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?
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
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
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?
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
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
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
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
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
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 »

