A funny thing happens when you ask donors to "Please send $1000, $500, $250, $100, or $50." Fewer people respond, and gifts are lower. Here's why. Smaller donors might think their gift can't help. (Because they see those big numbers first.) And larger donors, who could give more, often give less. (Because you "only" asked for $1,000. True story.) Instead, there's one number that all of your donors can relate to: your core number. And that one number can help you raise more money. (read more)

New year, new goals! Are all of your board members "on board" with making an annual gift to your organization? If not, this is a great resolution for your nonprofit. Every nonprofit should strive for 100% board giving, every year. This post will help you and your board members understand why this is so important (especially if you're a grantseeker). You'll also learn how to get to 100% board giving. (read more)

In case you missed a post (or just want to re-read a favorite), here are the top 5 nonprofit newsletter articles from 2019. Rankings are based on email open rates and social shares. (read more)

Fundraising is never "one and done." And that's especially true for your year-end campaign. Successful campaigns will use a multi-channel approach. The big 3? Direct mail letters, emails, and phone calls. This post will look at how you can use each of these three to your advantage to help you have a successful campaign - and a great start to the new year! (read more)

Nonprofits want to hear more donors say "Yes!" (Yes? Yes!) So why do so many nonprofits miss the mark in their fundraising letters? Before you send your next appeal letter to the printer, take a minute to see if you can say "yes" to these three simple questions. You'd be surprised at how many fundraisers can't say their letters do these three things. (read more)

Have you heard of the 40-40-20 rule? It has HUGE implications for your fundraising success. For years, direct mail marketers and advertisers have followed this cardinal rule. The "40-40-20 rule" states that the success of any campaign ultimately depends on these three factors: 40% on the audience, 40% on the offer, and 20% on the creative. This post will show you how to turn a good fundraising offer into a great one. (read more)