Dear friends,

Thank you for your well wishes as we celebrated Avalon’s 28th birthday! It is no coincidence that Avalon shares an anniversary with Bastille Day – there was something aspirational in creating something bigger, which would grow out of tremendous change and become something positive and more impactful for everyone. I am always grateful to steward Avalon and to support the incredible staff and clients with whom we work, and I’m acutely aware that it’s all of you who make it so successful. Cheers!

Uncertainty and Donor Retention

Momentive Software and Edge Research released a report on how nonprofits are handling this year’s uncertainty. They highlight three trends contributing to stability: technology, donor retention, and collaboration. Larger organizations will be ahead of the curve, though it’s still good to have benchmarks – and I’m glad to see an emphasis on fundraising strategy. However, it’s critical to understand that strong retention does not exist in a vacuum. Rather, it stretches across the donor journey, beginning with sustained commitment to strategic acquisition. As nonprofit history teaches us, this will be the best way to ensure both today’s stability and tomorrow’s growth.

A view from Avalon’s 2023 State of the Industry presentation.

😀 Emojis in Fundraising 😀

July 17 was World Emoji Day. Senior data analyst Alexis Krivian shared a post by TrueSense that considers how and when to use emojis in donor marketing. Citing a report by Experian, they note that emojis can increase engagement when used well. The key is to add emojis sparingly and to ensure alignment with the tone and content of your message. Emojis tend to lighten things up, so it’s important they don’t undermine the seriousness of your issue or campaign. Also keep in mind that emojis may render differently across devices, and overuse can have a negative effect.

We’ve come a long way since the first emojis debuted in 1988 on the Sharp PA-8500. Credit: Matt Sephton, via emojitimeline.com.

Detail-Oriented

Frank O’Brien offered guidance on how to use details for better storytelling in a recent O’Brien On Message blog. Applying wisdom from Georgia O’Keeffe, he analyzed a brief sample for details that would draw readers in and strengthen the message. We all know that details help us “show, not tell” in our copy, and that’s true. However, more is not always better. For more effective storytelling, O’Brien recommends “auditing your use of details” to ensure that each one “propels your narrative forward” and “adds emotional energy.” It’s a good reminder that every word matters in great fundraising copy.

Stay Connected

Forbes published a roundup of strategies for combatting isolation when working from home. This challenge persists across the workforce, well after the early days of COVID and social distancing. At Avalon, we have responded by making connection both a pillar of remote-work success and an ongoing HR priority. Author Caroline Castrillón outlines five strategies that leaders should empower, encourage, and role model:

1. Create physical boundaries and seek human connection.
2. Leverage technology for meaningful communication.
3. Build and participate in social networks at work.
4. Establish clear work-life boundaries.
5. Advocate for inclusive remote work practices.

I Scream, You Scream

To celebrate 28 years, Avalon team members gathered last Thursday for a virtual ice cream party. While enjoying our favorite treats, we reminisced about mag tape, got a crash course in how a fax machine works, and tried to keep up with what the kids are really saying these days. (Note: if you’re trying to keep your personal copy fresh, “rizz” is already out.) It was fun to look backward and forward with this incredible team of fundraisers. Cheers to Avalon!