Direct Mail

Food and hunger nonprofits City Harvest and Philabundance utilize the "brown paper bag" outer envelope technique in these direct-mail fundraising campaigns. In this video, I show viewers how each of these nonprofits gets donors engaged in the packages in different ways. For access to more mailings like the ones seen here, visit www.whosmailingwhat.com.

This video takes a look at three ways political direct-mail campaigns can stand out from the crowd, win donors and build engagement with voters using direct mail.

Check out the winners of the 2014 FundRaising Success Gold Awards for Fundraising Excellence Direct Mail (Less Than $10 Million) category: Iona College, World Jewish Congress and Tiger Haven.

Take a look at the 2014 Gold Awards for Fundraising Excellence Direct Mail ($10 million and Over) winners: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Longwood Gardens and Perez Art Museum Miami.

Yes, your organization is small, your budget is smaller and your available time is the smallest yet. You want to grow so that this time next year, you have more supporters — and more money to accomplish the mission you are passionate about.

Aren't your donors worth putting some extra effort into creating events and campaigns that are worth their time and, ultimately, their money?

Be explicit, don't beat around the bush, get to the point and be clear in your fundraising appeal letter. You'll raise more money if you do!

When I open an envelope, I want to quickly grasp what it is I am being "offered" — what problem can I solve if I send a gift? Are you answering that question for your reader?

Announcing the FundRaising Success 2014 Gold Awards for Fundraising Excellence. The 2014 Campaign of the Year Award winner relied heavily on powerful, consistent messaging across multiple channels.

Raising revenue in a steady, somewhat predictable way is what allows an organization to accomplish its mission.