Design Archives | Moceanic

It’s Time to Ditch That Same-Old “Default” Direct Mail Appeal

March 17, 2025

Jeff Brooks

I keep getting the same direct mail appeal in my home mailbox. Not exactly the same appeal, but different appeals with the same basic specs. Most of them from smaller local nonprofits who would like me to become a donor.…

How You Can Learn about Fundraising from the Golden Age of Advertising

February 10, 2025

Jeff Brooks

Branding, Creativity, Writing

One of the truly cool things about our private members-only community, The Fundraisingology Lab, is the conversations that come up, and where they can lead. Here’s a recent example: A Lab member—who, for reasons you’ll quickly understand, wanted to be…

How to Make Your Fundraising Strong with Visual Design

January 20, 2025

Jeff Brooks

Creativity, Crises Fundraising

They told me my voice was going to be squeaky and out of control for a while, but after that people would stop mistaking me for my mother on the phone. I was okay with that. Later, they told me…

Does Your Fundraising Include or Exclude? (It Matters!)

March 11, 2024

Jeff Brooks

Equality

Imagine this: a nonprofit arts organization that had a sign outside their venue saying: “Wheelchair users not welcome.” That would be reprehensible. And in many places, illegal. An organization that would do that would clearly have its basic values twisted…

Discover the Power of Inclusive Fundraising for ALL Donors

February 26, 2024

Jeff Brooks

Demographics, Donor Love, Inclusivity

Here’s some good news for fundraisers: If you make your fundraising work for everyone, regardless of their visual acuity, reading ability, attention, or knowledge and expertise — you make it better for everyone else too. That means when you write,…

Just How “Different” Are Your Donors, Really?

July 31, 2023

Jeff Brooks

Demographics

Here’s the most true and untrue statement in fundraising: “Our donors are different from other donors.” Yes, they really are different. And no, they are not! They are both unique and typical. Okay, it may sound like I’m talking out…

What Your Direct Mail is Like for Real People

October 7, 2019

Fiona McPhee

Direct Mail, Donor Psychology

I’ve spent a good decade and a half defending direct mail. Mostly in response to anxious nonprofit insiders saying things like “I’d hate to get all the mail we send.” I won’t pretend everyone you mail wants it. And I…

The Beauty of Ugly Fundraising

July 9, 2018

Jeff Brooks

Fundraising

How many times have you heard people complain about fundraising — especially direct mail: It’s so ugly! In fact, you’ll often hear the hypothesis that if it weren’t ugly, it would work a lot better. As if the problem is…

Pop Art Pop Art Confident Business Woman Super Hero in Suit with Red Cape 123RF

The Secret of Success: Do Only What Only You Can Do

July 3, 2017

Dearne Cameron

Fundraising, Fundraising Training Needs

Guest blogger – Dearne Cameron, CEO of Pareto Fundraising (Sorry Moceanic subscribers and Dearne – the email that you may have received about this post did not explain that Dearne is the guest author of this article – not Sean!)…

Thank You For ‘Hanging Out’ With Me

December 13, 2016

Sean Triner

Trends, Branding, Demographics, Direct Mail, Donor Love

By reading my articles, I guess you care about making the world a better place and raising more money for the causes you care about. I am chuffed by the feedback I get from my updates (please send more –…

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It’s Time to Ditch That Same-Old “Default” Direct Mail Appeal

How You Can Learn about Fundraising from the Golden Age of Advertising

How to Make Your Fundraising Strong with Visual Design

Does Your Fundraising Include or Exclude? (It Matters!)

Discover the Power of Inclusive Fundraising for ALL Donors

Just How “Different” Are Your Donors, Really?

What Your Direct Mail is Like for Real People

The Beauty of Ugly Fundraising

The Secret of Success: Do Only What Only You Can Do

Thank You For ‘Hanging Out’ With Me

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Jeff Brooks’ Webinar: Your Roadmap to Record-Smashing Direct Mail This Year End

SESSION OPTION 1:

New York: 3:30pm Thursday, Aug 23
Los Angeles: 12:30pm Thursday, Aug 23
London: 8:30pm Thursday, Aug 23
Auckland: 7:30am Friday, Aug 24
Times don’t suit? Check out Option 2

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100% FREE ONLINE WORKSHOP

Jeff Brooks’ Webinar: Your Roadmap to Record-Smashing Direct Mail This Year End

SESSION OPTION 2:

New York: 8pm Thursday, Aug 23
Los Angeles: 5pm Thursday, Aug 23
Sydney: 10am Friday, Aug 24
Auckland: 12 Noon Friday, Aug 24
Times don’t suit? Check out Option 1

REGISTER HERE!

SIGN UP FOR FREE FUNDRAISING TIPS

Nearly every single tip we give you could make your cause more money. You don’t want to miss out.

SIGNUP FOR E-NEWS AND FREE FUNDRAISING TIPS

Nearly every single email can help you raise more money for your cause. You don't want to miss out.

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Dive Into Smarter Fundraising with Moceanic

Now is the time to jump on board to get even smarter about your fundraising

ABOUT

HOW WE CAN HELP YOU

MORE

SIGN UP FOR REGULAR, USEFUL FUNDRAISING TIPS FROM MOCEANIC

SESSION OPTION 1:

New York: 3:30pm Thursday, Aug 23 Los Angeles: 12:30pm Thursday, Aug 23 London: 8:30pm Thursday, Aug 23 Auckland: 7:30am Friday, Aug 24 Times don’t suit? Check out Option 2

REGISTER HERE!

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FUNDRAISING TIPS FROM MOCEANIC

New York: 3:30pm Thursday, Aug 23
Los Angeles: 12:30pm Thursday, Aug 23
London: 8:30pm Thursday, Aug 23
Auckland: 7:30am Friday, Aug 24
Times don’t suit? Check out Option 2