As the year comes to an end, you'll see "best of" lists and recaps everywhere.
In case you missed a post from the LetsTalkNonprofit.blog, or just want a refresher or a jump start on the new year, here are the top 5 posts from 2019.
You can view the full archive here.
What Nonprofits Can Learn from The Godfather
"I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse." Take away the sinister tone, and you have a brilliant piece of fundraising advice. Your "offer" is a key part of any successful fundraising appeal. Yet far too many nonprofits fail to make any sort of offer at all. This post explores "offers," what they are, and how to use them in your next fundraising appeal. (Be sure to read the companion post below: From Good to Great)
Focus on These 2 Groups of Donors and You'll Raise More Money
When you keep more donors, you'll raise more money. It's really as simple as that. Yet too many nonprofits focus on donor acquisition - or getting new donors. Smart fundraisers know that the money lies in donor retention - or keeping the donors you already have. The fact is you won't be able to keep all of your donors. But you can keep more of them. Here's how.
From Good to Great: Better Fundraising Offers
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 focuses on the fundraising offer and shows you how to turn a good one into a great one.
3 Must-Haves in Every Appeal Letter
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. This post explores how to do those three things - and how to do them better.
3 Ways to Raise More Money in the Last Weeks of the Year
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 2020!
Photo credit(s): Pixabay
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About The Author
Laura Rhodes is a Certified Fund Raising Executive, fundraising consultant, speaker, and trainer. She's helped nonprofit organizations raise millions of dollars from foundations and individual donors. When she's not writing grants, appeal letters or case statements, she enjoys teaching staff and board members how to raise more money for the causes they love.