Soapbox Engage Blog

Issue 306

Happy Tuesday, fundraisers!

Sometimes the biggest fundraising breakthroughs don't come from a new campaign or shiny new tool. They come from getting the fundamentals right. This week's roundup is full of reminders that the details matter: the words you choose when making an ask, the systems you build behind the scenes, and the relationships that keep your organization moving forward.

Hope you enjoy!

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Great Fundraising Posts

5 Ways To Boost Your Wording When Asking For Donations

Soapbox Engage (Soapbox Engage)

Sometimes a small change in wording can make a surprisingly big difference in fundraising results. In this updated guide, we share five simple, research-backed ways to strengthen your donation asks, from putting the donor at the center of the story to connecting gifts with clear, tangible outcomes. If you're looking for a quick way to improve appeals, donation pages, or campaign messaging, this is a great place to start.

Strategic Planning That Strengthens Fundraising: A Roadmap for Nonprofit Leaders

Sophia Shaw (sgENGAGE)

Strong fundraising doesn't happen separately from strategic planning. It grows out of it. This article explores how nonprofit leaders can better connect organizational goals, fundraising priorities, and day-to-day decision-making so development efforts support the bigger picture. It's a helpful reminder that a good strategic plan isn't just a document for the boardroom. It's a roadmap that helps teams focus resources, build donor confidence, and move the mission forward with greater clarity.

Your Gift String Should Not Need a User Manual

Kevin Schulman (The Agitator)

Donors shouldn't have to stop and decode what each giving amount means before deciding to give. This article takes aim at overly complicated ask strings that may make sense internally but create friction and confusion for supporters. The message is a good one: when fundraising asks are clear, intuitive, and easy to process, donors can focus on the impact they want to make instead of trying to figure out the math behind the request.

Before You Hand AI the Keys to Your Fundraising…

James Herlihy (Moceanic)

AI is becoming a valuable tool for fundraisers, but this article asks an important question: should it be driving strategy, or supporting it? The piece explores where AI can save time and boost efficiency while reminding us that the most important parts of fundraising still rely on human judgment, empathy, and relationship-building. It's a balanced look at how nonprofits can embrace new technology without losing the donor-centered approach that makes fundraising work in the first place.

The Donor Hunger Games: May the Highest RFM Score Win

Kevin Schulman (The Agitator)

RFM scores (recency, frequency, and monetary value) can be incredibly useful, but this article argues they can also become a trap when fundraisers treat them as the whole story. Donors are more than a number in a database, and an overreliance on scoring models can cause organizations to overlook future potential, loyalty, and human motivation. It's a thoughtful reminder that data should inform fundraising decisions, not replace the relationships at the heart of them.

Human-First AI: Why Your Smartest Agent Still Needs You

Steffanie Brown (sgENGAGE)

AI can help nonprofits work faster, uncover insights, and automate routine tasks, but it still works best when paired with human judgment. This article explores why the most effective use of AI isn't replacing people, but augmenting their ability to build relationships, make thoughtful decisions, and stay focused on mission-driven work. It's a refreshing perspective in a world full of AI hype: the technology is powerful, but the human behind it remains the most important part of the equation.

You Might Be a Gala Gremlin

Tamara Varner (Greater Giving)

Every fundraiser knows the feeling: months of planning come down to a few critical hours, and it's often the small, unexpected issues that create the biggest headaches. This lighthearted but practical article looks at the common "gala gremlins" that can sneak into event day, from logistical hiccups to technology surprises, and offers ideas for staying prepared. The takeaway is reassuring: you don't need a perfect event to have a successful one, but a little planning can go a long way toward keeping those gremlins at bay.

Best Nonprofit Auction Software 2026: 10 Platforms Compared

Soapbox Engage (Soapbox Engage)

Choosing auction software can feel overwhelming, especially when every platform promises a great event experience. In this guide, we compare 10 leading nonprofit auction platforms and break down the features that matter most, from mobile bidding and payment processing to CRM integration and reporting. Whether you're planning your first auction or looking to upgrade your current tools, we hope this side-by-side comparison helps you find the right fit for your team and supporters.

Turn a Weak Nonprofit Board Into a Strong Governing Partner

Duke Haddad, Ed.D. (NonProfit PRO)

A disengaged or ineffective board can feel like a major obstacle, but it doesn't have to stay that way. This article offers practical ideas for helping board members move beyond simply attending meetings and become more active partners in governance, strategy, fundraising, and mission advancement. It's an encouraging reminder that strong boards are rarely built overnight. They develop through clear expectations, ongoing engagement, and a shared commitment to the organization's success.