Brand is more about the experience people have... Sometimes having no design is a better experience.
Make the first call to action at the top of your funnel really, really easy. like a super easy win, and then chain them together and walk them through a process.
Engaging donors is about serving them first and showing genuine interest in them, beyond their checkbook.
The depth of the relationship goes hand in hand with the involvement and strength of the relationship. When they see, get up close and know who you are and what you're doing, that's when the real impact happens.