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Don't Be THAT Organization: Why Consistent Email Communication Matters

We've all been there. You open your inbox to find a message from an organization or business you haven't heard from in months—or even years. And surprise, surprise: they want something from you.

Recently, I received an email from a business owner I genuinely like and admire. The problem? According to my never-purged inbox, their last communication to me was in 2022. Before that, they reached out to me once in 2021, and a handful of times in 2020. What did every one of those few and far-between ...

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Old School, New Results

 

One of my clients is an historic nonprofit theater. It opened nearly 100 years ago, went through decades of ups and downs, suffered tragedy and change, and reopened 10 years ago - ostensibly better than ever. As with every nonprofit I serve, they were interested in raising more money. Especially after being shuttered by COVID, they needed to find new donors and re-engage existing ones. So, we joined forces and began working on a revolutionary new project: creating a good old fashioned, printe...

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Numbers, Stories, and the Formula for Making the Case

This post was taken from the weekly B-mail message sent March 1, 2022 to subscribers. 

Last month I delivered a talk - IN PERSON - to a group of fundraising professionals here in Virginia. It was thrilling to be in the same room as my audience; to see the nodding heads, raised hands, and smiling faces. As invaluable as Zoom has been throughout the pandemic and beyond, there is just no substitute for proximity. The energy exchanged between people who are together brings a whole new dimension t

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Churn, Baby, Churn: Three things proactive associations will have done to rescue member retention

 

A valid concern.

Associations and other nonprofits that do not provide direct support or essential services related to COVID, work-from-home, or the economic downturn might be feeling a tad vulnerable by now. Perhaps they fear that their members, when faced with tough choices and competing priorities, will let their memberships lapse or will cancel outright. 

 

The moment(s) of truth.

36% of membership organizations have “rolling memberships” in which members renew on their anniversary da...

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A Means to an End: Dissolving Your Nonprofit with Competence & Finesse

The closure of a nonprofit organization, for reasons good or bad, is a reality for many leaders each year. If you are faced with the prospect of dissolution, it’s important to know that the care and attention you give to the termination of your organization is as important as the care and attention it was given at its start. Leading others through a comprehensive and deliberate wrap-up plan will help stakeholders and the public come to terms with what’s happening and help prevent open issues fro...

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