Short & simple.

Short & simple.

Complicated problems with complicated solutions don’t require complicated communications. Donors don’t want more words. Or longer fundraising comms. So get to the point to get the donor. Simple is proven, not theory. But what does this look like in practice? Here are nine tips.

The one-sentence theory of change.

The one-sentence theory of change.

A confused mind never funds. And the most common donor grievance we hear (by far) is that they can’t understand what you actually do. So here’s a formula to help. A simple, six-piece format to clarify and summarize your theory of change in a single sentence.

Diversified funding is a nonprofit nemesis.

Diversified funding is a nonprofit nemesis.

Diversified fundraising helps you survive early on. But it’s not how you get big. If you want to grow significantly, you have to muster the courage to put all your eggs in one basket. Then engage all those eggs in that one basket. And meet the requirements of that primary funding source.

Brand first, funding second.

Brand first, funding second.

Nonprofit leaders have countless necessary priorities. But funding isn’t #1. Because brand is strategy; fundraising is execution. And a foundation’s most valuable asset is not its money. Instead, brand is the best investment. A contrarian point of view. So let us try to convince you.

Theory of change: be fundable.

Theory of change: be fundable.

Theory of change: be fundable. The need, the work, and the results of your model — to maximize funding KEVIN L. BROWN A theory of change is any nonprofit’s most important document. It’s critical to creating sustained impact and raising money alike. But developing one...