Whether they give their time or their money (or both!), your supporters show up because they believe in your mission. But you need to give them a reason to stay.
Your organization does so much, and the need is real. And in the rush of day-to-day operations and the urgency of the problems you solve, it’s easy for your supporter communications to feel transactional—a series of asks instead of a genuine connection.
Here’s the truth: high-value relationships are built on trust and storytelling, not just transactions.
Every month, The Supporter Connection delivers practical insights to help you:
Strengthen supporter loyalty: Build deeper connections with your donors, members, and volunteers through consistent, meaningful communication.
Tell better stories: Borrow tips from my background as an actor and fundraiser to find the emotional hook that inspires long-term commitment.
Focus on what works: Get results-driven strategies designed for teams who need their communications to work as hard as they do.
Trouble with your newsletter? Haven’t gotten your guide? Email me lee[at]leeoconnell[dot]com, and we’ll figure this out.
What subscribers are saying about the guide
It’s awesome! Packed full of ideas.
Good tips for thanking volunteers, too!
What they’re saying about the newsletter
You’re an exceptional writer!
Keep up the good work. It’s so important.
Great newsletter re content.
Past newsletters
- What K-Pop Demon Hunters taught me about better writing
- My ✨favorite✨ year-end giving email 💌
- Using familiarity to create surprise
- The Message: providing comfort during uncertainty
- A request before you mail your appeal
- A reason to want extra Halloween candy 🍫
- Tips from an actor to bring stories to life
- The Rewrite: Giving a show postcard extra punch
- What Dog Man can teach about writing better appeals
- A sad truth for fundraisers