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How to Handle a “Demanding” Donor

How to Handle a “Demanding” Donor

Donor Care, Donor Love
I used to have a mental picture of “difficult” major donors, based on horror stories I’d heard.  I imagined a cigar-chomping business tycoon who wanted to use large donations to remake a nonprofit to fit his own preferred vision, not…
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Pop Art telephone

The Fundraiser’s Practical Guide to Older Donors: 3 Things You Need to Know

Demographics
One of the most difficult things about fundraising is the gap between most fundraisers and most donors. (If you are in your 50s or later, you probably already know what I’m going to say in this post.) Ours is a…
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Pop Art Young Man Jumping for Joy

Get Me Some Young Donors Right NOW!

Demographics
Chances are, the average age of your donors is notably high. That’s how it is for almost every nonprofit on the planet. It’s a result mainly of the way the human brain works, often enhanced by economic and cultural forces.…
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Pop Art Steaming Mug of Coffee e1537776392538

12 Things You Need to Know about Talking to Donors about Bequests

Bequests and Legacies
Just the idea of talking to donors about bequests can be overwhelming. As fundraisers, we’re used to simple calls to action, quick solutions to problems, and lots of urgency. If you’re good at fundraising, you are equipped to be good…
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Pop Art Hands protecting a green sprout

The Liberating Truth Behind Smart Bequest Fundraising — It’s About Life

Bequests and Legacies
You are going to die. And probably sooner than you think. Not a great way to start a conversation is it? To hear some people talk about it, you’d think communicating with donors about bequests is like some kind of…
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Pop Art Woman light on the palm e1537496107373

VIDEO: The Magic Words of Bequest Fundraising

Bequests and Legacies
Professor Russell James, Professor of Charitable Financial Planning at Texas Tech University, shares the words and phrases that help donors connect meaningfully with the topic of bequest giving. Learn the importance of: “Family” language The importance of simplicity The power…
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Pop Art Man Hide and Seek landscapeCAT VIDEOS

VIDEO: Good and Bad Delusions: What My Cat Is Teaching Me about Fundraising

Fundraising
I’d like to introduce you to Dulcinea, my cat. She’s very nice. We have a great relationship, as long as I keep supplying cat food. But we’re both delusional. That’s okay, though. It’s how two very different species can get…
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My Biggest Fundraising Disaster: The Sad Tale of the Cynical Humanitarians

My Biggest Fundraising Disaster: The Sad Tale of the Cynical Humanitarians

Demographics
Is your organization looking for a fundamental, game-changing shift in how you raise funds? I wish you the best. I hope you find it. But let me tell you something not to do in your search for transformation by sharing…
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Do long letters in fundraising still work?

Why Your Boss Is Wrong – Long Letters Do Work Better In Fundraising.

Direct Mail
Aunt Ruth was smiling. Aglow with happiness. I couldn’t figure it out. My 79-year-old aunt had just brought in the day’s mail. There was a lot of it, including several fundraising appeals. She threw one away unopened. The others she…
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Gift

Thank You For ‘Hanging Out’ With Me

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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