“Donor-focused messaging” and “donor-focused culture” are a couple of descriptions that we use to describe Oneicity’s guiding principle in communicating with donors. Maya Angelou, poet, writer and civil rights activists has a quote that does a great job of explaining why this donor-focused thing works. She wrote, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you …
As we were landing in Austin on Tuesday, I took my phone off of airplane mode, and a voicemail and 3 texts popped in. The voicemail was my clue something was up. No one that knows me leaves me a voicemail, and this was from one of the Oneicity team. Something indeed was up. The …
A mid-30’s professional, I’ll call him “Phil,” told me about his experience with improper form. Phil and his wife enjoy giving. They’re exactly who you want to begin to draw into your work. They care about people and changing the world. They have some resources, and they’re committed to their community. Phil had noticed an …
This donor story begins at a jazz night. A local chapter of a national nonprofit supporting teens hosted a Jazz night with professional jazz artists jamming together. Let’s call this nonprofit Teen Fun Alliance (TFA). A mid-30’s couple, both professionals, attended because of their interest and love of all things Jazz. Let’s call them Justin …
This is the story of the how the Chairwoman of the Board found her place serving a thriving ministry and the CEO who was smart enough to let the plot develop. I’ll call the Chairwoman Kim and the ministry “Growing Strong” (not their real names). Let’s begin at the ending. As part of my work, …
This is the story of the $1,000 first gift and the radio silence that followed. A 40-something successful entrepreneur working in a tech-related business told me her story. This woman is serious about her giving and her love of giving. I’m going to call her Lisa (not her name). She noticed a nonprofit that feeds …
Let’s talk cover songs, the embarrassing 70’s band Abba and new working relationships. First cover songs and cover bands. I heard a musician say recently that the main thing wrong with cover bands is that they’re doing a sad imitation of a great original. He’s right. Hoots and I love artists who can take songs …
I want to let you in on an insider secret that direct mail fundraising experts use to raise millions of dollars. It’s a strategy you can use to improve your direct mail. In fact, this strategy will help all your fundraising and marketing. Before I give you that fundraising secret, you have to know about …
There are moments when it seems like darkness wins. When evil is stronger than the good in life. When your very best isn’t even close to enough. And the fight is lost. I know those times really well. Maybe you do, too. These moments happen at grave sides or in hospital rooms. Sometimes it’s an …
Here’s a tragic, expensive fundraising mistake you can learn from. In this week’s mail was a New Donor Direct Mail Acquisition kit from the nice folks at CARE. And it made me so mad I was stomping around the office for a couple of hours before I was calm enough to write. Beautiful outer …
Well this new year of ours is only a week old! How’s it going for you? If you made resolutions, I hope you’re sticking with them. If you set goals, are you still on track? I don’t do New Year’s resolutions or goals (at least goals the way “normal” people do). Yet, there’s something so …
Oneicity was born from our desire and passion to serve small- and medium-sized ministries and non-profits with affordable fundraising and marketing. We are a professional services firm that is unlike any you have ever worked with.