Soapbox Engage Blog

Issue 003

When there's this much good stuff to read from the fundraising community, grab the largest cup of coffee, and get ready to dive into the shared knowledge of our non-profit world!

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Great Articles from the Fundraising Community

1. Free Nonprofit Software: 10 Recommended Platforms & Apps
   Tim Forbes (Soapbox Engage)

   The right tools make all the difference in any job, including fundraising! But, sometimes it can be challenging to find the right tool at the right price. This blog offers ten free or inexpensive software options that will help nonprofits do all kinds of fundraising tasks, from crowdfunding to social media management. With these resources, you’ll be able to save money and time (and maybe even ditch some unnecessary frustration, too)!

2. How To Create A Dynamic Strategy For Every Single Donor: A Step-By-Step Process
   Richard Perry (Veritus Group)

   Richard Perry and Jeff Schreifels are fundraising experts… and they ask the fundraisers they coach to create a strategy for every one of their donors! It is hard work, but this is one of their secrets to having a successful major gift program. But, don’t worry! Richard and Jeff provide a step-by-step guide to help you develop a strategic plan for all your donors… and what to do with the plans.

3. 4 Powerfully Simple Ways To Keep Donors Engaged--Even During A Pandemic
   Lori Jacobwith (Ignited Fundraising)

   Fundraising can feel next to impossible and overwhelming in the current economic and social climate. Many development professionals are wondering how to spend their time and energy to get the best results. This blog has some practical tips about communicating well and keeping your donors connected and engaged despite all the uncertainty.

4. 4 Effective Stewardship Opportunities During A Pandemic
   Steven Shattuck (NonProfit PRO)

   Donor stewardship is even more important in a season of crisis or uncertainty than ever! Even though it takes extra effort from your staff, experts say that donor stewardship is an important way to use your valuable time and resources because it improves your retention rates. This blog includes four strategies to improve your donor stewardship during the pandemic.

5. Your Printed Newsletter: The Final Big Idea that brings it all together
   Steven Screen (The Better Fundraising Co.)

   Does your print newsletter actually bring in money? Many nonprofits fall into the belief that printed newsletters are just something they do because everyone else does it. But print newsletters can actually be an effective tool for development professionals! In this blog series, Steven and Jim share their proven approach to newsletters that draws donors in, provides the right kind of information they want, and leads to donations.

6. Get A Head Start on Your Year-End Fundraising Campaign
   Ann Green (Ann Green’s Nonprofit Blog)

   Break out the Pumpkin Spice and turn on some Christmas carols… even though it’s August, year-end fundraising is right around the corner. Even with the pandemic, nonprofits should still plan fall and year-end fundraising campaigns. In this blog post, fundraising expert, Ann Green offers a helpful checklist to get you ready for the upcoming fundraising season.

7. Nonprofits: It’s Time To Redefine Your Corporate Relationships
   Derrick Feldmann (PhilanTopic)

   In recent years the public has increased their expectations that businesses should participate in the fight against social inequities. Basically, we expect businesses to do more and take more responsibility, and that bodes well many nonprofits. Derrick offers several suggestions for organizations to redefine their relationships with corporate funders to take advantage of this social shift.

8. Storytelling for Major Donors
   Bonnie O. Meyer (NonProfit PRO)

   Humans are wired to love and connect to stories. The right story moves people to action. Successful fundraisers learn to harness the power of storytelling, especially when it comes to communicating with major donors. Bonnie offers some tips to customize your stories when making big asks.

9. The Legacy Lift--Your Secret To Increasing Annual Revenues
   Fraser Green (Good Works)

   Some development professionals don’t pursue legacy gifts for fear that annual donors will stop giving when they make their bequest. Or, the organization just needs short-term cash and isn’t thinking long-term. But, studies show that donors actually do tend to keep giving to their favorite charities after they make bequests! Learn more about the helpful statistics and a few tips and tricks in this blog post.

10. 5 Ways To Make Your Nonprofit Social Media Content Amazingly Shareable
    Julia Campbell (Marketing For The Modern Nonprofit)

    Social media isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. It seems like a permanent fixture in our culture and everyone has a love-hate relationship with it. But, it’s an easy way for nonprofits to gain exposure, grow their audience, and recruit more potential supporters. This blog will help you understand the psychology behind why people share content on social media and what kinds of content will grow your visibility.

Great Events

1. How to plan, create, and evaluate a year-end digital fundraising campaign - Session 1
   Farra Trompeter (Big Duck)

   This three-part webinar series will teach attendees how to plan and execute your best year-end digital fundraising campaign yet! You’ll learn about emerging trends, setting reasonable goals, identifying ideal target audiences, mapping out your timing, and much more! Click the link to learn more and sign up for this amazing opportunity.