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 »

Is a Campaign Planning Study Worth the Effort?

Posted , by Rachel Kimble, Consultant. Topic: Campaigns & Campaign Planning, Capital Campaigns, Fundraising, Preparing for a Campaign.

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 »

6 Practical Steps to Grow Your Endowment

Posted , by Abby Webster, Vice President. Topic: Donors, Fundraising.

How to Grow Your Endowment (and why you should put in the effort)   By Abby Webster, Vice President In the midst of what has been a constantly changing economic, philanthropic, and social climate, a nonprofit’s commitment to financial stability and diversified revenue streams has become increasingly important to fulfilling its mission. One way that many nonprofits are… Read more »

Foundation Funding Demystified: Your Roadmap to Success

Posted , by Lauren Greene, Associate Consultant. Topic: Cases for Support, Donor Prospects, Fundraising, Gift Solicitation.

Foundation Funding Demystified: Your Roadmap to Success By Lauren Greene, Associate Consultant Foundations are an important funding source for nonprofits across the country. As you are looking ahead at your philanthropic needs and considering potential foundation support, you need to have a good understanding of how foundation funding has changed over the last few years and how… Read more »

Who Gave More? Gen X or Millennials?

Posted , by Wendy McGrady, Executive Vice President. Topic: Donor Acknowledgement, Donor Communication, Donor Prospects, Donors, Fundraising, Giving USA, Major Gifts Programs, Philanthropy Research & Events.

Who Gave More-Gen X or Millennials?  By Wendy McGrady, Executive Vice President The Giving USA Foundation recently released a new report, Giving by Generation: Examining the Shifts in Giving Among Donor Generations. This well-researched and thoughtful analysis looks at the giving habits and motivations for giving of the four main generations: Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X and Boomers. While… Read more »

Three Ways to Start Your Year on the Right Foot

Posted , by Kaitlin Robb, Consultant and Marketing Director. Topic: Development Plan, Donor Acknowledgement, Donor Communication, Donor Retention, Donors, Fundraising, Major Donors, Major Gifts Programs, Nonprofit Management, Year-End Giving.

Three Fundraising Best Practices for Your New Year By Kaitlin Robb Consultant & Marketing Director After the intensity of the holidays and year-end giving, nothing beats a fresh calendar and a new year. Before you move forward, consider incorporating these best practices both now and throughout the year. ​Thank Your Donors Did you get an influx… Read more »

Do you trust them? Philanthropy in action

Posted , by Wendy McGrady, Executive Vice President. Topic: Crisis Fundraising, Fundraising, Funds and Funders, High-Net-Worth Individuals, Major Gifts Programs.

Trust-Based Philanthropy in Action By Wendy McGrady, Executive Vice President Much has already been written in response to MacKenzie Scott’s December distribution of over $4 billion in unrestricted gifts to 384 organizations across the country. Rightfully so — such incredible generosity should be covered and celebrated! Her significant, unexpected gifts will certainly be transformational to… Read more »

Uncertain Times Demand Strategic Response

Posted , by Keith Curtis, Founder & President. Topic: Crisis Fundraising, Donors, Fundraising.

Uncertain Times Demand Strategic Response Published March 22, 2020   Keith was published as a guest in Inside Business today. Check out this excerpt that calls us to action. As donors and nonprofits, we have a critical role to play.   If you are a donor:  Stay the course — you’ve chosen to invest your time and… Read more »

Fundraising During Uncertain Times Demands Strategy

Posted , by Keith Curtis, President & Founder. Topic: Boards of Directors, Crisis Fundraising, Donors, Fundraising, Gift Solicitation, Major Gifts Programs, Making the Ask, Nonprofit Management.

Fundraising During Uncertain Times Demands Strategy By Keith Curtis, President & Founder of The Curtis Group In February, everything was still percolating. Now, however, the coronavirus and oil industry events are impacting our economy and, more importantly for philanthropy, the market. We are hearing from clients and the community with questions about what fundraising could… Read more »

12 Tips to Increase Year-End Fundraising

Posted , by Abby Weber, Consultant. Topic: Development Plan, Donor Acknowledgement, Donor Communication, Fundraising, High-Net-Worth Individuals, Major Donors, Year-End Giving.

I recently had the privilege of presenting with my colleague Abbie Hacker to a group of nonprofit leaders about maximizing year-end fundraising. While the current weather may suggest otherwise, December will be here before we know it. Now is the time to prepare for your year-end fundraising to be sure your organization is ready to… Read more »