Clairification
APRIL 7, 2025
I recently received a prickly thank you letter that made my blood boil. Not because it was so bad, but because it wasnt good. It didnt make me want to renew my support. And thats unforgiveable. Because the point of the first gift is to get a second one. Otherwise, donor acquisition costs you more than you make. Its simply not worth the effort unless you commit to donor retention.
Ann Green's Nonprofit
APRIL 21, 2025
Our world is chock full of information. When I was growing up, we just had a few TV channels to choose from. Now there are countless streaming options. We also have email, the internet, and social media, just to name a few. Its not only the volume of options, its also the content. And in our current climate of crisis and uncertainty, its information overload on steroids.
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The Fundraiser Coach
APRIL 13, 2025
Welcome back to the B.R.I.D.G.E. series! If you missed the last posts, we began with Build Connection and Establish Rapport. Today, we step into the part many fundraisers both anticipate and avoid: Invitation to Action or the Ask. It’s time to Invite to Action Inviting isn’t demanding. It’s not persuading or convincing. It’s just that: an invitation.
Hands-On Fundraising
APRIL 1, 2025
Supporters dont just give to charitiesthey give to people, experiences, emotions, and connections. And in 2025, expectations are higher than ever. Fundraising success isnt just about asking for money; its about creating meaningful supporter experiences that keep donors engaged, inspired, and coming back time and again. Here are 10 ways to enhance your supporter experience […] The post How to Elevate Your Supporter Experience in 2025: 10 Proven Strategies for Fundraisers appeared first on H
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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.
The Chronicle of Philanthropy
APRIL 23, 2025
In word and deed, the pontiff preached a gospel of pluralism that is illuminating for advocates working to bring Americans together. By Eboo Patel Vatican Media via AP Pope Francis poses for a photo after washing the feet of Muslim, Christian, and Hindu refugees during an Easter Week Mass with asylum-seekers at a shelter in Castelnuovo di Porto, outside Rome, in 2016.
Grants & Fundraising Brief brings together the best content for grants & fundraising professionals from the widest variety of industry thought leaders.
Clairification
APRIL 28, 2025
Use of Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) as a way for individuals to make charitable contributions continues to rise and grants from DAFs are becoming a growing source of income for charities of all shapes and sizes. An ever-broader group of donors are embracing them to approach philanthropy in the thoughtful, strategic way once reserved only for mega-donors who could afford to set up private foundations.
Ann Green's Nonprofit
APRIL 14, 2025
In an ideal world, a newsletter can be a great way to engage with your donors. In the real world, that doesnt often happen because most donor newsletters can be used as a cure for insomnia. Theyre too long and filled with boring articles that brag about how wonderful the organization is. A newsletter is a vital part of the ask, thank report, repeat formula and you cant just go on autopilot.
The Fundraiser Coach
APRIL 2, 2025
This is post # 2 of my B.R.I.D.G.E. framework series — a practical, connection-based framework to help fundraisers deepen donor relationships and secure more major and transformational gifts. If you missed the first post on how to Build Connection , you can read it here. Today we’re moving to the second step: Establish Rapport —the one that too many fundraisers rush through, or skip entirely.
Hands-On Fundraising
APRIL 8, 2025
Dont automate your communication Every day it seems theres another shiny new toy, based on AI, to make fundraising faster and easier. Its surely tempting for an overworked nonprofit staffer with scary-big goals to hit. But while there are certainly areas that might be turned over to automation, communicating with the people who support your […] The post Choose Humanity: Why Real Conversations Beat Automation appeared first on Hands-On Fundraising.
Joe Garecht Fundraising
APRIL 12, 2025
Yes, it does. To be honest, I was tempted to leave this article there. I thought it would be amusing but true. Cold major donor outreach does work. But of course, thats not the complete story. The full answer is: Yes, it does so long as you do it right. Lets take a look at cold major donor outreach and how you can use it effectively at your non-profit.
The Chronicle of Philanthropy
APRIL 14, 2025
After Edward Blum's complaint to the IRS about the Gates Foundation's "illegal" scholarship program for students of color, the Seattle philanthropy giant said it would change the scholarship's eligibility criteria to include all races. By Alex Daniels Susan Walsh/AP After Edward Blum's complaint to the IRS about the Gates Foundation's "illegal" scholarship program for students of color, the Seattle philanthropy giant said it would change the scholarship's eligibility criteria to include all race
Clairification
APRIL 21, 2025
Shifting politics are creating economic uncertainty for all, and its especially scary for U.S. nonprofits who, on average, receive about a third of their total funding from Federal grants. This means nonprofits today need toshift emphasis (and budget) toward individual donor engagement strategies. Giving USA reports 75% of all giving (lifetime + bequests) came from individuals last year.
Ann Green's Nonprofit
APRIL 7, 2025
As you work on your nonprofit messages, remember the word why. Why, you ask? Because a lot of nonprofit communication doesnt focus on why something is important. Theres usually a lot of what and how, but not much why. The typical fundraising letter and newsletter article rambles on about accomplishments without explaining why something matters. Some organizations also like to pour on the statistics.
GrantNews
APRIL 24, 2025
Protecting children from abuse is not just a moral responsibility; it’s a societal necessity. Investing in prevention, education, and support services empowers children, caregivers, and professionals to recognize warning signs and take action. Because of this, GrantWatch lists child protection grants that help nonprofits combat child abuse. When we prioritize child protection, we break cycles of trauma, reduce the risk of long-term mental health issues, and promote healthier families and c
Hands-On Fundraising
APRIL 22, 2025
Zoom in… How close can you get? If you want to write better, one resource I love is the Very Good Copy newsletter from Eddie Shleyner. Recently, he wrote about photography and zooming in to get a better image. He quoted photographer Robert Capa: If your pictures arent good enough, youre not close enough. Getting […] The post Zoom in for more effective stories appeared first on Hands-On Fundraising.
Blackbaud
APRIL 18, 2025
As a nonprofit digital strategist and technology coach, I think I have the best job in the world. I get to partner with nonprofit teams that are full of dedicated, smart, and hard-working people. Ive noticed, though, when it comes to effectively growing their communication and giving programs, many of these seasoned development pros are feeling a little stuck.
Tony Martignetti
APRIL 14, 2025
Lynn Bohart: Your Improved Fundraising Messaging Do your fundraising messages engage and connect with your donors and prospects? Or do they merely inform? Do you know how to craft an engaging story? And what makes stories so valuable anyway? Lynn Bohart answers all these questions and more, as she encourages you into persuasive writing and … Continue reading Nonprofit Radio for April 14, 2025: Your Improved Fundraising Messaging → Lynn Bohart: Your Improved Fundraising Messaging Do y
Clairification
APRIL 17, 2025
Today I want to remind you thatpart 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.
Ann Green's Nonprofit
APRIL 28, 2025
Your donor database is an effective tool for boosting engagement at your nonprofitif you optimize and leverage it strategically. Learn more in this guide. By Sarah Tedesco Its no secret that effective donor engagement is vital to your nonprofits success. Individual donations make up a large portion of most nonprofits funding, and those donors generally want to feel connected to and appreciated by the organizations they support.
GrantNews
APRIL 17, 2025
Teachers: Looking for Grants to support your work? It’s common knowledge that teachers regularly dig into their own pockets to cover classroom essentials. They need to decorate learning spaces and stock up on basic supplies like paper, pencils, tissues, and cleaning supplies. These expenses often come out of personal savings. For now, the federal government offers a $300 tax deduction to help with these costs.
Hands-On Fundraising
APRIL 15, 2025
Facts fail where stories sail. When I see what comes into my inbox or mailbox from nonprofits, the ones I shake my head at usually have something in common. They ask for a gift based on a list of statistics and accomplishments. And I understand the urge. You’re proud of the work you do. You’re […] The post How to raise more money? Less sell and more tell appeared first on Hands-On Fundraising.
Think and Ink Grants
APRIL 16, 2025
Over the weekend, while many Americans were cheering on their kids at soccer games or tuning into their favorite sports teams, something major happened in the world of federal fundingquietly and without much public fanfare. DOGE, the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency, officially took control of Grants.gov, the main platform for applying to federal grants.
The Grantsmanship Center
APRIL 9, 2025
Category: Proposal Writing and Grantseeking When writing a grant proposal, assume the reader doesnt know much about your community or the challenges and problems your organization is addressing. Context is information that gives the reader a frame of reference for concepts in the rest of the proposal. Context provides insight into the particular makeup and/or challenges of your community; and sometimes helps create a visual image for the reader.
Clairification
APRIL 10, 2025
Survival Depends on Collective Commitment and Deep Support Too often, fundraising is relegated to an administrative function rather than a mission-central function. Its viewed as a necessary evil. As a result, either no one embraces it as central to their job description, or someone is hired and shunted off to a corner to do the dirty work. Others dont necessarily feel a need to cooperate or support the fundraising effort.
Candid
APRIL 23, 2025
Nonprofit organizations are facing unprecedented challenges under a new administration. In response to the constant pressure, many in the sector have made the case for funders to increase foundation payout rates, streamline processes, foster solidarity across movements, champion nontraditional models of collaboration, and so much more. Each of these solutions requires multiple strategies.
GrantNews
APRIL 18, 2025
What is the Donor Cycle and why should nonprofits care? The Donor Cycle (aka Donor Lifecycle) is a term used in reference to first-time donors (to a given cause). As nice as it is to receive a donation, the real work for a nonprofit is to KEEP that donor engaged and involved in order to see continued donations in the future. A nonprofit looking to make donors a part of their donor cycle has to do more than just write a thank you note.
Hands-On Fundraising
APRIL 29, 2025
My mailbox leaves me wondering. We’ve all been reading a lot about donor retention. Maybe so much talk it’s in danger of becoming just another buzzword. But I think it’s critically important. And I’ve seen how powerful a really engaged donor base can be. Organizations benefit from more support, sure. But there’s also something about […] The post You talking to me?
The Chronicle of Philanthropy
APRIL 23, 2025
The results of a new poll send mixed messages to fundraisers concerned about a "generosity crisis." By James Pollard and Amelia Thomson-Deveaux, Associated Press Charlie Neibergall, AP photo Some 40% of U.S. adults reported donating to a religious institution, such as a church, mosque or synagogue. Above, a service at the First Church of God in Des Moines, Iowa.
Blackbaud
APRIL 3, 2025
During the recent webinar, Unmasking Fraud in Not-for-Profits: Five Key Schemes and Five Preventive Steps , we engaged with hundreds of accounting and finance professionals from not-for-profit entities across the country. Individuals shared their thoughts and perspectives on the fraudulent activity they are seeing in their organizations and methods to mitigate risk.
Clairification
APRIL 24, 2025
Often, so-called best practices are merely myths, beliefs or habits. Thats how weve always done it is not a reason to continue a practice thats not evidence-based. In the Middle Ages, bloodletting was the go-to medical cure. Sometimes people got better, but that may have been in spite of the strategy rather than a causal manifestation. People really didnt question it, because medical knowledge at the time was poorly developed.
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