Award Winning Blog - Agitator

Everyone Loves Fireworks

… except parents with babies trying to get them to sleep. And many dogs and their owners. And those suffering from trauma where loud, explosive noises are a trigger. And others. For them, it’s negative. Everyone loves ice cream… except the lactose intolerant. And dieters. And vegans. And those who don’t like the taste. And […]

Learn More July 5, 2019

Revolutionary Fundraising

On July 4th we Americans will celebrate our Independence Day, called such because Amxit is a mouthful. I wanted to focus on the fundraisers – as ever, the real unsung heroes of the revolution. The techniques and the situation may sound very modern… Urgent need. In 1780, the Continental Army surrendered Charleston to the British […]

Learn More July 3, 2019

F-2-F Part 4: What Data Makes a Difference and How to Get It

It’s more than ironic that a large nonprofit employing both a $5 million direct response acquisition program and a F-2-F program costing the same $5 million will cumulatively spend hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars on the preparation of their direct mail package, but totally neglect any significant investment in the training and monitoring […]

Learn More July 1, 2019

F-2-F Part 3: Missed Opportunity and the F-2-F Paradox

Given the unique opportunity to capture information directly from the donor that is essential for assuring higher retention and donor value, it is ironic that most F2F operations simply ignore this bonanza. In fact, it’s more than ironic. It’s downright wasteful and irresponsible. I call it the “The F2F Paradox”. … On the one hand, the […]

Learn More June 28, 2019

F-2-F Part 2: Avoiding the Sins of the Past

A common and dangerous misperception of F2F is that it’s seen as a powerful acquisition channel for securing monthly donors. As a result, most current F2F programs—just like their direct mail forebears– focus on acquisition volume while ignoring any serious attention to retention. And, just as in the case of direct mail, F2F will face […]

Learn More June 26, 2019

Is F-2-F Acquisition a Sustainer Oasis or a Mirage?

Face-to-Face fundraising in the United States holds great promise if for no other reason than it isn’t a grossly oversaturated channel and we’re a big, populous country. This likely explains the Paul Revere feeling some have as the Brits (and Canadians and Australians) “invade” to setup shop on U.S. shores. Why? Because in those countries […]

Learn More June 24, 2019