Editor's Note: Fundraiser’s Nightmare

That got me thinking about myself as a donor — back before I started working at FundRaising Success, before I had daily encounters with so many incredible organizations and became aware of the myriad devices nonprofits use to raise funds. I was a fundraiser's nightmare. I never read direct-mail pieces. If an envelope was compelling enough, I might have gone online to research the charity and its mission — but I still tossed out the unopened mailer. I gave often — when I had the time and some money in the bank. But if the phone rang or the toast popped before I hit the Donate button, I might never have gotten back to actually making the donation.