Hands-On Fundraising

Donor Communications

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

Donor relationships

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

Donor conversations: the secret to meaningful connections

Things have gotten pretty loud out there So I’ve been thinking about listening, particularly to those who care about your cause. But let’s step back a little first. If you see donors only as financial sources, you should broaden your outlook. No one wants to be loved only for their money. Do you want donors […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: donor communication, donor relationships, donor survey 7 Comments

Can you build a relationship on paper?

Paper? I think you can. So, I was born in the Stone Age. I grew up without personal computers, mobile phones, or social media. A phone call to the next town was expensive. I kept in touch with my cousin in Ohio and friends I met at camp with letters on paper. Later, I traded […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: donor communication, donor relationships, donor retention 1 Comment

You can put more heart into your fundraising today

Fundraising is about using your heart as well as your head. And maybe fundraising isn’t really about money at all. In the long run, successful fundraising focuses on relationships. And good fundraisers use their hearts as much as their heads. Does that mean every one of your donors needs to be someone you know personally? […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications, Thanks Tagged With: donor relationships, Fundraising, thank you letters Leave a Comment

5 Donor relations tips for shy people

Does wading into a room full of strangers terrify you? Are you sure you’ll have nothing to say? Afraid you’ll embarrass yourself with your tied-up tongue? Never fear. I’m an introvert who likes people, but I find the idea of glad-handing, networking or otherwise behaving like my extroverted colleagues intimidating. And I’ve been doing this […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donors Tagged With: donor care, donor relationships, introverts Leave a Comment

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • …
  • 12
  • Next Page »

Fundraising advice served fresh to your inbox

Get yours here:

Search

Recent Posts

  • Does your thank you letter really matter?
  • You can do better
  • 4 Ways to Turn One-Time Donors Into Long-Term Supporters
  • Looking for attention? Why the details matter
  • This is why you can’t find a great development director

Work with me!

Let's talk about how I can help your organization raise more money.

Contact

  • Donor communications
  • Fundraising Strategy

Copyright © 2025 · Mary Cahalane · Hands-On Fundraising · 847 S. Main Street · #183 · Plantsville, CT 06479