Reader, if you ask three people what your organization does, how many different answers will you get? Too many.Even if the three people are your staff, board members, or donors, you’re likely to get three different answers.That’s a problem, because people won't support or spread the word about something they can't understand—your unclear messaging is likely getting in the way of your growth.One solution is to send an email like this one.It’s a great example of the power of clear...
24 days ago • 1 min read
Reader, communicating your nonprofit's message isn't easy. And it's even harder if you get stuck on one (or more) or these four common misconceptions about it: 1) “We do so much, there’s no way to communicate it all concisely.” I get it—you should be proud of everything you do! But…everyone doesn't need to know everything. Your goal isn’t to communicate everything you do, it’s to share a message that resonates with the right people and draws them in to learn more. Strong communication is...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Reader, how do you feel when your organization’s newsletter hits your inbox? Proud, inspired, and motivated?Or frustrated, confused, and disappointed?I know sometimes it’s the latter.You’re not alone.As a nonprofit communications consultant I’ve heard a LOT of frustration over the past decade from nonprofit leaders whose organization’s communications don’t accurately convey their mission, activities, and impact.Even worse, those communications take a LONG time to put together in the first...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, "Our board members keep describing what we do differently." I just heard this from an executive director (again). She laughed—but we both knew it wasn't actually funny. Her organization had evolved over the years. They'd expanded programs, updated their approach, grown their impact, but their messaging hadn't caught up. So when her board members were asked "what does your organization do" at events, during fundraising conversations, or out in their communities, they each gave a...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, I always want to practice what I preach. In this space that means following my golden rule of communication: show me you know me. As I consider what to include in upcoming emails that's helpful to you and your work, I want to get to know you so I can better apply that golden rule. So, what's your nonprofit role? Executive Director/CEO Development/Fundraising Professional Marketing/Communications Professional Consultant/Service Provider Other Rooting for you this year, Jordana PS:...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Reader, do you remember the last time "how are you" didn't feel like a loaded question? I know I don't. My 2025 word of the year was community. For many of the communities I identify with—nonprofit, Jewish, American—these are challenging times in different ways, and have been for some time now. No matter where you are, things likely feel heavy in one way or another. Which is exactly why my 2026 word of the year is ease. Not because things are easy, and not because we can—or should—opt out of...
3 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, Are your people last-minute givers?12% of all giving occurs in the final week of the year, with donations made on December 31 online accounting for 5% of total online revenue (according to the M+R Benchmarks report).With one week left to the year, the good news is that the best is yet to come.The not-so-good news is that that's true for every nonprofit. So, Reader, how will you stand out? If you know me, you know my answer is clear messaging.When you lead with clear messaging, you...
4 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, I know this is a tough time of year for many in our sector. Giving season can feel like an exhausting marathon, with so much that needs to go well before getting to the finish line. I've worked for nonprofits my entire career, and what I love most is that even when it's hard, we each have our own mission-driven why that keeps us going. It reminds us why we do what we do and brightens dark times—for ourselves and for others. Next week is Chanukah, the Festival of Lights. And as I...
4 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, If you're working hard today, it may be because GivingTuesday is in less than a week and year-end campaigns are coming, and as many are shutting down for the long weekend, your work is ramping up. If that's you,Reader, I've been there, and I see you. And I'm not the only one. I recently spoke with someone who has been both a board member and major donor of several organizations. He told me he hates it when nonprofits say 'we have no overhead.' "I tell people I won't support an...
5 months ago • 1 min read