The Development Evangelist

The Perfect Fundraising Letter

Jerry Grimes — Fri, 11 May 2012 22:14:00 GMT

When it comes to fundraising letters, I'll bet you've seen it all. There's the slick approach...A designer layout, color photos, trendy fonts and glossy paper. They're more like brochures or magazines than letters, really. Then there are letters that look like they were done on a 1980s vintage Smith-Cornona typewriter, and even breakthrough techniques that replicate human handwriting. (Click here to see what I mean.) But the best fundraising letter is always the one that works, and consistently test after test, from the Direct Marketing Association, show there are some best practices in letter writing and production that are proven to get results. Based on the research I've read and my own experience, here's what we know for sure.The length seems to be important, and a longer letter is usually better than a shorter one. There are many theories on why this is, but donors seem to think you don't have much of a case for asking them for money if you can do it on a single p ...

Learn The 3 R's To Survive & Thrive

Jerry Grimes — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 09:45:00 GMT

Your ministry is having a tough time meeting expenses, and yet you know the only way to grow income is to grow new relationships. But it takes money to raise money. What's a non-profit leader to do? Find out how to survive these tough times through the new three R's...Re-Assign, Re-Deploy and Re-Purpose your resources to find the dollars you need for growth.

The Most Important Question To Ask Yourself Before Raising Funds

Jerry Grimes — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 06:44:00 GMT

Why ask "why?" Find out the most important questions you can ask yourself before trying to raise funds.

6 Signs You Need Help With Fundraising

Jerry Grimes — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 22:12:00 GMT

Not raising as much money as you think you could? You might need the help of an outside expert...You might not. Take a look at six signs that would point you in the direction of looking for a development consultant, so you can know for sure.

You Have Not Because You Ask Not

Jerry Grimes — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 20:00:00 GMT

Busyness and fundraising seem to go together. We've always reports to run, letters to write, brochures to print and events to plan. But why is it that when it comes to asking, the one thing all of this activity is meant to support, we find it much easier to find something else to do? Let's be honest. Most of us hate asking just about anyone for almost anything. We hate to ask mostly because we are afraid of being told "no." Its like that one, two little word is a stake and we're Dracula. We're afraid "no" will be driven through our hearts and kill us for all eternity. It's a silly fear, really. No one has ever died from being told "no." And often in the final analysis, "no" doesn't even mean "no." (For more on "The Many Faces of No" read an earlier blog post here.) Another reason we hate to ask is because we hate to be asked, ourselves...Or so we think. The truth is, when we can respond with a "yes" we actually enjoy the experience of being asked. &nbs ...

4 Things Your Board Must Do

Jerry Grimes — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 04:10:00 GMT

You know it's important, but just exactly how do you engage your board of directors in fundraising?

Gratitude Helps You Gain Altitude

Jerry Grimes — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 04:55:00 GMT

Ready to unleash one of the most important forces in the universe in your quest for more donor dollars? Read about the amazing power behind two little words: "thank you," and find out how they can not only transform your organization but change your life, as well!

Majoring In Major Gifts: Worth The Effort

Jerry Grimes — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:38:00 GMT

How can you afford the time to really cultivate your top donors? A major gifts program is hard work, but it's not rocket science. Learn more, and find out how an investment of a little time in major gifts now can pay huge dividends later.

Why Your Mail Will Take Longer In 2012 & What To Do About It

Jerry Grimes — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 22:48:00 GMT

The USPS will take longer to deliver all mail, including your mass mailings to donors, in 2012. But there are some things you can do to compensate. Read how to keep the changes at the post office from messing up your fundraising efforts in the new year.

The Fine Art Of Setting Appointments

Jerry Grimes — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 08:27:00 GMT

You may love your web cam and think everyone should have one, but the simple fact remains that nothing -- not even the miracle that is Skype -- can take the place of meeting with someone face-to-face. You will learn things about people that you would never otherwise know. And donors typically appreciate the time and effort you will take to go and see them in person. Getting those meetings scheduled, however, well…that's another matter entirely! “I can’t seem to get in front of the right people!” Andy complained to me. “And making all those calls is exhausting me, and taking up all of my time. By the time I am done filling up just one day, I’m toast.” That’s why what I am about to share with you is pure, solid gold. You should immediately print this blog out and use it to execute a strategy that will fill up your donor visit days more quickly with less effort than ever before. And I’ve searched high and ...