Insights for Your Impact
Over three decades of key learnings in direct response fundraising—all in one place for you.
Blog Posts
Our Latest Articles and Findings
-
WE WOULDN’T BE SERVING YOU WELL IF WE DIDN’T TELL YOU . . .
Here at Douglas Shaw & Associates, we believe we owe you the truth about direct response fundraising as we know it. Hopefully, those we have the privilege of serving as client-partners can vouch for us on this point. -
FINDING YOUR PACE: Identifying the Right Donor Acquisition Balance for Growth
I wouldn’t call myself a ‘runner.’ To me, runners are people who thrive on running—who find it exhilarating and energizing. I do run—because it’s good for me and I want to stay healthy—but I’m more of a “need a pep talk to make it up this hill” kind of runner. -
DONOR ENGAGEMENT MATTERS: Building and Maintaining Strong Relationships
On a daily basis at home, I have a growing population of wild chickens that like to hang around, climb the trees, and make a mess of my garden. In today’s climate, with egg prices the way they have been, you might say that I live on a modern-day goldmine. But when you also have a dog . . . things can get wild.
Books
Proven tools that will prepare you – and your team – to significantly increase your organizations impact.
-
CURATIVE CULTURE STEPPING AWAY FROM A TOXIC WORKPLACEIn his newest book, Douglas K. Shaw, Founder/Chairman of the Board and CEO of Douglas Shaw & Associates, redefines a healthy work culture, based on his 45+ years of experience leading teams and guiding organizations across the country. Curative Culture | Stepping Away from a Toxic Workplace offers real-world examples for leaders who want to step away from a toxic environment, build a more profitable business, and achieve excellence. Through thoughtful stories and practical insight, Doug invites leaders and teams to imagine a better way of working—rooted in trust, dignity, and shared humanity.
-
The Six Essentials of Rapidly Growing NonprofitsWhat are the common traits all rapidly growing nonprofits share? This book holds the answers to this oft-asked question! A must read for everyone who serves by working in a nonprofit organization, including board members, CEOs, and Development Officers. Written by Douglas K. Shaw, Founder/Chairman of the Board and CEO of Douglas Shaw & Associates. -
More Rules of FundraisingIn his second book, Douglas K. Shaw, Founder/Chairman of the Board and CEO of Douglas Shaw & Associates, continues on where The Rules of Fundraising leaves off. An additional 35 rules, never before written down, that must be used in order to be a success in your fundraising efforts. -
The Rules of FundraisingThis book is an authoritative guide for nonprofits. There are inviolate rules for successful fundraising. Most people don’t know them, and that includes nonprofit board members, CEO’s and development officers. Douglas K. Shaw, Founder/Chairman of the Board and CEO of Douglas Shaw & Associates, has taken his 45+ years of fundraising experience and written them down (for perhaps the very first time). This volume contains 35 of the most fundamental rules, and explains them with entertaining stories. Not following these rules will likely lead you to a much longer learning curve, and quite possibly failure.
Webinars
These webinars are all free for you to watch at your convenience. There’s valuable information in each one, and they make for great direct response fundraising resources. We hope you find them useful for your organization. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you have regarding the content in these videos or to request a webinar topic.
-
Is Your Offer Fundable?
Join us as our team walks you through the art and science of crafting fundable offers that deeply resonate with your donors . . .
-
Cracking the Code: Strategies for Effective Donor Segmentation
Are you struggling to keep up with the constantly changing fundraising landscape? Don’t worry, there is hope!
-
Year End Strategies for Your Digital Fundraising
Are you struggling to keep up with the constantly changing fundraising landscape? Don’t worry, there is hope!
Webisode Series
Free Webisode: 2024 Donor Scorecard
Get quick access to the top insights and tactics that organizations are using to communicate with their new donors from the Donor Experience Scorecard.
Donor Experience Research
Over 100 nonprofits studied—here’s what we found . . .
2025 Donor Experience Scorecard
The successful journey from transforming a new online donor into a long-term partner begins with your nonprofit’s strategy on Day One. Our 2025 Donor Experience Scorecard is your guide to strengthening donor relationships and building sustainable support for your organization’s future.
