NonProfit PRO

APRIL 15, 2024

Learn how to elevate every aspect of your fundraising programs—from acquisition to reactivation, digital co-targeting to housefile optimization.

Collaborations 203

Collaborations Fundraising Fundraising 203

The Agitator

JULY 8, 2014

No direct mail isn’t dead. Still, if you need some encouragement about the future of direct mail, read on. On numerous occasions, The Agitator has urged US fundraisers to shift some focus and resource to the growing Hispanic population. But here’s some additional direct response ammunition for our case.

Fundraising 88

Fundraising Fundraising 88

NonProfit PRO

MARCH 16, 2023

As fundraisers because we want to use curiosity in all kinds of ways to get donors engaged in our appeals and keep them engaged. Here are three things to consider for the teaser on your next direct mail fundraising appeal.

Fundraising 263

Fundraising Fundraising 263

NonProfit PRO

AUGUST 8, 2023

As we move into the last five months of the year, nonprofits are gearing up for a busy fall and winter fundraising season. With that in mind, it’s time to lay out your strategy for your direct mail campaigns to increase your donations.

Fundraising 225

Fundraising Fundraising Nonprofits 225

NonProfit PRO

JUNE 22, 2021

Direct mail fundraisers, this blog post is dedicated to you. The tendency to think about the offline and online channels as separate sandboxes is inadvisable for many reasons, but today we’d like to focus on a direct-mail-centric reason — one that is costing you revenue.

Fundraising 296

Fundraising Fundraising 296

NonProfit PRO

MAY 16, 2023

A GivingUSA study revealed a significant increase in millennial gift giving from 2016 to 2022, and much of that lift is a result of direct mail. Taking advantage of empty mailboxes, in addition to understanding what really motivates millennials to give, is key to the future of most fundraising programs.

Nonprofits 291

Nonprofits Fundraising Fundraising Communication 291

The Agitator

NOVEMBER 18, 2010

Direct mail comes though with flying colors. The most important reason seems to be that consumers trust information in the mail more than online. Says Epsilon: “Consumers stated loud and clear that information is more private if sent through the mail versus email or online.

Fundraising 88

Fundraising Fundraising Environmental Values 88

NonProfit PRO

FEBRUARY 1, 2022

Direct mail is extremely effective for nonprofit fundraising. You should not stop sending direct mail, but there are some things you can do to decrease the amount of postage you pay. With ever-increasing postage rates, it can eat away at your donations.

Nonprofits 298

Nonprofits Fundraising Fundraising 298

NonProfit PRO

NOVEMBER 7, 2022

Informed Delivery can increase the effectiveness of your direct mail fundraising campaign while decreasing your postage costs. With only two more months left to take advantage of its dual benefits, here are the answers to the frequently asked questions I get on this strategy.

Fundraising 306

Fundraising Fundraising 306

Top Nonprofits

JANUARY 29, 2024

As you build out your nonprofit’s fundraising strategy for the year, you may be wondering whether or not you should include direct mail. However, the return on investment (ROI) for direct mail marketing remains strong, with some marketers reporting up to 112% ROI. It’s tangible. It feels personal and authentic.

Advertising 111

Advertising Retention Marketing Marketing 111

NonProfit PRO

APRIL 12, 2023

In part 1 of this series, I discussed how to use emotion in nonprofit direct mail to drive results. By doing this in your fundraising campaigns, you will motivate people to donate. The human drive to avoid the pain of loss is extremely motivating. Now let’s discuss how to use loss aversion to increase your donations.

Nonprofits 237

Nonprofits Fundraising Fundraising Management 237

NonProfit PRO

OCTOBER 13, 2022

Fundraising is the biggest challenge nonprofit organizations face. One of the most effective methods of marketing for nonprofits is direct mail. . There are, however, tried-and-true methods that are essential to the success of a campaign.

Nonprofits 248

Nonprofits Nonprofit Organizations Nonprofit Organizations Marketing 248

NonProfit PRO

JANUARY 10, 2022

There are a lot of effective ways to communicate with your peer-to-peer fundraising participants, such as social media, apps and push notifications, SMS and direct mail – to name a few. But email is still king.

Fundraising 285

Fundraising Fundraising Communication 285

NonProfit PRO

JUNE 2, 2022

Writing a successful fundraising communication — be it an e-appeal, social media post, direct mail letter, personal letter, program copy or anything else — can feel daunting. Especially given the high rate of failure (since 100% response is rare), having to write the ask can seem like a pathway to failure.

Communication 265

Communication Fundraising Fundraising 265

NonProfit PRO

JUNE 7, 2023

Successful direct mail campaigns help donors understand the goal, visualize their impact, and get excited about giving. Get inspired to break through the noise in FY24 with creative marketing for fundraisers from BCG Connect. And while managing segmented data can be complex, it does not have to be difficult.

Management 197

Management Marketing Marketing Fundraising 197

NonProfit PRO

AUGUST 24, 2022

Testing is about the most basic best practice we have in direct marketing. In fundraising, it’s critical because if there’s one lesson we’ve all learned over and over, it’s that direct mail is counterintuitive. It’s how we measure what works and what doesn’t. Logic and common sense do not apply. Except when they do.

Marketing 217

Marketing Marketing Fundraising Fundraising 217

NonProfit PRO

MARCH 17, 2022

Often a strategy calls for including so many offers in one direct mail fundraising appeal, so how can you include a sustainer recruitment effort as well? Earlier this week, a copywriter friend of mine asked a great question. And I’m sure many of you are struggling with this same predicament.

Recruitment 277

Recruitment Fundraising Fundraising 277

NonProfit Leadership Alliance

APRIL 5, 2023

In fact, using direct mail and online channels together can increase conversion rates by 28%. As we explore the basics of letter writing to help you build a strong foundation for creating impactful letters, determine how direct mail fits into your nonprofit’s broader marketing strategy.

Nonprofits 130

Nonprofits Values Nonprofit Leadership Retention 130

NonProfit PRO

MARCH 18, 2022

You can increase the response rate of your fundraising direct mail campaigns by designing your envelope to stand out. These five ideas will instantly help your donor want to open your mail piece and review your carefully-crafted message inside.

Fundraising 137

Fundraising Fundraising 137

Jeff Brooks

AUGUST 30, 2023

Not fundraising, but classic direct response mail. Every direct mail envelope has just one job: to get opened. Find your own weirdness when you create direct mail envelopes. There’s a lot going on here, most of it meaning little or nothing. The poster that’s available for free from the government.

Governance 69

Governance Fundraising Fundraising 69

Bloomerang

JULY 7, 2022

Best Practices for Donor Acquisition and Retention Through Direct Mail. Sending a personalized, well-written appeal via direct mail can be one of the most impactful ways for schools to fundraise. But what about people who say that direct mail isn’t worth the investment? Refer to the data.

Retention 107

Retention Production Management Communication 107

Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog

MAY 12, 2015

Looking to repurpose your direct mail appeals into email? Thou Shalt Make Email SHORTER Than Direct Mail. Direct mail appeals clock in at well over 1,000 words, sometimes double and triple that. I once had a conversation with a direct mail writer who said he hated email. Email is task-oriented.

Fundraising 84

Fundraising Fundraising Energy Advertising 84

Nonprofit Tech for Good

OCTOBER 15, 2022

Your year-end fundraising campaigns should show your donors what you’ve accomplished together over the past year, and invite them to give toward an even brighter future. For direct mail, include a reply device and return envelope so your donors don’t have to track down an envelope or stamp at home. About the Author.

Fundraising 133

Fundraising Fundraising Energy Management 133

Ann Green

APRIL 22, 2024

While you’ll likely use electronic communication pretty regularly, don’t discount direct mail. We get far less postal mail than electronic communication. Also, someone can put a piece of mail aside and look at it later. You’ll also want to send regular reminders for fundraising appeals and event invitations.

Nonprofits 64

Nonprofits Communication Recruitment Fundraising 64

NonProfit PRO

JANUARY 6, 2022

From postal and email lists to change of address processing and demographic data, Melissa’s new solutions catalog brings you the tools you need to reach more donors, stay engaged with current ones and save on direct mail. Be on your way to fundraising success and download our catalog today!

Fundraising 147

Fundraising Fundraising 147

Ann Green

AUGUST 2, 2023

Even though it might be sweltering outside, now is a good time to start planning your year-end fundraising campaign, hopefully in an air-conditioned space. You can also use this for fundraising campaigns at other times of the year. I strongly encourage you to mail an appeal letter. Direct mail appeals are more successful.

Fundraising 98

Fundraising Fundraising Food Recruitment 98

Bloomerang

OCTOBER 30, 2023

Thanking donors well is an essential aspect of fundraising that is often done just once—when the donor makes a gift, or, worse, it’s overlooked entirely. Manager, Direct Marketing Fundraising Services, long-time staff of the national nonprofit Feeding America , knows better. Aaron LaMonica-Weier , Sr.

Food 82

Food Disaster Relief Retention Children 82

Affnetz

JANUARY 3, 2023

Some fundraising statistics are worse than others. It’s not about fundraising – it’s about engagement. And, since 90 to 95% of your fundraising likely comes from 5% of your donors, you’re going to want to hyperfocus on those folks. This doesn’t just mean fundraising events, it also means volunteer gatherings (e.g.,

Nonprofit Management 130

Nonprofit Management Management Associations Communication 130

NonProfit PRO

NOVEMBER 17, 2021

Emails, social media posts, direct mail, phone calls — there are so many ways to reach donors. However, text messaging has emerged as an effective way to make a big impact for your next fundraising campaign.

Fundraising 130

Fundraising Fundraising 130

NonProfit PRO

DECEMBER 2, 2021

From postal and email lists to change of address processing and demographic data, Melissa’s new solutions catalog brings you the tools you need to reach more donors, stay engaged with current ones and save on direct mail. Be on your way to fundraising success and download our catalog today!

Fundraising 130

Fundraising Fundraising 130

Ann Green

OCTOBER 19, 2023

Year-end fundraising season is starting to get underway. Speaking of appeal letters, you should plan to send one by mail. I know email is easier and less expensive, but people respond better to mail and it’s well worth the investment. Some donors may respond to your direct mail piece but will donate online.

Fundraising 117

Fundraising Fundraising Food Communication 117

EveryAction

JULY 12, 2023

Whether your nonprofit organization has used an omni-channel donor engagement strategy for years or you’re just getting started, busy fundraising seasons are the most important opportunities to communicate cohesively across mediums with your supporters.

Fundraising 89

Fundraising Fundraising Advertising Children 89

Jeff Brooks

DECEMBER 19, 2022

Here are some common temptations that trip up fundraisers, from the Hands-On Fundraising Blog, at Get behind me, Satan! It's completely counterintuitive, but longer fundraising messages work better than shorter ones. This is true in email, and even more overwhelmingly true in direct mail. That will smash response.

Fundraising 97

Fundraising Fundraising Nonprofits 97

The Fundraising Authority

SEPTEMBER 22, 2022

An organization’s annual fundraising appeal letter is a yearly letter that gets sent out to your current donors asking for general operating funds for your nonprofit organization. As you plan your annual appeal mailing, keep the following rules in mind: Write your appeal 10x faster. Write professional drafts with A.I. for free. #1

Fundraising 128

Fundraising Fundraising Activism Communication 128

Jeff Brooks

APRIL 1, 2024

Book a FREE consultation with Sean Triner of Moceanic. Sean knows his stuff, and can help you find your way forward.

Fundraising 52

Fundraising Fundraising 52

Fundraising Coach

MARCH 6, 2024

These interactions can be anything from attending a fundraising event to donating online. In this guide, we’ll explore three ways your nonprofit can inspire these positive feelings among donors through online fundraising. Let’s get started with the most important part of the conversation: choosing effective technology.

Fundraising 96

Fundraising Fundraising Non-Profits Technology 96

Jeff Brooks

MAY 4, 2023

Are you worried your organization might be sending out junk mail ? Check any of these statements you agree with: Our mail annoys our donors. Direct mail is not a good thing -- I wouldn't do it if we didn't have to. If you checked any of the above, you are probably sending junk mail. Junk mail is often received.

Fundraising 52

Fundraising Fundraising Communication 52