Fundraising Is Beautiful

Fundraising in the rest of the world

For the fourth installment of our State of Fundraising series, we interview Sean Triner, founder of Pareto Fundraising, who blogs at Sean Triner's Blog. Sean shares some of what's happening in fundraising outside the US, based on his experience in Australia, Asia, Europe, and Canada. The way we do it in America is not the only way!

Program #40

Play: Fundraising in the rest of the world (right click or "save as" to save the file for later).

Or subscribe via iTunes here:

Time: 34:49

Some slideshows from Sean that give more details on some of the things he talks about: here, here, and here.

How to Tell If Your Fundraising Is Good (Part 3: Packaging)

Direct mail, the life-blood of most fundraising programs, has different design conventions from other types of design. It's less pretty, more old-fashioned, and almost messy. Here's a look at direct mail design and packaging: Everything you need to create successful fundraising appeals -- from fonts, to photos, to underlining.

Program #32

Play: How to Tell If Your Fundraising Is Good, Part 3 (right click or "save as" to save the file for later).

Or subscribe via iTunes here:

Time: 15:45

Things to do that will make you a better fundraiser

Here are ten practical things you can do -- starting today -- that will make you into a better fundraiser:

1. Donate.
2. Send and receive snail-mail.
3. Sign up for lots of email from other nonprofits.
4. Participate in online social networking sites.
5. Hang around with older people.
6. Become aware of the cultural context of your audience.
7. Go to church.
8. Read the popular press.
9. Pay attention to how you ask people for favors.
10. Work at becoming a better writer.

You can start doing some of these things today. Don't miss this super-practical podcast!

Program #26

Play: Things to do that will make you a better fundraiser (right click or "save as" to save the file for later).

Or subscribe via iTunes here:

Time: 15:38

Donor Acquisition vs. Cultivation -- How They're Different

Getting a first gift from a donor is an entirely different activity from getting subsequent gifts. The way you talk, what you ask for, and how you budget are all different. Knowing these differences is critical to long-term (and short-term) success in fundraising. We'll show you the practical things you need to know.

Program #12

Play: Donor Acquisition vs. Cultivation
(right click or "save as" to save the file for later).

Or subscribe via iTunes here:

Time: 14:20

Fundraising in Times of Disaster

Raising funds around disasters is very different from everyday fundraising. We talk about the differences, and what you need to know to be successful -- including when a disaster is not a disaster. Plus the two things to look for if you're wondering whether something truly qualifies as a disaster in the fundraising sense.

Program #8

Play: Fundraising in Times of Disaster
(right click or "save as" to save the file for later).

Or subscribe via iTunes here:

Time: 18:59

Ditch Your Dignity - Part 1

Many organizations working in the social service sectors hobble their fundraising by focusing excessively on the "dignity" of those they help. We'll show you how that not only hurts fundraising but actually hurts those you seek to "protect." If you can change your focus from protecting their dignity to telling the truth well -- you'll see your fundraising effectiveness zoom into the stratosphere!
Program #4

Play: Ditch Your Dignity - Part 1
(right click or "save as" to save the file for later).

Or subscribe via iTunes here:

Time: 15:37