Find a control package (or several). I'm always surprised when I talk to nonprofit organizations and hear things like, "we're working on a new holiday package because our board thinks...
What makes for a strong direct mail fundraising offer? (Tip #19)
A good offer is one that is specific, tangible, urgent and solvable. Here are some examples: Your gift of $19.40 will provide holiday meals for 10 hungry, homeless, hurting people...
How to know when direct mail isn’t a good fundraising tool for your org (Tip #18)
Not all fundraising offers are made for direct mail. Some causes just don't lend themselves to direct mail. This can be because your audience is so small you can't get...
If you’re going to hide the ask, just don’t mail at all (Tip #17)
Don't hide your ask deep in your letter. If you're spending the money to send out direct mail solicitations, don't be shy! Prominently and repeatedly make your ask. In fact,...
This is why your special event doesn’t raise more money
Do you ever wonder why your events aren't raising more money? Why more people don't make pledges and why pledge amounts are decreasing instead of increasing? It's the economy,...
Focus on user experience in the mail too, not just online (Tip #16)
Increase response rates by pre-filling your donors' personal information on your direct mail reply cards. It might be tempting to just leave these blank (it's probably modestly cheaper than pre-filling),...
Qualifying major gift prospects is a lot like fishing…
I’m not a big fisherman, but I know enough to get by. Here’s why I think fishing and qualifying major donor suspects is similar... When you’re out in the boat...
What story is your nonprofit telling?
In Dan Portnoy's new book, The Non-profit Narrative, (a great read, by the way), Dan says: Nonprofit organizations weren't started to consistently ask for money and talk about the troubles of keeping the...
Why your nonprofit story needs tension and emotion
Tension is the element of story-telling you need to communicate well in the midst of your organization's crisis moment. Tension draws the audience into the experience...Emotions are an essential part...
The value of personalization in your direct mail (Tip #15)
Personalization is key. With the technology available today, there's no reason you should be sending targeted direct mail to any donor or prospect and addressing it to "Dear Friend" (or...