Engaging major donors is a critical component to any nonprofit's fundraising success. BUT, it's even more critical in an election year. Why? Think about it this way. Regardless of party...
How early is too early to be in the mail with acquisition? (Tip #32)
Get in the mailbox early. Test your acquisition campaign to see how early you can be in homes without negatively impacting results. This does two things for you: 1) It...
Are You Ready For Year-End Fundraising?
It's August. Have you planned your year-end fundraising efforts yet? If not, what's keeping you from it? This is the most crucial fundraising season, and now's the time to start...
How terrible are direct mail premiums, really? (Tip #31)
Premiums aren't evil. If you have a strong fundraising offer and/or are a very well known organization, you probably won't need premiums. If, however, your offer is weak or your...
Are you willing to risk 60% of your direct mail revenue? (Tip #30)
Don't try to save money by sending a postcard in place of your direct mail package and asking donors just to go online to make a contribution. This might work for...
Direct Mail Fail – Alumni Acquisition Package
The minute I saw this envelope I knew the package was doomed. The OE (outer envelope) had a huge flaw. Unfortunately, the OE wasn't the only thing wrong with this...
Plan your direct mail as a continuity strategy (Tip #29)
Think of direct mail fundraising as a program, not an uncoordinated set of mailings you send throughout the year. Plan your mail program out annually, calendaring out each activity (extra...
Use a campaign deadline to increase urgency in your direct mail (Tip #28)
Create urgency with a deadline for responding to your appeal. Prominently highlight the deadline on your outer envelope, within your letter (as part of your ask), in your letter's P.S....
13 Ways To Engage Major Donors
Chronicle of Philanthropy recently reported that big gifts from major donors are on the decline. Their analysis of recent studies confirms giving patterns of wealthy donors today mirror those of...
Yes, your thank you letters CAN generate revenue too (Tip #27)
Use a custom thank you letter with each direct mail appeal. Use it to tell donors how their gift was (or will be) used, and to show sincere appreciation for...