Category Archives: fundraising
Isn’t it time for one-click online donating?
Amazon is the source for everything on the Internet. And according to NPR, it has held the patent on a process that has probably been largely responsible for its phenomenal growth. It’s one-click checkout. If you’ve ordered anything on Amazon … Continue reading
Why donors give
Thanks go to fundraising expert Tom Ahern for this. In his excellent e-newsletter, he included the moving and inspiring words of Damian O’Broin on why he’s a fundraiser. The occasion was the opening of the 2017 Ask Direct Fundraising Summer … Continue reading
Posted in copywriting, donor psychology, fundraising
Tagged copywriting, donor psychology, fundraising
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Email fundraising idea to test
There are lots of guidelines for fundraising emails about opt in, unsubscribe, and so on, that you’re probably well aware of. But in that required language is an opportunity to strengthen our fundraising messages. Hear me out. Most fundraising emails … Continue reading
Posted in copywriting, fundraising, Online fundraising
Tagged copywriting, fundraising
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When thanking your donor is a weak fundraising approach
It seems like the most natural thing in the world to open a letter or email to a donor with something like: “Thank you so much for all of your generous support.” It’s putting attention on the donor. It’s conversational. … Continue reading
Our idea of a “fundraising story” is way too small
Tell great stories. It’s the fundraising mantra. We’re led to believe that if our fundraising is going to have any hope of raising money that we have to be able to create protagonists, work out a plotline, and build the … Continue reading
Why informing donors doesn’t work in fundraising
It’s all too easy to think that if donors had enough information about a nonprofit’s work that they would donate in droves. But, unfortunately, that’s not the case. Truth is, as fundraisers we run into a roadblock called confirmation bias. … Continue reading
Posted in donor psychology, fundraising
Tagged donor psychology, donors, fundraising
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What’s wrong with using emotion in fundraising?
When we use strong emotions in our donor appeals, is it poverty porn or just good fundraising? See my guest post on the topic here. One of the conclusions of a recent article in SOFI is that negative emotions can … Continue reading
Posted in copywriting, donor psychology, fundraising
Tagged copywriting, donor psychology
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Why we get mediocre fundraising
The appeal opened with a description of a sweet little baby, and proceeded to deliver this bombshell: “Then he’s dead. Dead in 24 hours. Lying open mouthed to the night air, with his mom and dad weeping.” Strong language for … Continue reading
Giving is way up for 2016, but what’s ahead for 2017?
2016 has been a banner year for nonprofits, according to a report from NPR. Fundraising is up about $35 million over last year – a big jump. Giving Tuesday alone was up an amazing 44 percent over last year, totaling … Continue reading
Herschell Gordon Lewis’ Lessons for Fundraising
Herschell Gordon Lewis passed away recently. He was known as the “Godfather of Gore” for his campy movies. But more importantly, he will always be remembered a master of direct-response copywriting, both for business and for nonprofits. See my guest … Continue reading
Fundraising Copywriter George Crankovic 