Here comes my occasional “Do’s vs. Don’ts” feature, where I with you something arriving in my box that seems a good ‘teaching opportunity.’ Today we’re going to review a last-day-of-the-campaign on appeal strategy. It arrived as an e. There’s (1) a sender’s address, (2) subject , (3) preview pane, and (4) the e itself.…
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If there was ever a time to optimize your e fundraising strategy, now is it. So, don’t get anxious simply waiting for the phone for stuff to happen. You can make it happen! Because it’s the most generous time of the year. During the period from mid-November through the end of December, organizations typically secure…
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I’ve written about this before. But since I continue to get questions, I’m writing about it again. Fundraisers wonder about the upsides and downsides in asking donors to cover credit card and other gift transaction fees. Hmmn… First, let me be upfront in letting you know my gut emotional response to doing this is “no.”…
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This is one of my all-time most popular posts. And since you’ve still got time to sprinkle a little magic into your year-end fundraising, I decided to share it again!
Consider each of these seven words a magic potion unto themselves.
The more of these words you use, the more powerful a spell your appeal will cast.
Each of these packs a bigger persuasive punch than you might imagine.
Let’s take a closer look at how this works.
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Want to know something that constantly amazes me? When I give fundraising advice, people often tell me “Oh, Claire. That’s such common sense!” Indeed. Somehow, I’ve learned when we cross the thresholds of our organization we too often leave our common sense at the door. We make everything complicated than necessary, often burying ourselves…
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Actually, unless you’re an accomplished baker, this is easier than pie. Simply prepare to send 4 es the final week of the year. I know, it sounds daunting. But… it’s easy! In fact, you should be able to craft these 4 es in less time than it takes to bake a pie. And, they’re foolproof!…
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This year Giving Tuesday is December 2nd. So, soon.
If you’ve not done so already, now is a good time to think about whether or not you want to jump on the bandwagon and, if so, how. There is more than one way to slice this particular piece of pie. And, really, that’s what Giving Tuesday is – just one piece of your total annual fundraising strategy.
You don’t want to blow it out of proportion. But you probably don’t want to ignore it. Rather, plan ahead to put it into a context where it will complement your other year-end communications and fundraising strategies.
Let’s take a closer look.
What is Giving Tuesday?
I confess I’ve been a bit of an apologist for the “holiday.” I like to turn the tables by actually giving to donors, rather than asking them to give yet one more time during this busiest fundraising time of the year.
Plus, I often say if you want gifts, you must give them. What better time to do so than on giving Tuesday?
Of course, asking can also be a form of giving. So, I love appeals on this date that give people the option of giving money or supporting you in other ways (e.g., volunteering; in-kind donating; advocating, etc.).
It’s all philanthropy (aka “love of humanity”).
In The Fundraising Story Is A Mirror, Not An Exhibit, Kevin Shulman of the Agitator-DonorVoice writes about how to tell a complete story. One that fully connects with donor emotion, and allows them to see, feel and enact their values. Rather than a narrative about the donor’s suffering, an effective story for fundraising purposes must…
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You’ve probably seen them. The “old school” fundraising thermometer. One of those things that makes you go… Hmmn… Do those really work? I’m bringing this up because… In his wonderful newsletter, Tom Ahern recently suggested reviving these. They’re also a technique favored by John Lepp, author of Creative Deviations. “Love them!” he says. These fellows are true…
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The biggest fundraising time of the year for most nonprofits inexorably approaches.
It can be stressful.
Don’t succumb to the stress. You’ve got this!
Perhaps you can’t do everything you’d like to do this year, but you can do some things.
Here are 12 strategies for you to consider. Each will pack a big punch.
Some you can do on your own. Some will require support from technical and/or marketing staff.
Here’s the thing: Often it’s the little things that count. That pack a surprising wallop.
So don’t save all your energy for writing your appeal. Help your appeal along by putting some of the dozen suggestions that follow into effect. Even just one or two will make a difference.
Let’s get started…
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