30 Ideas for Fundraising Success, Part 2

"Lots of organizations want to hide from donors that they didn't meet their goals," Terpstra said. "In certain situations, let them know you didn't meet your goals and explain the impact that has on your mission and beneficiaries — it could help you shore up that gap."

Terpstra provided the example of St. Labre Indian School. It came up short of its budget, but instead of hiding that fact, it admitted that to its loyal donors and mailed a budget-shortfall appeal to them. The opening read: