As a member of the Giving Institute, I collaborate with leaders from all sectors of philanthropy in America. It provides a unique perspective into what’s driving or challenging giving – especially in times of volatility and change....
It’s more important than ever to show your donors just how grateful you are during this holiday season. These champions for your cause have stood by your side, steadfastly supporting you through all the ups and downs of this difficult year, and they need to know just how much they...
Right now is the perfect time for nonprofits to think seriously about capacity campaigns. No surprise, right? After all, this is the year of COVID-19 and we’ve all been facing challenges we couldn’t have possibly imagined at the beginning of the year. And now, as we approach the end of the...
It has been said that nothing in life is certain… except death and taxes. When it comes to fundraising, there is a third certainty: donor attrition. If there’s one thing we can count on in fundraising it is this – around 30-40% of donors who gave to your organization last year...
These days, we’re inundated with information. Conflicting news, fluctuating numbers, and opposing opinions are everywhere. Even though this season of isolation may have felt like a digital hurricane of content, there’s a silver lining: People are connecting online more than ever before. This is great news for nonprofits! During times of...
In a recent marketing survey, consumers listed “positivity (optimism, hope)” dead last in what they want to hear from companies during the COVID-19 crisis. See: Morning Consult - Brand Management in the COVID-19 Era Has hope really become hopeless as a way of sharing your message? This might be a difficult pill...
As we enter the summer months, here’s a brief update on the United States Postal Service (USPS). It’s been a difficult year for USPS, especially given the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Given that a majority of nonprofit direct response mailings rely on USPS, it’s important to pay attention...
“If only our building would catch on fire!” I once had a CEO lament to me about a time a local Rescue Mission raised over a million dollars through a fundraising campaign after a fire had destroyed their Mission. While this CEO wasn’t literally wishing for his Mission to burn to...
As the COVID-19 pandemic has opened up a variety of challenges for people across the country, it’s also brought some surprising benefits. Opportunities for families and friends to become closer. Virtual events where people from different neighborhoods can interact and be informed. A new commitment to help our fellow neighbors...
Isn’t it wonderful that we’re not alone? Even in this unique season where we are not yet released to travel and safely connect in person without restrictions and adaptations, we are still connected. It’s important, I think. Very important. Someday soon, when we look back on this season, I anticipate that...