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 283
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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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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 143
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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
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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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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

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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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 142
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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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Use This AI Template for Killer Thank You Letters

Gail Perry Group

AI to the Rescue: Streamlining Thank You’s for More Donor Love As fundraisers, we understand the power of a well-crafted thank-you note. It's far more than a formality – a heartfelt acknowledgment cements the donor's positive experience, strengthens relationships, and paves the way for continued generosity. But let's face it, finding time to personalize thank you can be a massive challenge, especially for short-staffed development offices.

AI 111
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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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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 209
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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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The Nonprofits Leading the A.I. Revolution

The Chronicle of Philanthropy

By Sara Herschander Stephanie Dalton Cowan for the Chronicle A new generation of A.I.-driven organizations is upon us. What do they say about how charities will use the powerful technology? Plus: See the rest of our June issue, posted online today.

Nonprofit 141
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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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What to know about U.S. nonprofit sector demographics 

Candid

What’s the demographic composition of the U.S. nonprofit sector—in terms of race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and disability status? Are staff, leaders, and board members equally diverse? How does leadership diversity vary by organization size, revenue, subsector, and state? How do majority BIPOC-led (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) nonprofits fare compared with majority white-led ones?

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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 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 201
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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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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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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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MacArthur Offers $100 Million For One Good Program

The NonProfit Times

Round Three of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation’s $100 million 100&Change competition has launched with roughly 1,000 nonprofits expected to vie for the winner take all award. Think of it this way, the chance of winning the Powerball lottery is one in 292.2 million. The competition is open to organizations and collaborations working in any field, anywhere in the world, according to Chris Cardona, MacArthur’s managing director, discovery, exploration, and programs.

Award 105
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Do You Need Both Revenue AND Aspirational Goals in Major Gifts?

Veritus Group

We recommend setting an aspirational goal that will help you imagine the possibility of asking for a larger gift. The post Do You Need Both Revenue AND Aspirational Goals in Major Gifts? appeared first on Veritus Group.

Goals 107
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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 190
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Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Tips from the Experts 

GiveSmart

Your volunteer fundraisers are invaluable assets to your organization’s mission. Peer-to-peer fundraising is a powerful tool because your supporters can see their impact on your mission in real time. With $126 as the average donation to a GiveSmart-powered P2P campaign, this strategy should be a part of your annual fundraising plans. We’ve brought together a panel of partners to share tips to help your organization better create these campaigns and engage your fundraising volunteers.

Training 105
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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 138
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Change Management for Grantmakers: The Center for Disaster Philanthropy’s Journey to Better Grantmaking

Blackbaud

In early 2022, the Center for Disaster Philanthropy began an organization-wide grants change management review. The goal was to become better grantmakers by completing a review of our practices, processes and forms. We incorporated learnings and feedback from grantee partners. We also ensured that we reflected industry best practices for funders and our own organizational values were embedded deeper into our grantmaking practices and partnerships.

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5 Keys To Successful Executive Leadership Recruitment

The NonProfit Times

Recent studies have estimated that more than 75% of current nonprofit executives plan to retire from their positions during the next five to seven years. In addition, it is estimated that 10% of nonprofits expect to hire a new executive director. As a member of the Board of Directors of a nonprofit organization, hiring your new executive director will be the most important responsibility you are likely to assume.

Media 105
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Maximizing Impact: How to Leverage Generative AI in the Nonprofit Sector

NonProfit PRO

Join us as we explore ways generative AI can be used in the nonprofit sector, including automating processes, improving efficiency, and generating new content and ideas. We’ll discuss best practices for the responsible and ethical use of AI as well as specific examples of generative AI in action within nonprofits.

AI 103
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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 184
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Do You LOVE Your Mission?

Veritus Group

If you don't love your mission and believe it will make a difference in the world – how are you going to inspire your donors to invest in it? The post Do You LOVE Your Mission? appeared first on Veritus Group.

IT 104
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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 137
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Making the Switch: What For-Profit CFOs Need to Know About Nonprofit Accounting

Blackbaud

You worked your way up through the normal accounting roles. You cut your teeth on accounts payable and have managed more than your fair share of audits. You can run a profit and loss statement in your sleep. But you are tired of the for-profit world. You want to use your accounting skills for an organization that makes a difference. So, you apply for and land a role leading the finance team at a nonprofit.

Finance 103