You know you need to ask donors for a gift. Do you give them amounts to choose from–if so, that’s an ask array? Let them choose their own amount? If you give donors choices, how do you order those choices? Ryan and Steve answer these questions and SO MUCH MORE! Also: Ryan and Steve argue […]
No matter how big your organization is, you’re on the look out for new donors (or, you should be). But like everything in life, it’s easier said than done. Ryan and Steve talk about why you need to focus on acquiring new donors, where to find them, and most importantly how to bring them in. […]
Maybe 2020 was a banner year for your fundraising. Or, maybe it was a year to forget. Either way, how should you approach donors in 2021?
Inbox, mailbox. Same thing, as far as many of your donors are concerned. So how do you make sure your fundraising message is cohesive across the two mediums? Ryan and Steve explain easy ways to do it–and why it’s vital if you want to survive in the future.
2020 was the year of the virtual event. 2021 will probably have a mixture of in person and virtual events. But the playbook for a successful event is the same, no matter what kind of event you’re throwing.
So you’ve bought into the need for your leader to strategically reveal things about them…but now what? How do you even start? Ryan and Steve go through the steps of how to make your leader jump off the page and be there with your donors when they read your mail or email. Also: Ryan continues […]
Have you ever felt like you’ve made a huge mistake when agreeing to something? Steve did at around the 8:45 mark in this episode he agreed to do. You’ve probably heard the fundraising phrase, “People give to people”. It’s true, but not just about the people (or animals) your organization is trying to help. “People […]
In this episode, Ryan and Steve talk about why email shouldn’t be a fundraising afterthought anymore. Also: In Mail Call, Ryan reviews an email he got that seemed like it was from a friend Easy things to test in your emails If you’re only going to do this one thing to be a better fundraiser, […]
A couple episodes ago, Ryan and Steve ticked off designers by explaining that good, beautiful design isn’t effective design–now it’s the copywriters’ turn to send in angry emails (to podcast@oneicity.com)! Having the best idea, compelling offer, and attention-grabbing lede doesn’t mean anything if the writing in your appeal isn’t effective for fundraising. That doesn’t mean […]
Can you have Newsletters that raise significant amounts of money while still engaging donors and informing them about what’s going on at your organization? Yes…as long as it’s easier to read than the example letter Ryan has in Mail Call.
A podcast about, you guessed it: nonprofit fundraising. This isn’t the first podcast about it, but definitely not like any others you’ve listened to. This is a podcast for fundraisers by fundraisers. No boring charts or the same stale “best practices” you’ve heard for years. No ideas that only work in theory, here. No concepts from people who aren’t in the same trenches as you are every single day.
Every week, you’ll get practical strategies and tips to craft messages that engage donors and raise more money. And you can use start using them as soon as the episode is over!
Ryan Thomas
For nearly a decade, I led teams at a multi-million dollar software corporation perfecting client experience, user processes and product development. I’m a gold watch guy, and don’t like change — especially in something as important as my field or job. But, the opportunity to leverage strategies and techniques I learned in the for-profit world for the very ministries I care so much about was a chance I couldn’t pass up.
Steve Thomas
I served as the CEO/Executive Director of a nonprofit for 5 years, so I understand first-hand the responsibility of generating income and charting a course for an organization. In addition, I’ve had the opportunity to work as a consultant with a wide range of nonprofits from start-ups to some of the largest national ministries.
We publish every Monday
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.
