What do your direct mail appeals look like? Are they long letters with bold and/or underlined text? Does it have a PS? Do you use images and full color to make it look more like a one-page flyer? Maybe you…

When President Trump signed several executive orders in 2025 ordering the pause of federal funding streams, many nonprofits were left wondering what this meant for the future of their existence. Some had to close up shop, while others had to…

Look, I get it. Writing fundraising appeals is challenging. Sometimes it’s easy to slip into bad habits, like using the buzzwords you and your team use around the office, trying to convey impact without a story, or talking about your…

What makes a good fundraising appeal? Well, for starters, probably not opening with a dumb question like that. If you want supporters to feel connected to your organization through direct mail or email, they actually have to read what you…

I have something very important I want to share that just might change your life. Aaaaand I see you’ve already checked out. That’s probably because I didn’t do anything to pique your curiosity, other than perhaps making myself sound like…

Imagine one of your donors opening a letter you sent that began this way: “For over 37 years, XYZ Foundation has been committed to delivering innovative community-centered programming…” A savvy donor will instantly realize this letter was not written with…