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Donor Communications

Follow these rules and raise more

Here are some basic rules that I use when I write to donors. After many years writing for donors, there are a few rules I always keep in mind. Because I know when I do, what I write raises more. So consider following these rules as well. I hope they help! Rule 1. Kind beats […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: donor communications, writing for donors 2 Comments

Quick tips to improve your fundraising writing

Does your fundraising writing produce less than satisfying results? I’ll be honest: Creating good donor communications is a constant learning experience. But you can do some things to help today. Here are some tips for you. Unmarry your “brand”. That is, unchain yourself from the collection of fonts, colors, and language being pushed at you […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: appeal writing, donor communications, thank you letters 1 Comment

It’s not about you

It’s not about you. Sorry. Quite often, I go through my mail and see appeals that disappoint me. It’s not that the cause is wrong (those I rarely even open). It’s the self-aggrandizing tone. I’ve been thinking about this for years and have held off writing anything. I don’t want to point fingers at any […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications, Fundraising staff Tagged With: donor communications, donor relationships Leave a Comment

Donor conversations: the secret to meaningful connections

Things have gotten pretty loud out there So I’ve been thinking about listening, particularly to those who care about your cause. But let’s step back a little first. If you see donors only as financial sources, you should broaden your outlook. No one wants to be loved only for their money. Do you want donors […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: donor communication, donor relationships, donor survey 7 Comments

Why your great story leads to a better world

If you’ve been wondering why I make such a fuss about stories, read on. Here’s the thing. Insiders (that would be you, nonprofit hero) understand all the details. We eat, sleep, and drink our organizations’ missions – the “why” of our work. But almost none of your donors or might-be donors do. They have their […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: donor communications, Fundraising, storytelling Leave a Comment

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