Hands-On Fundraising

Donor Communications

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

Dear fundraiser: are you making these big mistakes?

This fundraiser mistakes post was originally published several years ago. I’ve updated it to include some helpful comments from colleagues. I hope you enjoy it! Dear Fundraiser, Some things you do really bug me. As your colleague, I’m cheering for your success. So in a helpful spirit, I offer you my list below. I wish […]

Filed Under: Blog, Fundraising Tagged With: donor care, donor communications, donor love, donor retention 3 Comments

Straight talk about donor love

Straight talk about donor love Is the idea of donor love just fluff? The answer depends on you. But first, let’s clear a few things up. Maybe it will make you more comfortable. Here’s what donor love isn’t: This is love in the sense of philanthropy. That is, the love of humankind. In this sense, […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donors Tagged With: donor communications, donor love, donor retention 1 Comment

Who is that newsletter for anyway?

Newsletter fails make me sad. The tagline said “thanking those who make a difference”, but I don’t think that’s me. Why? Because out of maybe 15 articles in the newsletter, 10 refer to large individual or foundation gifts. Like, millions large. And while the stated purpose of this newsletter is thanks, the headlines read like […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: donor communications, donor newsletters, donor retention 10 Comments

Why is an annual giving program so scary?

Why is annual giving so scary? You need an annual giving program. Here’s why. I’ve noticed annual giving is sometimes treated as an afterthought. Sometimes, it’s not even a small part of an organization’s fundraising program. Some organizations prefer fundraising events or foundation grants to communicating with individuals. And some depend on government reimbursements for […]

Filed Under: Annual Giving, Blog Tagged With: annual giving, donor retention, fundraising plan 4 Comments

Your donors want to know: will you still love me tomorrow?

Tell the truth: does your organization love them and leave them? I’ve noticed a few situations where gifts to large, national organizations – even memorial gifts, no less – have resulted in truly bad donor care. These are organizations that spend tremendous resources on acquisition and “awareness”. Like fancy television campaigns and a constant stream […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donors Tagged With: donor love, donor retention, thank you letter 1 Comment

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
  • …
  • 16
  • Next Page »

Fundraising advice served fresh to your inbox

Get yours here:

Search

Recent Posts

  • You can stop listening to excuses and raise more money
  • Write a better fundraising appeal
  • So you want more active donors and more income…
  • How to help people feel connected
  • Is this any way to treat a friend?

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