Soapbox Engage Blog

Issue 22

It's the end of the year as we know it, and I feel...like it can't end fast enough. Fundraising during a pandemic has been difficult, and development leaders around the world are breathing both a sign of relief and hope for a fruitful new year.

As you gear up for 2021, I send all my best wishes for just a bit of rest before you get started. I hope you've enjoyed this first year of the Fundraising Weekly. I'm looking forward to finding more nuggets of knowledge for the community!

Here's to 2021!

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Great Fundraising Posts

Everything Your Nonprofit Should Know About Donation Receipts

Tim Forbes (Soapbox Engage)

Nobody likes paperwork. During the year-end giving season, successful nonprofits are swamped with the task of keeping up with donation receipts. Those are the necessary evils that are required by the IRS. If done correctly, sending donor receipts can actually be another valuable “touchpoint” with your donors! Though this blog isn’t brand new, it’s got some excellent, relevant information that will help you stay organized, compliant with IRS regulations, and actually use the process to your advantage!

It’s Not Enough to Say Thanks

Jeff Schreifels (Veritus Group)

The first thing after a donor gives to your organization is to say thank-you as soon as possible! But then what? It’s important to report back and tell the donor how their gift made a difference in the world! It’s a critical (but often overlooked) part of the communication cycle with donors. Keep reading to get some helpful information about how to build this part into your fundraising in 2021.

Two Lessons From 2020

Steven Screen (The Better Fundraising Company)

Author Brene Brown says that every organization has a story they tell themselves about fundraising--a set of beliefs about how fundraising works and what they can and can’t accomplish. In this blog, Steven points out that the stories organizations tell reveal the beliefs about their fundraising. Keep reading to learn more and maybe even come face to face with your subconscious beliefs about fundraising!

A 5-Step Formula For Coming Up With Amazing Fundraising Ideas

Jeff Brooks (Future Fundraising Now)

Have you ever found yourself just out of creative fundraising ideas? It’s hard to come up with fresh, engaging ideas that stand out from the crowd. This is a very condensed blog that summarizes the highlights and key points from a classic 1940’s book--we promise it will help you discover some new fundraising ideas!

3 Things To Do Now to Successfully Finish Year-End Fundraising

Marc A. Pitman (The Fundraising Coach)

Year-end fundraising is such a big topic of discussion every year for nonprofits. You’re probably so ready to cross that fundraising finish line and take a break. But there are still a few days left in 2020 and this blog has a few great tips, tricks, and reminders to help you finish the year-end push strong!

Don’t Forget to Approach Your Major Donors for Year-End Gifts

Gail Perry (Fired-Up Fundraising)

With just a few days left in the year-end fundraising sprint, perhaps the most productive way to spend your time is with your major donors. Have you asked your biggest donors if they would consider giving a year-end gift? In this blog, fundraising guru, Gail Perry offers some great insight into how to do this well!

Getting Your Board on Board For A Capital Campaign

Mary Cahalane (Hands-On Fundraising)

Has your nonprofit considered conducting a capital fundraising campaign? One of the oft-overlooked aspects of preparing for a capital campaign is getting your board’s buy-in. This blog has some really helpful insights from industry experts about how to involve your board of directors in the process in the most helpful and productive way leading up to the capital campaign.

My Top 10 2021 Fundraising Predictions

Laurence Pagoni (NonProfit PRO)

Of course, everyone likes to make predictions about the year to come. And we all need to take those predictions with a grain of salt… but it’s also wise to listen to the words of industry leaders and experts. So, Laurence Pagoni shares his top ten predictions about fundraising in 2021. Spoiler alert, they’re not all bad or depressing!

Could Gifts of Stock Be Your Nonprofit’s Magic Genie?

Claire Axelrad (Clairification)

A recent study found that nonprofits that consistently receive gifts of stocks grew their contributions up to six times faster than those organizations that only receive cash. Does your nonprofit accept gifts of stock? Do you know how to ask for and receive these kinds of gifts? This blog has some excellent info to get you started in this area that could transform your nonprofit!