Recent data shows that "the pattern of retention for cash giving in the U.S. has worsened, with some organizations experiencing upwards of 70 percent attrition between the first and second gift." Your organization’s thank you letter is not the be-all, end-all to ending donor attrition. But it is an important first step in creating loyal, lifetime donors. Does yours have all 10 essentials?...
If reading your appeal seems like hard work to me, than why should I bother? I work all day! My brain needs a rest. Even more, my brain would enjoy a treat. Something that lights up my pleasure centers and makes me feel good. Does your appeal do that for your would-be donors? Or does it require them to put in great effort to get through it?...
A recent study about donor engagement and nonprofit marketing shows there are critical areas where what nonprofits are doing is not what is optimal for donors.
You know that you should have a solid communications calendar in place, one that combines touches with direct asks throughout the year. But if your organization relies on its year-end direct-mail appeals to raise the majority of its funding, here are seven tips to get you headed in the right direction...
Just like the classic disagreements that occur across Thanksgiving dinner tables with families, this argument in the nonprofit world is never-ending…
As the use of digital marketing continues to evolve and expand within the nonprofit industry, fundraising executives are demanding more integration within their marketing, communication and fundraising solutions. The key point of distinction is nonprofits that wish to implement integrated fundraising strategies must first think of their constituents rather than the communication tactic itself...
For most industries, email deliverability is flat or down compared to last year. Are you able to buck that trend?
We held an event recently and didn’t follow our own advice. The advice we give clients, that is. We neglected to promote it through a well-coordinated combination of direct mail, email (both blasts and individual) and social media. The event was in partnership with another firm, and the folks there decided to promote it solely through email. We followed their lead. We also made a substantial investment in paid social-media promotion...
We often hear about the fundraisers who use false promises and manipulation to get gifts, but the vast majority are honest, hardworking and passionate about the causes they represent. But, I daresay, a lot of them are kind of stuck at mediocre. This is generally not a result of laziness or a lack of desire. Rather, fundraising is complex. If you want to go from “OK” to “Wow,” no matter how many fundraising hats you wear, here are some tips to keep you moving forward...
Don’t be silly ... I’m not talking about my posts registering on the BS meter. But are you using words that register? Are you using a bunch of industry jargon instead of just saying things more clearly?
