Soapbox Engage Blog

Issue 001

Is it just more, or does it feel like days are turning into weeks, and weeks into months? As we muster all our collective strength as fundraisers to push forward into the unknown of a pandemic fundraising season.

Deep breath, everyone.

While you're taking that deep breath, grab a refresh round of knowledge from your fundraising community colleagues here in this weekly review!

Don't forget, you can have the goodness of the Fundraising Weekly delivered into your inbox each Tuesday morning by subscribing to the Fundraising Weekly today!

Great Articles from the Fundraising Community

1. How To Organize A Virtual Run Fundraiser
   Tim Forbes (Soapbox Engage)

   COVID-19 is still canceling in-person athletic events all over the world. But, that can actually be good news for you! Loads of athletes are more eager to participate in virtual events. Learn how to harness the fundraising and athletic power of many athletes to host a virtual run fundraiser. Everyone will benefit from this kind of event!

2. 34 Top Productivity Tools for Nonprofits
   Steven Davidson (TechSoup)

   There is an overwhelming number of productivity tools and apps out there. Whether you’re trying to get organized, streamline your workflow, or get control of your calendar, these 34 apps are excellent options for any nonprofit.

3. How Adding A Lower Option To A Gift Array Affects Conversion And Revenue
   Jeff Giddens (NextAfter)

   Sometimes it’s helpful to see what other organizations tried and how it worked for them. This is an “experiment” that NextAfter did with a CaringBridge fundraising campaign to see what would happen when they added a lower giving option. Read about the results and see if it applies to any of your fundraising campaigns!

4. The US Postal Service Slowdown: Is Your Fundraising In Danger?
   Pamela Grow (Pamela Grow)

   These days it seems like nothing is safe from the effects of the pandemic--including the US Postal Service. Between slower service and the government’s threats to privatize the service, many nonprofits are wondering how this will impact their year-end fundraising strategy. Fundraising expert, Pamela Grow, offers some practical advice about if (and how) this should impact your fundraising plans.

5. The #1 Worst Habit of Fundraisers Worldwide--Break It
   Amy Eisenstein (Amy Eisenstein, LLC)

   We all have good and bad habits--even in fundraising. But, this one bad habit will derail your fundraising efforts! Read this blog to learn about the #1 worst habit of fundraisers and how to break it. (Hint: it has to do with the ask for a donation.)

6. Donor Conversations: How To Bring Up The Topic Of A Gift
   Gail Perry (FiredUp Fundraising)

   Do you ever meet with a potential donor and talk about everything EXCEPT the topic of a gift? It happens to even experienced development professionals. This blog and video includes the “golden key” to overcoming one of the most awkward moments in fundraising--bringing up the topic of giving!

7. How To Keep Your Team Motivated Through 2020
   Olivia Layne (Nonprofit Hub)

   Let’s be honest, 2020 has been full of unusual circumstances and challenges. Perhaps one of the most prevalent ones has been keeping teams motivated and engaged with their work. After all, it’s hard to stay focused and connected when you’re working from home and trying to process everything going on in the world. This blog is packed with practical information, resources, and ideas to keep your team connected, motivated, and engaged.

8. Who To Mail Your Newsletter To
   Steven Screen (The Better Fundraising Co)

   If you want to increase the impact of your newsletter mailing, this short blog is PACKED with tips and tricks. You’ll learn who should be on your newsletter mailing list and why. Steven also shares some advice about details and statistics your organization should closely monitor to get the most out of every newsletter.

9. Scarcity: #4 of Six Principles of Influence For Fundraising
   Richard Perry (Veritas Group)

   When you are doing major gift fundraising, the principle of scarcity can be very helpful! It’s important to describe what will be lost if your organization does not successfully address the problem or injustice. Learn how to use the scarcity principle to improve your fundraising communications.

10. Social Fundraising: Tips to Raise Funds
    Kristy Fontelera (NonProfit PRO)

    Virtual fundraising was gaining popularity before the pandemic. Now that most in-person events are either cancelled or dramatically changed, virtual fundraising is even more essential! This blog includes seven specific tips to boost your virtual fundraising efforts and make them more effective.