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Treating So-Called Small Donors Like Rockstars

If the best type of fundraising is one where we create a meaningful and long-lasting relationship with our donors, how can we do that when we’re physically disconnected from each other? Furthermore, how can we do that for any type and size of gift, not just so-called major gifts?  According to the Fundraising Effectiveness Project, […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donors Tagged With: donor care, donor journey 2 Comments

After the ask: why donor engagement matters

Donor engagement is critical. How are you doing? You’ve probably seen donor retention numbers over the last several years. Over the last five years, donor retention rates have been between 44% and 46%. That’s not good. And acquiring new donors has only gotten harder and more expensive. (But don’t stop trying!) So, what are you […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications, Fundraising Tagged With: donor journey, donor relationships, donor retention 3 Comments

Empathy: the smart fundraiser’s superpower

Could a small change in your thinking make you a more successful fundraiser? I was reading an article about empathy and marketing the other day. It began with an example of Oxo, a company that makes household items. On the way into their office is a wall. It’s covered with lost gloves – a reminder […]

Filed Under: Blog, Fundraising Tagged With: donor experience, donor journey, empathy 6 Comments

What one brilliant arts organization can teach us about fundraising

One of the most popular posts I’ve published is about fundraising for an arts organization. That’s why I want to share some remarkable pieces I found on Medium. Then I want to talk about how this may have implications for fundraising in a broader sense – not just for arts organizations. My discovery started with […]

Filed Under: Arts Fundraising, Blog, Fundraising Tagged With: arts organization, culture of philanthropy, donor journey 2 Comments

Has your fundraising program stalled?

Has your fundraising program stalled? Let me start with a story. Many years ago, when we were first married and before kids, my husband and I took a trip out to California. We wanted to see San Francisco and visit my brother, then in Salinas. When we got to San Francisco, we were looking around […]

Filed Under: Blog, Fundraising Tagged With: donor journey, donor loyalty, fundraising programs 1 Comment

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