Matching challenges help increase direct mail response rates and total revenue. I've seen nonprofits that use matches in as many as 7-10 of their mail appeals each year. Probably seems...
Are you constantly reinventing your direct mail wheel? (Tip #20)
Find a control package (or several). I'm always surprised when I talk to nonprofit organizations and hear things like, "we're working on a new holiday package because our board thinks...
What makes for a strong direct mail fundraising offer? (Tip #19)
A good offer is one that is specific, tangible, urgent and solvable. Here are some examples: Your gift of $19.40 will provide holiday meals for 10 hungry, homeless, hurting people...
A solid website is the key to your integrated media strategy
Your website should (read: must) be the focal point of your entire integrated fundraising strategy. Why? Simply put, 99% of your donors will never walk through the doors of your...
23 Questions for More Effective Fundraising Copy
Do you want your fundraising letters to raise more money? If so, be sure to ask these 23 questions each time you write a letter: Do I have a compelling...
How to know when direct mail isn’t a good fundraising tool for your org (Tip #18)
Not all fundraising offers are made for direct mail. Some causes just don't lend themselves to direct mail. This can be because your audience is so small you can't get...
Instinct vs. Insight
As a fundraiser you'll have a lot of people offer you suggestions on how best to do your job. Well intentioned board members, executive directors, program staffers, volunteers and supporters...
15 Tips to Grow Your E-mail List
Looking for ways to grow your e-mail subscriber list? Try these 15 ways: Ask for e-mail address on your direct mail and newsletter reply devices Request it during volunteer sign-in...
If you’re going to hide the ask, just don’t mail at all (Tip #17)
Don't hide your ask deep in your letter. If you're spending the money to send out direct mail solicitations, don't be shy! Prominently and repeatedly make your ask. In fact,...
This is why your special event doesn’t raise more money
Do you ever wonder why your events aren't raising more money? Why more people don't make pledges and why pledge amounts are decreasing instead of increasing? It's the economy,...