Why We Asked
Dear Dreamers and Doers,
This fall, we asked cause and culture organizations — some we’ve worked with, some we’d love to — one simple question: What would help most right now?
Each picked its top three from six options: research, rebranding, fundraising, events, collateral, and training. The winners didn’t surprise us. The one that didn’t make the cut did. And odds are, your organization will see itself in both.
Here’s what we heard.
Number one: Raising more money. Materials that move people to give — campaigns, case statements, annual reports, and grant content.
Number two: Understanding your audiences. Hearing directly from donors, members, partners, and community about what’s working and where there’s room to grow.
A three-way tie for third: rallying your community around a moment or cause, making a strong impression everywhere people find you, and giving your board and staff confidence in communicating your mission.
Fundraising and research at the top? Honestly, no surprise. Those two come up in nearly every conversation we have with nonprofit leaders, and with good reason.
The Answer That Didn’t Make the Cut
What struck us most was the answer that didn’t show up. Presenting an identity that matches your impact — new brands, rebrands, refreshes, messaging — wasn’t a priority right now.
We read that as good news. These organizations know who they are. They’re not wrestling with an identity crisis. What they’re wrestling with is how to tell that story better, and to the right people.
That’s where the top two answers meet. Research tells you what your people care about. Fundraising materials are where you put that understanding to work. But research is often the first thing a budget decides it can’t afford, so donor materials get pieced together from old communications and messaging that hasn’t been revisited in years.
It’s a quiet squeeze, and a real one. The identity may be solid while the words carrying it out the door have grown tired. With so much pressure on nonprofit funding right now, that gap matters more than ever.
What We’re Doing With What We Heard
We’re taking every answer to heart. That means looking hard at where we can do more and offer more tools and support, especially where understanding your audiences and raising money meet. You told us where it hurts. That’s where we want to show up.
And to every organization that took a minute to reply: thank you. In a month built around gratitude, you gave us something we truly value — an honest look at what matters to you.
Your November Assignment
Ask your people one question. Keep it short and easy to answer, then really listen to what comes back. We were reminded this fall how much a single, simple question can tell you.
Ask it. Hear it. Let it change what you do next.
We’ll be right here, listening too.
With gratitude,
Laura + Cheryl + Surale
P.S. Not sure what your donors are really thinking, or whether your materials are keeping up? Yes, you can afford some research and content support. Let’s talk it through. Book a free Happy Half-Hour consult at hello@thedrmtm.com.