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The Fundraising IS the Relationship
When it comes down to it, fundraising is not that hard. You treat donors and potential donors with kindness and respect. You try to build relationship with them. We all ... -
Closest Available Fundraiser
The most meaningful fundraising in the world is usually created by the “closest available fundraiser.” Not a professional fundraiser, or even a trained fundraiser. But the person sitting in the ... -
Let’s Break Some Rules!
If I’m in an empty parking lot with nobody around as far as the eye can see, I will still follow the arrows and not cut through other parking spots ... -
Practice On Your Non-Donors
Want to become a more effective Fundraiser but your organization won’t allow you to send out enough fundraising to really improve your craft? Practice on your non-donors. Get permission to ... -
The Long Cut
“Ship your work. Get feedback. Improve it. Repeat.” This lesson comes from the Tech and Art worlds, but it applies perfectly to fundraising. Every time you send out a piece ... -
“It’s Too Easy to Read!” The One Complaint I’ve Never Heard from a Donor
In my 20 years of nonprofit work, there’s one complaint I have NEVER heard from a donor. I’ve never heard a donor complain that something is too easy to read ... -
Three Editing Principles
In my first job as a fundraising writer, my mentor regularly and rigorously edited my work. It was painful. But I’m forever grateful because he always explained the “why” behind ... -
Fundraising “Decision Razors”
Over the weekend I was introduced to the term “decision razor” – a rule of thumb that simplifies decision making. Turns out that “Occam’s razor” is one of several decision ... -
For People Who Approve Fundraising
This post is for people who approve fundraising for their organization. The biggest thing I want you to know is that direct response fundraising is different than other types of ... -
How to make your emails more relevant to your donors
I wrote the following earlier this year, but it was hidden at the bottom of a long post… More relevant emails → higher open rates Higher open rates → more ...
