Hands-On Fundraising

Donor Communications

  • About
  • Hands-On Fundraising Blog
  • Services
  • Contact

Dear fundraiser: are you making these big mistakes?

This fundraiser mistakes post was originally published several years ago. I’ve updated it to include some helpful comments from colleagues. I hope you enjoy it! Dear Fundraiser, Some things you do really bug me. As your colleague, I’m cheering for your success. So in a helpful spirit, I offer you my list below. I wish […]

Filed Under: Blog, Fundraising Tagged With: donor care, donor communications, donor love, donor retention 3 Comments

How to reach donors with a personal touch

I’ve said it before. Good fundraising is always one-to-one. That’s true even if you’re communicating with thousands. It should always feel one-to-one. That should always be your aim, even if it takes a little more effort. But when is the last time you really made a personal effort? OK, my major gifts readers… I know […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: donor care, donor relationships, personal fundraising 2 Comments

Advanced Donor Stewardship: How to Keep Your Donors Giving Year after Year

by Joe Garecht Advanced donor stewardship Stewardship is one of the most important components of the fundraising process.  Prospecting, cultivation, and asking are certainly important… but in my experience, building a strong donor stewardship system should be your top priority if you want to strengthen your development program. For many fundraisers, this comes as a […]

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

Beware these pitfalls if you want to raise more money

Beware these pitfalls if you want to raise more money Indulge me, will you? There are some common words or phrases that I see in too many appeals (and annual reports or even thank you letters) that set my teeth on edge. You’ll find me, almost daily, sorting my mail and shaking my head. So […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: donor appeals, donor care, donor focus 3 Comments

4 ways you might be making it all about you

And why making it about you is a mistake We all do it from time to time. We fall a little in love with our own organization. Or we get a little tired of the hard work. Then we forget that good fundraising focuses on the donor and the mission. Are you making these mistakes? […]

Filed Under: Blog, Fundraising Tagged With: donor care, donor focus, thank you 9 Comments

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • Next Page »

Fundraising advice served fresh to your inbox

Get yours here:

Search

Recent Posts

  • You can stop listening to excuses and raise more money
  • Write a better fundraising appeal
  • So you want more active donors and more income…
  • How to help people feel connected
  • Is this any way to treat a friend?

Work with me!

Let's talk about how I can help your organization raise more money.

Contact

  • Donor communications
  • Fundraising Strategy

Copyright © 2026 · Mary Cahalane · Hands-On Fundraising · 847 S. Main Street · #183 · Plantsville, CT 06479