More Appealing Appeals
Some blogs to guide your pursuit of fundraising happiness through direct mail and electronic appeals to donors (with some general donor cultivation mixed in, just to keep you honest)...
- The Chronicle of Philanthropy: New Research Sheds Light on What Works in Charitable Appeals: An excellent summary of some fascinating findings, such as "fund-raising appeals do best when they are crafted around a single gripping image" rather than a collection of images (i.e. people were more sympathetic to a single starving child than they were to two children facing the same plight). Additionally, "fund-raising events that involve pain — such as marathons or even walks across shards of glass — might sometimes spur bigger gifts...than a picnic or gala ball."
- Donor Power Blog: Five secrets to fundraising happiness: Some very good advice on overall fundraising, and some decent career advice for development professionals.
- onPhilanthropy: Little Moments, Big Magic - and Money in the Bank: How Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado increased fundraising by eliminating events and focusing on the "what’s in it for me?” question from each prospective partner.
- Katya's Non-Profit Marketing Blog: The Best Email Ever: A quick analysis of a very compelling email. It's all about the stories, friends. People love stories.
- Donor Power Blog: The bigger the number, the smaller the comprehension: Another good one from Donor Power Blog. Turns out one starving child raises more money than 18,000.
