When you THANK-YOU, please do it right! This is the 153rd Fundraising Writing Newsletter. If you find value here, please tell a fundraising friend. (Your fundraising friend can βsubscribe here for free.)β In this issue: β Thank-you goal: become a thankologist? β Did you know. . . ? We can write and design your new case for support. β Randomly yours: to inspire and recharge you Wednesday, November 20, 2024 Hi Reader, I love a good thank-you, don't you? A good thank-you is effusive, like at the ending of It's a Wonderful Life when George Bailey returns from the brink of despair to reclaim his joy β his gratitude. That's why George is beaming in spite of his debt, his bad luck, and the specter of jail time:
Just look at that gratitude! When you're thinking of thank-yous, maybe call to mind this wonderful image. When you're writing, maybe aim to be like Frank Capra β the film's director β who made audiences feel as though they'd gone on a journey with George ... down to the lowest of lows ... and back again. Fade out on gratitude. Thank-you goal: become a thankologist?I'm guessing you've inferred what a "thankologist" is... But let's break the word down as Brett did in last week's newsletter. thank-olog-ist Thank = the action of gratitude olog (from "ology") = the study of ist = one who A thankologist is "one who studies the action of gratitude." A thankologist is also a thank-you ninja. You can't be any kind of ninja without specialized training... Which is why I recommend Lisa Sargent's new book Thank-ology. It's a thank-you ninja training manual. Here's the headline: HOLY COW, THIS BOOK IS FULL OF WONDERFUL, MASTER-LEVEL, THANK-YOU NINJA EXAMPLES! I'm talking the kind of examples you'll want to bookmark. I'm talking the kind of book you'll end up wanting to dogear every other page. Instant classic. One taster of a tip for you... Include a PS in ALL your thank-you communications β even in your thank-you emails. This helps because it sets expectations, serves as a mark of accountability, and makes donors feel more engaged, anticipating what more will be coming from you. [No PS in the thank-you letter π«£] π AFTER: P.S. I'll write you in the months ahead to update you on how your generosity is changing the air β and changing lives. Until then, please know that we are deeply grateful for champions like you who make this vital work possible. Sometimes the smallest of touches can make our donors feel most appreciated. And you'll appreciate reading Thank-ology β it will leave you:
I read this book in no time. I'm leaving it out and keeping it close. I think you'll want to do the same. π π«Ά Did you know. . . ? We can write and design your new case for support.As 2025 comes into view, you might be thinking big. You might need a new case for support. That's a good idea. A case for support can be foundational for your success. It can inform your appeals, your messaging to major and monthly donors, and your capital campaigns. Maybe you have an old case but it's outdated. Maybe you don't have a proper case at all. Whatever the case may be ... we can handle your needs. Interviews. Internal case. Traditional case, with or without design. You name it. If you'd like to talk about the possibilities and your specific needs, book a call now. The first call is always free. Randomly yours: to inspire and recharge youFor your brain, heart, and funny bone...
Until next time: May your thank-yous always hit home for your donors, so they always feel welcomed. With gratitude,
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We're Julie Cooper and Brett Cooper, fundraising copywriters for great causes. Does your fundraising bring in as much money as it could? You can send donor communications that stir hearts to action. We'd love to help. π Start by subscribing to our FREE and fun weekly newsletter.
Quack-quack! This is the 164th Fundraising Writing Newsletter. If you find value here, please tell a fundraising friend. (Your fundraising friend can subscribe here for free.) In this issue: β Are you looking for your "lucky duck" fundraising stories? β Randomly yours: to inspire and recharge you Wednesday, March 12, 2025 Hi Reader, There's a very cool-looking Jeep that Brett and I often notice during our neighborhood walks. On its dashboard are a bunch of cute little rubber ducks....
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