Soapbox Engage Blog

Issue 44

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but happy June, everyone! It’s so strange to already be at the 6 month mark of 2021. To those of you who enjoyed the government holiday here in the US on Monday, I hope you had a wonderful, relaxing long weekend. To those of you worked, I hope your week has been off to a smooth start.

Today’s Fundraising Weekly has some exciting gems. Read on for tips relating to ROI, solicitation emails, and donor incentives. Or learn why a virtual assistant may be the extra set of hands you need to launch a successful fundraising campaign.

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Great Fundraising Posts

Top Donor Incentives to Maximize Fundraising Results

Tim Forbes (Soapbox Engage)

Donor incentives are tricky because many large, reputable nonprofits use them as a fundraising strategy, but experts seem to have mixed opinions about their effectiveness. If you’re considering using donor incentives for your nonprofit, this blog offers some opinions, insights, and tips from industry experts to help you choose the best approach for your context.

Why it’s Important to Keep Things Simple

Ann Green (Ann Green)

We’ve all heard of the KISS principle (Keep It Simple, Silly). This past year, COVID forced life to become simpler as most of us stayed home as much as possible. As things begin to open up, many nonprofits and individuals are considering what simplicity can and should look like going forward. But it can be really tough to find that balance! Head over to this blog where Ann shares some wisdom about keeping it simple for your nonprofit.

You Don't Have an Amazing Story to Tell? Here's Why

Jeff Brooks (Future Fundraising Now)

Great stories are a critical part of effective fundraising. But do you ever feel like you don’t have any great stories to tell? Perhaps it’s because you only feel like really dramatic stories are worth telling or you’re too caught up in the process of what you’re doing, not the outcome. In his usual short-and-sweet style, Jeff seeks to enlighten you that you really do have great stories to tell if you know where to look.

How to Write a Great Fundraising Solicitation Email

Joe Garecht (Joe Garecht Fundraising)

No online fundraising strategy is quite as effective as a fundraising email. It’s the only true active online fundraising strategy. But you can’t just write up a quick solicitation email. You need to be deliberate about it. This blog will help you leverage solicitation emails to raise more money!

These Fundraising Appeal Fallacies Will Cost You Money

Claire Axelrad (Clairification)

Have you ever believed one of the many common fundraising fallacies like “asking once is enough” or “asking the reader to give generously is enough; no need to ask for a specific amount”? Unfortunately, many of these fallacies can cost you quite a bit of money! This blog offers some fundraising truths grounded in research and expertise to replace some of those fallacies that are floating around the development professional world.

Is a Focus on ROI Limiting Your Fundraising Success?

Jennifer Starrett (Heroic Fundraising)

Do you ever consider the return on investment for various fundraising strategies and efforts? If your goal is to choose fundraising strategies that have a great return and are more efficient, then ROI is a good metric to consider. However, a high return on your effort doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best strategy (or bringing in the most net revenue) for your nonprofit.

3 Donor Acknowledgement Ideas & Implementation Tips

Guest Author (Get Fully Funded)

Your donors deserve acknowledgment and authentic gratitude for their generosity and financial investment. Donor appreciation should be a cornerstone of your holistic fundraising strategy because it deepens relationships with your supporters and increases your donor retention. This blog unpacks ways you can make your donors feel appreciated!

Why it’s so Hard to Get Charitable Bequests for Your Organization

Christiana Stergiou (Moceanic)

Does your organization receive charitable bequests? These bequests don’t just show up in your bank account on their own. It requires fostering healthy relationships over the years while you’re waiting for those bequests to arrive. Yet, most of us are swamped just getting through the short-term to-do lists! This blog offers some insights about how to cultivate some bequest donations.

How to Find and Work with a Nonprofit Virtual Assistant

Sandy Rees (Get Fully Funded)

Sometimes nonprofit development professionals just need an extra set of hands and suddenly it makes sense to hire a virtual assistant. These are independent contractors who offer services for their clients. Usually, they work remotely and many have skills and abilities far beyond basic clerical work! A nonprofit virtual assistant is usually a more affordable solution than hiring a full-time assistant or farming out all the tasks to different contractors. Keep reading to find out how to hire a virtual assistant for your nonprofit.