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They challenge your fundraising appeal. How should you respond?

Everyone has an opinion about your fundraising appeal… I do lots of copywriting. Newsletters, email appeals, and especially fundraising appeals. I love it. But over the years, I’ve also noticed I get the same questions. You too? Maybe I can help you head a few off. 1. Does the letter really have to be two (or […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: appeal letters, copywriting, writing for donors 11 Comments

You just haven’t earned it yet, baby: 5 ways to start

Every time I hear a frustrated fundraiser talk about donors who aren’t giving, that lyric pops into my head. (In case you don’t know, it’s thanks to Steven Patrick Morrissey and Johnny Marr, of course). I know it’s human nature to look around for someone to blame when things don’t go as planned. And right […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: appeal writing, donor appeals, donor-focused, writing for donors 2 Comments

Follow these rules and raise more

Here are some basic rules that I use when I write to donors. After many years writing for donors, there are a few rules I always keep in mind. Because I know when I do, what I write raises more. So consider following these rules as well. I hope they help! Rule 1. Kind beats […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: donor communications, writing for donors 2 Comments

Want some action? Use emotion.

Years ago, on vacation, as I read 2312, by Kim Stanley Robinson a phrase stopped me cold. I had to dog-ear the page. “Reason can’t work without emotion. People who are cut off from their emotions can’t decide.” Reason can’t work without emotion. People who are cut off from their emotions can’t decide. So, ok, […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: direct mail, emotional writing, writing for donors 16 Comments

Summer round-up: free tools for you

(Originally posted in 2017… updated for you!) Did I say “free tools?” Yes, yes I did. It’s summer. It’s hot. So today’s post is an easy one: no heavy lift, and maybe a little help. Here’s a grab bag of free or cheap tools I use and like. Remember, sometimes, free isn’t so free – […]

Filed Under: Blog, Fundraising Tagged With: donor communications, Fundraising tools, writing for donors Leave a Comment

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