In 2008, author and renowned philanthropy expert Dan Pallotta challenged nonprofits to find a better way to communicate organizational impact. More than a decade later, our sector continues to struggle with communicating how our work truly makes a difference. How should nonprofits measure and articulate their impact? How do we communicate what social returns on investment look like? As a …
7 Secrets to a Successful Year-end Fundraising Letter
Do you ever wish you could send a year-end fundraising letter to existing donors that says: “Hi friend. It’s that time of year. This is your reminder to give. Please give again this year.” If only it were that easy! Unfortunately, the “just-send-money” approach doesn’t work. Charitable giving is much different than paying a bill or meeting an obligation. It’s …
The Secret Year-End Fundraising Tool Most Nonprofits Overlook
I sat at my desk with a feeling of dread in the pit of my stomach. How do I raise enough gifts to meet our year-end fundraising goal? My team and I had hosted a donor appreciation event and conducted a mailing, but there were still donors who hadn’t yet made a gift. As I reviewed my donor list, I …
How to Get Gen Z to Care about Your Cause
Close your eyes. Think about some of the most successful and iconic nonprofit programs and fundraising events of our time. Nationally televised telethons, global charity walks, giving phenomenons spurred by a single bucket of ice. Now open your eyes and come back to reality. Many of the strategies that have worked in the past are no longer relevant or sustainable. …
Nonprofit Sector Trends That Affect Your Organization
In our ever-changing world, shifts in charitable giving and donor engagement require our nonprofit sector to think differently to survive and thrive. Two recent studies highlight nonprofit sector trends that every leader should be considering as they plan and prepare for the future. Here’s what the latest data suggests and what your nonprofit should be thinking about to increase organizational …
3 Ways to Learn from Your Fundraising Mistakes
Inspiring donors to invest in your mission is an art and a science. Our work as fundraisers requires us to cultivate relationships and demonstrate our impact while staying ahead of giving trends and providing an exceptional year-round experience. With all the responsibilities fundraisers have in a changing donor landscape, you’re bound to make a mistake or two along the way. …
How to Apply for a Grant: Your Guide to Winning Proposals
Grant writing that leads to grant winning requires more than a technically correct and polished proposal. In today’s increasingly competitive and ever-evolving nonprofit sector, organizations must connect emotionally with potential funders to open their hearts and wallets. Are you wondering how to apply for a grant that will stand out from other applicants? How to Apply for a Grant and …
Mind Your Manners (and Other Practical Tips for Calling a Prospective Funder)
Calling a prospective funder shouldn’t just be another phone call to quickly check off your to-do list. At the point of actually picking up the phone, you should be confident the funder is open to your communication (Call Me… Maybe: Determining If You Should Call a Foundation Prospect) and have spent time researching and preparing to make the call (Wait, …
A Lesson About The Ask
My ten year-old daughter asked to go to Barnes and Noble on a school night after we had gone out to eat. Her younger brother’s baseball game was the impetus for the dinner out so we were already behind schedule for homework, baths and bedtime. My answer was “no.” When I asked if she thought I’d say yes, she admitted …
Do Your Own Fundraising Research? You Bet!
One of the hot topics in the prospect research field is whether we researchers are going to be replaced by all of the great software products out there. With the click of your mouse you can search multiple public records databases and spit a profile out of your printer. Even data analytics has become more accessible with easy software interfaces. …