Multibuyers is the term used to identify donor prospects that appear on multiple rental lists in the same list buy. These prospects are like hidden gold in your rental list mix! ...
Are you running a siloed direct mail program? (Tip #49)
Managing your fundraising programs in silos is a recipe for failure. Donors don't live in silos. They don't behave in a predictable manner. Donors might see your mail, hear you...
One quick way to keep your direct mail from looking like junk (Tip #48)
Avoid looking like junk mail by using a live bulk rate stamp instead of an indicia on your mail. The stamp adds minimal additional cost and could significantly lift your...
Write better direct mail copy (Tip #47)
Your direct mail fundraising copy shouldn't be about you. As much as you might want to show donors how amazing your organization is, all the great you've done in the...
Want to improve your fundraising copy? Do this. (Tip #46)
After you write your letter, put it aside for a while. Come back to it the following day (or week) when you have a fresh perspective. Then edit it in...
Yes, your direct mail letter needs a P.S. statement! (Tip #45)
Always include a P.S. in your letter. Use the P.S. as an immediate call to action. Since most people scan a letter (the intro, bolded/underlined copy and the P.S.), the...
How much mail is too much? (Tip #44)
Test mid-month appeals. Many organizations are successfully mailing 12 annual appeals (one per month) AND 4-6 mid-month appeals throughout the year. These mid-month appeals can add a lot of income...
4 Steps Nonprofits Can Take to Establish Lasting Business Partnerships
Cause marketing has been a long recognized endeavor between nonprofits and for-profits. There are many classic examples (Children's Miracle Network, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, St. Jude Children's Research...
Write for your audience, not your boss or board (Tip #43)
"New," "fresh," and "cutting edge" approaches to your direct mail will almost always result in lower performance. Marketing departments, board members, and sometimes even fundraisers will want to move away...
Watch your tone when writing fundraising copy (Tip #42)
A positive, inspirational tone in your letter is better than the doom and gloom approach. Donors want to support successful organizations that have big vision, plans for achieving great things...