Award Winning Blog - Agitator

Online Fundraising Ain’t A World Apart

There's a lot of buzz already about the online fundraising success of the presidential contenders, with Obama, Clinton, Edwards and Romney leading the pack so far. The buzz treats “online fundraising” as something independent of and a world apart from “traditional” fundraising. But that ain't true. I've launched the small gift fundraising programs for a […]

Learn More April 18, 2007

A Nation Of Public Affairs Dummies?

Pew Research Center wouldn't put it so harshly. But the verdict appears to be YES! Nonprofit fundraisers and communicators be aware of these findings as you craft cause-oriented appeals and messages. Don't aim too high! Pew has just released a study indicating that most Americans cannot pass a basic test of our knowledge of public […]

Learn More April 17, 2007

Here Is Great Marketing

Attention nonprofit fundraisers: LunaMetrics gets it! Lunametrics focuses on improving clients' online conversion efforts. I just subscribed to their e-newsletter, and here's the confirmation message I received … from their CEO, not some anonymous or “admin” address. Did the CEO personally send it? Maybe, maybe not … but the takeaway is still that the top […]

Learn More April 16, 2007

Measuring Up — How Not To Rate A Nonprofit

We promised The Agitator would take a serious look at the accountability issue as it applies to nonprofits. But we can't resist having fun first. Here are our Top 12 factors NOT to consider when evaluating the effectiveness of a nonprofit … 12. Has the hottest celebrity endorsers. 11. Has the funkiest offices. 10. Has […]

Learn More April 13, 2007

Beware Of Sophisticated Donor!

Here's a thoughtful piece by an advertising guy, Jay Suhr, on “new rules of engagement” for marketers. Smart fundraisers have already adopted much of what he says … think about marketing to individuals, not groups; avoid the mushy middle; obsess about relevance. Following maxims like these will lead to more effective fundraising messages and targeting. […]

Learn More April 12, 2007

Is Online Fundraising Really “Growing”?

Probably. Very likely. Almost certainly. OK, definitely. But maybe not as much as various studies seem to indicate. Philanthropy Journal has kindly assembled in one convenient post three of the best reports on trends in online fundraising … Convio, estimating 27% growth in median dollars raised from 2005 to 2006; M+R Strategic Services and the […]

Learn More April 11, 2007