Hands-On Fundraising

Donor Communications

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

You can do better

You can do better than the appeal we recently received at home. Really! And you probably do already. This was a cold appeal. And they’re definitely harder to craft. You don’t know the audience as well, for one thing. This appeal was also from a large, well-known organization. Sigh. And it’s mostly a brag-fest. They […]

Filed Under: Blog, Fundraising Tagged With: appeal writing, donor communications, Fundraising Leave a Comment

This is why you can’t find a great development director

Great development directors are precious. It seems there is a constant demand for development directors. Turnover is a tremendous problem. People wonder why they can’t find a great one. In their study, Underdeveloped, CompassPoint, and the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund found “high levels of turnover and lengthy vacancies in development director positions throughout the sector.” […]

Filed Under: Blog, Fundraising Tagged With: Development director, Fundraising 43 Comments

12 human quirks you can use to fundraise better

We humans are quirky. You know fundraising is never as simple as asking for donations. Behind your ask is a world of study. We think about our language. We consider exactly what we’re asking for and why. And we keep the language clear and simple. We’re straightforward about the need and use stories to illustrate […]

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

Fundraising for introverts – how you can build genuine relationships

Are you an introvert? I finished the second interview of the day. I’d been gathering information to create appeals and other communications for clients. The people I spoke with were interesting and kind. I enjoyed speaking with them. And yet, I was worn out. If you understand what I mean, hello, introvert. A personality difference, […]

Filed Under: Blog, Caring for yourself, Fundraising Tagged With: donor relationships, introverts 2 Comments

10 Metrics to Track Your Fundraising Campaign Success

Measure your fundraising to succeed. Nonprofits often follow rules regarding fundraising appeals to maximize their success. For example, industry experts will tell you that personalization is key to stewarding donor relationships. And storytelling is a surefire way to tug at your audience’s heartstrings. However, the most reliable source of information about what works for your […]

Filed Under: Blog, Fundraising Tagged With: Fundraising, Fundraising metrics Leave a Comment

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • …
  • 28
  • Next Page »

Fundraising advice served fresh to your inbox

Get yours here:

Search

Recent Posts

  • Does your thank you letter really matter?
  • You can do better
  • 4 Ways to Turn One-Time Donors Into Long-Term Supporters
  • Looking for attention? Why the details matter
  • This is why you can’t find a great development director

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