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You just haven’t earned it yet, baby: 5 ways to start

Every time I hear a frustrated fundraiser talk about donors who aren’t giving, that lyric pops into my head. (In case you don’t know, it’s thanks to Steven Patrick Morrissey and Johnny Marr, of course). I know it’s human nature to look around for someone to blame when things don’t go as planned. And right […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: appeal writing, donor appeals, donor-focused, writing for donors 2 Comments

Is our donor focus hurting or helping our nonprofits?

Or, why donor focus might not mean what you think it means. Vu Le of Nonprofit AF recently wrote a long, very thoughtful piece about donor-centrism. He hoped it would generate conversation. And I hope so, too. Vu is an amazing dynamo who is making change happen, not just in his organization, but across the […]

Filed Under: Blog, Fundraising Tagged With: donor love, donor-centered fundraising, donor-focused 14 Comments

Why you might be focused on the wrong thing

Wrong focus? It’s not about you. I was thrilled to see an article in the New York Times about giving. And even more excited when it featured Tom Ahern, Jen Love, and Jennifer Shang. The article’s title – Asking for Money? Compliment the Donor, Not Your Organization – lays it right out there. My mailbox, […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: donor-focused, fundraising appeal Leave a Comment

Are you trying to make me cry?

Are you trying to make me cry? It keeps happening. And it makes me sad. And a little cranky. Newsletters or other pieces, intended for donors. That have forgotten they’re intended for donors. So I apologize if I’m repeating myself. (Then again, we know how effective repetition is, right?) But I  see it, over and […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: Branding, donor newsletters, donor-focused 3 Comments

How to write a thank you letter when you feel stuck

September’s Nonprofit Blog Carnival gave you links to great articles on thanking your donors. But it can be hard, I know. Here’s how to write that thank you letter – even when you feel stuck. Here’s how to write a thank you letter when you feel stuck First, a confession: I used to write rote, […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: donor-focused, gratitude, thank you letters 1 Comment

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