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Follow these rules and raise more

Here are some basic rules that I use when I write to donors. After many years writing for donors, there are a few rules I always keep in mind. Because I know when I do, what I write raises more. So consider following these rules as well. I hope they help! Rule 1. Kind beats […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: donor communications, writing for donors 2 Comments

Quick tips to improve your fundraising writing

Does your fundraising writing produce less than satisfying results? I’ll be honest: Creating good donor communications is a constant learning experience. But you can do some things to help today. Here are some tips for you. Unmarry your “brand”. That is, unchain yourself from the collection of fonts, colors, and language being pushed at you […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: appeal writing, donor communications, thank you letters 1 Comment

It’s not about you

It’s not about you. Sorry. Quite often, I go through my mail and see appeals that disappoint me. It’s not that the cause is wrong (those I rarely even open). It’s the self-aggrandizing tone. I’ve been thinking about this for years and have held off writing anything. I don’t want to point fingers at any […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications, Fundraising staff Tagged With: donor communications, donor relationships Leave a Comment

Why your great story leads to a better world

If you’ve been wondering why I’m making such a fuss about stories, read on. Here’s the thing. Insiders (that would be you, nonprofit hero) understand all the details. We eat, sleep, and drink our organizations’ missions – the “why” of our work. But almost none of your donors or might-be donors do. They have their […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: donor communications, Fundraising, storytelling Leave a Comment

Transform your interview process into storytelling magic

The best stories are personal If your organization wants to communicate well with donors – in a way that moves them to feel connected to your mission – you’ll need stories. Stories are how we relate… and have been forever. It’s a human thing. Consider Neanderthal cave art. Even before we were Homo sapiens, we […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: donor communications, storytelling Leave a Comment

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