June, 2024

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Donor’s Lament: You Didn’t Thank Me Properly

Clairification

Everything I learned about saying “thank you” I learned from: My mother. Miss Manners. Penelope Burk. According to Burk’s research from Donor-Centered Fundraising , more than 80% of thank you letters start with “ Thank you for your generous gift of …” or “ On behalf of the Board of Directors, thank you for your generous gift of …” Y A W N Want to stand out?

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Your work or a life: a painful choice no one should have to make

Hands-On Fundraising

Feeling stressed? In the United States, recent polls found that 70 percent of American workers consider their workplace a significant source of stress, whereas 51 percent report job stress reduces their productivity. (via PsychCentral) Do we have to choose? A while back, I read this article in the New York Times by Anne-Marie Slaughter about […] The post Your work or a life: a painful choice no one should have to make appeared first on Hands-On Fundraising.

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7 Creative Ways to Show Your Supporters They’re Valued

Pamela Grow

Trends for 2024 indicate a rise in AI for donor communications. However, these same trends also indicate that these AI-written messages, if poorly implemented, may alienate donors. After all, donors are unlikely to feel valued if they receive the same AI-created email from every nonprofit they support. This also means that 2024 is the year to stand out from the crowd by getting creative with your donor recognition strategy.

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What Kind of Experience Are You Giving Your Donors?

Ann Green's Nonprofit

What kind of experience are you giving your donors when they interact with your organization? Is it good, bad, or somewhere in between? It’s important for you to look at things from their perspective, not yours. Let’s examine some of the different aspects of fundraising and donor communication to see what kind of experience you’re giving your donors.

Donation 176
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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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The Ultimate Nonprofit Guide to Digital Marketing

Wild Apricot

Digital marketing if key for your nonprofit to get others to hear about your mission and goals. In this guide you'll learn everything A-Z about nonprofit digital marketing strategies and how to build your own.

Nonprofit 167

More Trending

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Does Your Nonprofit Think Too Small?

Clairification

I’m going to guess “yes.” I’m sure some will hate me for saying this, but after 30+ years in the nonprofit trenches and another 10+ as a coach and consultant, I’m still amazed at how small many of us think. In 2008 during the big recession, and 2020 during the pandemic, all I heard was cut, cut, cut. No one wanted to talk about how to grow, grow, grow so that more (not less) needs could be met.

Nonprofit 278
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What sloppy data means to donors

Hands-On Fundraising

What sloppy data means to donors Are you ignoring crossed wires? If tending to your donor database is a job passed off on the intern or an occasional volunteer, you’re playing with fire. Why? Because that’s not just “computer stuff” That information is where your donors live. Those relationships you know you should be building?

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RBW Strategy

Biopharmaceutical Company A clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing easy-to-administer oral medications for indications that affect large under-served patient populations. Challenge In 2022, the company had contacted RBW Strategy as they received several federal awards and would benefit from institutional background in managing and maintaining compliance.

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7 Donor Segmentation Strategies for Personalized Messages

Ann Green's Nonprofit

Segmenting your donors allows you to send personalized messages that resonate with them and increase engagement. Check out these donor segmentation strategies. By Gabrielle Perham With so much information available at their fingertips, it can be overwhelming and difficult for your supporters to fully absorb it all. Among the thousands of brands, businesses, and other charitable organizations out there, your nonprofit has to figure out how to cut through the clutter and stand out to current and p

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Aligning Nonprofit Priorities for Success

The Fundraiser Coach

What happens when Mission Impact + Nonprofit Leadership + the Fundraising Team are not aligned Recently, while working with a client, she shared exciting news over Zoom. They had received a generous $25,000 gift for their museum. I was overjoyed for them! Initially, the plan was to meet with the donor, thank for the previous gift, showcase the impact of her previous contributions and highlight new opportunities within that department.

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To Fight Antisemitism, Improve Holocaust Education

The Chronicle of Philanthropy

Broad philanthropic support for combating antisemitism — and protecting democracy — must include greater investment in teaching about the Holocaust. By Deborah M. Lauter U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum Student ambassadors of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Bringing the Lessons Home program, which trains D.C.-area high school students to become docents, tour the “Tower of Faces” in the museum’s permanent exhibition.

Education 141
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You and Your Donors Are Dating: First Impressions Mean Everything

Clairification

Years ago I happened on a Forbes article describing 5 Ways to Make a Killer First Impression. LIke a bolt of lightning, it struck me: It’s not only prospective employers or online matches who form an instant opinion of you! It’s also true for prospective philanthropic supporters. You should be dating your donors! Were you on a dating app, or attending a work event, here are the suggested five way s to make a positive first impression.

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Becoming a fundraiser

Hands-On Fundraising

Have I ever told you how I became a fundraiser? I’m hesitant to share because I don’t often find myself interesting enough… But I think in this case, there were a few reasons why my first fundraising job became a career lasting decades. And I hope that’s useful to you. My first nonprofit job was […] The post Becoming a fundraiser appeared first on Hands-On Fundraising.

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Untangling the New Uniform Grant Guidance

RBW Strategy

Untangling the New Uniform Grant Guidance It’s the news that all our grant enthusiasts and compliance champions have been waiting for – the new Uniform Grant Guidance has been issued! While the updates won’t go into effect until October 1st, it is important to know about these changes and how they impact your organization. We’ll start by discussing the “why” of these changes, why the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) decided to make them now, and how they align with larger changes happ

UEI 130
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How to Make Sure Your Audience Understands You

Ann Green's Nonprofit

I believe one of the most important aspects of communication (written and verbal) is to make sure your audience understands you. There are many reasons this doesn’t happen. In nonprofit communication, organizations will overcomplicate things or use jargon and other language donors don’t understand. Some people like to show off their big vocabulary or only think about things from their perspective.

USDA 168
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Phone Calls Build Donor Relationships and Boost Giving

The Fundraiser Coach

People sometimes wonder why I am obsessed with using phone calls as a key tool in major gift fundraising. The answer is simple: it works. And it boosts giving and donor retention. My mantra: "phone calls are a powerful tool for major gift fundraising." I've seen firsthand how a simple phone conversation can make a positive impact on donor relationships and boost fundraising success.

Retainer 130
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DEI Isn't a Dirty Word. How Funders Can Fight Back.

The Chronicle of Philanthropy

Despite an onslaught of attacks, including this week’s ruling against the Fearless Fund, the need for DEI programs is growing. Philanthropy can help fortify the field against future assaults. By Johnnetta Betsch Cole, Minjon Tholen, and Dan Egol Getty Images Despite an onslaught of attacks, including this week's ruling against the Fearless Fund, the need for DEI programs is growing.

Funding 139
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Proud Clairity Click-it: Nonprofit Links + Free Resources

Clairification

This is a great month to do something you’re proud of. And to support others who are showing their spirit and pride. Actually, every month is good for these things! Which, as it often does, brings me to share a bit of wisdom from the sage Seth Godin. Simple five step plan for just about everyone and everything The number of people you need to ask for permission keeps going down: Go, make something happen.

IT 189
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Small organization with big dreams? 7 tips to help you grow

Hands-On Fundraising

Small organization fundraising You’re not alone. Here in the U.S., most nonprofits are smaller organizations, with nearly one million organizations having annual revenues below 50,000 U.S. dollars. Here are some tips to help small organizations fundraise: 1. Invest Most small organizations struggle with money. How to get it. What to spend it on.

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Is AI going to make grant writers obsolete? Not yet, and here’s why.

Millionaire Grant Lady

It seems like new AI platforms and enhanced AI technology are popping up every day. But, is AI really going to take over the writing world? Will it replace grant writers? Alex, the founder of Millionaire Grant Lady and Associates, has been a grant writer for more than a decade and has seen a lot of trends come and go. With all of the positive press about AI writing platforms, we had to see what all the fuss was about.

AI 130
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Maryland Nonprofits

RBW Strategy

Maryland Nonprofits Maryland Nonprofits ’ mission is to strengthen organizations for greater quality of life and equity. It helps nonprofits realize their power and capacity to advance vibrant, connected, and equitable communities. This 501(c)3 nonprofit is located in Baltimore, and there are over 39,500 nonprofits in Maryland alone. Maryland Nonprofits is an active organization that advocates and supports organizations and is one of the most active state nonprofit member organizations in the US

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Postal Regulatory Commission Cautions USPS Against Pushing Price Hikes to Maximum Levels

NonProfit PRO

The U.S. Postal Service’s price hike will move forward, but the Postal Regulatory Commission expressed concerns over rapid increases.

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Foundations Are Funding Tiny Home Villages for the Homeless. Is It a Worthwhile Effort?

The Chronicle of Philanthropy

The Oak Foundation, Sobrato Philanthropies, and the Dell Foundation all hope for big gains via small floorplans By Stephanie Beasley Courtesy of DignityMoves Dignity Moves and the County of Santa Barbara partnered on this interim supportive housing community in downtown Santa Barbara, consisting of 34 private rooms with shared community spaces and access to county services.

Funding 139
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Why Smart Nonprofits Focus on Growing Monthly Giving

Clairification

For at least the past seven years I’ve been actively encouraging nonprofits of all stripes to prioritize beginning or ramping up their monthly giving program. Not a lot of nonprofits were really leaning into this then. But, as much sense as it made then, it makes even more sense now. So, I’m going to ask you: How are you doing with this? Here’s why I’m asking.

Nonprofit 161
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Here We Go Again (and Again and Again): Let’s Stop Looking for the One ‘New Approach’ to Philanthropy

Center for Effective Philanthropy

The post Here We Go Again (and Again and Again): Let’s Stop Looking for the One ‘New Approach’ to Philanthropy appeared first on The Center for Effective Philanthropy.

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What is the ‘Yes’?

Veritus Group

When your donor is unable to give, there may be other ways that they can continue to support your organization. The post What is the ‘Yes’? appeared first on Veritus Group.

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Biopharmaceutical Company

RBW Strategy

Biopharmaceutical Company A clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing easy-to-administer oral medications for indications that affect large under-served patient populations. Challenge In 2022, the company had contacted RBW Strategy as they received several federal awards and would benefit from institutional background in managing and maintaining compliance.

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Donor Acquisition Tops List of Challenges for Nonprofit Leaders

NonProfit PRO

Donor acquisition is the top challenge nonprofit leaders are facing this year, according to the latest research from NonProfit PRO.

Nonprofit 120
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Expected SCOTUS Decisions Could Endanger Domestic Violence Victims. Where’s Philanthropy?

The Chronicle of Philanthropy

Philanthropy has long neglected the domestic violence movement, but the stakes are getting higher, and more support is desperately needed. By Brett J. Barnes Getty Images Philanthropy has long neglected the domestic violence movement, but the stakes are getting higher, and more support is desperately needed.

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5 Cardinal Sins for Nonprofit Fundraising Renewal Appeals

Clairification

In my last article I talked about the importance of making a good first impression with potential donors. It’s extremely important to have a strategy in place, just as if you were going on a first date. Those who plan ahead do well. Those who don’t? Not so much. Both dating, and donor wooing , are a delicate dance. But, let’s say you did a good job.

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Need To Win a Grant? Hire a Grant Writer Now!

GrantNews

Do you need to win a grant, but don’t how or where to start? Have you ever applied for grant funding and been rejected? Does your organization need funding but you don’t have the time to write a grant application? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you know how hard the process can be. You are not alone. Learning how to make your grant proposal stand out takes years of practice and refinement.

Grants 112
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More Revenue Streams Needed Now Than 24 Months Ago

The NonProfit Times

Nonprofits face continual financial pressures around revenue streams, with 57% of financial managers saying they need somewhat or much more stable cash flow, and nearly 7 in 10 sharing that they need more revenue streams today than they did two years ago. That need for additional revenue streams comes at a time when 56% of nonprofit financial managers say their organization have at least six funding sources, and 28% have at least 10.

Budget 111
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Leaders, How Strong Is Your Mistake-Owning Muscle?

Veritus Group

Admitting our mistakes isn't easy! It requires self-confidence and self-compassion with a little courage thrown in. Here's how to get started. The post Leaders, How Strong Is Your Mistake-Owning Muscle? appeared first on Veritus Group.

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