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Simple, straightforward question, not-so-simple answer. As people on Facebook like to say about their relationship status, “It’s complicated.”    A few things to keep in mind:  There’s both art and science in selecting the right photos. And whether the subject is happy or sad isn’t always the most important variable to focus on. A photo that illustrates, complements, or enhances the package or email can ultimately be more important than whether the subject is smiling or not.  Some photos are just more interesting or...

“What do you think about ChatGPT?” Seven months ago, that question would have gotten you mostly quizzical stares. Fast-forward to now, and ChatGPT is the talk of the town. If you haven’t already, better start paying attention. These days it seems as if EVERYONE is thinking about, talking about, writing about – and fretting over – artificial intelligence. The topic’s been a slow burn for years, but the conversation caught real fire last November with OpenAI’s release of ChatGPT. It’s only getting hotter...

Like plants need water, donors need gratitude. A plant without water will wither and die; a donor without gratitude will seek more appreciative charities to support. Your thank-you program, in fact, may be the single most important element of your fundraising operation. It's not just a matter of good manners or politeness; it's critical to the long-term success of your organization. Failing to properly thank your donors can lead to some VERY bad things. Problems you do not want in your life....

February already? Yeah, hard to believe. But there’s still time to get your fundraising act together and kill it in 2023. Here are three ways to jump-start your efforts and begin reaping the benefits while the year’s still young. 1) Find and feature the best stories for your fundraising. If you really want to connect with your donors, really want to light their fire and infuse them with passion for your cause and good work, tell them a story. You've heard the same...

If you’re like most nonprofit fundraisers, you’re dialed in right now on fourth-quarter fundraising. Your days are filled with Giving Tuesday, Year-End and follow-up campaigns. And at night, visions of emails inspiring donor generosity dance in your head. (Actually, we’re hoping your work-life balance is a bit healthier than that last sentence suggests, but you get the idea.) All of us toiling away in the direct response fundraising field know how important fourth-quarter can be. We know about the adrenaline rush...

If you’re a nonprofit org looking for a direct response marketing agency, you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed. There are loads of agencies out there, and many claim to be the best… the brightest… the one you’ll never forgive yourself for not hiring…  So how to figure out which one REALLY will be best for your nonprofit? Asking the right questions can greatly enhance your chance of finding the right agency to help drive your best marketing and fundraising...