30 Ideas for Fundraising Success, Part 2

"Everyone needs a 'tone checker.' If you don't get a lump in your throat from the message, cancel or edit it," she said. "Nonprofits connect supporters to their missions and beneficiaries. We're only linkers here, so we must make an authentic link between those two players."

Updated copy or Frankenstein copy?
There's a fine line between updating old copy with new information and creating "Frankenstein" copy that no longer maintains a unique voice or case for giving — thus creating a monster, Manes said.