Ever seen an appeal you just hated? I mean, really hated? Most of my career, I’ve focused on annual giving – and especially on communicating with donors. I often open and look at the solicitations I receive. I usually have professional opinions on the appeals. But even so, I’m always surprised by the negative reactions […]
Do you want to raise more money? You need a plan
If you don’t know where you are going, you might wind up someplace else. ~Yogi Berra Is this you? Many organizations share a problem. They’re either new and need to build a fundraising program… Or they’re not new at all but have never focused on building a fundraising program. In both situations, the answer is […]
6 big mistakes small organizations make with fundraising
Like it isn’t hard enough being a small organization, right? Not enough staff. Not enough time. And definitely, not enough money. You get used to making do. Find shortcuts. You work a lot. But too often, you don’t do the things that will dig you out. If you need more money, you need to prioritize […]
The lesson of my mom’s chili
By Mary Cahalane at Hands-On Fundraising Or why too many cooks who don’t know what’s already in the pot can make a mess. Years ago, my family was gathered at my parents’ home to celebrate Christmas. By now, we were a big crowd – I have three siblings, and each of us has two children. […]
How to wreck your fundraising appeal
Or why your statistics don’t work There are plenty of appeals landing in my mailbox and inbox. I’ll bet it’s the same for you. I often open them, hoping to be moved, or learn something new. And you know, there’s one characteristic that unites too many of the appeals. They’re all head and no heart. They’re […]