Award Winning Blog - Agitator

With A 9-Person Social Media Team, They Better Get It Right!

Would you associate AARP, the voice of America’s 50+ population, with adroit use of social media? If not, think again. AARP has some 80 Facebook pages with over a million fans, an active presence on YouTube and Twitter, and a “toehold” in about 15 other online platforms. Of course, if you have a nine-person team […]

Learn More July 22, 2013

What’s Missing On Your Website?

The Chronicle of Philanthropy just published this great article, 75% of Young Donors Turned Off by Out-of-Date Web Sites, describing what motivates people in their 20s and 30s to donate, and what their giving preferences are. A heap of stats, in the report — the 2013 Millenial Impact Report — sponsored by the Case Foundation […]

Learn More July 19, 2013

Stop Trying To Beat The Control

Direct mail fundraisers who use ‘donor fatigue’ as an excuse for frequently changing acquisition packages are in the charlatan business. Same for fundraisers who attempt to hook or trick the donor — with silly teaser copy, oversized outer envelopes, omitting the organization’s logo. They’re charlatans too. So says Kevin Schulman, our provocative pal over at […]

Learn More July 18, 2013

Thoughts On Draining The Swamp – Part 2

To complement the guerilla war we’ve declared against sleazebag ‘charities’ and solicitors (we refuse to call them fundraisers) in our Part 1 post, we need to mobilize both association and public official action. These are some of the associations in our sector that are in position to act and should: Association of Direct Response Fundraising […]

Learn More July 17, 2013

When Watchdogs Bark, Is Anybody Listening?

Do donors actually use watchdog groups like the BBB Wise Giving Alliance and Charity Navigator to decide which nonprofits to support? The answer may surprise you. It’s an important question, because as the debate over questionable or downright corrupt practices heats up, the roles and importance of regulators, the trade associations and the charity watchdogs […]

Learn More July 16, 2013

New Fundraising Accountability Code Proffered

Finally, another voice stepping up to the plate regarding regaining some public trust in fundraising. The Direct Marketing Association Nonprofit Federation (DMANF) has just issued its new Principles and Best Practices for Accountability in Fundraising. Hats off to DMANF. In the media release, DMANF General Counsel Senny Boone comments: “Donors expect nonprofits to be accountable […]

Learn More July 15, 2013