Award Winning Blog - Agitator

Statistical Averages Versus Fundraising Reality

Roger and I appreciate when Agitator readers share real world data and experience with others in the fundraising community. It’s the best way for all of us to compare and learn. So thanks to Carrie Miller at SankyNet for the grist for today’s article. Carrie takes a closer look at ‘industry benchmarks’ and observes that […]

Learn More April 3, 2014

Two ‘Must-Read’ Columns

In the last few days I’ve seen two columns, one in the NY Times and one in the Chronicle of Philanthropy, that I consider ‘must read’ for nonprofit fundraisers and communicators (and their CEOs). The first sets the context for the second. In the NY Times, Arthur Brooks, CEO of The American Enterprise Institute, wrote […]

Learn More April 2, 2014

Agitator Announces Dating Service For Fundraisers

In a move aimed at demonstrating The Agitator’s commitment to relationship building and better serving our readers, our Executive Management Board today announced the launch of a worldwide dating and match-making service designed exclusively for fundraisers. The Board announcement read in part: “Too many fundraisers have no love life. Too often we’ve seen that look […]

Learn More April 1, 2014

Using Videos For Retention

Here are some suggestions about using videos to encourage retention from Peter Reynolds at For the Record Productions in Toronto, relayed via fundraising firm Hilborn. Actually, Peter believes all the various videos a nonprofit should have in its repertoire can contribute to retaining donors. He sees that repertoire as including a ‘flagship’ video, a video […]

Learn More March 31, 2014

Death Of A Large Presence

In the fundraising marching band of impressive and memorable characters Tom and I have known over the years, Bill Dixon was the Drum Major. A big man, with a booming voice and boisterous laugh, love of life and passionately committed to human dignity and equality, Bill passed away March 22nd at age 81 in Richmond. […]

Learn More March 28, 2014

Order Forms & Landing Pages

As much as The Agitator dwells on strategic concepts like donor commitment and donor-centric communications, there’s no question that fundraisers have got to get basic execution right as well. Here are two examples … 3 Ways to Improve Your Direct Mail Order Form, from Paul Bobnak at Who’s Mailing What, really boils it down: Keep […]

Learn More March 27, 2014