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If you make people cry are you a bully?

Are emotions manipulative? What about images? Is it bad if people cry? When we nonprofits tell a story that shares the needs of a beneficiary, we don’t create the tension that the donor feels. The story just reveals the internal tension the donor holds between how the world is and how they believe the world […]

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

It’s year-end fundraising time. But you’ll be OK!

My friends, it’s crunch time. Year-end fundraising is here. Somehow, without asking permission, the calendar has flipped to October. And if you’re a fundraiser, you know what that means, right? Year-end fundraising. Time to take a deep breath, center yourself, and get ready for year-end fundraising! Why is year-end so important? Here are some stats […]

Filed Under: Annual Giving, Blog, Fundraising Tagged With: donor communications, fundraising planning, year-end fundraising Leave a Comment

Why you’re not raising more money

Are you struggling to raise enough money? Of course, the reasons are as varied as organizations. But there are still a few things to think about that are often causing your problem. You’re not clear about your mission Can you communicate your WHY easily and in simple language? And can you explain it in a […]

Filed Under: Annual Giving, Blog, Fundraising Tagged With: donor care, donor communications, Fundraising Leave a Comment

When you’re too big to succeed

Too big to succeed? My family recently made what was for us a large gift to a national charity. The response was underwhelming, and that’s being kind. An 8.5 x 14 sheet of paper, with the bottom being a tear-off, generic response form. The thank you letter – such as it was – consisted of […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications, Fundraising Tagged With: donor care, thank you letters 4 Comments

Fundraising isn’t easy

Fundraising isn’t easy. And there are no magic shortcuts. My friend Ephraim reminded me of this recently. Nonprofit board members or even staff leaders suggesting fundraisers just… call Oprah. Or Bill. Or whats-his-name with the spaceship… That’s not how it works. Really. I’ve witnessed this firsthand, too. An arts organization, talking about the budget. And […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donors, Fundraising Tagged With: fundraising programs, fundraising staff 2 Comments

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