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A small big thing… and lessons learned

I’d like to share a couple of lessons learned. Long, long ago in a galaxy far away, I took my first fundraising job. I had run a department at another nonprofit theater – managing a full-time staff of 25. So in a way, it felt like I’d been knocked down a few pegs. But I didn’t […]

Filed Under: Annual Giving, Blog Tagged With: data entry, Donors, Fundraising, individual giving, Nonprofit 3 Comments

The best fundraising idea I ever stole – part 3

For much of the past decade, I worked for nonprofits that are on the smaller side. We needed maximum results from minimal staff. I’m always on the look-out for great ideas that I can copy, DIY-style. So it’s fortunate that I’ve been a fan of Tom Ahern and his e-newsletter for so long. He turned me […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: donor newsletter, donor retention, Donors, Fundraising, Nonprofit, thank you 11 Comments

Why letters are like people

Letters are like people? Let me explain. Have you ever noticed distinct personalities in the nonprofit letters you get? I find myself imaging organizational personas as I read. Here are a few. Let’s imagine a party. Glass in hand, you mingle with the crowd. Who do you meet? Letters are like people – meet some […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: appeal writing, direct mail, Donors, Nonprofit, relationships Leave a Comment

Is this any way to treat a friend?

I don’t treat friends like this, do you? I’ll admit that I only open some of my mail. Like most people, I quickly sort out the bills and other “must open” things. Then I go through the rest. One glance at the envelope is usually enough to tell me whether I want to bother opening […]

Filed Under: Annual Giving, Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: appeal, appeal writing, donor retention, Donors, Fundraising, Mail, Nonprofit, solicitation Leave a Comment

Real friends – a valentine

Back in the old days before Facebook or Twitter, people met and talked (and argued) on message boards. It was on a message board that I met a group of women. I’ve now known these women for almost fifteen years. We moved together from board to board and eventually to Facebook. We know each other’s […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donors, Thanks Tagged With: Donors, Facebook, Friendship, relationships, Social media, Twitter Leave a Comment

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