feeling “meh” about your donor comms?

It’s time to plan your next giving campaign, but you’d rather swim with sharks.

It’s time to write your next appeal, but juggling chainsaws sounds like more fun.

It’s time to update your Case for Support, but your creative cupboard is bare.

You’ve fallen into a communications rut and you can’t get up.

Ever been there, fundraising friend?

I have.

And I often see nonprofit leaders feeling uninspired with this work. You’re not alone.

Over many years as a fundraising comms advisor and writer, I’ve learned a few tricks for getting the mojo back.

HOW TO GET RE-INSPIRED

Here’s what works for me and the nonprofit leaders I serve:

1. Look for what lights you up.
Look outside your organization – and even outside your nonprofit niche – for examples that make an impression. Think about other causes you admire. Spend time with their communications and reflect on how you can adapt their approach to your mission.

This can be a one-time action, but I find it works best as an ongoing practice. After all, inspiration doesn’t come all at once or on a predictable schedule.

I keep an Idea Book – a small notebook – in my work space. When an idea comes along, I jot it down. If you’re more visual, create an inspiration board in your office or on a platform like Pinterest.

I also receive email and direct mail from many nonprofits of different shapes, sizes, and missions – saving my favorites in a Hall of Fame folder. You can tap into any of these sources for new inspiration when you need it.

2. Reach out.
At many nonprofits — and despite best intentions — we’re working in isolated silos. It’s like wearing blinders, giving us a limited view.

When you’re feeling “blah” about your next communications, reach out to others at your org who have different vantage points on the work.

Ask for their input. They’ll feel great about being invited – and eager to share a communications angle you hadn’t thought of or an impact story you haven’t heard.

3. Savor a story.
Spend some time revisiting the stories of those you serve, reconnecting to the WHY of your work.

We’re all hard-wired to connect emotionally through narratives. So a moving story can reignite your energy – and your donor’s.

4. Try something new.
It might be time to shake things up. Experiment with new formats for your donor communications.

Maybe try out video, audio, infographics, or interactive content. Sometimes just a change of format can make creating content more fun – and your donors will notice it, too.

5. Recharge.
When you’re running on empty, it’s hard to be creative. Sometimes you may need to table the project (temporarily) and recharge.

Changing your environment can help. So can tending to your body and your emotional energy.

This could look like getting moving, getting outdoors, spending time with someone who makes you laugh, or getting lost in a good book. You might listen to feel-good music, bake your favorite cake, or take a nap.

A long vacation could also help. But that’s not always an option – and the truth is, what you do for yourself day by day matters more than that European cruise you’ve got your eye on.

(For the record, I endorse daily self care and the cruise.)

BONUS:
I can help.
When you work with me, I support you through the ebbs and flows of inspiration. You have a thought partner and a creative partner who keeps it fresh and gets it done.

Fundraising friend, you’re juggling so much. You don’t have to do donor communications alone. Reach out any time.

I wish you inspiration for the season ahead!