If you’re a fundraiser, telling a good story is a skill you need. Why? The simplest answer is that stories – not facts – are how we make decisions. But there are lots of delicious layers to that answer. Stories are how we relate Facts – especially statistics – light up a part of our […]
So you want to write to donors
Here are some basic rules that I try to keep front of mind when I write to donors. Kind beats clever It’s tempting for a writer to fall in love with clever prose. We read it, we get it, we smile and nod. But if the purpose of your writing is to help people open […]
What do you have to offer?
I’ve been gobbling up a series Steven Screen has been writing about your fundraising offer. Go read everything he’s been writing! This is such a critical part of any appeal you will send. Yet, it’s often overlooked. And that’s a shame because when you can work out the offer the rest of the piece is […]
Can fundraisers be both human and smart?
I received a lovely email from the Fundraising Everywhere folks. In it was a piece by Wayne Murray. He urged all of us in the nonprofit sector to be more human. That gets a rousing YES! From me. But then we veered from the big picture – keeping fundraising human – to tactics like font […]
Summer round-up: free tools for you
(Originally posted in 2017… updated for you!) Did I say “free tools?” Yes, yes I did. It’s summer. It’s hot. So today’s post is an easy one: no heavy lift, and maybe a little help. Here’s a grab bag of free or cheap tools I use and like. Remember, sometimes, free isn’t so free – […]