Have you ever wondered why you tend to receive these Fundraising Tips at the time you do? It turns out, there’s a method behind it—and it’s a bit of an unexpected story.
For many years, I used to send these emails on Thursdays. However, one week, due to technical issues, the email didn’t go out until Saturday. I was frustrated, assuming it would be less effective since weekends are typically considered “downtime” for work-related content. But to my surprise, the open rates were 20% higher than usual.
Why? Honestly, I’m not entirely sure. Maybe it’s because there’s less competition for your attention on weekends, or maybe it’s just your preference. The point is, timing matters in ways we don’t always anticipate.
This discovery highlights a key lesson for all of us working to improve lives through fundraising: it’s essential to be open to learning from unexpected results. Whether through testing or simply paying attention to what works, we can continuously refine our strategies to better serve our causes.
Lifelong Learning and Continuous Improvement
You and I both know that effective fundraising requires constant growth. The more we learn, the more we can achieve. Sir Isaac Newton once said, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” This wisdom applies to us as well, as we build on the knowledge and expertise of others.
That’s why I focus these weekly tips on sharing practical lessons and insights from some of the most successful fundraisers and marketers. Whether it’s applying principles like Mises’ Model of Human Action or learning from legendary figures like Claude Hopkins, Robert Cialdini, or Jerry Panas, there is always something new to take in and apply.
What Can We Learn?
- From Past Innovators: Marketers like Claude Hopkins and David Ogilvy revolutionized advertising with their focus on understanding the customer. Their lessons are still relevant today in the world of nonprofit fundraising.
- From Donor Behavior: By understanding what drives donor decisions—such as the importance of building trust and offering clear, actionable plans—we can secure larger, long-term commitments.
- From Current Practitioners: Today’s fundraising experts are constantly innovating. Learning from those on the cutting edge helps us stay ahead and maximize the effectiveness of our strategies.
The Takeaway: Keep Learning, Keep Improving
The unexpected boost in engagement from a simple shift in timing taught me that there’s always room to improve. By embracing new ideas and continuously learning from the experiences of others, we can strengthen our efforts, engage more effectively with donors, and ultimately make a bigger impact.
After all, fundraising is not just about securing donations. It’s about building partnerships, solving real problems, and empowering donors to make a difference.
