I’m a writer and creative with 20 years’ experience working for some of the UK’s best-known charities.

Dave Mance writer

I write words to win hearts and minds to your cause.

In our eagerness to demonstrate impact, and present a strong case for support, we often forget our first job is to inspire hearts.

I don’t mean sad stories that tug on the heart strings. But stories of courage and hope that stir something in us. That lift us out of our small, self-absorbed worlds and call us to be part of something bigger.

I write words that make people feel something.

And once the heart feels something, the mind wants to understand it better. How your organisation is uniquely placed to solve this problem. How you’ve proved yourselves in the past. Exactly why you need your reader to take this step.

Are you ready to win hearts and minds to your cause? Get in touch.

  • Concepts and copy

    I can come up with the big campaign idea and messaging. Or I can swoop in and write articles, emails, film, web copy, whatever you need – getting tone of voice right first time.

  • Fundraising

    Engaging hearts and minds, and inspiring them to give generously and gladly. This begins with understanding the place of fundraising in the wider mix of sharing stories, impact, and values.

  • Lead generation

    Attracting those who are going to become passionate advocates for your work for years to come. From writing and testing ads, to creating and optimising journeys that make your mission theirs.

  • Digital advocacy

    Sharing the wins and the losses. Mobilising supporters to keep going, and keep believing in the power of their voice as a vital part of your winning advocacy strategy.

 

Bio

I started out as a direct marketing writer, learning from some of the best how to get someone to fill out the coupon/buy the thing.

I worked for 15 years for charities and brands of all sizes, from writing web copy for a local refugee charity, to devising a monumental campaign climbing The Shard for Red Nose Day. I became (healthily) obsessed with the power of digital tools to inform and improve the work.

I then spent six years as Head of Campaigns at a human rights organisation. This gave me a love (no, really) of analytics, data, testing, and testing again. It also gave me a deeper understanding of the inner workings of a charity, and how to truly collaborate across departments.

How I like to work

I prefer to work from a villa overlooking Lake Como.

However, since we chose to work in this sector, I guess we all have to adjust our expectations.

For me, it all starts with asking questions and listening well. Once I understand the problem you want to solve, I can make sure you end up with work that connects with your audience and meets those objectives.

Hopefully we can also enjoy our work. I’m proud of the relationships I’ve built and I’m happy to be considered a vital part of an organisation’s team.

Have a project that you think I can help with? Drop me a line.