Soapbox Engage Blog

Issue 305

Happy Tuesday, fundraisers!

As we move into June, this week’s roundup is a reminder that some of the biggest fundraising opportunities come from looking at familiar challenges in a new way. Whether it’s tapping into volunteers as donor prospecting partners, creating more meaningful donor engagement opportunities, or reaching the supporters who haven’t yet raised their hands, these pieces encourage us to think beyond the usual playbook.

Have a wonderful week!

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Great Fundraising Posts

How to Revise Your Budget Mid-Year in Crisis Times

Soapbox Engage (Soapbox Engage)

When uncertainty hits, a budget should be a living tool, not something that sits untouched on a shelf. In this piece, we explore practical ways nonprofits can reassess priorities, model different scenarios, and make thoughtful budget adjustments without losing sight of their mission. The goal isn’t simply to cut costs. It’s to create enough flexibility and clarity to navigate challenging moments while continuing to serve your community effectively.

Lead Generation and the 95% of Donors You’re Ignoring

James Herlihy (Moceanic)

When nonprofits think about lead generation, they often focus on finding brand-new supporters. This article offers a different perspective: some of your best opportunities may already be in your database. By paying closer attention to engaged subscribers, past donors, volunteers, and other warm audiences, organizations can uncover overlooked pathways to deeper support. It's a refreshing reminder that growth isn't always about reaching farther, sometimes it's about nurturing the relationships you already have.

6 KPIs for Measuring Text Messaging Success in Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Programs

Noel Beebe (NonProfit PRO)

Text messaging can be a powerful fundraising channel, but success takes more than simply counting how many messages were sent. This article highlights six key metrics, from response and conversion rates to fundraising performance, that can help organizations understand what’s working and where there’s room to improve. It's a practical reminder that the best fundraising programs don't just collect data, they use it to create more meaningful supporter engagement over time.

[PODCAST] Neurogiving Explained

Meghan Speer (Nonprofit Hub)

What if generosity isn't primarily a financial decision, but a human one? This podcast explores the growing field of "neurogiving," which looks at how emotion, identity, trust, and even cognitive load influence whether someone decides to give. Rather than

Can You Have Too Many Matching Gift Offers in Your Annual Campaigns?

Melanie Green (TrueSense)

Matching gift campaigns remain one of the most reliable ways to boost donor response, but many fundraisers worry that using them too often will lessen their impact. This article explores that tension and argues that the real challenge isn’t frequency, it’s making each match feel timely, authentic, and connected to a compelling fundraising need. The takeaway is reassuring: donors don’t necessarily tire of matching gifts, but they do respond best when the offer feels meaningful rather than routine.

Volunteers Are Your Secret Weapon for Donor Prospecting

Duke Haddad, Ed.D. (NonProfit PRO)

Some of your best future donors may be just one introduction away. This article explores how volunteers can help expand your fundraising reach by connecting your organization to their own networks, bringing a level of trust and credibility that cold outreach simply can't match. It's a smart reminder that prospecting isn't always about finding strangers. Sometimes it's about empowering the people who already believe in your mission to open new doors.

The ‘Good Bad Idea’ That Raised $9,000

Steven Screen (The Better Fundraising Company)

Some fundraising ideas sound a little uncomfortable at first, which is often why they’re worth paying attention to. In this story, a seemingly risky approach ended up resonating with donors and producing an unexpectedly strong result. It’s a thoughtful reminder that fundraising success doesn’t always come from playing it safe. Sometimes it comes from being willing to test an idea that feels a little unconventional.

Why Creating Donor Engagement Opportunities Boosts Fundraising

Claire Axelrad (Clairification)

Awareness is important, but awareness alone rarely turns someone into a loyal donor. This article makes the case that meaningful engagement, whether through volunteering, events, surveys, advocacy, or other mission-connected experiences, is what helps supporters move from passive observers to active participants. It's a timely reminder that people are far more likely to invest in a cause when they feel like they're already part of the team.

NPSP Day Seattle 2026: Key Takeaways for Nonprofits

Soapbox Engage (Soapbox Engage)

We recently wrapped up another fantastic NPSP Day in Seattle, bringing together nonprofit professionals, Salesforce admins, consultants, and partners for a full day of learning, problem-solving, and community connection. From AI and automation to fundraising operations, reporting, and data strategy, the conversations were packed with practical ideas and real-world lessons that attendees can put to work right away. If you couldn't join us in person, this recap highlights some of the biggest takeaways and includes resources from the day’s sessions!