Advice From the Fundraising Sages

It’s time (once again) to invest
Let’s face it — donor acquisition is tough on the bottom line. But Donna Packer, president of Packer List Inc., gives us a timely reminder that list attrition did not take a break in the recession. “Too many nonprofits are faced with smaller donor files, and that’s leading to less money and no growth in program — creating a vicious cycle if there is no acquisition to offset donors lost to attrition. In 2013, nonprofits have to invest in acquisition methods that have been proven to work. Yes, direct-mail acquisition isn’t a shiny new bullet, but nonprofits consistently grow their donor file (and therefore, their income) through a strategic mail plan.