Tip 1: Merge Fields Are Your Friend

There is absolutely no excuse to not mail merge letters or merge in someone’s first name into an email. This technology has been around for two decades and is commonplace with all email services. You can even do it in Gmail using third-party plugins...

Prepare to Make Next Year Your Best Fundraising Year Yet

1. Prep Your Annual Summary of Giving Receipts

I recommend organizations send two tax receipts per gift. The first tax receipt immediately following the donation, within 48 hours (even if someone gives online and receives...

Maximizing Year-End Giving Through Strategic Communications

On the same day as the autumn equinox, I walked through several stores, including Home Depot and Lowes, looking for some outdoor items - only to see the patio furniture has been replaced with… Christmas decorations? I...

“You’re Always Asking for Money” 

Has a donor or friend ever told you “you are always asking for money”? In over a decade, I have never once worked with or for an organization that did not have the “asking too often” concern expressed. Hearing...