by Marc A. Pitman | Jun 3, 2008 | 3. Ask, Fundraising Secrets
One of my biggest frustrations is getting a passionate email appeal, clearly stating a need, but not telling me what to do to fix it. Do you want me to give money? Send a letter to the editor? But it’s worse to get an email asking for a donation without a link...
by Marc A. Pitman | May 20, 2008 | 2. Engage, 3. Ask, Fundraising Secrets
Jeff Brooks’ recent post at DonorPowerBlog is such a great reminder: when you’re writing fundraising letters, you need to write like a human being. He offers a great real-life example of typical copy from a fundraising letter he received. Winter disasters...
by Marc A. Pitman | Apr 22, 2008 | 3. Ask, Fundraising Secrets
Usually when we do think about estate giving, or so-called “planned giving,” we tend to think of really rich people. But the AFP reports shares that a new study by Campbell & Company blows this preconception away. According to the AFP: Most surprising...
by Marc A. Pitman | Apr 8, 2008 | 2. Engage, 4. Love (Stewardship), Fundraising Secrets
In the spirit of the last fundraising secret People give to people, I offer Fundraising Secret #16: ALWAYS be interested in the donor as a PERSON not as a pocketbook. Relationships are always our most vital asset. Whether or not people give to us, they are...
by Marc A. Pitman | Mar 27, 2008 | Fundraising Secrets, Odd
Just read this in MaineBiz: Report: Maine philanthropy has grown Maine philanthropy has increased dramatically in recent years, according to a new report from the Maine Community Foundation and the Maine Philanthropy Center. “Giving in Maine: A Report on...
by Marc A. Pitman | Mar 25, 2008 | 3. Ask, Fundraising Letters, Fundraising Secrets
Reading Stephen Hitchcock’s Open Immediately: Straight Talk on Direct Mail Fundraising, I’ve been reminded of one of the great truths of fundraising, one I’m calling Fundraising Secret #15: people give to people. This is one of the reasons...
