Talk to your supporters like you know them

Great messaging starts with understanding where your supporters are in their journey. When your outreach matches their needs, interests, and timing, it feels more personal and more meaningful.

This week’s resources focus on writing with that in mind — from donor journey templates and AI prompt tips to guidance on avoiding language that shuts people out and making an impact even when donors don’t click through.

The take-home template

Donor journeys don’t have to be complicated or one-size-fits-all. This guide from DonorPerfect shows how to personalize each step based on your supporters’ behavior and interests, so your outreach feels more relevant and your relationships grow stronger.

Snackable snippets

5 steps to writing more compelling fundraising emails 📖

Subject lines get the open, but what comes next is what drives action. This five-step guide walks through how to write short, scannable copy, lead with a strong hook, make one clear ask, and send readers to the right landing page.

Understanding philanthropy’s trigger words 📖

Some words connect while others can unintentionally shut people down. This article from The Chronicle digs into why language like “equity” or “civility” can land differently depending on your audience, and how to adjust your messaging to build real understanding.

It’s OK for supporters not to visit your site 📖

Supporters don’t always need to click through to your site to connect with your message. Kristy Morris argues how “zero-click content” can still build trust and visibility if you focus on clear, useful info that meets people where they are.

Webinar: Takeaways from the Giving USA Report 📽️

Donor behavior is shifting, and the numbers tell an important story. Join Josh Birkholz, CEO of BWF, on Thursday, July 31, at 11 AM EDT for a breakdown of the latest Giving USA data and what it means for building smarter, more sustainable fundraising strategies.

For your inspiration folder

American Heart Association is using songs like Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” to teach the right tempo for hands-only CPR. It’s a smart way to connect with younger audiences by linking lifesaving info to the music and culture they already love.