Why Didn’t I Think of That?

Rule 4: Mailings that you see repeatedly are great packages to study. (For example, the Smile Train acquisition that teases, “Make one gift now and we’ll never ask for another donation again.”) Analyzing its techniques is a great way to learn and stir your own creative juices.

Rule 5: Be a regular donor to the nonprofits from whose mail and e-mail you get your best inspiration. A few gifts a year let you look at how they cultivate and thank donors. You’ll learn more from your mailbox if you invest in “ongoing research” as a donor (not just as an acquisition prospect).