Starting a direct mail fundraising program can feel overwhelming, especially for smaller nonprofits with limited staff, time, and resources. The good news is that successful fundraising through the mail does not have to begin with a large, complicated campaign.

Successful fundraising campaigns have always come down to one thing: connection. When people feel emotionally engaged and understand the real impact of their support, they are far more likely to give.

Students seem to live on their phones these days. They've grown up with TikTok, Instagram, and endless digital notifications. Parents go online for school information and get news and updates via school emails. Teachers teach with digital tools.

Mal Warwick, the widely respected Berkeley-based expert on mail fundraising, provides seven pointers for direct mail fundraising

Fundraising specialists Kay Lautman and Fran Jacobowitz offer informed tips on direct-mail fundraising

Six time-tested ways for a nonprofit to deliver more satisfaction than its supporters expect

Mal Warwick, the widely-esteemed fundraiser, suggests that productive fundraising mailers usually involve five steps

Tips to create a successful appeal letter to donors.

Four tips from industry leader Alan Sharpe on how to retain donors.