What's the Secret to Fundraising Copy that Makes More Money?

👉 Fundraising Copywriting + Phil Psych

It's a proven equation you'll discover in the Certificate in Fundraising Copywriting course taught by copywriting expert Tom Ahern and philanthropic psychologist Professor Jen Shang.

Four weeks of intense, boot camp-style learning and direct, one-on-one coaching from both Jen and Tom.

I just completed the course, and it was outstanding!

>> Insert shameless self-promotion here 😊 >> 

As a member of the premiere Certificate in Fundraising Copywriting cohort, I am the first Canadian east of Alberta to have this unique training. 

And you can get this excellent training, too. It's worth your time and energy, I promise!

What the heck is Phil Psych?

Summed up: it's growing the love of others to grow giving.

As Jen explains it, "Very often, we get thank you letters from charities and the first sentence that you read is, 'Thank you for your generous gift.' Instead of saying that, you could have said, 'Thank you for your generosity,' or 'Thank you for being a generous person.' The little difference there is, where is your eye? Is your eye on the money? Or is your eye on the person?"¹  

If you're ready to learn more about the course and about Phil Psych click here. 

To Jen, Tom, and my Certificate in Fundraising Copywriting classmates across the globe - I'm sending you huge congratulations and gratitude! It's been incredible learning alongside you in our virtual but close-knit first cohort. I'm eager to stay in touch, and I can't wait to celebrate your future successes. 

And to my friends, clients, and colleagues - I'm excited to put my new training to work for you! 

Shoot me a message if you want to chat more about how we can use the profound discoveries of Phil Psych to:

• Help you raise more money
• And grow your unconditional love for your donors. 

Thank you all for your support and encouragement. I'm grateful for each and every one of you.

💛

(1) https://www.marketplace.org/2019/12/26/the-psychology-of-giving/

A Maritime AFP Chapter Seeks to Eradicate the Fundraising Ick-Factor

"Raise your hand if you think fundraising is icky.”

Every one of the nonprofit board members lowered their eyes and raised their hands.

“It’s okay. You’re not alone,” I assured. “I’m here to show you how to put the fun in fundraising.” Thankfully, someone chuckled at my groan-inducing pun. 

I led the group through a Fundraising 101 presentation. We reviewed the operational tools needed for fundraising success and I stressed the importance of a compelling case for support. Heads nodded. A few people scribbled notes. But when I brought up a culture of philanthropy, heads raised and cocked to the side a bit. A culture of what?  Read more in the Mar/Apr issue of FOUNDATION Magazine...

Advancing Philanthropy - Summer 2018

I'm excited to share that the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation's Medical Dragons' Den article I wrote is in the summer 2018 issue of AFP's Advancing Philanthropy Magazine!

Click here to check it out >> Realizing Genuine Donor Engagement

Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) members automatically receive a subscription to Advancing Philanthropy as a member benefit. There are over 30,000 AFP members worldwide.

I'm just thrilled to have an opportunity to spread the word about the innovative fundraisers and generous donors here in the Saint John region and across New Brunswick.

The First Rule of Good Customer Service Is...

We've all been on the receiving end of poor customer service and left feeling underappreciated and dissatisfied. Why is it, then, that we often can't see how our own actions (or inaction) leave our customers feeling undervalued?

In my years of managing consumer affairs and public relations, the two most important guiding rules I've learned are the Golden one and the Gratitude one. 

The Golden Rule was drilled into my head early: Treat others as you would like them to treat you. It's solid, timeless advice, and something I aspire to apply to every interaction.

But it wasn't until I entered the fundraising world that I really began to appreciate the Gratitude Rule and how important it is to both corporate and non-profit businesses. 

Good fundraisers know that the simple act of saying thank you is one of the most important, yet often forgotten, tools in the fundraising tool box. Donors want to feel their contributions are recognized, so every communication should reflect appreciation for what donors have given, and for their interest and involvement in the cause.

To ignore the Gratitude Rule is to miss an opportunity to connect and build a relationship with clients.

Has this ever happened to you?

• You thank the cashier for giving you back your change, even though you were never thanked for your purchase.
• You offer your time and talents to an organization, but the response was tepid and left you feeling like you inconvenienced them.
• You send honest, constructive feedback about your product experience directly to a company, but never receive a reply.

What if it went like this instead?

• I bought these fabulous boots on sale and the folks at the store made a point of telling me they know I had many choices, so they really appreciated me choosing to shop with them. 
• I expressed interest in volunteering with a local non-profit, and while they didn't have a Board opening right now, they told me how much they appreciated my passion and my contributions to our community. 
• I advised my favorite brand that I'm having trouble locating their product. They wrote back to tell me they've alerted their sales team, suggested other stores to try, and thanked me profusely for my loyalty.

The simple act of expressing gratitude can be the difference between leaving a client feeling indifferent about your business and building a lasting relationship that will bring you more business.

"Most people return small favors, acknowledge medium ones and repay greater ones -- with ingratitude." -Benjamin Franklin 

Creating Mystery in Support of Saint John Arts Centre

Anyone for a little art, mystery, intrigue (+ great food, beverage, and people)? Then you need to know about What's in the Box - the Saint John Arts Centre's annual fundraiser event.

What: Participating artists will donate original artwork to the Saint John Arts Centre where the pieces will be concealed in ‘mystery boxes’ in anticipation of the event.  

Guests at the event can enter a draw for a chance to purchase one (or more, if they choose) of the 50 ‘mystery boxes.’  By choosing to take part in the draw, guests commit to buying one of the ‘mystery boxes’ of art for $100 if their ballot is drawn - and they won’t know what they’ve won until they open the box! 

When: Thursday, 20-April-2017, 7:00 pm

Where: Saint John Arts Centre, 20 Peel Plaza, Saint John, NB.

Why: Funds raised will support Saint John Arts Centre programs, including the important Artists’ Rights Fees program for artists who display their works in the Saint John Arts Centre’s galleries.

Tickets are $75 each and are eligible for a $25 tax receipt. Wine, beer and food are included in the ticket price. Tickets can be purchased online, by contacting me, or by calling the Saint John Arts Centre at (506) 633-4870.

Learn more www.sjartscentre.ca

UP to "some good" with POWER UP!

Brenda Murphy and Vicki Cosgrove at the Saint John Women’s Empowerment Network asked for my help to create promotional materials for a new train-the-trainer program they’ll offer in spring ‘17. The program is open to women across Canada interested in offering POWER UP! leadership empowerment training in their communities.

The Saint John WEN's POWER UP! program has empowered over 300 local women in the past 7 years, and helped them be successful in taking their next steps in life.

Way Up Strategic Solutions and POWER UP! – sounded like a perfect match! Count me in!

I wrote, designed and created this promotional sell sheet that can be printed, shared on social media or emailed and my clients can make modifications on their own going forward (saves them time and money). My talented partners at Rod Stears Photography shot the photos of Kathy and Trish, two POWER UP! graduates featured in the materials.

You can learn more about this powerful community success story at www.sjwen.ca, on their Facebook page or by contacting Brenda Murphy at the Saint John Women's Empowerment Network  by email or phone: (506) 642-9033.

Are you looking for help with a communications or marketing project?  Get in touch! I'd love to find solutions with you. Reach me at by email or by phone (506) 343-5154.

P.S.: Everyone at the SJ Women’s Empowerment Network would greatly appreciate your help to spread the word about this new program. If you know of anyone who might be interested in the POWER UP! instructor training course, or if you have contacts around the country who might be willing to share the sell sheet with their networks, please let Brenda know.