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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

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

The why and how of fundraising

If you’re writing that year-end appeal or anything that goes to your donors, you’ll be more successful if you understand the “why” and “how” of fundraising. At first, you’d say it’s pretty easy, right? How is the way to do something, why is the reason you do something. “Why” and “how” matter to your fundraising […]

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

Feel good or fear? How you can move donors to act

Knowing when fear and good feelings move donors to act is important. Here in the northern hemisphere, the sun is shining, the weather is warm… it’s summer. My favorite time of year. That means it’s time to start thinking about your year-end appeal. I know, it sounds nuts, right? But if you want the chance […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: appeal writing, donor care, fear

Eff the ineffable

Or, how to make your ask concrete, if you work for an arts organization. Arts lovers know that art can’t always be constrained by words. I spent a good part of my career as a staff person in an arts organization. Theater was my route into the nonprofit world. But my love for all kinds […]

Filed Under: Arts Fundraising, Blog, Donor communications, Fundraising Tagged With: appeal writing, arts organization, donor communications, Fundraising

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