The Velvet Dart
Take a moment that could have created distance and turn it into something that builds trust instead.
Your Donors Shouldn’t Be Floating Around
When systems are clear and consistently followed, donors move. They don’t stall out. They don’t sit unseen.
They Didn’t Stop Caring - They Just Stopped Giving
Reaching out to a lapsed donor is not about checking a box or clearing a report. It’s about reopening a conversation that likely never needed to close in the first place.
More Fundraising ‘Lies’ We Keep Repeating
Our assumptions about donors can shape our strategy in ways that can unintentionally distance rather than draw them closer.
Who Told You That? (Fundraising Lies We Keep Repeating)
Our assumptions about donors can shape our direct mail strategy and limit our success.
The Work Between the Wins – It's Not Always Glitz and Glamour
The foundational work of fundraising isn’t separate from the wins. It’s what makes the wins possible.
When “Good” Donor Emails Miss the Mark
At the end of the day, strong donor communication isn’t about saying more. It’s about saying the right things, in the right way, to the right person.
Grief Isn’t Linear. Neither Are Relationships.
Relationships, like grief, aren’t linear and predictable. They weren’t meant to be.
Is This Your Monkey?
Every time you say yes to the newest distraction, you’re saying no to your caseload donors.
A Story in Four Words: Call Your Lapsed Donors
If someone is assigned to you and they’ve lapsed, they’re not “less important.” They’re just… waiting.
Innovation That Actually Feels Like You
Innovation isn’t about doing something new for the sake of it; it’s about removing friction.
Moving from “I love everything you do” to meaningful donor conversations
Broad support reflects goodwill. Specific connection builds relationship.
Stop Breaking Up with Your Donors: Why Lack of Response Isn’t a Reason to Remove Them from Midlevel
When we remove donors from relationship simply because they haven’t responded to outreach, we risk sending the message that their giving alone isn’t enough to matter.
When Wealth Screening Gets It Wrong: Why Capacity Alone is a Risky Way to Assign Donors
Long-term generosity is built on understanding the donor, not assumptions about them based on a rating system
Sustainers and Midlevel, Part Two: When There’s No Perfect Answer
We propose a hybrid approach to sustaining donors, when there’s no perfect box to put them in.
Sustainers and Midlevel, Part One: Should Monthly Donors Be in Your Relational Program?
Should sustainers be managed in a relational midlevel program, or should they stay in a sustainer program?
What Great Fundraisers Have in Common
Professional fundraisers – the ones who are great – have some skills and traits that all of us should aspire to.
How Unrealistic, Untethered Asks Lose Donors (and Dollar Handles Bring Them In)
When donors can see their role in meeting a need, they’re far more likely to step in – and step up.
Why Big Numbers Lose Donors (and Dollar Handles Bring Them In)
Big numbers describe need. Dollar handles invite participation.