End-of-year trends are here! This is the 154th Fundraising Writing Newsletter. If you find value here, please tell a fundraising friend. (Your fundraising friend can ​subscribe here for free.)​

In this issue:

✅ Make your fundraising sparkle ✨ 5 examples for you

✅ "It could have been a snoozer!"

✅ Randomly yours: to inspire and recharge you

Wednesday, December 11, 2024
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Hi Reader,

At the end of the year, I love to slip into my comfy clothes,

grab a mug of hot cocoa and a throw blanket,

curl up in my cozy armchair,

plop my feet up on the ottoman,

and look back on the year as it fades in the rearview.

You too?

(Hit reply if you'd like to share!)

Once I'm snug as a bug in a rug, I enjoy reading a bunch of year-end lists. You know, the ones that recap the top movies, music, podcasts, and so on.

So I thought, let's do that with The Best of What's in My Mailbox Right Now!

I sorted through my stash of 2024 EOY appeal letters and picked several examples I think you'll want to review in order to...

Make your fundraising sparkle ✨ 5 examples for you

Tweak #1: Use nostalgic song lyrics.

For example, check out how fundraiser extraordinaire Beth Beall of Vida Joven used a song title to open this appeal:

And how she carried this approach through on the 3" x 5" lift note in the same DM pack (alluding to the classic song "My Favorite Things" from The Sound of Music):

Tweak #2: Personalize the Johnson Box message.

For example, notice how this American Rivers appeal letter gets my attention by using my name right away in the Johnson Box: "Julie, we need you..."

Tweak #3: Include a handwritten P.S.

For example, in this same appeal, it appears American Rivers used an image of someone's handwriting (rather than a handwriting font). That kind of human touch is irresistible. You simply must read it with care!

Tweak #4: Personalize your page turners.

For example, this American Indian College Fund page turner really gets my attention and makes me want to keep reading.

Tweak #5: Include a QR code on the reply envelope.

For example, this Heifer International reply envelope sends an unmistakable message to donors: whatever's best for you!

Now please, enjoy the rest of your well-earned hot cocoa! ☕💖

"It could have been a snoozer!"

John Lepp, author of the brilliant, essential book Creative Deviations, recently invited me to talk with him about the benefits of using Phil Psych® in your fundraising.

We chatted for about 15 minutes. I shared a presentation I created featuring 3 Before & After copywriting examples to boost donor well-being and grow giving.

Afterward, John said, "It could have been a snoozer!"

Thanks, John!

(I think. 🤣)

You be the judge?

If you'd like to see what John and I talked about, click the video image below.

Please don't forget, donors are people too. Caring for their well-being is not only good for your bottom line, it's the right thing to do. We should all take care to care for each other!

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Randomly yours: to inspire and recharge you

For your brain, heart, and funny bone...

• Fundraisingly Informative — Is The Generosity Decline Real? What To Do! by Claire Axelrad (a Bloomerang article featuring 6 startling fundraising facts and tips on what you can control and what you can't)
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• Daringly Caring — Man climbs building to check on bedridden mother​ via curious side of X (a 96-second news video explaining how and why a man climbed 15 stories — with a fractured hip — to help his mom)​
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• Unforgettably Iconic — Coldplay - ALL MY LOVE (a 7-minute music video directed by Spike Jonze and starring 99-year-old Dick Van Dyke, who's still got it; keep tissues close if you watch to the end)

Until next time: May you wrap up your year with "good looking back" and "good looking forward" — because that's good looking out!

With gratitude,
Julie

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