The Art of Engaging Donors on Social Media
April 11, 2017 at 8:48 am

When people engage with brands on social media, it’s usually because they are looking to build a relationship or some kind of connection. Don’t miss this opportunity. An engaged social-media audience is priceless for your organization because these connections provide the potential for increased organic growth and recurring donations...

Should You Convert Members to Monthly Donors?
April 10, 2017 at 9:03 am

Some of the most successful (and perhaps even leading) nonprofits that are converting members to monthly donors (often called sustainers or sustaining partners) are public television and public radio stations, all over the country...

A/B Test Your Way to Better Fundraising Results
April 6, 2017 at 10:18 pm

Your organization’s current fundraising programs may be getting results. They’re working—or so it seems. But what if your results could be getting better… and better and better? The highest performing nonprofits continually test their appeals programs to optimize programs...

5 Myths of Evergreen Philanthropy: Part 4
April 5, 2017 at 8:38 pm

Nonprofit leaders are looking for donors in all giving abilities. But they are not looking for just any donor. They are looking for that subset of investors who share their values and vision and—by their life situation—are ready and willing to invest...

Using Data to Drive Your Grant-Seeking Decisions
April 4, 2017 at 2:59 pm

In our grant applications, we are careful to select the best statistics to set out our need statement. We are careful to use the best descriptions about the demographics of those our organization serves each day...

It’s Time to ‘Poke the Monthly Donor Box’
March 31, 2017 at 2:18 pm

I just finished Seth Godin’s book, “Poke the Box.” As always, it’s terrific, short and to the point. It really got me thinking: Seth tells us to have the initiative to start. Turn fear into action because the consequence of doing nothing is much scarier and is going to raise a lot less money!...

Are Annual Reports Important for Your Nonprofit?
March 31, 2017 at 8:37 am

Are annual reports important to your nonprofit? I would say definitely so. It provides the past, present and hints of the future for your organization in a very succinct way. Make sure you understand the purpose of the annual report and how you intend to utilize the annual report before launching this program...

How Are You Treating Your ‘C’ List Donors?
March 27, 2017 at 8:31 am

I’ve been thinking a lot about the C-level donors on your portfolio lately. Why? Well, I was reviewing a mid-level program the other day and tracking all the donors that have moved from mid-level to major-gift portfolios… It was quite impressive...

4 Ways Storytelling Persuades Donors
March 27, 2017 at 8:31 am

Throughout the last few years, the entire world has been buzzing about the power of story. On the surface, all this conversation makes it seem like we've collectively forgotten the millennia of storytelling sprawled out before us in museums, history books, novels and campfires...