Size matters, right? Do you work in a smaller nonprofit? Chances are you do. In 2025, “most nonprofits are small and community-based, serving local needs: 92% spend less than $1 million annually; 88% spend less than $500,000.” (Nonprofit Impact Matters) So you probably can’t turn to a well-oiled fundraising machine to coordinate complicated campaigns that […]
Why the things you hate make good appeals
Why the things you hate make good appeals Ever seen an appeal you just hated? I mean, really hated? For most of my career, I’ve focused on annual giving – and especially on communicating with donors. I often open and look at the solicitations I receive. I usually have professional opinions on the appeals. But […]
DIY Donor newsletter – yes, you can
This post is a look way back… and directed at those of you who get by with lots of DIY. So, if a donor newsletter isn’t in your communications mix, I want to encourage you to add one. When I began fundraising, I worked for nonprofits that are on the smaller side. We needed maximum […]
Three steps you should take now to keep your donors this year
Three steps you can take to keep your donors I hope last month was a good month for you and your organization. It is for most. According to Neon, 31% of annual giving happens in December. 12% in the last three days of the year. So, with hope, I say “Congratulations!” And then: now what […]
How to Build Your Own Donor-Centric Fundraising Strategy
Bloomerang’s Mission Retainable Report found that when asked why they give more than once to the same organization, 63% of surveyed donors replied that the mission or nonprofit is important to them. Overwhelmingly, donors make contributions because they are passionate about your cause for their own personal reasons. By building your fundraising approach around donors, […]