Some things in life are hard to put a value on — love, passion, dedication, selflessness. These are all attributes volunteers embody, but how can nonprofits determine the value of a volunteer hour? Each year, Independent Sector gathers data and conducts research on volunteerism in the nonprofit sector. The results of that research provide nonprofits a way to calculate the …
New Nonprofit Donor & Giving Trends: How to Apply Learnings at Your Organization
How many times have you and your colleagues analyzed questions that still have no clear answers: How do we recoup the revenue lost from our cancelled fundraising events? What will the year-end giving season look like? What is the long-term impact on our staff and operations? In our data-driven world, we’re used to having the numbers and analytics at our …
The Best 10 Books on Nonprofit Fundraising and Governance
When it comes to the best books about nonprofit fundraising and governance, these 10 resources stand the test of time and should be on every leader’s bookshelf or e-reader. 1. “Ten Responsibilities of a Nonprofit Board” by BoardSource This short book outlines the primary responsibilities of nonprofit board service. In the most recent edition, the role of advocacy has been …
Major Gift Fundraising: Build a Plan that Works
During economic downturns, data suggests that Americans typically give less to charity. As communities simultaneously navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, a recession and the social movement for racial justice, the need for nonprofit services continues to increase as inequities deepen. Understanding how to raise funds in times of uncertainty is critical to respond to some of the greatest challenges our communities …
How to Host a Successful Virtual Fundraising Event: Girls on the Run Case Study
Like most nonprofits impacted by COVID-19, Girls on the Run Greater Tampa Bay faced a pivotal challenge — how to deliver a major fundraising event with significant revenue goals and in-person mission programming virtually, all in a matter of weeks. Girls on the Run is a developmental, life-skills program that inspires girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a …
New Resources to Respond to Nonprofit Needs
In an ongoing effort to help nonprofits overcome challenges caused by the COVID-19 crisis, we recently asked nonprofit leaders about their current mindset and most pressing needs. Nearly 100 nonprofit leaders responded to our online survey fielded between May 12 and 19, 2020. The outcome was clear: Nonprofit leaders are looking for supportive and innovative ways to overcome personal anxiety …
Is Your Nonprofit Prepared for Digital Fundraising Success?
Online giving has grown 10% during the past three years (Blackbaud). As social distancing and COVID-19 prevent nonprofits from traditional fundraising events and in-person activities, mastering your digital fundraising is critical — today and every day. These digital fundraising tips from Nonprofit Leadership Center trainer and fundraising expert Sara Leonard will help your organization remain financially strong for long-term success. …
WATCH: The Dos and Don’ts of Fundraising During a Crisis
As you navigate the “new normal” of nonprofit fundraising, seasoned fundraising consultant and NLC trainer Alyce Lee Stansbury shares up-to-the-minute strategies along with dos and don’ts of crisis fundraising. After watching this video, you will: Know the most effective ways to ask for gifts right now. Understand how to evaluate and pivot future fundraising strategies. Be able to deliver top-notch …
How to Write a Grant Proposal
You’ve identified a potential funder, and now your nonprofit needs to write a grant proposal that will win money for your organization to support your constituents and communities. These six tips for how to write a grant proposal will help you raise mission-critical revenue to continue your important work. Before You Start Writing a Grant Proposal 1. Develop your key messaging …
WATCH: Grant Writing in Times of Crisis
Grant writing is challenging in “normal” times, but when we add a crisis to the mix, many nonprofits aren’t sure where to turn next. Do we apply for grants? If so, which funders should we consider? Whether your organization is providing basic needs to help people impacted by the coronavirus or are considered less “mission-critical,” now is the time to …