Soapbox Engage Blog

Issue 123

Happy Tuesday, Fundraisers— and Happy December!

If you’re looking for some tips to finish the fundraising year strong (and start the new year even stronger), check out this guide! You’ll learn how to solicit end-of-year donations in the final three days of the year, tips for evaluating your software toolkit, and the best ways to share mission and fundraising updates!

Scroll on down for this week’s selection of top fundraising content. We have tips relating to year-end emails, text-to-give, and Giving Tuesday followup. Enjoy!

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Great Fundraising Posts

Timeline for Giving Tuesday Donor Follow-up

Tim Forbes (Soapbox Engage)

Well, Giving Tuesday is behind us! Or maybe that’s what you’re thinking. But actually, the most critical stage of the campaign has just begun. While many people are motivated to give to campaigns and causes because of Giving Tuesday's momentum and social pressure, we all know that relationships and authentic connection to the cause are the roots of excellent donor retention.

Here's a timeline for staying connected with your donors after Giving Tuesday!

4 Steps to Getting Your Nonprofit’s Story in the News

Sandy Rees (Get Fully Funded)

A winning strategy for spreading the word about your organization’s work is getting your nonprofit’s story in the news. Your local media likely reaches a large audience of people in your community who need to know about your nonprofit’s work. This blog post offers four tips to get your story in the news.

Last Minute Strategic Year-End Email Appeal Tips

Claire Axelrad (Clairification)

Did you know more than 20% of all online giving for the entire year occurs on the last two days of the calendar year? That means it’s not too late to make an end of year appeal email that’s incredibly effective. Check out this blog post for some last minute tips.

5 Ways to Get Your Donor Excited Again to Give

Wayne Elsey (NonProfitPro)

Today's giving climate is more competitive than ever. Donors are bombarded with messages and offers all day, every day. So, t keeping them interested is challenging. In this blog post, Wayne offers five ways to get your donor excited to give again to your organization.

What Should Fundraising Emails Be Like?

Jeff Brooks (Future Fundraising Now)

When it comes to writing fundraising emails, you may be surprised at what is most effective. In this blog post, Jeff shares three tests that might make you rethink how you write your fundraising emails.

Creating an Inspiring Web Experience: 4 Strategies

Lesley Molecke (re: charity)

Your website is a unique marketing tool to have in your arsenal. To create an inspiring web experience, you’ll need a strong design and seamless functionality, which can be easier said than done. This blog post serves as a guide to help you get started.

Why Answering “No” to These Four Questions Guarantees Failure in your Fundraising Efforts

Dr. Russell James (Market Smart)

Fundraising metrics are an important tool for your organization’s success. In this blog post, Dr. Russell James offers four questions that can be answered by your fundraising metrics, and help you know if you’re doing all you can to achieve success.

3 Elements of Every Effective Fundraising Story

Jeff Brooks (moceanic)

By now, you likely know how important storytelling is to effective fundraising. Luckily, there are a lot of great tips about storytelling out there. In this blog post, Jeff pulls from great writing advice to help you construct the most effective fundraising stories.

If You’re on the Fundraising Texting Fence, It’s Time to Jump Off and Start Engaging Your Donors

Sean Shaikun (RNL)

Texting is a part of our everyday lives, and offers a tremendous opportunity for donor engagement. If you haven’t jumped into using text for fundraising quite yet, this blog post shares all the reasons you need to take the leap.