Hands-On Fundraising

Donor Communications

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

The lesson of my mom’s chili

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. So my mom planned to make eating […]

Filed Under: Blog, Fundraising Tagged With: Fundraising, writing for donors

How to grow a culture of philanthropy

How to grow a culture of philanthropy Definitions of culture: (Miriam Webster) 5 a: the integrated pattern of human knowledge, belief, and behavior that depends on upon the capacity for learning and transmitting knowledge to succeeding generations 5 c: the set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterize an institution or organization What’s […]

Filed Under: Blog, Fundraising Tagged With: Fundraising, nonprofit management

Are you worried about new overtime rules?

Are you worried about new overtime rules? Be the change that you wish to see in the world. ~Mahatma Gandhi Let’s be the change in our nonprofit sector Last week, the Obama administration issued new labor rules about overtime. Salaried employees who earn less than $47,476 now must be paid overtime for hours in excess […]

Filed Under: Blog, Caring for yourself Tagged With: Fundraising, nonprofit staff, women in nonprofits

Serendipity: another word for smart fundraising?

Is it serendipity or do we make our own luck? Many years ago, I was doing one of my favorite tasks – opening the mail. I bet you know what I mean. It’s a whole lot of fun to see a stack of appeal returns waiting for you. One day, I opened an envelope to […]

Filed Under: Blog, Fundraising Tagged With: creativity, Fundraising, innovation

Fundraising bloopers: I’ll show you mine if you show me yours

Fundraising bloopers: I’ll show you mine, if you show me yours Have you ever made a fundraising mistake? I’m hoping you answer “yes”. Mistakes are important in our field. We’re adding daily to our knowledge of fundraising. That new information often comes from mistakes – or in their nicer outfit, experiments. Those of us who […]

Filed Under: Blog, Caring for yourself Tagged With: Fundraising, learning, mistakes

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
  • 13
  • 14
  • …
  • 17
  • Next Page »

Fundraising advice served fresh to your inbox

Get yours here:

Search

Recent Posts

  • Build Major Donor Relationships: 5 Tips for Fundraisers
  • How to win donors by writing from your heart
  • Arts Fundraising: Engage and Inspire Your Donors
  • How you can use the Benjamin Franklin effect
  • 13 Quick tips for your next fundraising appeal

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