It’s true — matching gifts are truly a bit like online dating. Sort of fickle … even elusive, yet desired, nonetheless. And much like the crazy world of online dating (and life in general), in the world of matching gifts, fundraisers have to stand out from the noise and be creative to get noticed.

In today’s competitive fundraising environment, matching gifts are everywhere. Some might even say that fundraising and matching gifts go hand and hand — are birds of a feather — a perfect match, if you will. But with the opportunity to have your gift doubled (tripled, quadrupled, and so on) literally everywhere — your match must stand out more than the rest. But how do you do that when everyone is relying on the same messaging platform?

Who wants a discount? We’ve got one for you! The USPS is offering a 4% discount on postage for use of Informed Delivery from August 2022 — December 2022. So, what is Informed Delivery?

If you’re looking for a way to support the people of Ukraine, we’ve highlighted 8 incredible organizations whose work is truly making a difference. Please consider making a contribution to help further their efforts.

Okay y’all, I just processed the last of the data files I was waiting for, so I can now officially tie up 2021. More specifically, I get to see how the stories played out within all the datasets of our clients. As usual, there is a nice variety among their stories, but I am pleased to see the common theme running between them.

A few weeks ago, I wrote a piece highlighting my optimism around year-end. With all the clients for which we do digital work reporting impressive Giving Tuesday results, I was anxious to see if that foreshadowed an equally impressive year-end. And from what I can see, my optimism was well placed.

If you are anything like me, you are excited about the holidays and the prospects of what is to come in 2022. Maybe even, you are anxiously awaiting to see your year-end results. This time of year, new data sets are like an advent calendar to me, peeling open the window to see what treats can be found within.

We finally have enough toilet paper and paper towels, but don’t try to buy a car or get a new kitchen table right now. Also – hold your breath and cross your fingers as you manage through the world of direct mail production. The challenges we are facing are ‘unprecedented’ (I know, we hate that word too) and the likes of which we have truly never seen before.

While we could seemingly talk forever about the challenges 2021 has brought – and continues to bring – our way, we want to take a break from all that and acknowledge “what’s been going right.” And yes, much to everyone’s surprise, there ARE some notable silver linings to recognize as we move into this giving season!

That’s right! Your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you — we did just invite you to take a little trip with us to hunt for zombies! But don’t worry … we haven’t gone completely mad and we aren’t talking actually going hunting for a zombies (even though it’s almost Halloween and anything is possible) … right??

Last week we came together to discuss the Wicked Mistress of Fall 2021, and how she was quite literally wreaking havoc on all of our best laid year-end fundraising plans. And as devious as she may be – with seeming ability to share new treats for us each week – it is important to remember that we are not helpless in her pursuit of chaos!

While seasoned professionals know they should expect the unexpected, especially at this crazy time of year, in 2021 we are navigating through more disruptors than normal, which are not only unprecedented but also have major implications to cost, timelines, and the all-important year-end cashflow.