It’s a serious question: what purpose does your annual report serve? What outcomes are you looking for? Too many organizations see an annual report as part requirement and part brochure. But if yours is meant to be a sales piece, is it selling? How do you know? And if reporting is a legal requirement, couldn’t […]
26 ways to show your donors they matter
How many different ways can you engage and thank your donors? One great thing about this time of year is that we are thinking about gratitude. Donors aren’t like mushrooms – if you ignore them, they WILL go away. There is no end to the ways you can create great experiences for your donors. Here […]
How to write a thank you letter when you feel stuck
September’s Nonprofit Blog Carnival gave you links to great articles on thanking your donors. Here’s my quick how-to. First, a confession: I used to write rote, boring, perfunctory thank you letters. And I didn’t much like writing them. What do you say? Plus, with an appeal, you feel like you have a goal. Thanks […]
Why you want to welcome strangers
What does it mean to welcome the stranger? The tradition of welcome is strong in many cultures and religions around the world. My own family is largely Irish. If I want to get all misty-eyed about my heritage I could point to the importance hospitality held among the ancient Celts. But it’s the same with […]
September Nonprofit Blog Carnival How do you say thanks?
When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed. ― Maya Angelou We often focus on the end of the year as a special time to be thankful. But honestly, gratitude should be a daily practice for those of us working for great causes. How do you keep donors around? Say thank you […]