Crafting the Right Message and Communication Strategy (Part 2)

Co-written with Jennifer (Jen) Wasem

In our last article, we discussed why proactive communication is critical. Now, let’s explore how to craft the right messages and effectively engage your donors.

1. Clarify What You Need and Why It Matters

• Break down your financial needs into clear, actionable requests.
• Use real-world impacts to connect donors emotionally to your mission.

Example: Instead of saying, “We need $100,000 to continue our program,” say, “$100,000 allows us to provide safe housing for 50 families facing eviction this year.”

2. Choose the Right Channels for Outreach

• Direct, personal outreach (phone calls, personalized emails) for major donors.
• Social media campaigns to rally grassroots supporters.
• Newsletters and blogs to keep all stakeholders updated.

We’ve heard the expression - politics is retail. The same goes for nonprofits. You’re making an impact in your community and need to leverage that community support for resource sharing, enhanced ability to take action and more effective program delivery.

3. Leverage Your Leadership and Board Members

• Encourage board members to engage their networks and fundraise.
• Host virtual town halls or fireside chats to update and engage your donor base.

Your board members and leadership team are not just decision - makers; they are some of your most valuable advocates. Their networks, influence, and credibility can help your nonprofit navigate funding challenges more effectively.?

4. Don’t Just Ask — Give Back to Your Donors

• Express gratitude consistently and personally.
• Show donors the tangible impact of their contributions through success stories, photos, and testimonials.

Donors and supporters are in it for the long-term. The most effective fundraising is not the transactional ask; it is long-term relationship building. Create the opportunities to engage with your donors as partners who are invested in your mission and program outcomes.?

By combining urgency with authenticity and specificity, your nonprofit can build stronger, more resilient donor relationships that last beyond this funding crisis.

Stay tuned for more strategies in future articles!

Alexandra N. Cohen - Founder, ANC Consult. Helping nonprofits and businesses succeed through strategic planning, grant research and writing, and impactful messaging to drive growth, secure funding, and amplify mission impact.

Would you like to chat? Schedule a virtual coffee with me here --> https://calendly.com/anc-consult/30min

With 20 years of nonprofit executive leadership and over $100M driven towards philanthropic initiatives, Jennifer (Jen) Wasem of Jenerous Living Philanthropy brings a wealth of creativity and strategic direction to philanthropy. Her efforts have earned industry-wide recognition and success with Fortune 500 corporate partnerships, mid-level and major gifts, workplace engagement, and peer-to-peer fundraising projects.

Schedule a chat with Jen --> https://www.jenerousliving.com/booking-calendar/discovery-call-1