Soapbox Engage Blog

Issue 30

We’re wrapping up February, then spring will be just around the corner! I'm sure my fellow northern hemisphere friends are as excited as I am. What are your spring fundraising goals? Do you have any special events planned — virtual or in person? Am I getting ahead of myself?

With spring on the way, I feel a renewed sense of hope. And it’s not just the thought of warmer weather and some leaves back on the trees. I’m hopeful that this season will renew some strength in the nonprofit community and nudge us just a little closer to the “normal” we all miss. For now, bundle up!

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Great Fundraising Posts

5 Creative Fundraisers for Military Members and Veterans

Tim Forbes (Soapbox Engage)

There are countless worthy reasons to fundraise on behalf of military service members, veterans, and their families. Often, the challenge isn't finding a great cause to help; it's finding the right fundraiser for the cause! Have no fear; this blog has five tried-and-tested fundraising strategies to raise money for veterans and military service members.

If You Serve One Audience, You’ve Let Another Down

Steven Screen (The Better Fundraising Company)

It’s too easy for fundraising professionals to create content for an internal audience of board members, executive directors, specific major donors, or other “insiders.” Unfortunately, when you cater to this audience, you’re forgetting the larger audience--the rest of your donors. This blog unpacks why this is potentially very damaging and how to avoid this pitfall.

How To Feel More Confident

Mary Cahalane (Hands-On Fundraising)

One quote that stands out from this blog is, “‘Confident’ is not the opposite of ‘nice’. And if it seems that nice requires you to act with less confidence, you’re being asked to perform.” This blog is packed with wisdom and insight about how to boost your personal confidence in healthy ways that will help your fundraising (and everyday life).

Planning the Big Move: 4 Tips for Navigating CRM Migration

TrueSense Marketing (Heroic Fundraising)

Have you outgrown your CRM system? Or are you unhappy with your current system and looking for one that’s a better fit? There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a CRM system and making the change. This blog offers 4 tips to help you make the change from one CRM system to the next as smooth and pain-free as possible.

We’re Not Selling T-Shirts

Marc A. Pitman (The Fundraising Coach)

Here’s an interesting thought: if fundraising was JUST about raising money once, then selling t-shirts would be enough. In this blog, Marc offers the perspective that fundraising is actually about connecting the values of your donors to the values of your cause or organization. When this is the foundation of your fundraising, you move people from one-time gifts to life-long, growing investments.

Donors Will Change Their Minds

Richard Perry and Jeff Schreifels (Veritus Group)

When the pandemic hit, most nonprofits were forced to re-think the way they communicate with donors. Many mid, major, and planned giving officers reported that donors were responding and behaving very differently--loneliness and isolation set in, and donors who previously weren’t interested in chatting on the phone became eager to engage. Others who used to be difficult to connect with became eager for Zoom calls. What’s the takeaway? Head over to this blog to read how Richard and Jeff are counseling their fundraising clients through this to build stronger relationships with their donors.

How to Create Your 2020 Annual Report

Ann Green (Ann Green)

It’s essential for nonprofits to share their accomplishments and thank their donors. Unfortunately, many nonprofits miss an opportunity with annual reports. Exacerbating the situation is the fact that nothing in 2020 was normal. Ann offers some helpful wisdom and insight about how to approach your 2020 annual report and get the most out of it.

Fearless Stewardship

K. Michael (Fearless Fundraising)

Most nonprofits think of donor stewardship as the final step in the donation cycle. But, when done well, stewardship can be the first step toward the donor’s next financial gift. Stewardship, after all, is a mindset and a value, not just a fundraising tactic. Head over to this blog to get some valuable wisdom on how you can take your donor stewardship to the next level in your fundraising.

Legacy Giving and Your Donor’s Final Chapter

Fraser Green (Good Works)

Have you ever wondered what your donor’s brains are doing when they’re thinking about and talking about making legacy gifts? When people give general charitable gifts, their empathy center of the brain are engaged. But, studies show that when people are thinking about legacy gifts, they’re actually engaging more of the autobiographical center in their brains. This blog has some great insights into why this information is helpful and how to use it to your advantage when asking for legacy gifts!