Soapbox Engage Blog

Issue 21

As we get ready to bid adieu to 2020, we can all be thankful that wherever the road leads us next, it won't be back to 2020. Right? Wherever this week's email finds you, I'm sending you and yours best wishes and happy holidays before you head off to your well-deserved, end-of-year, out-of-office-until-2021 holiday breaks.

Between slow sips of egg nog mixed with your secret ingredient, enjoy a healthy dose of this week's fundraising community knowledge.

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Great Fundraising Posts

2019 and 2020 Giving Statistics to Improve Your Fundraising Strategy

Tim Forbes (Soapbox Engage)

In spite of all the rough patches we all experienced in 2020, not everything was bad! This blog post highlights some helpful and encouraging statistics and takeaways for nonprofit fundraising and donor care. So, whether you need a little bright spot and encouragement or you’re looking for some statistics to bolster your next fundraising presentation, head over to this blog for a quick read!

Positive Fundraising in Challenging Times

Rachel Cyrulnik (NonProfit PRO)

This year many of us felt a lot of restrictions and “no’s.” In fundraising, saying “no” in strategic ways can create space for new and different opportunities to say “yes.” This blog has some creative insights into how you can be yes-oriented in a good way toward your donors, partners, volunteers, coworkers, and other people connected with your nonprofit. It’s especially important to say yes to recognizing and thanking donors this year for their partnership through challenging times.

2 Weird Subject Line Tricks for Fundraising

Jeff Brooks (Future Fundraising Now)

We appreciate how short and “to the point” Jeff is in his blogs. It’ll take you just 3 minutes (or less) to pick up two handy tricks to improve your email subject lines and stand out in even the most jam-packed inboxes!

Set Goals, NOT Resolutions: My 6 Goals Declared Publicly

Amy Eisenstein (Amy Eisenstein)

It’s that time of year when people start thinking about what kinds of things they’d like to accomplish in the next 12 months. But people are notoriously bad at keeping their New Years’ resolutions! All peak performers set (and accomplish) goals. This blog has some great insight into how you can set yourself up for success in conquering your goals in 2021!

Serving Your Donors Means Asking

Richard Perry (Veritus Group)

Would you believe that there are development professionals who have never actually met with a donor to ask them to give financially? But that’s what fundraising is… and if we’re honest, asking is part of good donor care! Head over to the blog to learn why asking your donors to give financially is crucial and how you can overcome your fears.

GivingTuesday Is A Day, Not A Strategy

Mary Cahalane (Hands-On Fundraising)

Giving Tuesday has come and gone. Hopefully, all your hard work and preparation led to fundraising success! But the truth is that Giving Tuesday really shouldn’t be your “strategy” for year-end giving. Fundraising expert, Mary Cahalane shares why nonprofits should incorporate Giving Tuesday as just part of their year-end fundraising.

Listen To The Whiny Donor and Raise More Money

Michael J Rosen (Michael Rosen Says)

Excellent development professionals listen to their donors. Unfortunately, many donors don’t give helpful feedback about your “asks” and fundraising appeals. Fortunately, there’s a Twitter account called The Whiney Donor that can help! This account is full of feedback and insights from the perspective of the donor. The author will give you feedback that your donors are too polite to give… and she’ll answer questions you’re probably too scared to ask your supporters. Keep reading about why all this is important!

Last Minute Strategic Year-End Email Appeal Tips

Claire Axelrad (Clairification)

Studies show that nearly a third of all charitable giving happens during December! What strategies do you have planned? This blog post is jam packed with wisdom and strategies to get the most out of your year-end ask! It even has action tips to help you understand exactly how you can put these tips in to practice ASAP!

Keep In Touch with Your Donors Throughout the Year by Using A Communications Calendar

Ann Green (Ann Green)

It’s essential to stay connected with your donors year-round… this became even more critical during the pandemic! Your donors actually want to hear loads of different things from you, not just fundraising appeals. And, all that communication (thank you’s, updates, encouragements, etc.) can actually help you raise more money! Keep reading over at the blog for more tips and insights about how to cultivate great communication with all your donors.