Hands-On Fundraising

Donor Communications

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

If you want to raise more money, tell me a story

Storytelling rightfully gets lots of attention After all, human beings communicate through stories – and always have. You probably know someone who is a terrific storyteller. I’ve got a friend with a real gift for it. It doesn’t matter whether she’s telling me about a life-or-death situation or a trip to the grocery store. Either […]

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

You can spread a little gratitude and feel happier

If you’re a fundraiser, part of your calling is spreading gratitude. Does this sound like a familiar exchange? Thank you!” “No, thank YOU!” Saying thank you is an expected part of our social discourse. It smooths the way for simple – and more complex – conversations. Someone holds the door for you, and you say […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications, Thanks Tagged With: donor communications, gratitude, Thanks

Why you need a great ask at year-end

We’re heading into the year-end flurry of fundraising. What’s your ask? Tis the season, and fundraisers everywhere are preparing. What’s your year-end ask? It’s also the season for multiple “giving days”… like GivingTuesday or December 31st. I hope you’re already polishing up the last details of your year-end campaign. But before you mail anything or […]

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

Why fundraising communication is different

The focus is different in fundraising This is a big difference that can cause friction in your organization. Fundraising communication is about the donor and the beneficiary. Your organization fades into the background. You’re a means to a meaningful end. That’s why “branding” is less important in fundraising. Yes, you need to build trust in […]

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

Fundraising appeals: think before you write

So you’re ready to write a fundraising appeal. Now what? Before you even begin to write your appeal, there are some things you should think about. What’s the ONE thing you’ll ask a reader to do? Too often, we use a fundraising appeal as a catch-all for everything we want to tell people. This is […]

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

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • …
  • 25
  • Next Page »

Fundraising advice served fresh to your inbox

Get yours here:

Search

Recent Posts

  • Unlocking Beautiful Donor Relationships Through the Power of Data
  • 4 Tips for Crafting Emails That Boost Donor Retention
  • Why you should exercise your imagination
  • How to write a thank-you letter that builds relationships
  • Build Major Donor Relationships: 5 Tips for Fundraisers

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