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 required reporting and part organizational brochure. But even if yours is meant to be a sales piece, is it selling? How do you know? And if you see reporting […]
Why you should be creating a donor newsletter
Newsletters: a love letter to your donors. I had the opportunity to talk with a couple of executive directors who are working with a friend of mine, Jenny Mitchell. Both were interested in the how-to of an annual giving program. I found myself mentioning newsletters often. Yes, appeals. Yes, great thanks. Newsletters rock. But newsletters… newsletters […]
Being grateful makes you and your donors happier
At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us. […]
Try this fresh twist on Giving Tuesday
I’m not a particular fan of Giving Tuesday. In my experience as a staffer, I found it a time-suck. Worse, if yours is an organization without a strong community profile (a “best-kept secret”), it’s time spent building recognition for Giving Tuesday, not for your organization. And of course, it doesn’t always raise much money, either. […]
Say it like you mean it
I picked up my mail the other day and opened an envelope from a well-respected advocacy organization. It was an acknowledgement of my recent gift. So disappointing! Mentally, I went through a list of failures in one letter: My husband’s name was spelled incorrectly. This wasn’t our first gift by any means. I’m guessing we […]