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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

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

You are not your donor

Even if you are a donor to your organization, you see with different eyes. You’re not the donor you’re trying to reach. That’s always good to keep in mind. Because our opinions are shaped by so much that won’t affect how – or if – a donor decides to give. Here’s one example: My husband […]

Filed Under: Donor communications, Fundraising Tagged With: donor communications, Donors

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