Blackbaud

DECEMBER 20, 2024

As the senior manager of digital and data at the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation , Im always looking for new ways to eliminate friction between our organizations mission to prevent osteoporosis and my teams ability to realize it. In the past five years, we have exceeded expectations. But weve done it. It will pay off!

CRM 95

CRM Software IT Fundraising 95

Blackbaud

DECEMBER 12, 2024

It was a client kickoff call like so many others. After we made introductions, I asked about their donor CRM, jotting notes as they shared their hopes, frustrations, and data woes. As their list of frustrations grew and their unfulfilled hopes piled up, they asked me if I thought it was time to change to another donor CRM. See the lookbook!

CRM 103

CRM IT Budget Training 103

Candid

NOVEMBER 7, 2024

Discover how we as individuals can give thoughtfully, balancing both head and heart, to ensure our donations make a lasting difference this giving season and beyond. We hope these strategies and resources help you achieve even greater success this GivingTuesday and throughout the Giving Season.

IT 105

IT Media Fundraising Donation 105

The Chronicle of Philanthropy

MARCH 26, 2025

Community grant makers are "built for this moment" of division in America, says New York Community Trust's Amy Freitag. The trust wants to change how it's perceived by the average New Yorker. Community grant makers are "built for this moment" of division in America, says New York Community Trust's Amy Freitag.

IT 95

IT Grants Grant 95

Ann Green's Nonprofit

NOVEMBER 18, 2024

Beginning in 2012, Giving Tuesday has taken place the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. This year it will be on December 3. I’m not going to tell you whether or not you should participate in Giving Tuesday. Perhaps you’re planning to participate for the first time. And, you don’t want your messages to resemble spam. This is where it often falls short.

Donation 307

Donation Policies Policy Media 307

Clairification

NOVEMBER 4, 2024

And when you don’t make it easy for donors to choose to support your charity, you inevitably make it easy for them to choose not to. This is where I ask you how you view your role. Are you a philanthropy facilitator or a fundraiser? And why, do you think, making this distinction might matter? And people are giving. But… guess what? Lots of it.

Publishing 271

Publishing Fundraising Media IT 271

Clairification

NOVEMBER 25, 2024

Studies show one-fourth of all charitable giving happens in December. For some organizations (maybe yours?), it’s as much as one-third. Year-end fundraising is not chopped chicken liver! Specific solution you’re proposing to address the problem – with your donor’s help. Describe the problem.

Proposal 282

Proposal Readiness Fundraising IT 282

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.

Nonprofit 244

Nonprofit Donation IT 244

Ann Green's Nonprofit

JANUARY 13, 2025

Happy New Year!Its Its hard to believe its already 2025. I hope 2024 was a successful year for your nonprofit organization. If it wasnt, you can work to make 2025 a better year. And if you were successful, you want that to continue. Many individuals make New Years resolutions and set goals. Your nonprofit should do the same. Even gifts of $5.00

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Calendar Nonprofit Finance Goals 295

Clairification

FEBRUARY 27, 2025

No matter your politics, this is crisis time for many nonprofits who rely on federal grants and loans (about 30% of all charities ). It’s also crisis time for the beneficiaries of many nonprofits, who are scared, stressed, depressed and otherwise at loose ends due to the rapidly changing environment. Or the other shoe is about to drop.

Federal Grants 248

Federal Grants Nonprofit Readiness Fundraising 248

Ann Green's Nonprofit

MARCH 24, 2025

You may think youre practicing donor engagement by sending thank you letters and newsletters, but is the content actually engaging? Its often formulaic and just downright dull. Many nonprofits send all their donors the same appeal and thank you letters. It sounds obvious, but your donor engagement should be engaging. Your donors deserve better.

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Template CRM IT Fundraising 183

Ann Green's Nonprofit

JANUARY 20, 2025

Giving Tuesday is the worst example of this, with Year End close behind. Generally, it happens way too often. Remember this Building relationships is just as important as raising money. The concept of relationship fundraising has been around for a while, even though its not always implemented. The two go together. That includes fundraising appeals.

Donation 175

Donation Electronics Fundraising IT 175

Ann Green's Nonprofit

MARCH 17, 2025

Right now were dealing with cuts in federal funding, tariffs, a plunging stock market, etc, which are creating constant chaos for us. Both your nonprofit and your donors may be feeling financially strained. Acquiring new donors is more expensive than keeping the ones you already have, so its important for you to keep track of your retention rate.

CRM 171

CRM Calendar Donation Fundraising 171

Ann Green's Nonprofit

DECEMBER 4, 2024

Start with a special thank you According to fundraising expert, Dr. Adrian Sargeant, “The thank you is the single most important piece of communication that your donors get. They have a higher recall of it than the appeal that generated the gift.” Keep that in mind, especially for your new donors. Welcome your new donors.

Donation 212

Donation Electronics CRM Budget 212

Ann Green's Nonprofit

JANUARY 27, 2025

If your organization doesnt have a monthly/recurring giving program or its fairly small, why is that? Whether youre a big or a smaller organization or your fundraising went well last year or it didnt, monthly giving makes so much sense (or cents). In short, you need to go all in on monthly giving. Political candidates do it all the time.

Donation 175

Donation Electronics AI Fundraising 175

Clairification

APRIL 14, 2025

Its Tax Day April 15 th — in the U.S. Nobody likes paying taxes. Nobody likes thinking about paying taxes. A subject most folks avoid like the plague. And thats the point. Talking about taxes is mostly bad news. It puts folks in a sour mood. It makes them want to move on and think about something else. They give back, and they pay it forward.

Fundraising 167

Fundraising IT Nonprofit 167

Ann Green's Nonprofit

FEBRUARY 18, 2025

Now you have a dilemma. Organizations need to share accomplishments and show gratitude to their donors, but is the annual report the best way to do that? First, lets stop calling it an annual report and call it an impact or gratitude report instead. In this post, Ill use the term impact report (but dont forget about gratitude).

Nonprofit 171

Nonprofit Electronics Utilities Grants 171

Ann Green's Nonprofit

APRIL 14, 2025

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 good news is that its possible to create a better, engaging newsletter your donors will want to read and wont put them to sleep.

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Nonprofit Template Award IT 153

Ann Green's Nonprofit

OCTOBER 30, 2024

Showing some appreciation to your donors right now can help you raise more money for your year-end campaign (or any campaign). It will also make it more likely your donors will give again. Francesca Gino from the Harvard Business School calls this the Gratitude Effect. You’re never too busy to thank your donors. to express gratitude.

Donation 166

Donation Media Fundraising Readiness 166

Ann Green's Nonprofit

APRIL 7, 2025

Why should someone donate to your organization? Do your appeals focus on why its important to donate to your organization? Instead of saying something generic like please donate to our year-end appeal, tell a story emphasizing why someone should donate to your nonprofit. Jason, a 10th grader atPorter High School, cant stand algebra.

Donation 171

Donation Fundraising IT Nonprofit 171

Hands-On Fundraising

NOVEMBER 26, 2024

If you’re a fundraiser, part of your calling is spreading gratitude. Does this sound like a familiar exchange? Thank you!” “No, No, thank YOU!” Saying thank you is an expected part of our social discourse. It smooths the way for simple – and more complex – conversations.

Fundraising 272

Fundraising IT 272

The Fundraiser Coach

JANUARY 20, 2025

Sometimes without even realizing it, fundraisers stop staying in touch with the donor, leaving the donor feeling unappreciated and disconnected from the mission they just supported. Philanthropy is a sacred proposition based on trust, and there are no shortcuts to trust." Now I'm moving on.” ” Why does transactional fundraising happen?

Fundraising 147

Fundraising Metrics Burnout Goals 147

Clairification

FEBRUARY 3, 2025

The major gift journey is a synergistic one. You see, its both your journey and your donors journey. If you want to follow along the most direct pathway to sustainable philanthropy, youll want to consider the two-fold nature of the expeditious endeavor known as major gift fundraising. Or, as I prefer to call it, passionate philanthropy.

Goals 157

Goals Fundraising IT 157

The Fundraiser Coach

APRIL 13, 2025

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. You’re offering the donor an opportunity to act on something they care about.

Education 130

Education Proposal Budget Fundraising 130

Get Fully Funded

FEBRUARY 10, 2025

Fortunately, when it comes to the structure of a Letter of Inquiry, you dont have to guess at what is required. Sometimes the funder will tell you exactly what they want, and they might even provide a sample. As you do that, consider why the funder uses a Letter of Inquiry. That would simple take too long. So make it count! That, alone, is powerful.

Letter Of Inquiry 98

Letter Of Inquiry LOI Grants Grant 98

Clairification

MARCH 31, 2025

Theres a lot about fundraising folks take for granted. And not in a good way. Because much of it is untrue! In fact, if you, your executive director, your board members or anyone else where you work subscribes to these fictions youll be in for a lot of pain and suffering. You wont raise near the money you could otherwise raise. Guess what?

Fundraising 157

Fundraising Nonprofit Grants Grant 157

Ann Green's Nonprofit

DECEMBER 11, 2024

Your website can be a great marketing tool, but it can also help your nonprofit raise funds. Learn how to encourage donations on your nonprofit website. However, one of its most important functions is as a tool for fundraising. If designed correctly, your website can be an unstoppable force in driving donations. Keep the form to one page.

Donation 148

Donation Metrics Funding Education 148

The Fundraiser Coach

MARCH 30, 2025

In today’s landscape, with economic uncertainty causing some donors to hesitate or take more time for considering larger major gifts, building connection isn’t simply a “warm fuzzy.” ” It’s actually your strategic advantage. And before there’s trust, there must be connection. More alumni called back to talk.

Metrics 130

Metrics Calendar Fundraising Readiness 130

The Fundraiser Coach

MARCH 17, 2025

Every major gift fundraiser has imagined it: the moment you’re sitting across from a donor, and a carefully orchestrated conversation builds toward the Ask. I’ve been on the asking side countless times. But last year, I found myself on the receiving end. ” Now, I could see exactly where this was going. So what happened next?

Publishing 130

Publishing Fundraising Donation Funding 130

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. What is Cold Major Donor Outreach? Cold major donor outreach is exactly what it sounds like.

Goals 130

Goals Fundraising Consultant Consulting 130

Clairification

FEBRUARY 13, 2025

The work of philanthropy facilitation is very personal. And, fundamentally, its based on trust. Which is why establishing and building trust should be part of your nonprofit and personal mission. Their wounds and fears; hopes and dreams; weaknesses and potential and everything you promise to do to fulfill on your mission.

Ethics 144

Ethics Nonprofit Government Media 144

The Fundraiser Coach

FEBRUARY 2, 2025

The Donor Mindset: "My interests evolve, and I appreciate when fundraisers take the time to ask what excites me now." Many fundraisers rely on past meeting notes and giving history to guide donor conversations. Shift Your Approach: Instead of assuming you know what matters to a donor, create space for discovery. Arrange for leadership (e.g.

Fundraising 147

Fundraising Metrics Readiness Goals 147

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.

AI 161

AI Goals Fundraising IT 161

Clairification

MARCH 3, 2025

How will you and your nonprofit make it through these trying times? Two words: EMPATHY. INNOVATION. These are the two qualities most needed in todays topsy-turvy world. And theyre by far the best way to connect meaningfully with your constituents. Id like you to think of them as your newly essential fundraising and communication strategies.

Federal Grants 144

Federal Grants Nonprofit Grants Grant 144

Clairification

JANUARY 27, 2025

Today I want to talk about the heart of successful major gift fundraising. Its about reframing what you may think of as a pitch into what your donor would like to consider a promise. The pitch is one way. A monologue you deliver about everything you know about your organization.

Fundraising 157

Fundraising IT 157

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. Rapport is the glue that makes connection stick. The conversation flowed.

Fundraising 130

Fundraising Readiness IT Nonprofit 130

Clairification

JANUARY 30, 2025

When youre not aware youre making a mistake, its hard to avoid it. So lets get curious. Im going to ask you to close your eyes for a minute to imagine a donor youve been wanting to ask for a major gift. Im going to ask you to visualize a space where youre meeting. Put them in your office, their home, a caf or even a Zoom screen. Uncomfortable?

Nonprofit 157

Nonprofit Readiness IT Fundraising 157