Nonprofit Fundraising Blog
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“Five Maples’ blog is a Treasure Chest.”
Should you mail your fundraising appeal letter first class, or non-profit, standard class (marketing mail)? It depends. We analyze the different cases.
Just as a compelling letter captures attention, a well-designed fundraising newsletter captivates and guides readers through a visual journey.
A question sometimes asked by fundraisers is, “Should we provide the donor with a business reply envelope so they don’t have to put a stamp on the reply envelope?”
This Fundraising Typography Guide will help you make words more accessible and impactful. Don’t sacrifice your copywriter's skill to a misguided splash of color.
Gain insights and optimize results with Five Maples' Annual Fund Analysis. Industry benchmarks, expert recommendations, and data-driven observations provided.
Contrary to what you may think, many current year donors will gladly donate again and again if you ask them for additional donations. The data proves it.
Whether a donor’s first gift came online, via direct mail, through peer solicitation, or at an event, these tried-and-true recommendations can make a powerful impact on your organization’s donor retention.
Direct mail analysis can highlight imbalances in the fundraising program or address problems identified during the annual fund analysis.
Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools nonprofits have to attract donors. Here are some guidelines that can help you on your storytelling journey.
Follow-up emails are an essential tool for fundraisers to remind donors to give and make it easy for them to do so. These 5 tips will help you write an effective fundraising email.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions around nonprofit broadcast, stewardship & solicitation emails, and the answers and professional insight you need to get started!
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.
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.
Make the most of your donor communications with these four nonprofit newsletter tips. They will help you maximize donor retention and get more donations without even asking.
It's time to lose your old remit envelope with a static ask string in your direct mail fundraising. Instead, you should use a variable donation response card with a variable ask string.
A donation response card is a donor’s chance to interact with you during the direct mail fundraising campaign's process. Make your reply card enjoyable, rewarding and easy for them!
Learn how to write donation request letters that get results and raise more money. Five Maples guides you through the process with tips and examples of letters requesting donations.
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.
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?
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.
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 your year-end giving letter? Before or after Thanksgiving? Here are the main points to consider when planning your end of year fundraising letter.
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.
Should we encourage our donors to switch to online giving? Won’t that save us money? Studies show that the answer is a resounding NO. It actually costs you money - find out why.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?