May, 2024

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5 Secret Nonprofit Donor Retention Action Strategies

Clairification

Giving is an emotional experience. It deserves an emotional response. Be human. Ever notice how sometimes when we put on our work hats we cease to be human? How we somehow morph into little robotic “professionals” and become enamored of jargon? “Lybnts.” “Sybnts.” “Recaptures.” Not that those things aren’t important. You need goals and objectives. And given the dreadful state of donor retention in the U.S. today (and in the U.K and Canada as well), it’s vital you be able to measure how you’re do

Nonprofit 277
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How to write a thank you letter when you’re feeling stuck

Hands-On Fundraising

You’ve been working hard on that last campaign. And now, you have new gifts! After the celebration, you begin to wonder. How can you write a thank you that works? Where do you start? Here’s my quick thank you letter how-to First, a confession: I used to write rote, boring, perfunctory thank you letters. And […] The post How to write a thank you letter when you’re feeling stuck appeared first on Hands-On Fundraising.

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The Power of a Postcard

Ann Green's Nonprofit

People used to send postcards when they went on vacation, especially back in the days before we had email and social media. Now people are more likely to post pictures on social media, sometimes posting more than you want to see. We don’t use postal mail as much anymore and many nonprofits are a part of that group. This is a mistake. Direct mail is more personal and your donors are more likely to see something they receive in the mail, as opposed to any type of electronic message you send.

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Can Big Donors Ever Move the Needle on Controversial Causes? Lessons From the Long Marijuana Campaign

The Chronicle of Philanthropy

The 50-year movement to legalize cannabis was funded by a handful of very rich and ideologically diverse philanthropists, including Hugh Hefner, George Soros, and Sean Parker. By Marc Gunther Illustration by The Chronicle; AP, Getty Images, USA TODAY NETWORK Clockwise from left: George Soros, founder of the Open Society Foundations; Playboy founder Hugh Hefner; John Sperling, founder of the private for-profit University of Phoenix; Peter B.

Insurance 142
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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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Donor-Advised Funds Soar in Popularity as Nonprofits Successfully Engage New Donors

NonProfit PRO

Our DAF roundup includes the four biggest reporting DAF charities sharing year-over-year grant totals, as well as a look at how this revenue stream is impacting nonprofits.

Funding 119

More Trending

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Nonprofit Event Fundraising: They’ll Never Forget How You Made Them Feel

Clairification

In Part 1 we looked at establishing event goals and objectives; then determining if an event was the most efficient and effective way to achieve desired outcomes. In Part 2 we reviewed 4 top event planning tips. In this last article of a three-part series on event planning we’ll look specifically at how to make the event “stick” emotionally. 1.

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How to prevent a fundraising crime

Hands-On Fundraising

It’s usually an inside job. There you are, minding your own business. Getting the job done. You know the work inside and out. Sure, there are days… and nights, when all you want is a stiff drink and a chance to relax. But there are needs to be met. People to be fed. Or housed. […] The post How to prevent a fundraising crime appeared first on Hands-On Fundraising.

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Grant Writer vs. Grant Consultant: Is There a Difference?

Grant Writer Team

In today’s fast-paced world, most established businesses and nonprofits hire professional grant writers to get the funding they need. They know that grant writing is a time-consuming process, usually best left to someone with the know-how to complete the job and get a favorable response. In addition, they know the rules change with every grantor. The criteria, assessments, eligibility, and content style are all at the whim of your funder, and no two are alike.

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The PEN America Crisis, Free Speech, and the Future of Big Tent Organizations

The Chronicle of Philanthropy

Foundations that fund organizations focused on free speech and bridging ideological divides must ask themselves which ideas are worth defending. By Joel Simon Christopher Smith, Invision, AP Protestors gather outside the PEN America Literary Gala at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. Foundations that fund organizations focused on free speech and bridging ideological divides must ask themselves which ideas are worth defending.

Funding 137
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Grant Budgeting: Tips for Maximizing Funding Opportunities

The NonProfit Times

By Jackie Sue Griffin Securing grant funding is crucial to a nonprofit’s growth, and it starts with crafting a well-planned and realistic budget. In this article, we’ll explore effective grant budgeting strategies that nonprofits can implement to strengthen their grant applications, increase their chances of success, and ultimately, make a greater impact in their communities.

Budget 115
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Breaking News: 10 Small Business Grants Available on GrantWatch!

GrantNews

GrantWatch Headline News: In a significant development for small business owners, securing essential funding has been identified as one of the most critical challenges to overcome. Some small businesses turn to traditional loans, a common funding method. However, loans are often difficult to obtain for new enterprises. Moreover, these loans come with the burden of repayment, typically with added interest.

Grant 113
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Clairity Click-it: MAY Nonprofit Links + Free Resources Be Yours

Clairification

It’s not always easy to find all the good stuff across the web. That’s why I do the work for you! Thanks again to my Clairity Click-it sponsor, Bloomerang , for making it possible for me to spend the time hunting and gathering. You’ll find this is another robust issue. Find a topic that interests you, and… click away! Whatever type of learner you are, there’s something here for you.

IT 204
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How to harness persuasion: Cialdini’s 6 principles and you

Hands-On Fundraising

How to harness persuasion: Cialdini’s 6 principles and you How do you persuade someone to help your cause? Maybe a little neuropsychology will help. But first, I’m not a scientist. But as a fundraiser, I think neuromarketing is fascinating. That’s why I love Roger Dooley’s blog. I find he often sparks new fundraising ideas for […] The post How to harness persuasion: Cialdini’s 6 principles and you appeared first on Hands-On Fundraising.

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Can You Really Do More By Doing Less?

Veritus Group

Being busy isn't the same as being productive. Here's how to focus your work on the priorities that truly matter in fundraising. The post Can You Really Do More By Doing Less? appeared first on Veritus Group.

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Turmoil at Vote.org

The Chronicle of Philanthropy

The voter-registration group once promoted by Taylor Swift has been wracked by resignations, layoffs, and regulatory lapses. Former employees blame the CEO. By Jim Rendon Jeff Kowalsky/AFP via Getty Images The voter-registration group once promoted by Taylor Swift has been wracked by resignations, layoffs, and regulatory lapses. Former employees think the CEO is to blame.

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Boy Scouts Of America Rebrands To Scouting America

The NonProfit Times

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA), which in recent years has been rocked by declining participation, a coronavirus pandemic that limited in-person gatherings, sexual abuse litigation and Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring for the national organization, is being rebranded. As of February 8, 2025, the Irving, Texas-based national organization will be known as Scouting America.

Insurance 111
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Do You Know the 5 Types of Grant Funding Sources?

GrantNews

When discussing grants, it is important to consider the various types of funding sources that provide them. While the government is a commonly known funding source, it actually accounts for less than 30% of all grants. This leaves 70% to be covered by other sources. What’s more, funding sources differ in how they distribute grants, and some are more suitable for individuals, while others are better suited for nonprofits or businesses.

Funding 113
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Bustin’ Out Clairity Click-it: Nonprofit Links + Free Resources

Clairification

Skipping the good days Part of the luxury of living near the ocean or the mountains is that you can be picky. If the surf or the powder isn’t great, leave it for the tourists. Good is insufficient, wait for the great moments… When we’re young, or the project is going really well, it’s easy to waste the good days. After all, there will be another one tomorrow.

IT 195
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What keeps you up at night?

Hands-On Fundraising

Do any of these nonprofit fundraising challenges sound familiar? Does any of this sound familiar? I get it. That’s been me, for years, working with small to medium-sized nonprofits, and struggling to build a stronger donor base. Let’s look at some of the root problems that put you in this spot. Fundraising challenge: Starving for […] The post What keeps you up at night?

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Are Donors Even Reading Your Emails? 13 Pro Tips to Help You Write Better Emails

Veritus Group

Recently on our team Slack channel, our coaches shared that we send a lot of these tips to our clients about how to write an effective email, so I thought it would be a great resource to share them here so they’re all in one place for your easy reference. Here are some of our […] The post Are Donors Even Reading Your Emails? 13 Pro Tips to Help You Write Better Emails appeared first on Veritus Group.

IT 112
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An Activist and an Adversary Found Common Ground. Making Change Proved Harder

The Chronicle of Philanthropy

Leah Garcés ran hard-hitting animal-rights campaigns. Craig Watts raised 700,000 chickens on a factory farm. Their partnership can be celebrated, but collaboration has its limits. By Marc Gunther Courtesy of Transfarmation Animal-rights activist Leah Garcés and Craig Watts, a former factory chicken farmer, stand in one of Watts’s chicken houses that was converted to grow mushrooms.

IT 134
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5 takeaways from the Fundraising Effectiveness Project’s 2023 data

Candid

The Fundraising Effectiveness Project ’s (FEP) Quarterly Fundraising Report analyzes year-to-date trends in fundraising from individual donors, based on sample data from GivingTuesday and the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Growth in Giving database. Since Candid data is focused on institutional grantmaking, we thought we’d complement that data by highlighting FEP’s findings on individual giving.

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What Are 7 Common Nonprofit Startup Costs?

GrantNews

Are you or someone you know considering taking the plunge to start a nonprofit? It can be intimidating to build something from the ground up, especially with all the likely hidden costs involved. For this reason, GrantWatch has listed below 7 of the most common nonprofit startup costs. While forming a nonprofit can be a long and stressful process, we hope this list brings some clarity to what costs you will need to set aside to adequately fund your nonprofit venture.

Insurance 113
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Forward Motion Clairity Click-it: Nonprofit Links + Free Resources

Clairification

I just can’t stop taking inspiration from the inimitable Seth Godin. This week I’m inspired by a piece talking about things we can, and cannot, do. If something about your work (or personal life, for that matter) is keeping you up at night, ask yourself if it’s a problem you can address or a situation you can’t change. This should help you shift priorities to things capable of being accomplished.

IT 183
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Closing the Feedback Loop with Grantees: A Conversation with the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation

Center for Effective Philanthropy

The post Closing the Feedback Loop with Grantees: A Conversation with the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation appeared first on The Center for Effective Philanthropy.

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Do You Need an Attitude Adjustment?

Veritus Group

Shifting your attitude about your work shifts how you feel about it, which opens up space for more flow and creativity. The post Do You Need an Attitude Adjustment? appeared first on Veritus Group.

IT 112
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Melinda French Gates Announces Where $1 Billion in New Funds Will Go to Help Women and Girls

The Chronicle of Philanthropy

The philanthropist asked women leaders to take part in distributing some of the funds, and she's financing a competition to attract new ideas to improve female health worldwide. By Alex Daniels AMMAR ABD RABBO-POOL, SIPA, AP The philanthropist asked women leaders to take part in distributing some of the funds, and she's financing a competition to attract new ideas to improve female health worldwide.

Funding 135
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How to Prevent Donor Fatigue in a Nonprofit

Get Fully Funded

Donor fatigue is real, and it’s hurting lots of small nonprofits that are over asking their donors without balancing those asks with enough feel-good interactions. Some experts say donor fatigue is a myth. Others say it’s an excuse used by lazy fundraisers to justify their poor results. I say it’s a real phenomenon that occurs when fundraisers are so focused on the money that they forget where the money comes from.

Nonprofit 105
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Breaking the Silence on Mental Health Awareness

GrantNews

A serious issue is plaguing our society at present. It has to do with the stigmatism attached to mental health. In order to make it possible to address this issue constructively, it’s imperative to shift our focus to mental health awareness and the strategies we might employ to overcome learned bias. In fact, we desperately need to overcome negative assumptions and stigmas.

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Common Sense Nonprofit Event Planning Advice

Clairification

Let’s begin with the Big Kahuna piece of advice: Ask yourself WHY you want to do this event. Were you to bring your event proposal to a wise shaman or mentor, this is the question they would ask you first – well before asking what theme or format you have in mind or what color scheme you want to use! And yet this is the one question I find nonprofits failing to ask.

Mentor 177