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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Google Becomes the Answer Engine: Donors Are Getting Answers Before They Find You
Google has made the switch from search engine to action-and-answer engine through new AI features. If you’re wondering how to keep your brand visible when Google is answering queries directly, we’ve got you covered.
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.
The Listening Strategy: How Donor Surveys Deepen Relationships
Most fundraising is one-directional. But the strongest programs make space to listen. Donor surveys, when done right, can deepen relationships, improve retention, and inform smarter strategy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.