The document discusses the biggest mistake nonprofits make in fundraising appeals - being too self-centered by focusing on the organization's needs, programs, and budget rather than how donors can help change lives. It notes donors do not care about keeping the lights on or staff paid at an organization, and are less likely to donate when appeals are about supporting things they do not care about. The document recommends taking a broader approach by asking donors to help change lives through their gift rather than simply support an annual fund.

1. The 1 Big Mistake
That Ruins Most
Fundraising Appeals

2. You worked so hard on that letter.

3. You wrote and rewrote.
Your coworkers and Board members
all looked at it.

4. You’ve made so many rounds of
changes and tweaks that you’re just
SURE it’s a winner.

5. So you send it out and wait.

6. And wait.

7. Donations start to trickle in, but
nothing like what you had hoped for
or what you need.

8. What went wrong?

9. Your nonprofit does good work.
You’re changing lives for the better.
Yet somehow when you try to tell
people about it, you don’t get the
reaction you’re looking for.

10. The problem? You’re being self centered.

11. Being self centered in fundraising
means you’re spending too much time
talking about your organization.
It’s all about your programs, your
budget, your needs.

12. Donors don’t care. They don’t
care about your need to keep the
lights on or the staff paid.

13. When you ask them to support
things they don’t care about, they
don’t give.

14. So you have to take a broader approach
and ask them to help you change lives,
not to support your annual fund.

15. Want more? Read the whole article at
http://getfullyfunded.com/the-1-big-
mistake-that-ruins-most-nonprofit-
fundraising-appeal/