Remembering your nonprofit donors
A Harvard University philanthropy study, conducted after a school campaign, found that two-thirds of the donors started with first-time gifts of $100 or less. Remember, entry level gifts indicate the donor’s interest in your organization, not their capacity for giving. If you’re not listing donors below $250 in your annual report and newsletter, you might... Read More
Humanizing Technical Stories for Fundraising
It’s always a challenge humanizing a technical subject, but with care you can engage and motivate donors and prospects. As an example, here’s part of a case statement I wrote for an orthopedic bone and research organization: World-Class Medical Excellence The Excelen Center for Bone & Joint Research and Education has achieved eminence in the... Read More
Bring Empathy to Your Nonprofit Message
The key to successful nonprofit fundraising writing is to understand what moves and motivates your constituencies, what stirs the emotions of your friends and supporters. An impact story – which puts a human face on your mission – is about a journey, by the subject of the story and the audience reading it. Empathy emerges... Read More
Make the donor feel something
Fundraising is all about connecting with people in an intimate and personal way. You want them to feel good about supporting your organization, to feel a connection that makes them recognize you are worthy of support. Here’s an excerpt from a mini-case statement I wrote for a regional public radio network: ‘You close your eyes... Read More
Nonprofit fundraising communications – storytelling matters
As non-profit organizations look ahead to the new year, they bring with them values that matter. One of them is great stewardship, honoring the funds generous people have entrusted into your hands. That’s why nonprofits like what we do. We deliver excellence within your budget. We’re a partner with you, committed to telling your story... Read More
Nonprofit solutions in challenging times
It’s rare when nonprofits feel they’re flush with cash. Budgets are strained and sometimes grants-in-aid dry up or are reduced. I recently spoke with a CEO who had some major local funding reduced by 20 percent. The new reality forces his organization to try to do more with less. He contacted me because he understands... Read More
Charitable giving DOES feel good
‘Tis the season to be…joyful – so true! As the year-end approaches, donors are making charitable gifts to their favorite non-profits. It feels good to do good, and there’s a good reason for that. It all happens in the brain. National Institutes of Health researchers gave 19 subjects each $128 and gave them the option of... Read More
Direct mail fundraising appeals
I write a lot of fundraising appeals. Typically, once the necessary research is done, I can turn around an appeal in a few days. Clients loved that. As one VP of Advancement told me, “I used to sit at my keyboard and fret for hours worrying about crafting the best letter for our nonprofit.” I... Read More
The retained writer for fundraising and public relations
I recently received an email from a nonprofit CEO, asking me to explain the typical retained work agreement nonprofits have with Wingate Communications. I explained that most of our clients retain us for a certain number of hours per month. The number of hours needed is determined by a modest strategic communications audit. Typically, we’ll... Read More
A Speechwriter is well advised
We’re frequently hired to write speeches for trade events, fundraising luncheons or legislative hearings. It’s smart to have fresh eyes review your messaging and craft your copy for maximum resonance with the audience. We’ll also help with delivery guidance so you’re ready on the big day.