“Donor-focused messaging” and “donor-focused culture” are a couple of descriptions that we use to describe Oneicity’s guiding principle in communicating with donors. Maya Angelou, poet, writer and civil rights activists has a quote that does a great job of explaining why this donor-focused thing works. She wrote, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you […]
the poet, your donor and you Read More »
You focus on your donor communication. Your donor doesn’t. Won’t. Can’t. The rookie mistake is to think that a single impact or a single email or a single phone call will connect powerfully enough with the donor for them to make a good giving decision. It won’t. The rookie mistake is to evaluate a single
once is not enough Read More »
Sorry if that sounds like one of those clickbait posts. It’s not clickbait, it’s truth. Really it’s a 13-word sentence that will improve your fundraising. Not only will these 13 words improve your fundraising and development work, they could change your career, your relationships, really your life. And it explains a lot of the craziness
13 words that will improve your fundraising Read More »
When I was Executive Director/CEO of a nonprofit, I had the opportunity to make asks face-to-face, eyeball-to-eyeball with donors. I actually made a few six-figure asks. And a boatload of smaller asks. I can tell you in all modesty I was absolutely lousy at it. A miserable failure (as in “not successful” and “feeling lousy”
how to make an ask Read More »
2017 marks our 8th year of choosing a Word of the Year. We do that instead of resolutions or other ways to mark the beginning of a new year. Our “Word of the Year” is a focus point, a rallying cry, a commitment, a guide, a prayer. And it’s an interesting marker to look back
2017 Word of the Year Read More »
A mid-30’s professional, I’ll call him “Phil,” told me about his experience with improper form. Phil and his wife enjoy giving. They’re exactly who you want to begin to draw into your work. They care about people and changing the world. They have some resources, and they’re committed to their community. Phil had noticed an
donor confidential: poor form Read More »
This donor story begins at a jazz night. A local chapter of a national nonprofit supporting teens hosted a Jazz night with professional jazz artists jamming together. Let’s call this nonprofit Teen Fun Alliance (TFA). A mid-30’s couple, both professionals, attended because of their interest and love of all things Jazz. Let’s call them Justin
donor confidential: jazz night train wreck Read More »
“When in doubt, have a man come through the door with a gun in his hand.” That’s advice on writing from Raymond Chandler, the father of the gritty American detective novel. Chandler was championing the element of surprise and twisty plots. And action! If you’re writing a novel, particularly a detective novel, this is the
This is the story of the how the Chairwoman of the Board found her place serving a thriving ministry and the CEO who was smart enough to let the plot develop. I’ll call the Chairwoman Kim and the ministry “Growing Strong” (not their real names). Let’s begin at the ending. As part of my work,
donor confidential: the chairwoman 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 »
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 »
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.
