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Communications

Is Your Organization Really Donor-Centric?

There’s a quick test to determine whether a fundraising organization is truly donor-centered or not. Sadly, most groups fail the test … miserably. The test is simple: who in the fundraising/communications department has the most power? If, as is so often claimed (“we’re donor-centric”), the donor is truly the king or queen, then power will […]

Learn More February 8, 2016

Is Channel Integration Worth It?

Lots of fundraisers talk about integration. Few truly practice it well. And even fewer view its possibilities through the lens of practicality. This is why Australian fundraiser Sean Triner’s post To Integrate or Not To Integrate: That is the Question is a ‘must read’ — and a ‘must share’ among the silos in your organization. (Of course […]

Learn More January 27, 2016

Best Of The Agitator – 2015 – Trends and Predictions

Here’s our wrap-up of the most read and shared Agitator posts of 2015. From the resurgence of direct mail to a direct mail flop, with trends and predictions for the future of fundraising in between, the tastes of Agitator readers proved to be far-ranging. Arguably there are plenty of other posts just as good, but hey, […]

Learn More December 28, 2015

9 Great Tips for #GivingTuesday

December 1st 2015 marks the fourth annual #GivingTuesday. In anticipation of the event this post is divided into: 1) stats on #Giving Tuesday, and 2) some quick and easy tips to prepare for #GivingTuesday. Background and Stats #GivingTuesday is that artificially inseminated day of philanthropy aimed at capturing some of the torrent of consumer spending […]

Learn More November 4, 2015

Fundraising So Simple Only a Child Can Do It Well

The other day I stumbled across a company that raises big bucks in peer-to-peer fundraising for elementary schools in the US. You’ll find it at Boosterthon.com and their proposition is simple. They provide a fully automated peer-to-peer website where parents and kids can plug in videos and photos. The result is an easy-as-pie fundraising campaign […]

Learn More October 7, 2015

The Ultimate Sandbox

I confess to being a true troglodyte when it comes to social media. Proudly showing my new iPhone to my daughter recently, she immediately burst my bubble by making fun of me for not having Facebook on my home screen. After fiddling with my phone (a device I mainly use to read email and to call […]

Learn More September 29, 2015

When Donors Speak Do You Listen?

  More importantly, the question should be, ‘when donors talk do you listen — and do you respond? My guess is that very few organizations take the time and care required to respond to the comments, insights, complaints and suggestions of donors and other constituents. Our sector isn’t alone of course. Failure to respond to customer […]

Learn More September 10, 2015

Upward Fundraising Trend Continues

On Monday Tom summarized Pamela Barden’s Fundraising Wellness Check to help you glide more smoothly into the final third of 2015 and begin preparing for 2016. Today, in a nutshell, The Agitator gives The Atlas Of Giving’s  forecast for the balance of 2015. Through July 2015 the first half U.S. charitable giving has been exceptionally (and unexpectedly) […]

Learn More September 2, 2015

Don’t Forget the Port-A-Potty

The Agitator pays little attention to event fundraising. Probably it’s because Tom and I are a bit past our prime marathon days. Additionally, for the fancier events we long ago exchanged our too-tight tuxedos for ‘relaxed fit’ jeans. Or truth be told, maybe it’s because we have absolutely no expertise in this area. Whatever the reason, […]

Learn More August 26, 2015

Sleeping Fundraising Giant Awakens

What advice would you give to Chinese fundraisers intent converting the world’s largest middle class into donors? That was Ken Burnett’s assignment at the First China Fundraising Conference in Beijing last month. The Conference, sponsored by the newly formed China Association of Fundraising Professionals (CAFP) and supported by four major foundations, aimed at putting increased […]

Learn More August 24, 2015

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Ask A Behavioral Scientist

    Behavioral Science Q & A

    Q: As a designer who works with non-profits on fundraising strategy, I see the language like the following: “Our supporters help empower every girl, ensuring she has the resources she needs.” I do not think the word “help” is useful–I think “Our supporters empower every girl, ensuring she has the resources she needs. ” is much more engaging. Thoughts?

    Whether “help” is more engaging or not really depends on the framing and context. The word help can sometimes weaken the perceived agency of the supporter, making their role feel secondary rather than central (your point). On the other hand, help can also signal collaboration rather than implying full ownership of the outcome, which might […]

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    Q: We started offering a donor cover option last april 1. The data to date suggests this may be dampening giving.eg. those who say yes to donor cover have a lower average gift (based on analysis of 6000+ gifts). I’m wondering if those who give lower gifts feel more guilt and therefore say yes to donor cover or if the presence of donor cover is making people adjust (lower) their gift size to accommodate the extra 3%. Would love any insights you have.

    Great question! Here’s how behavioral science can help unpack what might be happening: Pain of Paying: Even a small extra charge can make giving feel more transactional than emotional, potentially reducing generosity. Fairness Concerns: Some donors might perceive donor cover as a surcharge rather than a contribution to the cause. If they feel the charity […]

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    Q: When writing an appeal, I waffle back and forth between writing “Your gift CAN…” or “Your gift WILL…” Any studies of which of these two words is best for an appeal?

    The choice between “Your gift CAN…” and “Your gift WILL…” taps into the psychological framing of certainty vs. possibility. Currently, there is no academic research directly comparing these two framings in charitable appeals. However, I suspect no framing is universally better—the outcome likely depends on your target audience and the campaign’s goal. Here are some thoughts: Certainty Framing – […]

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    Q: Do you have any insight on whether integrating an individual giving appeal with other comms from the charity in both appearance and messaging can uplift results? Or does the actual appeal become ‘lost’ for lack of stand-out?

    Integrating an individual giving appeal with other communications from a charity can have both positive and negative effects, and the outcome largely depends on how it’s executed. Advantages of Integration Brand Consistency: Maintaining a consistent appearance and messaging across all communications can reinforce the org’s brand identity and strengthen brand recognition and trust among your […]

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    Q: Is there any research on response rate impact in direct mail when referring to a sustainer gift as ongoing or recurring (catching all frequencies) v. monthly or annual?

    I’m not aware of any in-market tests specifically comparing recurring vs. gift frequency language. I suspect the answer might not be the same with all gift frequencies, nor with all people. It sounds like a great opportunity for you to test and find out what works for your audience. Based on the literature, here’s a couple […]

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    Q: A major conservation nonprofit sends me lots of mail, many of which have on the envelope “time to renew” or “2nd notice.” I find this practice deceptive, especially as I haven’t given to said organization since 1997. It must be effective or they wouldn’t do it. But is it ethical?

    Based on what we know from existing data, those renewal notices can actually be pretty effective in getting people to donate. They tap into our psychology – creating a sense of urgency, reminding us of past support, and using personalization to make the message hit home. They’re playing on our natural tendencies to feel obligated […]

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    The Agitator Tool Box

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