Fundraising Blog
Design Fundraising Envelopes that Keep Your Fundraising Letters Out of the Recycling Bin
Imagine this—your donor checks the mail, and tosses the envelope containing your appeal letter into the recycle bin, unopened. How do you ensure your appeal letter doesn’t get tossed?
7 easy ways to use donor segmentation in your fundraising response card
Learn 7 easy ways in which you can use donor segmentation to address different groups in your fundraising appeal reply form, much like you would with your fundraising appeal letter.
6 Easy Ways to Add Donor Segmentation to Your Fundraising Appeal Letter
Consider using donor segmentation when preparing your fundraising appeal letters and speak to the groups in your database based on giving history and experience with your organization.
The 3 Cs of Annual Planning: Calendar, Constituents, and Channels
These nonprofit strategic annual tips and planning calendar template will help you build a successful fundraising program focused on the 3 Cs: Calendar, Constituents & Channels.
Second Gift Strategy: When and How to Ask Donors to Give Again
How do you ask your new donor for a second gift without undermining the sincerity of your thank you? And, when is the best time to ask your donors to give again?
You’ve Said “Please.” Now Pick Up the Phone and Say “Thank You.”
Donor thank you calls are an effective nonprofit communications strategy. Use this thank you call script as a guide and inspiration to improve donor stewardship & long-term giving.
How to Maximize Year-End Giving in Three Easy Steps
Even in December, the giving season isn't over. Maximize your year-end giving with these 3 simple steps that will help you meet (and hopefully exceed) your annual fundraising goals.
When is the Best Time to Mail a Year-End Giving Fundraising Letter?
When is the best time to mail your year-end giving letter? Before or after Thanksgiving? Here are the main points to consider when planning your end of year fundraising letter.
In Fundraising, Direct Mail Still Outperforms Email. Here’s Why
The digital market may seem more attractive, yet it raises less than a tenth of the money that direct mail raises. Direct mail offers a personalized approach to a targeted audience.
Wish Your First-time Donor Renewal Rates Were Higher? Part 4: Send Them a Donor Impact Report
There is no greater way of thanking your donors than showing them the impact of their generosity by ways sending them a Donor Impact Report. Let them know why their donation matters!
Wish Your First-time Donor Renewal Rates Were Higher? Part 3: Press Send
In improving first-time donor renewal, every touch matters. Email offers you a quick, effective and personal touch that resembles a classic thank you letter recipients will appreciate.
Neuroscience Reveals Why Direct Mail Raises More Money Than Digital
A recent study found that while donors acquired online have a higher average first gift, those acquired by direct mail giving have higher retention rates & greater long-term value.
Wish Your First-time Donor Renewal Rates Were Higher? Part 2: Pick Up the Phone
So, the thank you letter is in the mail. What next? Pick up the phone. Thank you telephone calls are proven to increase donor retention rates. Read more on the who, what, when and how.
Wish Your First-time Donor Renewal Rates Were Higher? Part 1: Write a Better Donation Thank You Letter
Here are a few tried-and-true methods for offering a thank you—better still, a series of thank-yous—to those supporting your work. Starting with the highly appreciated thank you letter.
How This Development Director Missed Her Declining Donor Retention Rate—and How She’s Fixing it Now
Read Five Maples' analysis of why a development director missed her declining retention rate and find out how she fixed it by following a terrific action plan to improve retention.
Use Donor Segmentation to Tailor Communications and Measure Results
You need an easy way to communicate with different groups based on their interests & relationship with you. That’s one of the reasons for segmentation. Read more about this approach.
How Ben Franklin Helped Drive a 600% Increase in a Single Email Appeal
Learn from our founding father, Ben Franklin, the fundraising pioneer responsible for the first matching gift campaign. Time for you to use the magic of the matching gift too!
Want a Successful Fundraising Year? Start With These Planning Basics
Organizations that benefit from the year-end surge in giving don’t wait until after Thanksgiving dinner to start the process. They start their plan in January & keep at it each month.