Issue 38
I've got lots of great content for you in this edition of the Fundraising Weekly! Today, I'm featuring tips to make your messaging stand out, ways to improve your newsletters and donor relations, and a look into the hybrid fundraising event model. And that’s only about half the content. I'm also highlighting an article that asks us to challenge the urgency in our communications and work style. It may seem unusual with so much emphasis placed on motivation, work ethic, deliverability, and deadlines. But slowing down is important, not just for peace of mind but also for quality of work.
Speaking of urgency and slowing down, today is as good a day as ever to take a moment to cherish the little moments. Call a family member or friend to check in. Appreciate the changing of the seasons (I’m noticing all kinds of flowers in DC!). Spend a little quiet time with yourself. Or slow down in whatever way is best for you!
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Great Fundraising Posts
GoFundMe Charity Alternatives For Your Nonprofit
Tim Forbes (Soapbox Engage)
In case you missed it, GoFundMe Charity will be merging with GoFundMe.com. That means charity fundraising and individual crowdfunding campaigns will all be mixed together on one platform. The end of GoFundMe Charity will also mean the loss of integration with Eventbrite, Salesforce, and MailChimp, which might impact some nonprofits' fundraising strategy. Head over to this blog to learn about some long-term alternatives to GoFundMe Charity.
How to Put Donor Love to Work in Your Fundraising
Jeff Brooks (Moceanic)
Many development professionals throw the term “donor love” around without really defining it or knowing what it means. It’s not really a fundraising strategy, it’s a mindset that guides your thoughts and actions toward your donors. In this blog post, Jeff outlines what donor love is and why it’s such a valuable mindset to cultivate for yourself and your entire team.
Challenging Urgency in Your Communications
Big Duck (Big Duck)
While the pandemic changed many things, one positive “side effect” is that many people slowed down. No lengthy commutes or activities and events demanding our time and energy. As we take stock of what we’ve learned and experienced over the past 14 months and begin to move forward, many of us are pondering lessons about slowing down… one is the sense of urgency with which we lived for so long. Head over to this blog for a really helpful thought exercise on challenging urgency.
The Hybrid Fundraising Event Model
Nhu Te (NonProfit PRO)
One of the biggest trends in 2020 was the shift to virtual fundraising and networking events. But virtual programs actually increased in revenue. Yet, another thing to factor in is the ever-present “Zoom fatigue” that so many of us also experienced. How do you balance those two realities? This blog has some insights and tips about how to incorporate the hybrid fundraising model to get the most out of your fundraising efforts.
How to Make Your Nonprofit Messages Stand Out
Ann Green (Ann Green)
Humans have a surprisingly short attention span. The constant information overload seems to make this problem worse year after year. As nonprofit organizations, we need to communicate frequently and effectively because with all the “noise” in our lives, it’s possible our donors will miss messages and details. In this blog, Ann offers some tips and strategies to help your messages stand out and grab your donor’s attention!
What Makes an Extraordinary Mid-Level Officer?
Richard Perry and Jeff Schreifels (Veritus Group)
One of the “hot topics” in fundraising right now is the effort to grow mid-level donors. It really is a key piece of a sustainable fundraising pipeline. Many nonprofits are actively hiring mid-level officers or development professionals whose sole focus is building relationships with mid-level donors and lead some of them toward major gifts. But what makes a great mid-level officer? Head over to this blog to get some insights on the key skills to look for and much more!
Does Your Thank You Letter Really Matter?
Mary Cahalane (Hands-On Fundraising)
Most of our donors don’t think much about how they’re thanked (as long as they do receive a ‘thank you’). That’s because most donors are more focused on being helpful and understand the demands of fundraising. But that doesn’t mean your ‘thank you’ program doesn’t need some serious thought and effort! This blog offers some wisdom and insight about how to offer a great ‘thank you’ to your donors that really connects with and honors them.
The Three Things to Become Great At
Steven Screen (The Better Fundraising Company)
There’s a lot to think about, focus on, and consider as a fundraiser or development professional. This blog is especially targeted at the small nonprofits and new fundraisers. Steven offers three simple and clear focus areas to help you achieve fundraising success. Of course, there are many other strategies and things to consider, but these three things will lay a strong foundation for sustainable fundraising.
5 Quick Ways to Improve Your Nonprofit Email Newsletter
Julia Claire Campbell (Marketing for the Modern Nonprofit)
While social media remains a significant way to reach current and potential donors, with the recent upheaval in the social media world (and people moving around various platforms), it’s important to not rely on social media as the only way to reach a portion of your audience. The email newsletter is an excellent crossover strategy! But in order to get the most out of your emails, you need a strategy to do it right! Julia shares her marketing wisdom to offer easy ways to boost your nonprofit email newsletter.