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Communicating with your heart

Okay, I know it’s rude. But this coaster made me laugh so hard I had to buy it. If you’re an introvert, you’ll understand. It now sits quietly on my desk, covered by my mug, where it won’t insult anyone. But as I looked at it today, I connected it to one of the most […]

Filed Under: Donor communications Tagged With: appeal writing, donor communications, donor relationships Leave a Comment

How you can appeal like a Girl Scout

Girl Scouts have a great product. Do you? Sure, your organization probably doesn’t sell Girl Scout Cookies. But those cookies didn’t become wildly popular in a vacuum. They’re good. Really good. And they’re special because you can’t just find them on the store shelves. So think about: What is your organization really, really good at? […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications, Thanks Tagged With: appeal writing, donor communications, donor relationships Leave a Comment

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

Looking for attention? Why the details matter

It’s almost that time of year again. Your mailbox and inbox are probably getting as crowded as mine are. Appeals from organizations you’ve supported. And appeals from new organizations, hoping to grab your attention. It’s overwhelming to you, a professional. Imagine how it feels to your kind donors. Plus, we’re living in an age of […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: appeal writing, attention, details Leave a Comment

Human. Connection.

Fundraising is emotional work We are made for it. We need it, from the most introverted to the most outgoing. There’s a reason solitary detention is such a painful punishment. We are social creatures. So, why, oh why, are so many fundraisers falling in love with the magic shortcut (said in sarcasm, a language I’m […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: appeal writing, donor relationships, donor retention Leave a Comment

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