Look. There are two truths you need to believe to be successful in marketing and fundraising for nonprofits. These two are related. We’ll see if I can get you there. The first truth is that all babies are just about the same amount of cute and ugly. (Stay with me). Don’t think of your babies. […]
ugly babies and fundraising Read More »
This is the story of the $1,000 first gift and the radio silence that followed. A 40-something successful entrepreneur working in a tech-related business told me her story. This woman is serious about her giving and her love of giving. I’m going to call her Lisa (not her name). She noticed a nonprofit that feeds
donor confidential: the $1000 gift Read More »
You’ve enjoyed about 7% of 2016 so far. How’s 2016 going for you? Are you a New Year’s Resolution person? Are you a New Year’s Resolution KEEPING person? I’d love to know what you resolved to do and if you’re still on track (it’s shocking how fast our intentions evaporate in contact with day-to-day reality).
2016 word of the year Read More »
Logic and reason kills direct mail fundraising, online fundraising and in-person fundraising. I have to confess it makes me giddy imagining how irritating that sounds to a few of you. Sorry, I’m not more mature about it. Instead of reason or logic, go with emotion. Tell the story of a real person. Show the life
logic and reason kills fundraising Read More »
Let’s talk cover songs, the embarrassing 70’s band Abba and new working relationships. First cover songs and cover bands. I heard a musician say recently that the main thing wrong with cover bands is that they’re doing a sad imitation of a great original. He’s right. Hoots and I love artists who can take songs
cover bands, donors and a new oneicity client Read More »
A rather ominous title for a blog post but reflective in this time of year. The month of May marks the beginning of Fall planning for digital strategies here at Oneicity. Yes, it’s difficult with the weather warming up (that’s 60’s in Seattle!) to even begin to think about turkeys, Christmas, winter storms, and year
the fall is coming Read More »
Doing direct mail donor development is complex. Delivering solid direct mail results on a regular basis requires great strategy and managing what seems like a zillion moving parts. And sadly, if you forget to plan for one critical component you can easily sabotage what could have been a great direct mail appeal. Here’s how it
the 1 common mistake that can kill your direct mail results Read More »
Here at Oneicity we are big fans of Facebook. Facebook drives conversation around your ministry, builds community with your donors, and supports conversion of online income. The ministries we work with that are seeing 30-40% growth in online giving are able to achieve those results only by leveraging and investing in social media as part of their digital
big changes on facebook Read More »
I want to let you in on an insider secret that direct mail fundraising experts use to raise millions of dollars. It’s a strategy you can use to improve your direct mail. In fact, this strategy will help all your fundraising and marketing. Before I give you that fundraising secret, you have to know about
an insider secret to direct mail fundraising Read More »
I love to teach. Not in the classic sense of children or textbooks. I love to teach because of the light bulb moments — when someone smart and savvy like yourself is taught a new strategy or a new tool that will forever change how you think about a problem. We are just finishing up our
light bulb moments Read More »
There are moments when it seems like darkness wins. When evil is stronger than the good in life. When your very best isn’t even close to enough. And the fight is lost. I know those times really well. Maybe you do, too. These moments happen at grave sides or in hospital rooms. Sometimes it’s an
a sunrise when you need it Read More »
I know, I know, that’s so obvious it’s nearly insulting for me to say it. But it’s true. And it’s sad how many times good organizations lose income because they don’t work hard to get the letter opened. The envelope your letter or newsletter arrives in is more important than anything inside it. The reason?
get people to open your envelope Read More »
Oneicity was born from our desire and passion to serve small- and medium-sized ministries and non-profits with affordable fundraising and marketing. We are a professional services firm that is unlike any you have ever worked with.
