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How to avoid the magic fundraiser trap

Magic fundraisers are why we can’t have nice things. I’m writing this on Labor Day. Maybe that’s fitting. Because while our work can feel like a labor of love, too often, expectations far exceed what one human can do. Magic fundraisers do not exist. Recently, I saw a job posting. I’m not looking, but I […]

Filed Under: Blog, Caring for yourself, Planning Tagged With: culture of philanthropy, Fundraising profressional, nonprofit organization planning 7 Comments

Boost Your Year-End Fundraising: 4 Financial Management Tips

As the year winds down, nonprofits enter one of the most important fundraising windows on the calendar. December alone accounts for nearly 30% of annual giving. Many donors make their most significant gifts during the final weeks of the year. This timing is often driven by holiday generosity and tax planning as donors aim to […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: financial management, year-end fundraising Leave a Comment

Human. Connection.

Fundraising is emotional work We are made for it. We need it, from the most introverted to the most outgoing. There’s a reason solitary detention is such a painful punishment. We are social creatures. So, why, oh why, are so many fundraisers falling in love with the magic shortcut (said in sarcasm, a language I’m […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: appeal writing, donor relationships, donor retention Leave a Comment

Maximising Small Donations: How to Inspire Supporters to Give More

The largest gift I ever secured as a fundraiser was from a ‘small’ donation. In the days before Fundraising Everywhere, I worked in a small charity that received a trickle of new donations each week through our website or through the mail. We didn’t have a lot of budget initially and couldn’t afford any large-scale […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor retention Tagged With: donor communications, donor relationships, donor retention Leave a Comment

Why you should be creating a donor newsletter

You should be creating a donor newsletter. Because they’re a love letter to your donors And you do love your donors, right? You’re probably sending appeals – I hope more than one a year. And you’re working on great thank you letters. But what do you give to the donors who care enough to support […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: donor loyalty, donor newsletters, Thanks 12 Comments

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