Blogs

How Your Fundraising Appeal Opening Can Pull Donors In

Why fundraising appeal openings turn donors into readers — and how to invite them into the story instead.

Reframing Philanthropy for Fundraising That Actually Lasts

Reframing philanthropy around donor values can transform short-term gifts into lasting relationships and sustainable fundraising.

How an HR Approach Can Strengthen Nonprofit Board Governance

An HR approach to board governance can strengthen nonprofit recruitment, accountability, and leadership continuity.

Other Staff Bloggers
Direct Marketing

Why fundraising appeal openings turn donors into readers — and how to invite them into the story instead.

Why nonprofits must validate impact — and how strategic communication builds trust, transparency and stronger donor relationships.

Here’s how nonprofits can use data to strengthen donor personalization, improve engagement and build trust.

Development

Reframing philanthropy around donor values can transform short-term gifts into lasting relationships and sustainable fundraising.

Engagement is up, but donations aren’t. Here’s why vanity metrics fall short — and what nonprofits should measure instead.

Planned giving relationships grow when nonprofits prioritize trust, mission, and donor experience over mechanics.

Leadership Management

An HR approach to board governance can strengthen nonprofit recruitment, accountability, and leadership continuity.

The fundraising misadventures in “Wednesday” are surprisingly instructive. Here are some major gifts and donor relationships lessons.

Nonprofits are overwhelmed by tech. Here’s how leaders can simplify tools, reduce burnout and refocus on mission and relationships.

Data Management

Here’s how learning, not fear, helps nonprofits adapt, measure what matters and carry innovation forward during times of uncertainty.

Many nonprofits struggle because fundraisers lack a clear view of program work. Here are four steps to remedy this disconnect.

E-Philanthropy

Merge GivingTuesday and year-end giving into one strategy to reduce stress and increase donor impact.

Apple’s iOS 26 filter rewards relationship-driven texting. Here’s how nonprofits can stay visible and engaged.

Thinking about starting a new podcast or TikTok? Here’s how to expand into new marketing channels without draining your team or budget.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Here are 10 telltale habits that give away AI-written copy, plus how to use the technology without losing your authentic voice.

Here’s how finance teams can use AI to boost efficiency, improve forecasting and maximize mission impact.

The annual appeal still matters — but it needs a digital-age upgrade. Here’s how to modernize your approach to boost year-end results.

Sectors

I was recently with a donor who is also an important volunteer to our organization. This donor is an excellent representative for our organization. My boss and I asked him to consider giving his philanthropic support to our upcoming campaign. He mentioned that our organization was at the top of his list of charities to support, but also noted when he passes away he was going to leave funds to the Humane Society for unwanted senior dog care...

Last month, StayClassy announced the winners of its fourth Annual CLASSY Awards. Coinciding with our October Mission of the Month, Animal Welfare, 4 Paws for Ability was named the Midwest Charity of the Year. Further, the CLASSY Awards included an Animal Advocacy and Services category.

To help kick of our new monthly Mission of the Month feature, here are some the most recent case studies we've conducted at FS over the past 20 months on animal welfare organizations.