Pamela Barden

Pamela Barden, CFRE, is a Direct Response Fundraising Strategist and Copywriter. With a professional career in strategic fundraising that spans 35 years, Pamela brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to working with nonprofit organizations. She specializes in writing fundraising copy, P.R. materials and instructional articles, as well as developing and executing fundraising strategy.

As Vice President and Group Director at Russ Reid (2006–2009), she was responsible for the management of the largest single account for this marketing agency specializing in nonprofit fundraising. Her nonprofit experience includes leading the fundraising work for International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (2001–2006); World Relief Corporation (1988–2001) and Youth for Christ/USA (1979–1988).

Pamela is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), an Advisory Panel Member for Rogare: The Fundraising Think Tank of the Centre for Sustainable Philanthropy at Plymouth University, winner of a Gold Award for Fundraising Excellence and an ECHO Award from the DMA, a Distinguished Instructor for UCLA Extension, adjunct instructor at University of La Verne and a weekly columnist for “Today in Fundraising.”

Articles by Pamela Barden

Donor Cultivation

How to Say “Thank You” to Donors at Year-End

How to say “thank you,” and create the nonprofit organization that is known for truly valuing its donors.

November 23, 2016 | 2 min Read

Online Giving

When to Say “No” to “Me, too!” in Fundraising

"Me, too!” responses may be big risks when it comes to nonprofit fundraising. Here are 3 mistakes nonprofits make when it comes to donor communications.

January 6, 2016 | 3 min Read

Data Insights

Your Fundraising Decision Making Yardstick: Recruit-Retain-Reactivate

We should never grow stale and stop trying new things. But with that comes a responsibility to keep focused on our Recruit–Retain–Reactivate measurement.

August 19, 2015 | 3 min Read

Direct Marketing

It’s a New Day for Fundraising . . . Or Is It?

Fundraising methodologies are constantly evolving, but people still donate because they believe an organization has the best potential to address a situation they care about, and they were asked.

June 17, 2015 | 2 min Read

Strategic Planning

Arrogance in Nonprofit Leadership: It Just Doesn’t Belong Here

The disease of arrogance may not hurt the carrier, but it can kill the passion of those around him or her. Here are ways to protect yourself from it.

May 15, 2015 | 3 min Read

Donor Cultivation

The Old and The New: It’s Always Our Challenge

As fundraisers, we must never stop asking, “Will this help deepen our organization’s relationship with donors?” That’s a great way to choose the tools we use, and those we set aside.

March 19, 2015 | 3 min Read

Digital Marketing

Cutting Through the Noise| A Fundraiser’s Strategy for Sorting It Out

A challenge we today is that anyone can appear to be an expert. Pay attention to the true fundraisers. That’s the person whose advice you should listen to.

November 19, 2014 | 3 min Read