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 […]
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? 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 from my […]
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 […]
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 […]
How to tell me a story
If you’re a fundraiser, telling a good story is a skill you need. Why? The simplest answer is that stories – not facts – are how we make decisions. But there are lots of delicious layers to that answer. Stories are how we relate Facts – especially statistics – light up a part of our […]