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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 Leave a Comment

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 […]

Filed Under: Annual Giving, Blog, Fundraising Tagged With: donor care, donor communications, Fundraising Leave a Comment

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 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications, Fundraising Tagged With: donor care, thank you letters 4 Comments

Treating So-Called Small Donors Like Rockstars

If the best type of fundraising is one where we create a meaningful and long-lasting relationship with our donors, how can we do that when we’re physically disconnected from each other? Furthermore, how can we do that for any type and size of gift, not just so-called major gifts?  According to the Fundraising Effectiveness Project, […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donors Tagged With: donor care, donor journey 2 Comments

Donor CARE – and you

We never met in person. But John Haydon was my friend. There’s a good possibility he was yours, too. That’s just how he was. On March 8th, I joined a large group of his family and friends at a memorial service. It was so well suited to John – leaving people moved and sad, but […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications, Fundraising Tagged With: donor care, donor retention 2 Comments

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