Notes from people who actually raise the money.
Practical writing on appeals, grants, stewardship and the AI workflows that pay back their setup time.
The year-end appeal that raises money
Most nonprofit year-end letters read like a form response. Here's the four-part letter shape that turns lapsed donors into gifts before December 31.
More posts
- GrantsMay 30, 2026
The one paragraph that decides your grant
Program officers read hundreds of proposals a quarter. The alignment paragraph, why this funder, why this program, why now, is the one that decides yours.
6 min read - StewardshipMay 12, 2026
Why a great thank-you earns the next gift
The letter donors keep isn't the appeal. It's the thank-you that arrived within 48 hours after they gave, with a real name and no second ask.
4 min read - CampaignsApril 24, 2026
The 60% rule of fundraising campaigns
The single biggest predictor of a successful capital campaign is how much is committed before public launch. Here's the math behind the quiet phase.
5 min read - ImpactApril 5, 2026
Why donors don't read your annual report
The average impact report gets a 12-second flip and cost $18,000 to design. Here's how to earn a two-minute read from the donors who matter most.
6 min read