New Addition to the Resources Section

Find audio, video, and slide decks from past events on the new presentations page in the resources section. (Photo: Bigstock)If you haven't visited the resources section of this website for a while, now is a good time to check in. We just added a new "Presentations" page for you. This is where we'll post audio, video, and slide decks from presentations Karen has given, so that it will be in one easy-to-access place for you. Take a look at the videos and slide decks we've posted so far, and let us know what you think!

Give Your Donors and Volunteers Some Valentine's Day Love

Valentine's Day is the perfect opportunity to reach out to your nonprofit's supporters. Surprise and delight them with a message of appreciation on this special day. It doesn't have to be time-consuming and complicated. You can share a simple but warm and uplifting visual with your message through your email newsletter service, Facebook, Twitter, your company page on LinkedIn or anywhere else you share photos.

I know most fundraisers and nonprofit communicators don't have a lot of time to spend creating graphics, so I've put together some images you can download and post, to make it super simple for you.

 Here's what to do:

1. Choose from three different image options.

2. Once you've selected the image you like best, choose from three message variations. There is a general message, one specifically for donors, and one for volunteers.

3. Choose the file type you would like. You can download and then immediately post a jpg or png file. Or, if you prefer to customize the graphic, download the .pxd file. You can open and edit the .pxd file with the free online photo editing service pixlr.com.

You'll be able to make adjustments to the text and the image.

It's that easy! I hope you enjoy the images and templates, and if you don't mind dropping me a line I'd love to see how you use them. You can tweet me, post a note on my facebook page, or just email me a link to what you post.

Happy Valentine's Day!

General message, jpg General message, png General message, pxd	Donor message, jpg Donor message, png Donor message, pxd	Volunteer message, jpg Volunteer message, png Volunteer message, pxd
General message, jpg General message, png General message, pxd	Donor message, jpg Donor message, png Donor message, pxd	Volunteer message, jpg Volunteer message, png Volunteer message, pxd
General message, jpg General message, png General message, pxd	Donor message, jpg Donor message, png Donor message, pxd	Volunteer message, jpg Volunteer message, png Volunteer message, pxd

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Google Doodles and the Power of Visual Communication

Did you see how Google spoke up for human rights with it's rainbow coloured and Olympic themed Google doodle on February 7?. It's a very good example of how simple and low-cost visual communications tactics can send a very strong message. Your organization may not have as large an audience as Google, but you DO have a base of supporters who will share your message if you give them the tools. How will you visually communicate your key messages to supporters?

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How to get your donor thank-you letters signed and in the mail quickly.

You know that your donor thank-you letters are much more effective if you mail them within 48 hours of when you receive a donation. But, if you're like many of the frustrated fundraisers I hear from, your inspiring thank-you letters may be sitting around on the desk of a very busy executive director or CEO who wants to personally sign each one. Here are some ideas to help you fix this common problem.

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How to Rock Your Thank-You Letter to Year-End Donors!

Read on to hear about two of the most common challenges development professionals face when they try to get effective thank you letters out promptly. You’ll also get a simple checklist of what to include in your thank-you letters.

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