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Please stop killing your fundraising to please the boss.

I’ve been writing fundraising copy for a long time. And from the very start, I faced one problem over and over and over again. No. Though those pop up all the time. What has consistently gotten in the way is interference from people who aren’t focused on fundraising. It might be the boss. Or the […]

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

Your donors don’t care about your fundraising goals

Your donors really don’t care about your fundraising goals. But they care – a lot – about your mission. Fundraising goals are important – inside. But donors care about your mission. If you’re fundraising, you already know that. But is that reflected in how you ask for gifts? Time and again, I see it: internal […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: appeal writing, donor communications, Fundraising 1 Comment

Get behind me, Satan!

Maybe you’re putting the finishing touches on your year-end appeal. Or maybe you’re already thinking about the next one. (Go you!) In either case, there are temptations – usually suggested by someone who doesn’t understand fundraising – that you will need to resist. If you want the appeal to succeed, that is. Temptation one: Keep […]

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

Too many cooks spoil the chili – or your next appeal

Or why too many cooks who don’t know what’s already in the pot can make a mess. Years ago, my family was gathered at my parent’s home to celebrate Christmas. By then, we were a big crowd – I have three siblings, and each of us has two children. So my mom planned to make eating […]

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

7 simple things you can do now to energize your year-end appeal

Stressed about fundraising right now? Here are a few ways to energize your year-end appeal. 1. Eliminate the kitchen sink Chances are, no single donor can give your organization everything you need. And that’s good! Strong organizations are built with strong communities of people who all want to help a shared mission. So don’t ask […]

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

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