Engaging Your Volunteers for Fundraising Success By Elizabeth Vana, Client Coordinator Spring is officially here—the days are getting warmer, flowers are blooming, and that pesky pollen is making everyone sniffle. But did you know that April brings so much more than flowers? April is National Volunteer Month! Nonprofits depend on the generosity and expertise… Read more »
How to Engage Your Volunteers During This Uncertain Time
How to Engage Your Volunteers During This Uncertain Time By Abby Weber, Consultant Just as we have shared with you the ways that you should be building donor relationships, even in times of uncertainty, engaging your board and volunteers is equally important. But just how can you do that when you aren’t sitting across the… Read more »
The Importance of Engaging (and Retaining) Volunteers
Last week, the Richmond Times-Dispatch interviewed Keith for an article addressing the surprisingly low volunteer rate in the Richmond,Virginia area. The article juxtaposes this reality against the fact that 2010 actually showed the highest growth rate in U.S. volunteerism since 2005, climbing to 63 million. So why is it that only 20.9% of Richmond-area residents volunteered… Read more »
Webinar: Real Conversations with Major Donors
Free Webinar: Real Conversations with Major Donors Wondering what you could and should be doing today to prepare for a stronger major gift program tomorrow? During these constantly changing times, relationships matter. The fundraising cycle works at developing them–cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship–but what does this cycle look like in practice? Vice President Hilary Fulp… Read more »
Six Strategies to Raise More at Year-End
Close the Year with Purpose: Six Strategies to Raise More at Year-End By Kaitlin Robb Consultant and Director of Marketing Now that Fall is officially here, we have also officially entered a crucial time for nonprofits. According to most sources, nearly 30% of charitable giving happens in the last quarter of the year. Planning now… Read more »
Is There Really a Crisis of Generousity?
How and Why We Give: Highlights from the Generosity Commission’s Final Report By Wendy McGrady, EVP and COO I was in D.C. for the release of The Generosity Commission’s report at the end of September. Based on my experience and the report’s findings, my article was recently published on the Giving USA blog. Below is… Read more »
The Power of Storytelling: Harnessing “Your Why” to Elevate Nonprofit Fundraising
The Power of Storytelling: Harnessing “Your Why” to Elevate Nonprofit Fundraising By Kaitlin Robb, Consultant and Director of Marketing When it comes to successful fundraising, storytelling isn’t just a technique: It’s the heart of effective communication. Storytelling allows you to connect emotionally with your supporters, turning abstract missions into personal, relatable experiences. Understanding and articulating “your why”—the… Read more »
What are the Key Takeaways of Giving USA 2024?
What Are the Key Takeaways of Giving USA 2024? According to Giving USA 2024, U.S. charitable giving in 2023 reached a new high in current dollars at over $557 billion (growing by 1.9%). Nevertheless, with inflation rates higher than average for another year, giving did not outpace inflation (dropping 2.1% when adjusted for inflation). The U.S. Is Resilient,… Read more »
Is a Campaign Planning Study Worth the Effort?
Is a Campaign Planning Study Worth the Effort? By Rachel Kimble, Consultant Embarking on a fundraising campaign is a significant endeavor for any nonprofit organization, often requiring substantial resources and strategic planning. One crucial step in the process is conducting a campaign planning study (sometimes called a feasibility study) to assess your organization’s readiness and potential for… Read more »
Empowering Impact: The Role of Women in Philanthropy
Empowering Impact: The Role of Women in Philanthropy By Victoria Dietz, Executive Vice President Women have long been catalysts for positive change in society, and their role in philanthropy is no exception. As a woman who has devoted her career to philanthropy and in honor of Women’s History Month, I want to explore some of the ways… Read more »