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How to raise more money? Less sell and more tell

Facts fail where stories sail. When I see what comes into my inbox or mailbox from nonprofits, the ones I shake my head at usually have something in common. They ask for a gift based on a list of statistics and accomplishments. And I understand the urge. You’re proud of the work you do. You’re […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: appeal writing, donor communications

Choose Humanity: Why Real Conversations Beat Automation

Don’t automate your communication Every day it seems there’s another shiny new toy, based on AI, to make fundraising faster and easier. It’s surely tempting for an overworked nonprofit staffer with scary-big goals to hit. But while there are certainly areas that might be turned over to automation, communicating with the people who support your […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: AI, donor care, donor communications

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

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

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

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