The 11 Commandments of Fundraising, Part 2

But sometimes they can afford to ignore a few best practices or do something simply because they think it's interesting — even if they sacrifice some income in the process. After all, it's not like they have to raise enough from this one mailing just to make payroll.

Definitely look at what others are doing. Attend seminars and be an active donor so you get other nonprofits' mail and e-mail. But always run everything you hear and see — from large and small nonprofits — through the filter of what you know works best for your donor file and in your experience. Don't blindly follow the lead of a huge nonprofit just because you figure it must know the best path to fundraising success.