Arlene Spencer, a grant-proposal writer, doesn’t believe charities should be scaling back their direct-mail efforts in light of the poor economy.

In fact, Ms. Spencer says charities that have eschewed direct-mail appeals in the past should consider incorporating them into their year-end fund-raising efforts.

“Whether your organization has sent an annual appeal letter before or not, it is something that you can do to raise money in these tough times, and again, year to year, when our economy rebounds,” Ms. Spencer writes on Seeking Grant Money Today. “It is one of many ways that any nonprofit can raise money.”

The advice comes as charities nationwide are reevaluating their fund-raising plans to deal with the changing economy — especially with the crucial year-end giving season approaching.

To help charities prepare for the year-end giving season, the Chronicle is playing host to a one-hour online discussion with fund-raising experts on Tuesday at noon Eastern time.