April, 2024

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Two Ways Nonprofits Get Donor-Centered Fundraising Wrong

Clairification

I find a widespread misunderstanding about the notion of what constitutes being donor-centered. It derives from two misconceptions: Assuming people don’t want to be asked. Spending all your time on cultivation, assuming folks don’t need an ask and will simply give spontaneously as a result of being wooed. Both of these rationales short-change your would-be donors.

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How to raise money for an arts organization

Hands-On Fundraising

Are arts organizations different? I spent the better part of my nonprofit career at arts organizations. My love of theater brought me into the nonprofit world. So I know more than a little about raising money for an arts organization. Let me tell you a little story. One day I was talking with people at […] The post How to raise money for an arts organization appeared first on Hands-On Fundraising.

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Future-proof your fundraising: 3 ways to thrive long-term

Ann Green's Nonprofit

Is your nonprofit poised for long-term growth? Check out these future-proof nonprofit fundraising strategies based on today’s top philanthropic trends. By Patrick Schmitt Achieving your mission takes time and resources. As a nonprofit professional, you know this all too well and likely implement all kinds of cost-saving and efficiency-boosting practices into your work.

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How to Get Funding for a Nonprofit: Tips on Tapping into 12 Top Funding Sources

Wild Apricot

Knowing how to get funding for a nonprofit is the first step towards success! Discover the pros & cons of the most common nonprofit funding sources.

Funding 173
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AI for Grant Writing: 20+ ChatGPT Prompts You Can Use

This prompt guide for ChatGPT contains 20+ tested ChatGPT prompts, along with tips on how to use this tool the best way. Nonprofits can engage with ChatGPT to brainstorm ideas, refine project plans, and craft compelling narratives for grant proposals.

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Did a $100 Million Effort Reduce Homelessness? The Results Are In

The Chronicle of Philanthropy

San Francisco's Tipping Point Community pooled big private money to halve chronic homelessness in five years. A new study finds the effort failed to reach that goal, but lessons for philanthropy-government collaborations are rich. By Maria Di Mento Jeff Chiu, AP Photo Tipping Point spent nearly $100.7 million on 32 programs between 2017 and 2022 aimed at halving chronic homelessness.

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The Meaning of Philanthropy, Not Fundraising – Part 2

Clairification

Get on the Pathway to Passionate Philanthropy, Not Forgettable Fundraising In Part 1 I laid out why philanthropy inspires, and fundraising tires. Fundraising must be done, of course, but there’s something about how it’s too often practiced that turns too many people off. It’s the “fund” part of the word. This makes people think it’s all about money, when really it’s all about valued outcomes.

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Please don’t go! 5 ways to win donor hearts again.

Hands-On Fundraising

A lapsed donor is a donor who hasn’t given in a while. (And of course, that’s insider talk. But you’re an insider, so we’ll use the term here.) But how do you define that period? How long do you consider a donor active? Experts tell us that after a first gift, you need to thank […] The post Please don’t go! 5 ways to win donor hearts again. appeared first on Hands-On Fundraising.

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2024 Government Grants Are Accepting Applications

GrantNews

There are so many 2024 government grants available today! And GrantWatch has the scoop on some important facts you need to know! For instance, government grants come from the federal, state, and local governments. In addition, they are given expressly for causes like stimulating the economy, providing goods and services to underserved communities, and funding projects that align with the goals of that federal agency or governing entity.

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46 Unique Nonprofit Software Tools to Bring You Success in 2024!

Wild Apricot

Nonprofit software simplifies, automates and powers up your daily tasks. Accounting software, fundraising tools, CRM solutions, analytics and more!

Software 160
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Philanthropy Spent $11 Million to Prevent Changes to DAF Rules

The Chronicle of Philanthropy

Opponents of the 2021 attempt to speed donor-advised fund payouts stopped the legislation dead in its tracks. By Alex Daniels Opponents of the 2021 attempt to speed donor-advised fund payouts stopped the legislation dead in its tracks.

Funding 143
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7 Types of Donors That Could Be Your Next Major Gift Prospect

NonProfit PRO

If you’re always looking externally for your next major gift prospect, you may overlook a loyal supporter already in your database. Here are seven types of donors your nonprofit can locate internally.

Nonprofit 114
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Clairity Click-it: Bouquet of Nonprofit Links + Free Resources

Clairification

Take some inspiration from the inimitable Seth Godin: If we’re restless, it pays to get up and walk around. Is stress different? Along the way, it seems as though we got confused about the best way to deal with the stress that comes from work and from the projects we work on. “Push through the stress and on the other side, everything will be okay.” Simply get all the details right, get an A, get into a famous college, make the sale, polish the logo, do the pitch and then… reassurance will follow

IT 207
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Finding the stories you need

Hands-On Fundraising

Giving is an emotional act. And stories are the way we connect to people’s feelings. You understand that. You know that we humans are wired for story. And that a story will plant an idea in someone’s head much better and faster than any list of facts. Feelings unlock donors’ desire to help. That’s why […] The post Finding the stories you need appeared first on Hands-On Fundraising.

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How Does Your Organization Think About Fundraising? (#2 of 6)

Veritus Group

If your organization views donors as a source of cash rather than as true partners, your donors will not feel valued, and they will not stay. The post How Does Your Organization Think About Fundraising? (#2 of 6) appeared first on Veritus Group.

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The Top 15 Member Retention Strategies to Grow Your Community in 2024

Wild Apricot

Retaining your membership base saves money on recruitment and helps build a lasting community. Get inspired by these 15 member retention strategies!

Retainer 158
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Columbia U.'s Firestorm Is Just the Beginning. Here's How Philanthropy Can Bring Down the Temperature.

The Chronicle of Philanthropy

A young nonprofit leader argues that there's a brief window of opportunity to ensure that hate won't thrive on college campuses. By Manu Meel Anadolu via Getty Images Police arrest students at New York University during demonstrations in solidarity with the students at Columbia University in New York City on April 22. A young nonprofit leader argues that there's a brief window of opportunity to ensure that hate won't thrive on college campuses.

Nonprofit 140
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A Volunteer Hour In U.S. Jumps To $33.49

The NonProfit Times

The value of a volunteer hour in the United States during 2023 was $33.49, up $4.95 from 2020. It’s a 5.3% increase from 2022. The value is estimated from data collected in 2023, the figure illustrates the valuable and significant contributions volunteers make every day to support our communities and nation. In a state-by-state comparison and including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, Massachusetts had the highest volunteer value at $40.97 per hour, followed closely by Washington

Calendar 111
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Clairity Click-it: Showers of Nonprofit Links + Free Resources

Clairification

Today I want to remind you that part and parcel of your personal mission, as a philanthropy facilitator , is to bring supporters opportunities for meaning and purpose. Because when you help increase others’ sense of wellbeing, not only is the world a better place but these folks are more likely to demonstrate gratitude by giving of themselves. Meaning drives us to act with generosity and resolve.

IT 198
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Why you should write a thank you from the heart

Hands-On Fundraising

Answer honestly: how much attention do you pay to the thank you letters or emails you receive after giving? Do you quickly review it to be sure it’s a thank you letter, then file it for your taxes? And does that make the whole experience feel a bit… impersonal? I’m asking not because I think […] The post Why you should write a thank you from the heart appeared first on Hands-On Fundraising.

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Something to Present to the Donor Who Wants to Help MORE (#4 of 6)

Veritus Group

These are the major organization blocks you must deal with to create powerful donor offers so that your donors can give more. The post Something to Present to the Donor Who Wants to Help MORE (#4 of 6) appeared first on Veritus Group.

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Big Capital Campaign Asks: How to Reduce “Surprises” and Prepare Your Donor

Gail Perry Group

“How do I know our campaign’s lead prospect is ready to be asked?” As capital campaign consultants, we frequently get that question from our clients. Why is this a pain point for so many development teams? A lot is on the line—a lead gift is hanging in the balance. Success hinges on the donor saying yes. What is the best way to prepare for a big “ask” in a capital campaign?

Readiness 110
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A New Lawsuit Could Erase the Red Line Between Politics and Charity

The Chronicle of Philanthropy

If successful, the suit brought by a small nonprofit would damage the charitable world’s legitimacy and fuel partisan divisions. By Craig Kennedy Getty Images If successful, the suit brought by a small nonprofit would damage the charitable world’s legitimacy and fuel partisan divisions.

Nonprofit 138
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The Voices of Neurodiversity: Celebrating World Autism Month

GrantNews

We live in a world where diversity is increasingly celebrated and recognized. So, it stands to reason that the voices of neurodiversity deserve to be heard and recognized as well. Neurodiversity encompasses a spectrum of neurological variations, including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more. Rather than viewing these differences as deficits to be remedied, they should be embraced and celebrated as integral aspects of human variation.

LOI 112
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These Fundraising Appeal Fallacies Will Cost You Money

Clairification

Ever have a well-meaning, yet perhaps overly controlling or risk-aversive, boss say to you: Our fundraising letter must be no longer than one page. That’s too simple; we don’t want to talk down to our donors. We need to say more about our accomplishments. We need to describe numbers of people served; that’s what’s impressive. That’s not how I talk. That’s not our corporate style.

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Don’t let the AI robots steal your humanity

Hands-On Fundraising

AI is the new kid on the block. You know, the one with rich parents. Who has the best toys. You were eager to play. But you had to wait for an invitation, of course. Then the big day arrived! And you realized the kid didn’t have anything interesting to say. Just sort of repeated […] The post Don’t let the AI robots steal your humanity appeared first on Hands-On Fundraising.

AI 174
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What Kind of Home Have Your Created for Your Donor? (#1 of 6)

Veritus Group

We're on a mission to help non-profits improve the donor journey by looking at how donors are treated at every stage of the pipeline. The post What Kind of Home Have Your Created for Your Donor? (#1 of 6) appeared first on Veritus Group.

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Youth community service: Belonging, reciprocity, and agency 

Candid

How do young people today see their role in making the world a better place, and what are the implications for the social sector? A report from the Center for Expanding Leadership & Opportunity (CELO) and The Allstate Foundation explores how Gen Z is expanding the definition of “community service” and seeking to maximize impact—for themselves and the communities they serve.

Funding 106
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10 Words and Phrases You Should Never Use

The Chronicle of Philanthropy

Philanthropy loves big words. Americans don't By Alex Daniels Chronicle illustration; iStock Philanthropy loves big words. Americans don't. So why is the nonprofit world filled with philanthro-speak?

Nonprofit 139
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6 Strategies to Boost Donation Revenue for Your Nonprofit

Get Fully Funded

The past couple of years have represented a challenging time for nonprofit fundraising. Individual giving declined in 2022 , and 70% of nonprofits expect giving to continue to decrease or remain flat. In difficult circumstances, it’s helpful to return to the fundraising basics to ensure you’re making the most of tried and true strategies to boost your nonprofit’s donation revenue.

Donation 110
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The Impact of MacKenzie Scott’s Open Call Grants

NonProfit PRO

MacKenzie Scott recently awarded $640 million as part of her open call for grant applications. Here's the impact it's already having.

Grant 119
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A Really Tough Planned Giving Conversation

Planned Giving

What To Do When There’s a Verbal Promise, a Death, and No Intention Form? Summary: What would you do if you had a verbal commitment for a planned gift—and the donor died before putting it into writing? It happens more often than you’d think. Here’s a real-world example of how stewardship can save the day. “How do I find out if Stuart remembered us in his estate plan?

Nonprofit 105
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How Does Your Organization Treat Your Donor During Every Phase of the Journey? (#3 of 6)

Veritus Group

Does your organization have a unified personality that values donors and invites them in at every phase of the donor journey? The post How Does Your Organization Treat Your Donor During Every Phase of the Journey? (#3 of 6) appeared first on Veritus Group.

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7 Tips On How To Build An Effective Outreach Strategy

GiveSmart

“Strategy without tactics is the slowest path to victory. Tactics without strategy are the noise before defeat.” – Sun Tzu Building an effective nonprofit outreach strategy must be approached thinking about everyone your organization touches: recipients, donors, sponsors, partners, volunteers, board, and employees of the organization. What exactly do we mean by outreach?

Media 105