I write for mission-driven organizations, but the truest test of that is the work itself. Below are a few samples from my time writing for higher education and community foundations, including donor appeals, impact stories, and more.
Impact Stories & Donor Communications
Safer Housing for Hobe Sound Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties
In October 2021, after a very heavy rainfall, the roof of a Banner Lake senior citizen’s home collapsed while a family of seven slept under it. A lack of resources prevented them from moving into a safer space, leaving the family homeless — until the Banner Lake Club stepped in.
Scholar Spotlight Series Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties
When Emma Hair was growing up, the mother of a deaf child in her church taught the choir some basic sign language to go along with their songs. After just a taste of this new language, Hair eventually began immersing herself in American Sign Language — and knew being an interpreter was in her future.
Part of an ongoing series profiling scholarship recipients, including students like Nicholas Esteva, a construction engineering major inspired to design some of the world’s most iconic buildings.
Direct Mail Appeals
“Developing Our World’s Future Leaders Begins Here” Washington State University College of Business
I’m not the kind of person to race ahead in life without ever looking back. It’s important to me to remember where I came from, and who helped me get to where I am today… I will never forget the generosity that has been shown to me, and I will use your gifts to help make this a better world.
Written in the voice of Daniel, a WSU junior and scholarship recipient, for a direct mail appeal to alumni donors.
“Achieve Dreams. Support a Better Future.” WSU Tri-Cities, Chancellor’s Appeal
In the last two years alone, scholarship applications at WSU Tri-Cities have increased by 350% — almost half of our student body… Whether for a student like Jason, who received a Distinguished Scholarship for his campus leadership, or for a student like Rosalinda, who is a single parent and the first in her family to attend college, your support helps students stay on track as they work toward their goals.
Written for WSU Tri-Cities Chancellor Vicky Carwein, pairing urgency (rising tuition, rising need) with individual student stories.
Writing on Fundraising
I also write about the craft itself. A few posts from my blog:
- Write Something Worth Reading — on hooking a reader before you lose them.
- Nobody Cares How Great Your Nonprofit Is — why donor-centered language beats institutional pride.
- Why Donor Comms Fail (And How to Fix Them) — common mistakes in donor letters, and how to avoid them.
Writing for the Web
CASE Gold Award Winner: When the University of Washington launched its $5 billion campaign on October 21, 2016, one of the projects I played a major part in was content for the site’s Give page. With so many schools and departments, it can be tough to make sure everyone’s priorities are identified. Using a visual effect, we were able to put microcopy underneath a variety of “causes” that people were passionate about. By clicking into the box, users could learn more and make their donation.
And Now, Something A Little Different
Fundraising copy has to build trust and make an ask land. This is different: I’m also a regular contributor to mmorpg.com, where the job is holding a reader’s attention with opinion and personality, not persuasion. A couple of samples below, included simply to show the range.
“New Valorant Agent Makes Isolation Fun, But Is He A Game-Changer?” MMORPG.com
Last week, Riot expanded its Valorant agent roster with the release of Iso, a Duelist with abilities designed to aid in pushing onto sites.
Editorial breaking down a new game character and whether the hype holds up.
“Essential Mods To Up Your Baldur’s Gate 3 Experience” MMORPG.com
Baldur’s Gate 3 is a spectacular game, but every game is better with mods.
A roundup piece written in a casual, opinionated voice for an audience that wants a real recommendation, not a sales pitch.