Soapbox Engage Blog

Issue 016

Somebody told me that we're officially in the second half of November, but I didn't believe them. When you get a chance to drive the California coast, and soak in the beauty of the ocean and mountains, it's like you've stepped out of the end-of-year fundraising bubble for just a brief moment.

Ah, big, deep breaths.

Now, before I go on too long about taking a moment for yourself to just relax (while sipping a large cup of extra-caffeinated coffee), allow me to present to you this week's fundraising community knowledge.

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Great Fundraising Posts

6 Tips for Facebook Live Virtual Fundraising

Tim Forbes (Soapbox Engage)

As we quickly approach the end of the year, most nonprofits are planning some year-end virtual fundraising events. But how do you choose the best streaming platform? This blog has some great insights about what types of events work best on the Facebook Live platform and some tips and tricks to make your next Facebook Live fundraising event a smashing success!

How Nonprofits Can Protect Themselves From Card-Testing Fraud

Alan Saway (NonProfitPRO)

It’s no secret that a large percentage of donors prefer ot give online with a credit or debit card. Unfortunately, card testing has become a significant problem for nonprofits and organizations of all sizes. Criminals test stolen credit card numbers by making small donations. Unfortunately, criminals see nonprofits as easier targets for this behavior than larger businesses. This blog has some practical ways you can protect yourself from card-testing fraud.

26 Fundraising Tips to Engage Donors in 2021

Multiple (Heroic Fundraising)

Enjoy this blog that has turned into an annual tradition over at True Sense Marketing. Their fundraising experts share their insights and advice about the top issues facing nonprofits in the coming year and the best ways to navigate them. It’s a fun, bite-sized way to start thinking about your 2021 fundraising strategies.

You Might Not Like What Donors Want

Jeff Brooks (Future Fundraising Now)

While we’re all entitled to our opinions and guesses about our donor’s motivations, if we actually want to be persuasive and connect with our supporters, we should get to know their true motives (whether we like them or not). It’s essential to meet people where they are, not where we think they “should” be. Keep reading to learn more about how to understand your donors’ motivations.

This is the Year to be Truly Thankful for Your Donors

Ann Green (Ann Green’s Nonprofit Blog)

Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Though it might not look like our typical holiday festivities (thanks to COVID-19), it’s an excellent season to express gratitude and appreciation for all your donors--especially this year! This blog has a few creative ideas on how to thank your donors over the coming weeks.

Advanced Techniques for Measuring the Effectiveness of Your Fundraising Programs

Pursuant (Pursuant)

In the midst of the fundraising flurry, do you ever pause to measure the effectiveness of your fundraising programs? It’s easy to keep pressing forward and using strategies over and over without much thought or assessment. Though this blog is a little “heady,” it does offer some really helpful strategies to help you measure things like the impact of a specific fundraising tactic in a balanced manner.

Major Donors Love Transparency

Jeff Schreifels (Veritus Group)

Donors love when organizations are transparent and truthful. Unfortunately, many nonprofits aren’t completely honest about overhead costs, program costs, and many other things. Of course, nobody ever sets out to lie to donors, but very large, respected organizations have been caught not being fully transparent about overhead costs and exactly how donations are spent. Our donors intuitively know when something’s not right. That’s why they value honesty and transparency. Keep reading over at the blog to learn more about how to become more transparent and earn the trust of your donors.

A Plea for Help

Steven Screen (The Better Fundraising Co.)

At the core, a fundraising letter is really a plea for help. Did you know that asking donors to “support your organization” doesn’t raise as much money as asking your donors to “help solve a problem.” Read this blog before you write your next appeal letter to put these simple but effective principles into practice.

We All Want To Be Understood

Mary Cahalane (Hands On Fundraising)

This pandemic is making so many of us feel uncertain, afraid, and out of control. In the face of all the national and global problems, you can actually offer people the opportunity to feel just a little bit more in control and useful--and even understood! This blog has some valuable insight about how you can care for your donors this season.

How To Talk To Donors In Challenging Times

Bill Crouch (BrightDot National Fundraising Consultants)

Communicating with donors during challenging times is critical to maintaining and building the relationship, but what do you say? There are definitely ways to invite donors to continue giving during hard seasons. The key is to communicate the right things in the right way. Bill Crouch shares his wisdom and insights about how to streamline your message, strengthen your appeal, and draw your donors in when things get tough.