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A Low Risk, High Reward Approach to Fundraising
In recent years we’ve tried to show how breakthroughs in research, particularly in behavioral science enable knowledgeable fundraisers to reap some mighty impressive rewards that come from a more in-depth understanding of “why” a particular donor gives (identity), why different messages are required for different donors (personality/psychological profiles) and how these elements are used in […]
What Works Best: The Spoken or Written Word?
We know that all fundraising writing or speaking should be conversational and personal. It should avoid long words, nouns, prepositions and adjectives that all make the copy feel dense. But which approach works best? We’ve scored lots of copy and transcribed phone conversations that follow written scripts. Neither has an inherent legup on being conversational […]
Spoiler Alert: People Are Different
So why do so many fundraisers ignore this reality and treat donors and prospects with the same one-size-fits-all approach? One reason is that far too many fundraisers know very little about their donors and refuse to invest the time and money in finding out more. Consequently, stuck in the belief that determining who the […]
3 Lasting Gifts Under $2 for Your Donors
From monthly Apples and Pears to Zoo gift memberships my postal and digital mailboxes are filled with last minute tips for holiday gift giving. All of which got me thinking about gifts every fundraiser should be giving their donors. I’m not talking about calendars or stuffed animals or tote bags. Rather consider these essential gifts […]
Monkey Business
Headline: Breakthrough study finds subjects do more tasks if they enjoy it and the quality of the work product differs greatly across subjects. And in other news, water is in fact, wet. The details of the study are a bit more interesting, if still obvious. The scientists discovered major individual differences in preferences – reflecting […]
Do You Have a Big Number Problem?
Most humans have a big number problem. You probably felt it yourself as pundits and politicians droned drone on and on about the pros and cons of the multi-trillion-dollar Infrastructure and Build Back Better legislation. Do most folks really understand what $1 trillion or $1.2 trillion or $3 or $6 trillion really means in terms […]
“Only You Can Control Your Future.” [Navigation Chart for Fundraisers Enclosed]
The headline quotation is from the renowned fundraiser, Dr. Seuss. Well, even if he wasn’t a fundraiser Dr. Seuss’ advice is sound. He’s not alone in warning about grabbing hold of and steering your organization’s destiny , as literally hundreds of Agitator posts on the subject can attest. Enter the fascinating –and most helpful — […]
Epic Fail And That’s OK
A lot of work done by behavioral scientists to promote more mask wearing during Covid met with little to no success. The key in our view is getting Covid messaging, and all messaging by extension, beyond the one-size-fits-nobody world. For starters, it’s no secret that Conservatives and Liberals tend to view the efficacy and necessity […]
The Danger of Mistaking Change for Progress
I’ll never forget the little old lady. Early in my career I called on her to discuss the college’s plan for a new library, hoping she’d become a major contributor. She served tea and little cucumber sandwiches. We chatted amiably and then got down to business. With great enthusiasm I showed her the architect’s schematics, […]
Gen Z to Save the Day
“There is a revolution under way . . . It is now spreading with amazing rapidity, and already our laws, institutions, and social structure are changing in consequence. Its ultimate creation could be a higher reason, a more human community, and a new and liberated individual. This is the revolution of the new generation.” This was written 51 […]