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 […]
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 […]
You just haven’t earned it yet, baby: 5 ways to start
Every time I hear a frustrated fundraiser talk about donors who aren’t giving, that lyric pops into my head. (In case you don’t know, it’s thanks to Steven Patrick Morrissey and Johnny Marr, of course). I know it’s human nature to look around for someone to blame when things don’t go as planned. And right […]
Zoom in for more effective stories
Zoom in… How close can you get? If you want to write better, one resource I love is the Very Good Copy newsletter from Eddie Shleyner. Recently, he wrote about photography and zooming in to get a better image. He quoted photographer Robert Capa: “If your pictures aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough.” Getting […]
How to raise more money? Less sell and more tell
Facts fail where stories sail. When I see what comes into my inbox or mailbox from nonprofits, the ones I shake my head at usually have something in common. They ask for a gift based on a list of statistics and accomplishments. And I understand the urge. You’re proud of the work you do. You’re […]
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