Hi! We're Julie Cooper and Brett Cooper, fundraising copywriters for great causes. Does your fundraising bring in as much money as it could? You can send donor communications that stir hearts to action. We'd love to help. π Start by subscribing to our FREE weekly newsletter.
Wait, am I supposed to remember this?
This is the 117th Fundraising Writing Newsletter.
If you find value here, please tell your fundraising friends.
β(Your fundraising friends can βsubscribe here for free.)β
In this issue:
Wednesday, January 3, 2023
β
Hi Reader,
You know how pretty much everything pre-Covid feels like it happened at least 10 years ago?
(It's not just me, right?)
Time is weird. So is memory. There are just too many things to keep track of.
Heck, like Kermit (above), I could have you tell me your name and forget it 5 seconds later. No offense β you're awesome. It's not you, it's me.
If you can relate, you can see why...
This can be a problem if you assume your donors in fact do remember your last story.
For example, here's a mistake to avoid in your newsletters:
Notice that the impact and donor-relevant YOU language here are on point β yet the messaging is not as strong as it could be. To fully feel the impact of Sarah's transformation, we first need to fully remember Sarah.
It's not unlike with a favorite tv show. You love it. You watch it regularly. Still, you benefit from the regular reminders: e.g., "Previously, on Survivor..."
To really feel the transformation, we need the full story.
We need a more detailed recap of the problem.
Something like:
These are simplified examples, but I trust you get the idea. The second example is the way to go because it highlights the impact by first recapping the problem so as to establish a striking contrast between the problem and the solution.
So please: remember to remember β reminding is caring.
Here's the latest in our weekly video series, Win It in a Minute
βYou can (and maybe want to?) subscribe here.
How can fundraisers use the concept of identity-based fundraising to help nurture donors along their generosity journey?
In this new video, Tom Ahern shares the reasons behind his monthly donations to various causes that resonate with him deeply.
For your brain, heart, and funny bone...
Until next time: May you always remember: your donors forget β kindly remind them. π€
Grateful,
PS: In 2024, Brett and I have room for one new client. If that might be you, please schedule a free call to chat about how we might work together.
Hi! We're Julie Cooper and Brett Cooper, fundraising copywriters for great causes. Does your fundraising bring in as much money as it could? You can send donor communications that stir hearts to action. We'd love to help. π Start by subscribing to our FREE weekly newsletter.
Well, hello there, friend! (And a special welcome to the new subscribers from Martha's Vineyard Nonprofit Collaborative whom we had the pleasure of training earlier this week!) This is the 131st Fundraising Writing Newsletter. If you find value here, please tell a fundraising friend. (Your fundraising friend can subscribe here for free.) In this issue: β π¬ Direct Mail + digital (like finding a puppy in your letterbox) β Are you ready for the Great Wealth Transfer? Do you want more bequests?...
Welcome, You! This is the 130th Fundraising Writing Newsletter. If you find value here, please tell a colleague. (Your colleague can subscribe here for free.) In this issue: β "...you, someone who loves them!" (Identity-based fundraising writing.) β Mail Bag π¬ β Randomly yours: to inspire and recharge you Wednesday, April 17, 2024 Hi Reader, Some tips are so simple that, when you hear them, you might have the urge to smack your forehead and exclaim, "I should have thought of that!" and "I can...
Welcome, You! This is the 129th Fundraising Writing Newsletter. If you find value here, please tell a colleague. (Your colleague can subscribe here for free.) In this issue: β Photos not required. But if you do... β 3 Tips for choosing the right photo for your appeal β Randomly yours: to inspire and recharge you Thursday, April 11, 2024 Hi Reader, If you read my fundraising photo tips newsletter from last week, this right here is where I pull a Columbo and say, "Just one more thing." (If you...