Soapbox Engage Blog

Issue 013

For those of you attending the NetHope virtual conference this week, you've likely heard the most important themes for the year: data and interoperability. These happen to be two topics near and dear to my open source loving heart. Why? Data is one of the most important resources your organization owns, and it's critical you have the ability to put that data to work for the community you serve.

During the next few months, I'll be sharing more about why nonprofit community data standards will be critical to the work of our movements for the next decade. This is especially critical as we aim higher towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The ability for our organizations to better communicate within our own systems (say, fundraising software and databases), and between organizations, will be key to ensuring we're all heading in the right direction.

So as you're swimming in data running through this fundraising season, jot down the places where data is helping you, and where it's getting in the way. Don't worry, no homework beyond that. Let's just all get through the next few weeks, how about that?

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Great Fundraising Posts

Evaluating Stripe as a Payment Gateway for Fundraising

Tim Forbes (Soapbox Engage)

If your organization is fundraising in the 21st century, it’s basically a requirement that you can accept and process online donations. But there are so many online payment processors to choose from… how do you decide which one is right for your nonprofit? This blog outlines some of the stand-out features of Stripe and why it’s one of the best payment processors for charities and nonprofits of all shapes and sizes.

6 Types of Content Your Supporters Want

Kristina Leroux (Nonprofit Marketing Guide)

Many development professionals aren’t aware that one of the most important aspects of your job is to know exactly who your audience is and how to tailor your content to each one. Whether you’re presenting a project to your board members or writing an appeal letter, it’s critical to match the interests, needs, and values of each audience. Kristina Leroux shares some excellent guidance about the 6 main types of content your supporters want from you!

Peer-to-Peer Fundraising In 2020

Nhu Te (NonProfitPRO)

Until recently, Peer-to-Peer fundraising was largely associated with walks, challenges, and other events. But the real power and impact of this kind of fundraising are in its ability to create and mobilize communities, connecting them to a common goal. The pandemic has shifted fundraising initiatives for many nonprofits, forcing a lot of peer-to-peer fundraising events online. This blog includes some excellent insights (and examples) of successful online peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns.

How Fundraising Sometimes Fails To Connect by Ignoring Its Audience

Jeff Brooks (Future Fundraising Now)

Do you or your fundraising team commit the common error of “Fundraising From Yourself”? It’s so common that most nonprofits don’t even realize they’re doing it… and the consequence is that your campaign is abstract and lacks a compelling call to action. Keep reading to get an excellent example and some ideas on how to avoid this common fundraising error.

Direct Mail vs. Email Fundraising: Choosing the Right Format

Grant Cobb (NonProfitPRO)

Ahh yes, the never-ending debate: which one is more effective, direct mail or email fundraising? Both methods offer their own benefits and disadvantages. In this blog, Grant Cobb offers some insight into these two fundraising channels that will help you choose the right strategy for your context.

Meet Change with Enthusiasm and Honesty

Lori Jacobwith (Ignited Fundraising)

Wise people throughout history have said humans should just expect change--change is constant. The fundraising world is no different. What IS different is how change affects your organization, your team, your donors, and your mission. The world is in a season of dramatic change brought on by the pandemic, a struggling economy, and a host of other variables. How are you meeting and responding to these changes? Your organization’s response can make a huge difference.

No One Sets Out to Write Crap: A Short Lesson In Nonprofit Copywriting

Pamela Grow (Pamela Grow)

We know this year has been rough. You and your fundraising team are exhausted… but we’re encouraging you not to succumb to the temptation to copy and paste last year’s year-end fundraising letter. This blog post has some practical guidance to help you write excellent year-end fundraising content (or any other kind of copywriting you might be doing).

How the Craziest Ideas Can Boost Your Fundraising Efforts

Amy Eisenstein (Amy Eisenstein)

Do you consider yourself a big dreamer? A risk-taker? A “think-outside-the-box” sort of person? Sometimes your fundraising teams (and campaigns) need a little injection of “crazy” to give them a boost. Here, Amy offers a 3-step approach to help you and your nonprofit embrace the right kinds of “outside-the-box” ideas.

Not Caring Doesn’t Work

Jeff Schreifels (Veritus Group)

Do you ever find yourself speaking or acting as if the only thing you really care about is raising the money? Unfortunately, this attitude is common--and easy for development professionals to fall into. But it’s one that can negatively impact your ability to help a donor join you in your world-changing cause. Richard and Jeff share some insights into how they help development professionals overcome this negative mindset.