t matter whether she’s telling me about a life-or-death situation or a trip to the grocery store. Either […]

Filed Under: Annual Giving, Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: appeal writing, donor communications, storytelling 3 Comments

Can you build a relationship on paper?

Paper? I think you can. So, I was born in the Stone Age. I grew up without personal computers, mobile phones, or social media. A phone call to the next town was expensive. I kept in touch with my cousin in Ohio and friends I met at camp with letters on paper. Later, I traded […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: donor communication, donor relationships, donor retention 1 Comment

You can put more heart into your fundraising today

Fundraising is about using your heart as well as your head. And maybe fundraising isn’t really about money at all. In the long run, successful fundraising focuses on relationships. And good fundraisers use their hearts as much as their heads. Does that mean every one of your donors needs to be someone you know personally? […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications, Thanks Tagged With: donor relationships, Fundraising, thank you letters Leave a Comment

How to share the value of art

What is the value of art? Should we care? The great thing about arts donors is that they get it. They give because the art form means something important to them. You probably have many solid arguments for why arts matter. I’ll bet you can make the economic case from memory. You know about the […]

Filed Under: Arts Fundraising, Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: arts donors, arts organizations, empathy 1 Comment

You can spread a little gratitude and feel happier

If you’re a fundraiser, part of your calling is spreading gratitude. Does this sound like a familiar exchange? Thank you!” “No, thank YOU!” Saying thank you is an expected part of our social discourse. It smooths the way for simple – and more complex – conversations. Someone holds the door for you, and you say […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications, Thanks Tagged With: donor communications, gratitude, Thanks Leave a Comment

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • …
  • 51
  • Next Page »

Fundraising advice served fresh to your inbox

Get yours here:

Search

Recent Posts

  • This is why you can’t find a great development director
  • The new way to fundraise? Trust your mail.
  • Donor identity: How do your donors see themselves?
  • 12 human quirks you can use to fundraise better
  • Top Recommendations for Preventing Donor Fatigue and Burnout

Work with me!

Let's talk about how I can help your organization raise more money.

Contact

  • Donor communications
  • Fundraising Strategy

Copyright © 2025 · Mary Cahalane · Hands-On Fundraising · 847 S. Main Street · #183 · Plantsville, CT 06479