Soapbox Engage Blog

Issue 302

Happy Tuesday, fundraisers!

This week’s roundup is grounded in what’s becoming increasingly clear across the sector: data, timing, and storytelling matter more than ever. From building an AI-ready data foundation to making smarter investment decisions that support fundraising growth, these pieces focus on strengthening the systems behind your success.

You’ll also find takeaways from NPSP Day Oakland and the NAYDO conference, plus practical guidance on writing stronger donor thank-yous, preparing for prime fundraising season, and connecting today’s giving to tomorrow’s impact through blended giving.

Enjoy!

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Great Fundraising Posts

NPSP Day Oakland 2026: Key Takeaways for Nonprofits

Soapbox Engage (Soapbox Engage)

For the first time, the NPSP community gathered in Oakland for a day focused on practical learning, collaboration, and connection across the nonprofit Salesforce ecosystem. From AI and automation to fundraising operations and community-led problem solving, the sessions emphasized real strategies teams can take back and use immediately. This recap highlights key moments from the event along with slides, resources, and takeaways from the day. Check it out!

4 Ways to Leverage Your Data for Association Growth

FundraisingIP (FundraisingIP)

Sustainable growth rarely comes from one big membership push. More often, it’s the result of making people feel welcomed, connected, and consistently valued over time. The data here reinforces something many nonprofits already know intuitively: strong onboarding, thoughtful engagement, and relationship-building are what turn new members into long-term supporters.

Dos and Don’ts of Writing Powerful Donor Thank-Yous

The Fundraising Coach (The Fundraising Coach)

A thoughtful thank-you does more than acknowledge a gift, it helps donors feel genuinely seen and appreciated. This piece is a good reminder that speed, sincerity, and specificity matter far more than polished corporate language or overly generic messages. The strongest donor relationships are often built in the moments right after someone gives.

Making The Right Investments Can Help Your Nonprofit Raise More Money

Ann Green (Ann Green's Nonprofit Blog)

Sometimes the best way to grow fundraising isn’t by working harder, but by investing more intentionally in the tools, systems, and people that support your mission. This piece makes the case that thoughtful spending on staff, technology, and communications can create stronger donor relationships and better long-term results. Sustainable fundraising growth often starts behind the scenes, with the infrastructure that helps your team do its best work.

NAYDO Recap: What YMCA Fundraising Leaders Need Most Right Now

Tamara Varner (Greater Giving)

Peer-to-peer fundraising works best when supporters feel like they’re part of something bigger than a single campaign. This YMCA example highlights how community, storytelling, and easy-to-use tools can turn participants into enthusiastic advocates who bring others along with them. The result isn’t just more donations, it’s deeper engagement and a stronger sense of connection around the mission.

5 Practical Steps to Build an AI-Ready Data Foundation for Your Nonprofit

Olena Kulish (NonProfit PRO)

AI tools are only as useful as the data behind them, and this piece is a helpful reminder that strong fundamentals still matter most. Clean records, clear processes, and thoughtful data practices don’t just make reporting easier, they create the foundation for smarter automation and better donor engagement down the line. For nonprofits feeling pressure to “catch up” with AI, this offers a grounded and practical place to start.

It’s Not Too Early to Prepare for Prime Fundraising Season!

Claire Axelrad (Clairification)

Year-end fundraising success rarely happens at the last minute. This piece is a timely reminder that the strongest campaigns are built months in advance through thoughtful planning, clear priorities, and steady relationship-building. A little preparation now can make the busiest fundraising season feel far more manageable and a lot more effective.

Blended Giving: How to Connect Today’s Gifts with Tomorrow’s Impact

Nathan Stelter (Stelter Insights)

Planned giving and annual giving don’t have to live in separate worlds. This piece explores how nonprofits can create more natural donor journeys by connecting immediate support with longer-term legacy impact. When organizations approach fundraising more holistically, they open the door for deeper relationships that grow alongside the donor over time.

The Storytelling Technique That Raises a Lot More Money

Jeff Brooks (Moceanic)

Good fundraising stories don’t need to be dramatic to be effective, they just need to feel human and specific. This piece shares a simple storytelling approach that helps supporters connect emotionally by focusing on real moments, real people, and clear impact. It’s a helpful reminder that the strongest nonprofit messaging often feels more like a conversation than a campaign.