Comments on: Essential tips for effective development writing

By: Amalia

Amalia — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:04:22 +0000

thanks for the PS info. In my many years of doing this, I was not aware that it was useful.

By: Connie

Connie — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:39:15 +0000

I absolutely agree that staff within an organization often don’t realize that people in their audience aren’t as familiar with their organization as they are. Staff often think their audience must be tired of hearing the same messages over and over, when in fact the messages are barely registering. Thanks, Christopher!
Connie Oswald Stofko

By: Connie

Connie — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:33:39 +0000

I had never heard of that one before! Thanks so much, Keith!
Connie Oswald Stofko

By: Christopher Schultz

Christopher Schultz — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:13:24 +0000

It’s extremely important not to gloss over the “telling a story” element. Not only are beneficiaries’ and donors’ stories important, but the story of your organization itself, the new project you’re trying to fund, or the old one whose reach you’re trying to expand.

Often lost in the need for “measurable metrics” and goals going forward is the simple idea that those reading your request aren’t as familiar with your organization as you are. You must tell the story of the evolution of your organization’s work compellingly to make prospective donors comfortable with your organization and its work. Importantly, this goes beyond putting forth numbers of people who’ve benefited from your services.

By: Keith C. Kerber

Keith C. Kerber — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:04:15 +0000

Great reminders. I have found another good way to catch spelling errors is to read the message backward.

Keith C Kerber
Thunderbird School of Global Management

By: Connie

Connie — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:56:00 +0000

Joanne,
Thanks so much for your comment. I’m not familiar with Woe Is I; I’ll have to look into it. I absolutely agree with letting your copy rest. Great suggestions!
Connie Oswald Stofko
Fundraising Assets

By: Joanne Fritz

Joanne Fritz — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:23:28 +0000

As to being correct: get a good stylebook such as the AP Stylebook, a good grammar book too…I really like Woe Is I by O’Conner, and always wait a few hours and then review your text again. It’s amazing what you catch after it sits just a little while. Older donors can be very critical of mistakes, so don’t take a chance.

By: Jason Whitmen

Jason Whitmen — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:00:18 +0000

Well said