Publications
Publications
by Bryn George / Aug 18, 2025
It’s true! I laid it all out: the need, the opportunity, the impact, the numbers. I brought clarity, visuals, and a sense of bold hope. When I finished, the donor paused, looked at me, and said simply:
“Thank you.”
That moment changed something in me.
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by Bryn George / July 15, 2025
A letter goes out. An urgent appeal is made. The tone is immediate, emotional, and often rooted in fear or scarcity. It works—at first. But over time, donors can feel like they’re just plugging leaks in a sinking ship, giving reactively instead of relationally. What if, instead of something to patch, we gave them something to build?
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by Bryn George | May 20, 2025
Donor Advisors: Friend or Foe? 🤔It’s easy to see donor advisors as gatekeepers—but what if they’re actually your greatest allies? In this post, I share why I’ve changed my perspective and how you can, too.
Let’s move from competition to collaboration—click to read more.
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by Bryn George | The Almoner | January 29, 2025
The best fundraising asks aren’t just about timing or technique—they’re about connection, curiosity, and a little bit of courage; so what if there was a simple way to navigate the conversation, plant the right seeds, and make the ask with confidence?
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by Bryn George | November 1, 2024
As the election approaches, remember that your mission transcends politics and headlines—stay focused on the lasting impact of your work, build enduring relationships, and inspire others to stand with you.
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by Bryn George | June 5, 2024
One Saturday, I went to a nail salon and was happy to find a donor sitting in the first chair. We immediately started gabbing about personal things. As I hopped into the manicure chair, she said, “Let me ask you a question. How should I break up with an organization?”…
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by Bryn George | The Almoner | February 29, 2024
In my early days in fundraising, I sought advice from a seasoned Chief Development Officer on how she and her CEO effectively collaborated on fundraising efforts. Her response was simple yet profound: “I tee ‘em up.” Just as a golfer positions the ball for an easy hit, we as fundraisers have the responsibility of positioning our CEOs to engage in…
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by Bryn George | September 23, 2023
Just about everyone in the US celebrates Thanksgiving, gathering with loved ones in gratitude to share a meal. Last year, I decided last-minute to use mail merge to send an email on the morning of Thanksgiving (around 7:45 a.m.) before my husband and I flew out of NYC to be with family. Here is the copy of the email I sent…
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by Bryn George | The Almoner | June 27, 2023
Having held positions as a Director of Development, I was considering a Major Gifts Officer position. Discovering some rewards around major gift work, I wanted the time to focus on securing more significant gifts from individuals and foundations – even if it meant giving up other leadership roles. As I shared my thoughts with my friend and peer, Amy, she surprised me with her response…
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