Why the Second Gift Matters More Than You Think

Posted , by Deborah Breen, Senior Consultant. Topic: Donors, Donor Retention, National Research Collaborative.

Nonprofits devote significant time, energy and resources to finding new donors. That work matters. But acquiring a donor is only the beginning. Improving donor retention starts with what happens next. The real return on donor acquisition comes when that first gift becomes a relationship. Recent data from the Fundraising Effectiveness Project illustrates just how important… Read more »

Funding Your Mission: From More to Meaningful

Posted , by The Curtis Group. Topic: Donor Retention, Boards of Directors, Funds and Funders, Donor Acknowledgement, Arts & Culture, Fundraising.

At a recent workshop presented in partnership with the Virginia Association of Museums and Virginia Humanities, we convened a panel of leaders representing philanthropy and cultural institutions across Virginia to explore a central question: What distinguishes organizations that consistently inspire philanthropic investment? The conversation, moderated by The Curtis Group’s CEO and Chairman, Keith Curtis, was… Read more »

The Future of AI in Fundraising: Amplifying Human Connection

Posted , by Emily Ruble, Associate Consultant. Topic: Philanthropy Research & Events, Donor Communication, Donor Acknowledgement, Nonprofit Management, Fundraising, Making the Ask.

Level-Up Your Fundraising with AI By Emily Ruble, Associate Consultant “The future of AI is not about replacing humans, it’s about augmenting human capabilities.” – Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google AI is rapidly changing the rules in every sector and proving to be a powerful ally. Recently I attended the Fundraising.AI Global Summit, and learned a lot… Read more »

Tax Policy Is Changing—Here’s How to Talk to Your Donors

Posted , by Ginny Reynolds Badgett, Consultant. Topic: Funds and Funders, Donor Communication, Major Donors, Government, Fundraising, High-Net-Worth Individuals, Planned Giving, Major Gifts Programs, Donor Retention, Year-End Giving, Development Plan, Making the Ask, Crisis Fundraising, Donors, Federal Funding Uncertainty, Gift Solicitation.

Slow and Steady Wins the Race: A Nonprofit’s Guide to Navigating the New Tax Policy with Donors   By Ginny Reynolds-Badgett Consultant In Aesop’s timeless fable The Tortoise and the Hare, the steady and focused tortoise overtakes the boastful, erratic hare. The tortoise’s persistence pays off in the long run. Today’s nonprofits face what may… Read more »

How to Create Strong, Strategic Fundraising Plans for the New Year

Posted , by . Topic: Year-End Giving, Donors, Donor Communication, Major Donors, Fundraising, Development Plan, Preparing for a Campaign.

By Lauren Greene, Consultant Fundraising is core to the success of every nonprofit. It enables these organizations to recruit the strongest staff, enhance their programming and volunteer opportunities, and maximize the impact of the important work they do in their communities every day. Precisely because fundraising is so important, we know it can be intimidating… Read more »

Webinar: Real Conversations with Major Donors

Posted , by . Topic: High-Net-Worth Individuals, Major Gifts Programs, Making the Ask, Donors, Donor Communication, Major Donors, Fundraising, Planned Giving, Donor Retention, Webinars and Videos.

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 »

The Power of Storytelling: Harnessing “Your Why” to Elevate Nonprofit Fundraising

Posted , by Kaitlin Robb, Consultant and Marketing Director. Topic: Donor Communication, 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 »

Why You Should Survey Your Donors

Posted , by Kate Hildebrand, Consultant. Topic: Donors, Donor Communication.

Unlocking Insights: Why Your Nonprofit Needs to Survey Donors By Kate Hildebrand, Consultant It is essential for your organization to understand your donors’ motivations, interests, perceptions and experiences. One of the most effective and easiest ways to gain this understanding is through electronic surveys. Why Survey Donors? 1. Understand Donor Motivations: Knowing why donors choose to support your… Read more »

What Motivates Affluent Households’ Giving?

Posted , by Hilary Fulp, Vice President. Topic: High-Net-Worth Individuals, Donors, Philanthropy Research & Events, Donor Acknowledgement, Major Donors, Donor Retention.

What Motivates Affluent Households’ Giving? By Hilary Fulp, Vice President Last week I attended an invitation-only presentation in Hampton Roads hosted by Bank of America on their new research on high-net-worth households’ giving–the 2023 Bank of America Study of Philanthropy: Charitable Giving by Affluent Households. At this event, The Curtis Group President Keith Curtis, Bank of America’s Managing Director &… Read more »