What’s landing in donor mailboxes right now says a lot about where fundraising is headed.
The February 2026 edition of Michelle’s Mailbox takes a closer look at how organizations are testing direct mail formats that prioritize clarity, engagement, and long-term donor value. From oversized self-mailers to stripped-down advocacy appeals, this month’s examples show how thoughtful production choices can support stronger donor decisions.
This edition highlights how leading nonprofits are testing ideas around:
- Rethinking format size to create room for story and flexibility
- Isolating the monthly giving ask to reduce cognitive overload
- Using interaction and donor choice to deepen donor engagement
- Designing packages that feel intentional rather than overproduced
If you are planning direct mail testing or looking for new format inspiration beyond standard package structures, this edition offers practical ideas you can apply directly to your fundraising programs. These are real mail packages currently being tested across the nonprofit industry, and why they are working now.
One standout concept is the oversized poster self-mailer. While the idea itself is not new, its application continues to evolve. It gives organizations incredible flexibility to rethink how content is delivered, turning what might have traditionally been a multi-piece direct mail package, like a six-page proposal mailed in a 9 × 12 envelope, into a single folded format. While the core concept is familiar, how organizations are applying it today continues to evolve.
Read more about how this format can be used successfully as a calendar, photo poster, newsletter, and other versatile applications in the full February edition of Michelle’s Mailbox.
If you missed the January 2026 edition of Michelle’s Mailbox, it takes a closer look at how organizations are using direct mail to create meaningful moments—sometimes without making an immediate ask.
Stay Ahead of Direct Mail Fundraising Trends
Don’t miss out on next month’s edition! Be sure to sign up using the contact form below to receive Michelle’s Mailbox directly in your inbox.
Michelle’s Mailbox is a monthly newsletter featuring 4–6 standout direct mail ideas that landed on Michelle’s desk over the past month. From classic packages that continue to inspire brand-new mail fresh off the postal truck, each edition celebrates nonprofit direct mail in all its forms—and offers insights on how to put those ideas to work for your own programs.
Sign up for Michelle’s Mailbox:
"*" indicates required fields