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The Fuse Blog

We’re always fusing insights with expertise to help amplify your good, and sometimes we share those insights in articles. Ignite your inspiration — and your fundraising — with the latest from our team of experts.

Ryan Edwards, Copywriter Ryan Edwards, Copywriter

Language Matters: The Words that Move

A study analyzed 14,000+ fundraising campaigns to better understand what messaging drives donor action. We dug into the findings, highlighted the takeaways that matter most for fundraisers, and explored how nonprofits can put them into practice.

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Fuse Social Fuse Social

Executive Team Member Spotlight — Maria Harmer

📣 This quarter, we’re highlighting another one of our amazing executive team members: Maria Harmer, SVP of Creative Operations & Strategy!  With more than 20 years of experience in fundraising creative, Maria knows the power of combining big ideas with thoughtful strategy. Learn more about Maria, her creative journey, and what inspires her both inside and outside of the fundraising world. 

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Becky Volpe, Strategy Director Becky Volpe, Strategy Director

The eCRM Playbook: Best Practices for Cleaning Up and Scaling

A powerful platform alone won’t solve operational complexity. Whether you’re migrating to a new eCRM or trying to clean up years of messy workflows inside your current system, the foundation matters. We broke down practical best practices for setting up an eCRM to scale sustainably: from data structure and segmentation to automation and reporting. 

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Nancy Eiring, Senior Vice President, Digital Strategies Nancy Eiring, Senior Vice President, Digital Strategies

How to Write Emails in an AI-Summary World

With Google and Apple actively summarizing emails for users, your first few sentences are no longer just an introduction. They are your entire chance to grab a donor's attention before an AI assistant condenses your message into a single bullet point. 

If the AI summary misses your impact or your call to action, your donor will too. Read on for our top tips to still reaching donors in their inbox.

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James Bruening, VP of Data Strategy and Planning James Bruening, VP of Data Strategy and Planning

More Revenue, Fewer Donors: What 2025 Confirmed and What Fundraisers Should Watch in 2026

More revenue. Fewer donors. Benchmark data confirmed a trend many nonprofits are already feeling: revenue growth is increasingly concentrated among smaller groups of higher-value donors. We explore what that means for retention, recurring giving, acquisition, and long-term file health in 2026. 

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Nicki Might, Vice President of Fundraising Strategies Nicki Might, Vice President of Fundraising Strategies

Before You Grow Your Sustainer Program, Start Here

Before investing more in acquisition or conversion, it’s worth asking: is your current program designed to retain and grow donors over time?  The biggest opportunities aren’t always about doing more, but strengthening what’s already in place. If you’re thinking about expanding your sustainer program this year, start by understanding and building the foundation. 

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Fuse Social Fuse Social

Announcing: 2026 Hermes Creative Awards Winners

We’re honored to be recognized by Hermes Creative Awards, a global competition celebrating standout work in marketing and communications. Our “Out of the Box” campaign for World Food Program USA earned Gold, and our CARE FY26 Holiday Card received an Honorable Mention.

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Nancy Eiring, Senior Vice President, Digital Strategies Nancy Eiring, Senior Vice President, Digital Strategies

Spring Clean Your Email Program: Our 7 Best Tips to Renew and Refresh for Better Performance

Is your email program feeling a little... dusty? A cluttered email program isn't just messy; it’s a drain on your deliverability and engagement rates. We’re breaking down 7 vital steps to successfully refreshing your email program. From strategic list hygiene to A/B testing, it’s time to clear the clutter and start optimizing for better results.

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Nancy Eiring, Senior Vice President, Digital Strategies Nancy Eiring, Senior Vice President, Digital Strategies

New Rules in a New Age: How AI is Redefining Search to be Beyond Keywords

Search isn’t just about keywords anymore it’s about conversations. AI is fundamentally changing how people find information, and if your content strategy hasn't shifted yet, it’s time. From AI Overviews to intent-based optimization, we’re sharing updates and tips on how to make sure your brand still gets found. 

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Nicki Might, Vice President of Fundraising Strategies Nicki Might, Vice President of Fundraising Strategies

Donor Journey Mapping Isn’t a Calendar. It’s a Strategy.

Too often, donor journey mapping stops at a diagram. In reality, it should guide how strategy, data, and execution align across the donor experience. Intentional mapping can strengthen retention, coherence, and long-term value. Here’s how to think about journeys as an ongoing discipline, not a one-time plan.

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