Soapbox Engage Blog

Issue 70

Today’s the day! Giving Tuesday is here and all of your hard work, tedious plans, and strategies are about to pay off. Though today may be the single most important calendar day for fundraisers, we know that it is only the beginning of the mad dash to the end of the year. Remember to slow down, connect with loved ones, and enjoy some delicious food when you can!

If you have a spare moment in your busy day, I hope you’ll check out some of these awesome blog articles and resources— the learning never stops! Wishing you all much fundraising success!

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Great Fundraising Posts

The Definitive Guide to Online Fundraising

Soapbox Engage (Soapbox Engage)

Online fundraising has many facets and dynamics. Effective online fundraising can be broken down into three components: storytelling, relationships, and optimization. This guide has all the tips, insights, and strategies you need to incorporate each of these components into your online fundraising strategy. Bookmark it for regular reference and make sure it stays handy year-round.

How to Increase Donor Giving by Sharing Specifics

Richard Perry and Jeff Schreifels (Veritus Group)

Though the avenues of fundraising have changed over the years (adding online options, for example), the principles of fundraising still ring true. Richard and Jeff revisit a book written more than ten years ago and dive into one principle--giving tangible offers to donors increases giving. A tangible offer includes a clear description of the problem, a geographic focus, and specific information on how a donor's contribution will be used. Research shows that donors who receive a tangible offer give three times more than those who are not given a tangible offer. Head over to this blog to get some practical strategies to incorporate tangible offers into your fundraising.

Harnessing the Spirit of Giving Tuesday Every Day: What Are You Thankful For?

Duke Haddad (NonProfit PRO)

Today might be Giving Tuesday, but it's essential to practice gratitude and thanksgiving throughout the year--no matter what might be going on. As development professionals, we're on the bridge between those who need services and those who have the means to assist. It's important to cultivate personal gratitude that you're in this special position of service. This blog is a friendly reminder to practice gratitude throughout the year.

How to Bend Hearts to Your Cause

Julia Claire Campbell (Marketing for the Modern Nonprofit)

Just in time to help tweak your year-end fundraising campaign, this week's guest on the Marketing for the Modern Nonprofit podcast is Sandy Rees. Sandy has some practical steps for nonprofits to fully fund their programs and go from "nickel and dime fundraising" to "6-figure fundraising." Sandy and Julia discuss a wide range of topics, from the most common mistakes in starting a nonprofit to combating the dreaded "overhead myth."

The First Step Every Fundraiser Needs to Take

Jeff Brooks (Future Fundraising Now)

Your donors have a knowledge gap. Many of them don't truly understand your cause. You're an expert, but your donors aren't--yet they care. They don't need to be experts, but it's up to you to close the knowledge gap. When you understand this truth, fundraising gets much easier. This blog has some practical steps on how you can do this.

Optimistic or Pessimistic?

Steven Screen (The Better Fundraising Company)

Did you know that organizations that are optimistic about fundraising are more likely to raise money than organizations that are pessimistic about their fundraising. Beliefs truly shape actions, and actions shape results. Take a deep dive into this principle in Steven's latest blog so you can cultivate a more optimistic mindset and perspective, especially throughout the year-end fundraising push.

How Nonprofits Can Use Ecommerce Effectively

Anastasia Prokofyeva (Nonprofit Hub)

Almost all nonprofits need to fundraise and reach out to people and connect with the community. As with almost everything in 2021, nonprofits can use their online presence to accomplish this. Ecommerce can help nonprofits raise funds with online stores and merchandise sales. Or you can use email marketing tools to get people to stay connected and rally behind your cause. This blog takes a look at case studies of two organizations that accomplish their fundraising with these strategies.

Your Annual Report is a Fundraising Tool

Fiona Atkinson (Fundraising and Philanthropy)

Annual reports are a huge amount of work, but they're also one of your organization's most significant pieces of marketing material. If done right, they can play a critical role in your overall fundraising. How? By communicating your impact, demonstrating your efficacy, acknowledging donors, and inspiring readers to take clear actions. This blog has some practical advice on how you can accomplish these things with your annual report!

The Practice of Personal Gratitude in Fundraising

Sandy Rees (Get Fully Funded)

Fundraising during the holidays is stressful, and practicing personal gratitude can be a key strategy to help you navigate the year-end push. Almost everyone involved in your nonprofit, from volunteers and staff to donors, is juggling all the obligations that come with the holidays. Check out Sandy's latest blog for some fresh insights and perspectives on how to cultivate personal gratitude.