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Fundraising with AI: Surprisingly Fun, Incredibly Effective - Clairification
Think AI is cold, complicated, or not for fundraisers? Think again. I’ve experimented myself. Asking ChatGPT to draft an e. Or an out. Or a draft for a proposal. At first, I was unimpressed. The content was a bit generic, and often redundant. Citations were sometimes incorrect. The logic was questionable. And, of course, the…
From ‘Resting on Laurels’ to Leading with Vision: A Nonprofit Guide to Moving On - Clairification
Are you planning to do, or less, the same thing you did last year for your year-end annual fundraising push? I mean things like: Recycling the same appeal letter Mailing to the same list Failing to segment your list Failing to clean up addresses and de-dupe your list Using the same donation landing page…
Do You, or People You Know, Hate Fundraising? Read This! - Clairification
Focus on the Rainbow, Not the Storm If you’re coming at fundraising from the perspective of “no pain, no gain,” I’d like to suggest you reframe your approach. Especially when it comes to asking individuals, one-to-one, for passionate gifts. As long as you hate it, you’re never going to be effective. In fact, if…
Overheated Clairity Click-it: Nonprofit Links + Free Resources Be Yours - Clairification
Wherever you are, here’s hoping you’re managing to keep cool! And I don’t mean just physically. As we begin to ramp up for the busiest part of the fundraising year — during a time of unprecedented upheaval — try to let cooler heads prevail. Hopefully, some of the wisdom you find in this newsletter will…
Facts Tell, Stories Sell: The Fundraising Mistake You're Probably Making - Clairification
Does proving your point persuade your nonprofit donor? It turns out not so much. At least, not unless your donor is already pretty much won over. Proof (“just the facts, m’am”), absent persuasion (“once upon a time”), won’t get you far. In “How to Project Manage Your Nonprofit Story,” I ved into the concept of…
Create Impact Now: 4 Key Appeal Ingredients That Move Donors to Act - Clairification
Let’s say you’ve done everything thus far suggested in this fundraising appeal checklist. ✅ You’ve done the groundwork.✅ You’ve focused your message.✅ You’ve made it about the donor—not your organization. Now it’s time to bring it home. Because no matter how clear or well-structured your appeal is, it won’t inspire action unless it moves the…
Fundraising Appeal Checklist: 8 Essentials to Review Before You Write - Clairification
Before you write a single word of your annual fundraising appeal, pause. Take a deep breath. And think about the person who will open your letter or e. They’re not just a “donor.” They’re a person with hopes, fears, dreams and values. Someone who cares. Someone who wants to make a difference. Someone who, in…
Dog Days Clairity Click-it: Nonprofit Links + Free Resources Be Yours - Clairification
Do you ever find yourself spending seemingly endless time worrying about the state of the world? The future of your organization? Family dynamics? Career prospects? Simply what you’re going to eat for lunch? The dog days of summer lead to this type of languid reflection. Sometimes it’s useful. But, it can also be enervating. The…
Top 10 Tips to Passionate, Colorful Appeal Writing - Clairification
The job of the smart fundraiser is inspiring passionate philanthropy to make people’s lives better. I know you’re smart, because you’re reading this article! But none of us is born with a fundraising gene. And no one ever really teaches us how to write a smart fundraising appeal. We from our predecessors. Or maybe read…
The Last Luxury: Why Real Human Connection Still Matters in Fundraising - Clairification
In a world speeding toward automation, authentic human relationships are becoming a rare — and priceless — asset. Imagine you’re on a third date with someone you really like. You’ve taken them to your favorite restaurant — the one you take your mom to when she’s in town. But instead of Louis, the sommelier who…
So You Want More Major Gifts This Year? Here's the Secret! - Clairification
All you’ve got to do is ask! Seriously. The number one reason people don’t make a major gift – or any gift for that matter – is no one asks them. But I’m getting a bit ahead of myself. Before you can ask, you have to know a few basics: Who will you ask? What…
Your Online Nonprofit Fundraising Playbook Starts Here - Clairification
In Part 1, we reframed what digital fundraising is really about: not just mastering tools, but learning to connect with heart and humanity — in the places your donors already live: on. Now, it’s time to turn insight into action. Whether you’re launching your first on campaign or refining what you’re already doing, these four…
Clairity Click-it: Sandpail Full of Nonprofit Links + Free Resources Be Yours - Clairification
In Ecosystems Come and Go, Seth Godin writes: “We can lament the end of an ecosystem. After all, we worked hard to get here and we counted on it. We’re comfortable with it and we understand it. Or, we can accept that ecosystems come and go, and focus our energy on how the next ecosystem…
The New Rules of Fundraising: Human First, Digital Fast - Clairification
Eight years ago, I wrote an article asking, “Why Aren’t You Doing More On Fundraising?” It felt urgent at the time. Loing back, it was downright gentle. Today, the question isn’t whether your nonprofit should be fundraising on. It’s whether you’re doing it well enough — and fast enough — to keep up with how…
Are These Fundraising Appeal Best Practices Holding You Back? - Clairification
Full confession: I’ve used the franken “best practice” appeal structure for years. And honestly? It works — especially if you borrow generously from the best of the best appeal writers. I’ve even taught these practices at conferences, on webinars, and through consulting engagements. You probably know the formula: Lead with the beginnings of a story…
HOT Clairity Click-it: Nonprofit Links + Free Resources Be Yours - Clairification
This is a great month to do something you’re proud of. And to support others who are showing their spirit and pride. Actually, every month is good for these things! Which, as it often does, brings me to a bit of wisdom from the sage Seth Godin. Simple five step plan for just about…
Want to Raise More Unrestricted Dollars? Your Best Stories Can Lead the Way. - Clairification
It may be summer, but smart fundraisers know the most important giving season of the year is right around the corner. Between September and January, donors are most engaged, generous, and open to supporting causes they care about. That’s why now is the time to think strategically about what you’ll be asking for — and…
Smart Strategies to Raise Unrestricted Nonprofit Funding - Clairification
Every fundraiser knows the tension: You want to lead with a story that stirs hearts. Your CFO wants broad messaging that raises money for the whole organization. They’re not wrong—unrestricted funding is essential. But broad, abstract appeals rarely move donors to act. Most people give to something they care about deeply. A moment. A face.…
When Gratitude Becomes a Gift: A Powerful Way to Deepen Donor Bonds - Clairification
If you want gifts, you must give them Giving is not always its own reward. Sometimes you have to help it along if you want to truly show donors they matter. Some years ago I happened upon an article by Scott Monty, offering some Father’s Day advice. It included a brilliant idea for a gift…
Lucky 13 Clairity Click-it: Nonprofit Links + Free Resources Be Yours - Clairification
June 13th marks the 12th anniversary of the Clairity Click-it Newsletter. That’s 338 issues (whoa!), all chock full of resources I hand select for you from across the web. And nothing I select will cost you a dime! I search assiduously, read every single article before sharing with you, and only select trusted resources for webinars, podcasts, e-guides, papers,…
Do You Assume Donors Don't Want to Be Asked? - Clairification
Assuming people don’t want to be asked to make a philanthropic gift is one of the biggest misconceptions of what constitutes being donor-centered. Or even kind, thoughtful and respectful. Alas, when you spend all your time on cultivation, assuming folks don’t need a direct ask and will simply give spontaneously as a result of being…
The Psychology of Yes: What Every Fundraiser Needs to Master - Clairification
In 1984 Robert Cialdini wrote a groundbreaking bo, Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion, outlining principles of influence that affect human behaviors. Today these principles have been well documented. Trail-blazing research added by behavioral scientists like Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky supports and expands on Cialdini’s principles. No matter how much technology advances, the triggers behind human behavior and…
Would You Donate to You? - Clairification
Let’s flip the script. This week, you’re not the fundraiser—you’re the donor. For five easy, eye-opening days, you’ll experience your organization the way your supporters do: what they see, how they feel, and what might be turning them off (or winning them over). It’s a chance to spark fresh insights, fine-tune your approach, and build…
Bustin' Out Clairity Click-it: Nonprofit Links + Free Resources Be Yours - Clairification
Once again, I’m inspired by the inimitable Seth Godin. The biggest thing you bring to the project is forward Forward motion is an asset, a skill and a job title. Elevators used to need elevator operators. They didn’t go anywhere unless someone got on and announced they wanted to go somewhere. Initiative, desire and being…
Curiosity Didn't Kill These Fundraisers—It Made Them Unstoppable - Clairification
Remember, behind all your work there are people. It’s your job to learn about them. One of your best tools is curiosity. One study published in Harvard Business Review, found curiosity builds trust and improves relationships in the workplace. It also builds trust between you and donors. Jon Simons, Executive V.P. of DBD Group, suggests curiosity is…
Balancing Trick: You. Donor. Nonprofit. - Clairification
When the world feels wildly out of whack, it’s time to figure out how to bring things back into some semblance of balance. Today I a proven 1-2-3 formula for nonprofit fundraising success — even when the ground underneath feels shaky. This is a time when keeping one’s balance is quite a challenge. But, if…
How to Stay Relevant—Even If You’re Not Saving Lives - Clairification
In a world filled with urgent heads and heart-wrenching crises, it’s easy for fundraisers to wonder if their cause stands a chance of breaking through the noise. Especially when they’re not rescuing animals, feeding hungry people, or fighting the types of injustices leading the news cycle. But relevance isn’t reserved for emergencies. THINK. With the…
Clairity Click-it: MAY Nonprofit Links + Free Resources Be Yours - Clairification
I just can’t stop taking inspiration from the inimitable Seth Godin. More alternatives, please There are two ways for an artisan or professional to see the world: Scarcity. This is the idea that if there were fewer photographers, people would hire me to do wedding pictures. That if the bar exam were selective,…
Fewer Donors Are Giving—Here’s How Your Nonprofit Can Respond and Rebuild - Clairification
The results are in, and the news is generally bleak. The 2024 Fundraising Effectiveness Project Report* shows downward trends in numbers of donors (down 4.5%), and retention (down 2.6%). First-time donor retention is at its lowest-ever recorded rate. Less than one in five new donors (acquired in 2023) gave again. New donors accounted for 40%…
How 13 Nonprofit Donors Yields a $1 Million Philanthropic Legacy - Clairification
13 happens to be my lucky number. I want it to be lucky for you too. Today, I’m going to reveal to you how you can make this happen. A survey of wills reported on by the Chronicle of Philanthropy revealed the average bequest by everyday donors is $78,630. The survey is a few years…
Bring Top Value to Your Donor Survey - Clairification
You’ve got your work cut out for you. I get lots of questions about what to include in donor surveys. But that’s the wrong place to begin. First you must have clarity on why you’re sending the survey. You can’t bring top value to your donor survey unless you’re specific about what value you want to…
Clairity Click-it: Bouquet of Nonprofit Links + Free Resources - Clairification
Powerlessness Not a lack of power, but feeling as though we have none. Some people have been indoctrinated to prefer a life with no agency, as it also brings no responsibility. At the other extreme, some folks have decided that they have power than they actually do. Video games offer people a chance to…
If You're Not Promoting Donor Advised Funds, You're Leaving Major Gifts on the Table - Clairification
Use of Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) as a way for individuals to make charitable contributions continues to rise and grants from DAFs are becoming a growing source of income for charities of all shapes and sizes. An ever-broader group of donors are embracing them to approach philanthropy in the thoughtful, strategic way once reserved only…
Do Fundraising "Best Practices" Give Nonprofit Donors the Autonomy they Seek? - Clairification
Often, so-called best practices are merely myths, beliefs or habits. “That’s how we’ve always done it” is not a reason to continue a practice that’s not evidence-based. In the Middle Ages, bloodletting was the go-to medical cure. Sometimes people got better, but that may have been in spite of the strategy rather than a causal…
Act Fast, Raise Big: The Skills You Need to Win Major Donors Today - Clairification
Shifting politics are creating economic uncertainty for all, and it’s especially scary for U.S. nonprofits who, on average, receive about a third of their total funding from Federal grants. This means nonprofits today need to shift emphasis (and budget) toward individual donor engagement strategies. Giving USA reports 75% of all giving (lifetime + bequests) came from individuals last…
Clairity Click-it: Basket of Nonprofit Links + Free Resources - Clairification
Today I want to remind you that part and parcel of your personal mission, as a philanthropy facilitator, is to bring supporters opportunities for meaning and purpose. Because when you help increase others’ sense of wellbeing, not only is the world a better place but these folks are likely to demonstrate gratitude by giving of themselves.…
Your Donors Aren’t Thinking About Tax Breaks — And Neither Should You (At First) - Clairification
It’s Tax Day – April 15th — in the U.S. No fun. Nobody likes paying taxes. Nobody likes thinking about paying taxes. Bummer. A subject most folks avoid like the plague. And that’s the point. Talking about taxes is mostly bad news. It puts folks in a sour mood. It makes them want to move…
Heartbreaking Missed Opportunities: Is Your Nonprofit Falling Short of Its True Fundraising Power? - Clairification
Survival Depends on Collective Commitment and Deep Support Too often, fundraising is relegated to an administrative function rather than a mission-central function. It’s viewed as a ‘necessary evil.’ As a result, either no one embraces it as central to their job description, or someone is hired and shunted off to a corner to do…
Unforgiveable Nonprofit Thank You Letter Mistakes - Clairification
I recently received a prickly thank you letter that made my blood boil. Not because it was so bad, but because it wasn’t good. It didn’t make me want to renew my support. And that’s unforgiveable. Because the point of the first gift is to get a second one. Otherwise, donor acquisition costs you …
Clairity Click-it: Showers of Nonprofit Links + Free Resources - Clairification
I’m hearing from many nonprofits who are feeling at sixes and sevens when it comes to planning for the uncertain year ahead. I certainly understand. The pace of change today is fast and furious, and it often feels yesterday’s truth is today’s untruth. What’s a sensible nonprofit to do in response? I want to make…