December, 2023

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Arts fundraising – why donor experiences are your superpower

Hands-On Fundraising

Art – in all its forms – is meant to move us. And it’s meant to be experienced – to create a reaction that is body and soul deep. Donor experience matters – a lot – to every nonprofit that needs donors. But arts fundraisers have an advantage. Their mission is an experience. If yours […] The post Arts fundraising – why donor experiences are your superpower appeared first on Hands-On Fundraising.

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3 Tips for Marketing Your Organization on a Limited Budget

Ann Green's Nonprofit

Marketing your organization on a budget is easy when you know the right strategies and tools to use. Explore these top tips to step up your marketing strategy. B y Olivia Mode-Cater Picture this: your organization is about to host another fundraising event. You’ve assembled a fundraising team, booked a venue, and put together the perfect program agenda.

Budget 284
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Should you ask nonprofit donors to cover gift transaction fees?

Clairification

I’ve written about this before. But since I continue to get questions, I’m writing about it again. Fundraisers wonder about the upsides and downsides in asking donors to cover credit card and other gift transaction fees. Hmmn… First, let me be upfront in letting you know my gut emotional response to doing this is “no.” Why? Because it puts too much focus on the monetary transaction, making would-be donors think about money rather than impact.

Metrics 284
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May Your Holidays Be Merry and Bright

Lightning Fast Grant Writing

Mele Kalikimaka! We wish you a Merry Christmas in Hawaiian because we are in Honolulu tonight enjoying the warm, rainy weather. We welcome a chance to recall the best of 2023. Surprisingly, neither of us native Californians had ever visited Death Valley, despite the fact it is only a four-hour drive away. In February, however, we took a tour of it and tasted the exceptionally pure salt at Badwater Basin, a salt flat located 282 feet below sea level.

IT 279
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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 Databases For Nonprofits: Ultimate 2024 Guide + 8 Best Software Picks!

Wild Apricot

Donor databases streamline donor information and make it easy to connect.

Software 184

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Saving the world, losing your mind

Hands-On Fundraising

Saving the world, losing your mind… does that sound familiar to you? The Association of Fundraising Professionals says 75% of fundraisers are women. and A Harvard Business School study shows that however lofty her professional position, family issues are still seen as a woman’s problem. (Speed reading? An article in Slate summarizes the information contained in the […] The post Saving the world, losing your mind appeared first on Hands-On Fundraising.

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How a Debate Over Vaping Might Derail the War on Tobacco

The Chronicle of Philanthropy

Anti-smoking groups aren't just fighting big tobacco. They're fighting amongst themselves. By Marc Gunther Anti-smoking groups aren't just fighting big tobacco. They're fighting amongst themselves.

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Don’t Blow Your Post-Holiday Opportunity to Thank Your Nonprofit Supporters

Clairification

For good things once a year is not enough. Why do so many of us only eat turkey once a year? Or pumpkin pie? I’ve no idea! It’s surely not rational. These are special foods we value and take great delight in. Yet we get into a bad habit of thinking on auto pilot. If it’s not Thanksgiving, the idea of roasting a turkey or making cranberry sauce doesn’t even enter most or our heads.

Nonprofit 273
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Nonprofit Radio for December 4, 2023: Lessons From The Sam Altman & OpenAI Headlines

Tony Martignetti

Gene Takagi: Lessons From The Sam Altman & OpenAI Headlines Our legal contributor, Gene Takagi, returns to first, unravel the story in his clear, plain language way. Then he shares his wisdom on the takeaways for nonprofits including good governance, proper documentation, gift acceptance, commercial co-ventures, and more. Gene is managing attorney of NEO, … Continue reading Nonprofit Radio for December 4, 2023: Lessons From The Sam Altman & OpenAI Headlines → Gene Takagi:

SAM 142
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The Ultimate Nonprofit Ecommerce Guide: Best Platforms & Beyond!

Wild Apricot

A nonprofit ecommerce website helps grow your brand and diversify your streams of revenue. Here's how to make the best online store for nonprofits!

Nonprofit 167
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Do Donors Care About Matching Gifts? 7 Stats & Takeaways

Pamela Grow

You may have heard the buzz in the nonprofit sector around matching gifts, the corporate philanthropy program in which companies match donations that their employees make to nonprofits. But is it really an effective fundraising method? In other words, do donors actually care about matching gifts enough to request them? To find out, let’s do what all successful nonprofits do and look at the data.

Donation 147
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Why “because” matters to your ask

Hands-On Fundraising

Because is a word kids come to dread. I remember being a kid and getting a very unsatisfying answer to some questions. My questions were usually “Why?” or more often “Why not?” And the unsatisfying answer was “Because” or worse, “Because I said so.” Does that sound familiar to you? It was infuriating, of course. […] The post Why “because” matters to your ask appeared first on Hands-On Fundraising.

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Latino Community Foundation Appoints Julián Castro as Its New CEO

The Chronicle of Philanthropy

The former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development wants to increase the share of philanthropic dollars that go to Latino nonprofits. By Jim Rendon The former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development wants to increase the share of philanthropic dollars that go to Latino nonprofits.

IT 144
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Why Do Major Donors Switch Allegiance?

Clairification

Sometimes major donors give less than the previous year. Sometimes they stop giving to you entirely. What’s the worst sin committed by fundraisers when this happens? Not noticing. What’s the second worst sin? Assuming it has nothing to do with you. Sure, sometimes donors’ priorities change. Or some of their money goes to an emergency or crisis appeal rather than to your organization.

Readiness 273
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The Importance of Creating a Nonprofit Communications Calendar

Ann Green's Nonprofit

I always like to emphasize the importance of keeping in touch with your donors throughout the year. I hope that’s a priority for you, too. Your donors want to hear from you and don’t just want to be blasted with fundraising appeals. The good news is that better donor communication (thank yous and updates) can help you raise more money. This is especially important if you’re falling behind in your revenue goals.

Calendar 142
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Nonprofit Tax Compliance: Three Things You Need to Know

Wild Apricot

Just because your nonprofit is tax-exempt doesn’t mean you can relax during tax season. Discover three things you need to know about nonprofit tax compliance.

Nonprofit 167
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Nonprofit Radio for December 18, 2023: Lessons From The UPenn President’s Resignation

Tony Martignetti

Doug White: Lessons From The UPenn President’s Resignation Two weeks ago, the president of the University of Pennsylvania resigned, in large part because major donors to the University harshly criticized her publicly, withdrew their donations, and encouraged others to do the same. Can you prevent an uprising at your nonprofit? How do you manage … Continue reading Nonprofit Radio for December 18, 2023: Lessons From The UPenn President’s Resignation → Doug White: Lessons

Nonprofit 133
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The Real Secret to Better Donor Communications

Joe Garecht Fundraising

Most fundraisers I know are frustrated with their donor communications… their fundraising letters aren't raising enough money their e-mail newsletters aren't being opened , and their websites aren't getting enough traffic This is a big problem, because if your donor communications aren't working, your non-profit WILL NOT have the money it needs to thrive.

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Donor Revolts, Fundraising Fallout, and Why the Ivy League's Turmoil Matters to All Nonprofits

The Chronicle of Philanthropy

Nonprofit leaders, academics, and funders weigh in on donor influence and free-speech politics, following the resignation of Penn President Liz Magill Following the resignation of Penn President Liz Magill, nonprofit leaders, academics, and funders weigh in on donor influence and free speech politics.

Nonprofit 143
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14 Last-Minute Strategies to Boost Year-End Fundraising

Clairification

Arrgh! Too crowded! Too competitive! Too much noise! I’m curling into a fetal position until it’s over! Do you have that year-end feeling? You know, the one many fundraisers get around this time of year? Kind of frenetic? Anxious? Stressed? You’re not alone. The average nonprofit receives 26 – 30% of all donations in December. And 10% arrive in the last three days of the year!

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The Decline in Small-Dollar and Major Donors Across the Nonprofit Sector Worsens

NonProfit PRO

The Fundraising Effectiveness Project's third-quarter findings continued to show fewer donors and fewer donations across the sector.

Donation 124
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How To Avoid The 6 Types Of 501c3 Violations In Your Nonprofit

Wild Apricot

Avoid losing your nonprofit's tax exempt status by understanding the six 501c3 violations. Our clear examples will help you stay in compliance.

Nonprofit 165
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Nonprofit Radio for December 4, 2023: Misinformation & Disinformation

Tony Martignetti

Amy Sample Ward: Misinformation & Disinformation Amy Sample Ward returns with their insights into what to do about these maladies plaguing our world. They reveal smart internal tactics to reduce the odds of your nonprofit’s info being misused by bad actors; what to do if it is; how to avoid your org itself being a … Continue reading Nonprofit Radio for December 4, 2023: Misinformation & Disinformation → Amy Sample Ward: Misinformation & Disinformation Amy Sample Ward retur

Nonprofit 133
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Are You the Non-Profit Leader We’re Looking For?

Joe Garecht Fundraising

Are you a non-profit leader? Are you an executive director, development director, program manager, board member, consultant, or other type of leader in your organization? If not, do you want to be a leader at your non-profit? Whether you're currently a non-profit executive or want to be in the future, here's your invitation to join me for the single best training opportunity available for non-profit leaders: The Non-Profit Leadership Academy As part of this program, you'll learn everything yo

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How Foundations Can Build Trust-Based Relationships With Grantees

The Chronicle of Philanthropy

By Stephanie J. Hull and Hilary Pennington iStock Involve potential grantees in learning at the outset, and more advice from a grant maker and a nonprofit leader.

Grants 139
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Year-End Clairity Click-it: Nonprofit Links + Free Resources

Clairification

Here’s a bit of wisdom that really spoke to me this week, especially as we navigate this particular season at this particular moment in our shared world… Throwing shade or throwing light? “One takes a little more effort than the other. While throwing shade might be more fun, it eventually runs out of energy. It’s designed to end conversations, not start them, to intimidate, not encourage.

IT 184
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13 Critical Nonprofit Stats From 2023

NonProfit PRO

At NonProfit PRO, we strive to keep the pulse of the nonprofit sector. Here's a recap of the lessons we've learned this year through stats.

Nonprofit 124
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Nonprofit Capacity Building: 12 Innovative Strategies to Try For 2024

Wild Apricot

Help your organization function at its best by dedicating energy to nonprofit capacity building. Grants, software solutions, peer learning and more!

Software 163
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5 Things Smart Fundraisers Do in December

Gail Perry Group

With the holidays approaching & year-end fundraising closing out, we are all stampeding towards our goals. Here are 5 things smart fundraisers always do in December.

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10 Reasons Your Fundraising Is Not Working and What to Do About It

Veritus Group

When it comes to fundraising, a new year doesn't call for a new approach. Stick to the basics to move your organization's mission forward. The post 10 Reasons Your Fundraising Is Not Working and What to Do About It appeared first on Veritus Group.

IT 119
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Nonprofits Help the Nonreligious Search for Meaning in Their Lives

The Chronicle of Philanthropy

By Emily Haynes Organizations are offering the spiritual care and community that many once found in religion. "This group feels like my church," one participant said.

Nonprofit 134
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New Year Clairity Click-it: Nonprofit Links + Free Resources

Clairification

Let’s begin with this week’s bit of wisdom… Generosity and gratitude A gift doesn’t diminish the giver. Sharing creates connection, possibility and energy. And the magic of gratitude is that it improves everything it touches, especially the person who offered it in the first place. So, what holds us back? Fear. Fear of connection, of change, of seeing what is possible.

IT 176
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How to Fundraise During Turbulent Times

NonProfit PRO

On the final day of Nonprofit POWER in Baltimore, Maryland, Bill Stanczykiewicz, senior assistant dean for external relations at Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, led the keynote session, “Fundraising in Turbulent Times” to help the nonprofit professionals in the room make sense of data and the wealth effects of charitable giving as they prepare for multiple scenarios in 2024.