Sector Report: Fundraising 2009-2010

It's natural to want to trumpet our most sophisticated programs, but more often than not, donors want to give to meet the most basic needs. Let's not bite the hand that feeds us. The simplest offer is often the engine that drives direct-response fundraising. For example, food banks provide education, advocate on hunger issues and help low-income families enroll in government programs. These are all important programs. But they aren't going to tug the heartstrings like telling someone that for a dollar you can provide a meal to a hungry person.