Learn Fundraising in 10 Minutes
Get better at fundraising in ten minutes a week.
Every Tuesday and Thursday, I send one fundraising idea that worked for me, three ways to try it this week, and a template you can copy. Each issue takes about five minutes to read.
Free, with the first three chapters of Magnetic Nonprofit as a welcome gift. Unsubscribe in one click.
Jeremy Reis · 20 years raising money
Read by 2,800+ fundraisers
"That's their job": what my boss told me about writing for donors + the first sentence your appeal needs
Hi friend,
At Food for the Hungry, we had a very young writer on staff. On a call one day, I said it might be hard for someone that young to write well for our older donors.
My boss corrected me. His answer, more or less: that's their job.
Also in this issue
- The big idea
- 3 things to try
- Steal this
- One number
- Worth your time
- One question
Read this issue · sent October 29
Inside every issue
The same six parts, every time.
You always know where to look. On a busy day, read the big idea and stop. On a slow one, save the whole email for when you sit down to write your next appeal.
The big idea
A story from my own fundraising and the lesson inside it. If you read only one part, read this.
3 things to try
Three small actions you can take this week, written so you can do them between meetings.
Steal this
A template, script or fill-in-the-blank opening you can copy straight into your own work.
One number
One research finding that backs up the idea, with the source linked so you can check it yourself.
Worth your time
Two or three articles on the same topic, each with a line on why it's worth the click.
One question
A question about your own work. Hit reply and send me your answer.
When one of my courses fits the topic, a short "Go deeper" note tells you about it.
Who writes it
A letter from one fundraiser to another.
I've spent about 20 years raising money for causes I care about. Today I'm president of Serving Orphans Worldwide, where we added more than 4,000 new donors in my first two years. Before that I helped grow Food for the Hungry from $27 million to $74 million, and grew World Concern's monthly donors from 800 to more than 4,000.
Each issue is what I'd tell you over coffee: what worked, what didn't, and what I'd try next. No theory you can't use on Monday.
- Author of Why We Give and Magnetic Nonprofit
- Host of the Nonprofit Answers podcast
Jeremy Reis
Recent issues
Read a few before you decide.
- Nov 10Why your board won't "fundraise" + the small jobs they will do before Giving Tuesday
- Nov 5How we went from 300 new donors to 1,500 without hiring + the line AI should never cross
- Nov 3Start with one email + why your welcome series needs a second ask
- Oct 29"That's their job": what my boss told me about writing for donors + the first sentence your appeal needs
- Oct 22Your Giving Tuesday donors get asked again before they get thanked + the follow-up to plan now
Praise for Magnetic Nonprofit
What fundraising leaders say about Jeremy's work.
"…a resource from a nonprofit marketing veteran with a proven track record, from someone who actually has 'done the work.'"
President, Nonprofit DNA
"If you follow the principles and expert guidance that Jeremy puts forward, you'll build deeper donor relationships and raise more money."
Partner, NEWPORT ONE
"…a massively practical tool for the modern fundraiser. …his countless practical examples and relevant stories give nonprofits clear steps…"
CEO, Virtuous Software
"In my 45 years of nonprofit development work, this is one of the best books I've found on attracting donors…"
President/CEO, Youthfront
"Jeremy does a brilliant job of revealing how to successfully engage your donor base in an authentic and meaningful way."
President/COO, Westfall Gold
"Based on research and personal experience, he identifies the barriers to engagement and the practical ways you can overcome each of them."
President and CEO, Christian Leadership Alliance
Your welcome gift
The first three chapters of Magnetic Nonprofit
The Introduction, "The Magnetic Nonprofit" and "Barriers to Magnetism": why some organizations attract and keep donors, volunteers and staff, and what pushes them away. It arrives with your first email.
Questions
Before you sign up.
How often will I hear from you?
Tuesdays and Thursdays, early in the morning Eastern time. That's it.
Is it really ten minutes?
Two issues a week, about five minutes each. On a busy day, the big idea at the top is enough. The rest is there when you want to go further.
Who is it for?
Development directors, executive directors at small nonprofits, gift officers, board members, and anyone who's new to raising money.
What does it cost?
Nothing. When a course or certification fits the topic, I'll mention it at the end.
Can I unsubscribe?
Anytime, with one click at the bottom of every email.
Can I reply?
Please do. Every issue ends with a question, and your answers shape what I write next.
Free · Tuesdays and Thursdays
Your next good idea is in Tuesday's issue.
Join 2,800+ fundraisers who start their Tuesday and Thursday with one idea they can use. The first three chapters of Magnetic Nonprofit come with your first email.
Unsubscribe in one click. Your email is never sold or shared.