Special Report: Fundraising 101 Direct Mail

One of the many things I’ve learned in the five-plus years that FundRaising Success has been around is that fundraisers aren’t exactly a shy group. I mean, really, how could they be?

So I’m never too surprised when I find myself at industry functions inundated with questions about fundraising strategies. I am, however, often surprised at the level of advice many of our readers are looking for. “How do I set up a direct-mail program?” “What’s the first step in launching a capital campaign?” “How do I get more people to give me their e-mail addresses?” A lot of pretty basic stuff.

I’m reminded that new organizations are cropping up every day, and that fresh-faced, new fundraisers are joining the sector every day, as well. I’m reminded, too, that even though FS works hard to keep its readers abreast of the best and brightest ideas and strategies for raising more money for their causes, many of those readers are still trying to master the basics.

That’s why we’ve dedicated four issues in 2009 to our Fundraising 101 series, which we hope will offer a solid look at some of the more fundamental issues involved in nonprofit fundraising. We start this month with a look at direct mail. In April, we tackle acquisition; in June, it’s special efforts, including monthly giving, lapsed donors, capital campaigns and planned giving; and, finally, we look at e-philanthropy in October.

Whether you’ll be reading as a fundraising newbie looking for some entry-level guidance or as a seasoned professional looking for a refresher course to smooth the waters in this tough economic climate, we hope you’ll find these special reports immensely helpful. If you have any specific questions you’d like to see answered in upcoming issues of FundRaising Success, please e-mail them to me at mbattistelli@napco.com.