As fundraising professionals, we’ve all experienced that awkward moment when a VIP donor comes up with the “best fundraising idea ever” and, in reality, it’s much closer to the worst idea.  In “15 Really Bad Real Ideas from Real Nonprofits” Jeff Brooks lists a few of these gems: Sell slightly-used airplane toiletry kits on eBay. Host a naked cycling race. Hold an onion peeling competition to see who can last the longest without crying. Get […]

Last year over 1,300 organizations responded to the Nonprofit Research Collaborative’s year-end Nonprofit Fundraising Survey (NFS). This annual report collects data on everything from overall sector growth, to fundraising goals, to regional data, to projections for the future. It’s thorough, to say the least. Lucky for you, we went through the 48-page report so you don’t have to (but if looking at graphs is your thing, you can check it out here.) Here are some […]

During the holidays, many people celebrate by getting together with family and friends, eating too much, exchanging gifts and drinking lots of hot cocoa. In the nonprofit world, the end of the year usually also means sending a fundraising letter to your supporters. Before you fire off another letter asking people to support your nonprofit, review these tips to increase giving rates and make your constituents feel more like part of your mission. Know who […]

There’s no easy answer when it comes to the age-old question of how to improve nonprofit fundraising outcomes. Making strategic decisions for your cause takes time, effort and experience. However, having the right donor data on hand can really improve your nonprofit’s fundraising approach. When your team is able to effectively manage your donors, steward your relationships and make solicitations based on donor data, the sky’s the limit for your fundraising success. We’ll walk you through […]