Nonprofit Fundraising Learning
Unleash the power of your fundraising with our curated collection of educational video courses, designed for nonprofits. Step into the expansive and changing world of raising funds effectively, navigating through the proven strategies and innovative techniques that Top Nonprofit Experts shared. These video sessions will lead you on a journey to discover the art and science of persuasive storytelling, engaging donors, and mastering grant writing – to name just a few topics. Whether you are starting a new nonprofit or looking to advance an already robust fundraising program, these learning segments are packed with actionable insights and practical tools to help you reach your goals for your charity, nonprofit, or NGO.
In this Fundraisers Friday conversation, hosts Julia Patrick and Tony Beall answer viewers questions, but also explore the vital importance of joy and authenticity within the nonprofit sector. Starting the fast-paced chat, the talk about the growing challenge of burnout, particularly among fundraising professionals, they offer up some strategies for stress management and maintaining personal authenticity amidst external pressures.
"There is a lot of joy in this work, despite the challenges," Tony says, in talking about the necessity of personal well-being in achieving sustainable success. Julia points to a notable trend: nonprofit leaders actively seeking joy by disengaging from stressful media, stepping away from negative news and crime dramas, and gravitating towards humor and fulfilling personal activities.
Tony also introduces the powerful concept of fostering joy through intentional community gatherings, describing his local AFP chapter's decision to host events free of agendas or speakers, purely aimed at fostering genuine connections. Julia concurs, predicting that this innovative approach "is going to serve its members maybe better than they've ever served."
Further into the conversation, they tackle the debated "Give or Get" board policy. Tony critically comments that true altruism from board members shouldn't require formal mandates, advocating instead for universal financial participation at any level. Julia offers a more nuanced viewpoint, acknowledging the potential limitations of such policies, quoting Sherry Quam Taylor who argues, "You leave money on the table" by setting strict minimum contributions.
Throughout the discussion, Julia and Tony encourage fundraisers to thoughtfully define growth targets. They advise setting realistic, yet ambitious donor goals by assessing internal strengths and strategically leveraging them to maximize opportunities. Transitioning to skills crossover from for-profit to nonprofit sectors, Tony describes his support for sales professionals moving into fundraising, provided they have a passion for social impact, reinforcing that relationship-building remains pivotal across both spheres.
Finally, addressing career progression, the duo explore the rising importance of the CFRE designation in the nonprofit fundraising space. Tony shares that CFRE is becoming increasingly expected as a professional standard, noting its role in elevating fundraisers' credibility. He humorously yet insightfully captures the trend: "More and more fundraisers see CFRE behind other people’s names and think, 'I'm missing out if I don't do this also.”
Cohosts Julia Patrick and Tony Beall dig down into a topic that’s equal parts provocative and practical: the often chaotic intersection between nonprofit CEOs and fundraising.
Right out of the gate, Julia sets the tone: “I've seen this occur and I continue to see it occur... the CEO position and fundraising chaos—it can be a little intense, right?” That word—chaos—rings true for many nonprofit leaders who juggle major gift asks, team oversight, and community expectations.
But leave it to Tony to cut through the storm with clarity: “Initially, I would say... the CEO is not your primary fundraiser, but they are the one that has the ultimate accountability for the success of fundraising.” With that, the conversation takes off, weaving through structures, leadership styles, and evolving titles e.g. Chief Development Officer, all with real-world empathy and experience.
Tony points to the need for strategic involvement: “Every donor is in your portfolio to some degree.” It’s not about micromanaging—it's about knowing when to step up and when to empower your team.
And speaking of teams, Julia flags a common donor behavior that throws a wrench in delegation: “Higher level players want to meet with the decision-maker… they kind of discount the development people.” This dynamic often pressures CEOs to jump into ‘asks’, sometimes prematurely.
Tony offers a smart fix: don’t surprise donors. “If we're bringing the CEO into the conversation, we need to do that before the ask.” It’s about future-focused cultivation, not last-minute theatrics.
They also tackle a hot-button issue—bonuses. Tony doesn’t hold back: “My first reaction was: hell no.” But he tempers that with nuance, suggesting creative, non-cash incentives that support retention and morale.
The episode also takes a heartful turn as Tony shares the trend of successful fundraisers being poached by the private sector: “They’ve moved into wealth management and financial advisor roles… that comparison is tough to compete with.”
Packed with actionable thinking, reflective moments, and a dash of humor this convo is a must-watch for nonprofit teams assessing fundraising expectations.
#NonprofitLeadership #FundraisingStrategy #CEOInsights
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is becoming increasingly critical for both corporations and nonprofits. Our cohosts dig into the nuances and potential of CSR partnerships. Cohost Tony Beall begins by defining CSR as "what organizations commit to in terms of how they want to represent their brand to the community," encompassing environmental, ethical, social, philanthropic, and economic responsibilities.
The duo discuss the strategic importance for fundraisers to understand these distinct CSR pillars to enhance their approaches. Cohost Julia Patrick admits, "I just lumped it all together," pointing to the common mistake nonprofits make. Tony expands on this concept, describing how nonprofits must align specifically with a company's CSR goals to effectively establish mutually beneficial relationships.
The discussion explores the intersection between CSR and cause marketing. Tony differentiates the two clearly: "CSR is focused on doing good as part of the business operation…cause-related marketing is how you express what's happening, how you engage customers."
Ethical alignment also becomes central in the conversation, citing the value for nonprofits to choose corporate partners whose activities align with their mission and values. Julia speaks to the weight of ethical decisions and the challenge when nonprofit leaders reject lucrative but misaligned partnerships. Tony concurs strongly, remarking, "You have to have those standards within your organization."
The two also talk about the practical need for clearly articulated agreements through ‘Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs)’, described as a necessary "formal handshake". This formality, rather than inhibiting relationships, provides clarity and aligns expectations, further nurturing a more sustainable corporate partnership.
Finally, they emphasize relationship nurturing and the critical importance of asking corporate sponsors about their reporting and engagement preferences. Tony says powerfully: "It is so important that we understand what is valuable and important and motivates the individual donors and the corporate supporters."
Nonprofits, the landscape is shifting under your feet, and the urgency to act has never been clearer. Hatsy Cutshall, Director of Government Awards Management at Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC), joined us to deliver an urgent message: communication and clarity are your best defense in these chaotic times. With executive orders rapidly reshaping your funding environment, understanding the roles of federal agencies such as the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is no longer optional—it's crucial for survival. Hatsy emphasizes, “Never assume that if you've got questions, don't assume one way or the other. Ask those questions because it's better to know up front.” The federal funding landscape is complex, and failure to act proactively can result in detrimental consequences.
Hatsy highlights the critical importance of proactive communication with federal program officers, underscoring their role as partners rather than adversaries. Nonprofits should connect with these officers to clarify expectations, understand legal jargon in contracts, and adapt programs quickly in response to shifting circumstances. According to Hatsy, "Program officers are there to partner with you and help you succeed.”
This chaotic environment doesn’t only affect nonprofits directly receiving federal funds. Hatsy clearly warns that the impact trickles down, influencing state and local funding channels. Every nonprofit is vulnerable. Ignoring the warning signs can lead to missed opportunities, funding losses, and compliance disasters. The time to engage is now. Reach out proactively, communicate clearly, and build strategic relationships with federal program officers who are your allies, not your adversaries!
#NonprofitAlert #FederalFunding
Unlocking the mystery behind donor retention is critical for any nonprofit looking for sustainability and success. Wendy Mercurio, Market Research Specialist from Bloomerang, discusses groundbreaking strategies and unexpected insights.
Wendy presents data-driven info highlighting significant gaps and opportunities in fundraising strategies, emphasizing the importance of donor retention over donor acquisition. Wendy begins with a reminder, “The cost of acquiring a new donor is 5 times more than retaining a donor you already have,” bringing into sharp focus the economic and strategic necessity of donor retention. She shares compelling statistics, including the remarkable effectiveness of texting as a communication channel, offering, “If you send a text to your donors, you have an open rate of 95% to 98% within the first five minutes.”
Bloomerang’s open access to invaluable research empowers nonprofits with data-driven guidance, such as utilizing donor surveys and personalized communications, to significantly boost retention. This dynamic conversation is a ‘must watch’ for nonprofit fundraisers and leaders wanting practical strategies to energize their fundraising and donor relationships.
#DonorRetention #NonprofitStrategy #BloomerangInsights
The critical art of cultivating donors for the long term—a concept that many nonprofits struggle to implement effectively.
Co-host Julia Patrick sets the stage by highlighting the challenge: “We live check to check. Such a bad mentality… we just get this and then we’re moving.” She speaks to the need to shift from short-term survival mode to a sustainable donor cultivation strategy. Co-host Tony Beall, a leading nonprofit consultant, breaks down the process, distinguishing cultivation from stewardship and offering practical steps to build trust-based relationships with donors.
One of Tony’s keys is the difference between cultivating and stewarding donors. He explains, “Cultivating a donor means getting them engaged, building trust, and preparing them to make an investment in your organization. Stewardship happens after the gift—it’s about gratitude and long-term relationship-building.” This distinction is crucial for nonprofits looking to create sustainable funding models.
The fast (and often witty) conversation also tackles a major issue in the nonprofit sector: fundraiser burnout. Citing data from the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Julia describes how the average tenure of a development professional is only 19 months. Tony offers input on combating this trend: “I’m more interested in building trust than likability. Saying no with an explanation builds trust. And trust is what makes donors stay committed beyond any single fundraiser’s tenure.”
The discussion extends to how fundraisers can navigate gatekeepers, effectively identify high-potential donors, and educate nonprofit leadership on the time and strategy required for successful fundraising.
For any nonprofit leader, fundraiser, or board member looking to increase donor engagement and retention, this episode is packed with essential strategies to build that ‘sustainable donor pipeline’.
#NonprofitFundraising #DonorCultivation #FundraisersFriday
In this enlightening session, host Julia Patrick sits down with Richard Hawkes, CEO of the British Asian Trust, to delve into the intricacies of British royal charities and the unique challenges of international development work. Hawkes leads an organization founded by His Majesty King Charles III (when he was the Prince of Wales) and an influential group of British Asian business leaders. The British Asian Trust focuses on South Asia—India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka—by partnering with local nonprofits to tackle issues such as education, livelihoods, mental health, and child trafficking.
Early in the conversation, Hawkes clarifies that royal patronage is not a financial windfall that magically solves funding challenges. Rather, “He doesn’t have a formal legal role in the running of the organization, however, he’s hugely interested in what we do,” Hawkes states, emphasizing that King Charles actively engages with and advises the Trust on strategic directions but does not provide direct funding. This level of royal endorsement lends credibility, Hawkes explains, but it also heightens the Trust’s sense of responsibility. There is meticulous due diligence in both project selection and donor vetting to uphold the high standards that come with royal patronage.
The interview then pivots to the broader context of the UK nonprofit sector, where economic pressures and post-COVID fallout have increased the need for charitable services while simultaneously tightening financial resources. According to Hawkes, these conditions can spur innovative strategies, such as social enterprises and new fundraising models, to address growing demands.
One particularly theme is the importance of data-driven impact. Hawkes shares how the British Asian Trust has been pioneering development impact bonds to ensure measurable results: philanthropic funding is disbursed only when certain outcomes—like improved literacy or numeracy—are independently validated. “There’s a big difference between wanting to do good and actually doing good,” he says, pointing to the necessity of evidence-based practice.
Hawkes also speaks candidly about navigating the colonial history that still shapes realities in South Asia. His organization’s approach prioritizes local decision-making, with substantial in-country teams and partnerships that empower communities to identify challenges and co-develop solutions. This model intentionally breaks from any vestiges of paternalistic aid, focusing on true collaboration.
By the end of this fascinating discussion, you’ll gain a nuanced understanding of what it means to be a “royal founding patron charity,” how international nonprofits can respond to social and economic pressures, and why data, evidence, and cultural context are so pivotal to successful interventions. Most importantly, the conversation highlights how passion for social change, guided by strategic collaboration and backed by a dose of rigorous measurement, is the driving force behind the British Asian Trust’s sustainable impact in South Asia. More about BritishAsianTrust.org
#RoyalCharities #GlobalPhilanthropy #SouthAsiaFocus
Get ready to raise a celebratory glass . . .because this lively Fundraiser’s Friday is all about transforming donor fatigue into donor delight! Cohosts Julia Patrick and Tony Beall bring warmth, wit, and serious know-how to the table as they peel away the layers on keeping donors inspired, engaged, and continually enthusiastic. The pair jump into the heart of the matter: identifying the telltale signs of donor fatigue—like slipping retention rates or declining event attendance—and turning them into opportunities for growth.
Tony’s philosophy lays bare the significance of data and relationships. In his words, “We don’t look at our donors as a data point… we see them as individuals.” Julia adds on, reminding nonprofits that “It’s really about elevating the mission by sharing innovation and results, not just asking for money.” Together, they emphasize effective ways to combat donor fatigue—personalized communications, showcasing real-life impact, and consistently thanking those who invest their time, talent, and treasure.
They also propose revitalizing fundraising events by exploring intimate gatherings (like a cozy dinner in someone’s home) instead of large galas that may have lost their luster. Through creative solutions—like quick, heartfelt video messages or dynamic volunteer recognition—the duo shows you how to keep people genuinely connected and proud to support your cause.
By the end of the chat, you’ll learn how donor fatigue can be sidestepped with the right blend of authentic outreach, sincere gratitude, and fresh program ideas.
#DonorEngagement #FundraisingTips #Philanthropy
A riveting dialogue with Mohamed Osman (CEO of Spring Impact.org) and Alice Metcalf (Managing Consultant at Spring Impact). Broadcasting from London, these two experts share their global perspective on how nonprofits can flourish when equipped with long-term, unrestricted funding. Their big picture views resonate far beyond geographic borders, providing a beacon of hope for organizations striving to transcend uncertainty.
Mohamed begins with the essence of trust in philanthropy, stating: “Without trust, very little can be done.” His conviction is that flexible funding fuels risk-taking and creativity, serving as a resounding call for funders and nonprofits alike to dismantle the barriers of restriction. Equally compelling is Alice’s emphasis on collaboration. She talks about the findings of a Spring Impact study that highlights a surprising reliance on ongoing philanthropic support, stressing: “Philanthropy plays a really ongoing role in supporting nonprofits to create impact at scale.”
The elevating conversation ventures into the key topic of embedding solutions within existing systems. By partnering with governments, institutions, or fellow nonprofits that already have the necessary infrastructure, organizations can scale efficiently and reduce financial vulnerability. Another powerful theme that emerges from the duo is the idea of diversifying income streams to bolster long-term sustainability—an approach that offsets the unpredictability of any single funding source.
At a time when nonprofits worldwide face the pressures of dwindling institutional budgets and shifting political climates, Mohamed and Alice’s words stand as a testament to resilience. They argue that embracing agility, evidence-based practices, and user-centric models not only drives greater impact but also safeguards organizations from burnout. Ultimately, the dialogue champions a mindset of sharing knowledge, building trusted alliances, and “zooming out” to see the broader problem-solving landscape.
This conversation serves as a reminder that leaders in the nonprofit sector remain united by a common goal—amplifying social change. Through partnership, faith in collective action, and a daring spirit of innovation, nonprofits can rise above constraints and leave a profound imprint on communities around the globe. More about SpringImpact.org
#ScalingForGood #TrustBasedFunding #GlobalNonprofits
Love is in the air, and so is wisdom! In this special Fundraisers Friday – Valentine’s Day Q&A, cohosts Julia Patrick and Tony Beall dive into pressing nonprofit leadership questions, blending deep insights with their signature wit and camaraderie.
From unexpected board policies to the evolving role of marketing in fundraising, this episode is packed with practical takeaways that every nonprofit leader should hear.
One of the most thought-provoking questions came from a young expecting woman: Should boards have a maternity policy for their members? While many policies set attendance rules, they don’t always account for major life events. Tony championed a broader perspective: “Board members bring immense value. A leave of absence policy—rather than just maternity—ensures we retain exceptional talent.”
Julia, ever the strategic thinker, mentions the policy implications:“It’s not just about adding another policy; it’s about structuring governance to make room for life’s realities.”
This lively conversation also tackles the role of COOs in nonprofit structures. Should Development Directors report to them? Tony lays out a clear organizational map, explaining that a Chief Development Officer (CDO) should ideally oversee fundraising, ensuring alignment with the CEO: “Under the COO, stories are created. Under the CDO, they’re told. That’s why marketing and fundraising belong together.”
Julia emphasizes the power of proximity between marketing and fundraising teams:“Get their offices close together—energy happens when storytelling meets donor engagement.”
With a mix of heartfelt gratitude and laughter, the episode wraps up with a touching moment where Julia expressed appreciation for Tony’s early belief in The Nonprofit Show.
#NonprofitLeadership #FundraisersFriday #StorytellingMatters
It’s the silent heartbreak of the nonprofit world—lapsed donors. These are the supporters who once believed in your mission, donated enthusiastically, and then… disappeared. But why? And more importantly, how do we get them back? That’s exactly what James Goalder, Partnerships Manager at Bloomerang, unpacks in this power-packed conversation with Julia Patrick and Meredith Terrian.
The numbers are sobering: the donor retention rate in the U.S. has been stuck below 50% for years. That means for every ten donors nonprofits attract, at least five don’t come back. The reasons? Some are out of our control—life changes, financial setbacks, or even death. But the more painful reality is that many donors simply don’t know their support is needed. They don’t hear from the nonprofit, don’t see the impact of their gift, and ultimately assume their contribution didn’t matter.
And that’s an unacceptable reality. "We spend so much time, energy, and money bringing donors in, but then we let them slip away because we don’t communicate how much they still matter." — says James.
As James explains, too many nonprofits focus on acquisition and neglect retention. They throw big fundraising events, pull off emotional appeals, and get people excited to give—only to vanish into radio silence afterward. His solution? Intentional, personalized donor engagement. "People like to see their names," he emphasizes, underscoring how even small touches like personalized thank-you letters can make a massive difference.
One of the most compelling takeaways is the art of re-engagement. Instead of treating lapsed donors as ATMs with a one-time appeal, nonprofits should invite them back into the mission—through tours, volunteer opportunities, or even a simple “catch-up” coffee. A meaningful connection beats a generic donation ask every time.
For fundraisers, this episode is a wake-up call: Retention isn’t just another metric—it’s a survival strategy.
#DonorRetention #NonprofitFundraising
Donor retention is the lifeblood of a sustainable nonprofit. Yet, it’s often overshadowed by the relentless pursuit of new donors. Cohosts Julia Patrick and Tony Beall break down why retention is just as—if not more—important than donor acquisition and how organizations can master it.
At its core, donor retention is about stewardship. “The way in which you steward a donor or investor once they’ve offered a gift is really important,” says Tony. Retaining donors isn’t just cost-effective—it builds credibility, strengthens advocacy, and fosters long-term community support. The cost of acquiring new donors is five to ten times higher than keeping existing ones. So why do so many organizations struggle with retention?
One issue, Julia notes, is that nonprofits often fail to communicate impact effectively. “If you can’t understand what your impact is going to be, it’s not a very fulfilling relationship,” she points out. Successful stewardship is rooted in consistency, transparency, and engagement. A well-timed thank-you, a compelling impact story, or even a simple check-in call can make all the difference.
Tony details how donor retention is about relationships, not transactions. “They want to be seen. They want to be heard. They want to feel like their contributions are meaningful.” From personalized communication to authentic transparency—even when outcomes aren’t ideal—trust is the key to donor longevity.
And it’s not just about gratitude; it's also about strategy. Donor retention metrics, such as calculating retention rates, should be a staple in nonprofit dashboards. “Any development officer should be able to share their donor retention rate,” Tony adds. Understanding these numbers gives organizations a roadmap to improve their engagement efforts.
#DonorRetention #NonprofitFundraising #StewardshipMatters
In the world of nonprofit fundraising, few topics carry as much weight—or as much uncertainty—as capital campaigns. In this riveting conversation, cohosts Julia Patrick and Wendy F. Adams sit down with the esteemed Steven Shattuck, Director of Engagement at Capital Campaign Pro, to pull back the curtain on the most pressing capital campaign insights, fears, and strategies that can make or break a nonprofit’s fundraising success.
Steven, a leading voice in nonprofit innovation and the author of ‘Robots Make Bad Fundraisers’, takes the audience into the why and how of capital campaigns, exploring feasibility studies, consultant roles, donor engagement, and the key intersection between #AI and fundraising. As capital campaigns often mean a seismic financial undertaking, many nonprofit leaders hesitate, fearing failure, funding shortages, or strategic missteps. In his conversation with cohosts Julia Patrick and Wendy Adams, Steven debunks myths and presents data-driven best practices to demystify the process.
A particularly eye-popping moment in the chat is the revelation that ‘96% of nonprofits conducting capital campaigns reported satisfaction with their results—even if they didn’t reach their full goal’. Why? Because the ancillary benefits, from strengthening donor relationships to refining their internal fundraising systems, turned out to be just as critical as the dollars raised.
A major takeaway? Feasibility studies are not just about testing fundraising goals—they are an opportunity to connect with major donors and lay the groundwork for campaign success. As Steven describes . . ."You're going to come out of the process having a better idea of what you can raise, because that's what you're doing—you're testing the goal, you're testing the case for support, and you're talking to major donors."
From the role of campaign consultants to emerging technology’s influence on fundraising success, this episode is a masterclass for any nonprofit leader looking to navigate the high-stakes of capital campaigns with confidence and more knowledge.
#NonprofitFundraising #CapitalCampaigns #FeasibilityStudies
Technology has reshaped the fundraising landscape, and in this conversation, Matthew Burnell, founder and CEO of ClickBid, breaks down how mobile bidding and phone-based tech have revolutionized the way nonprofits engage donors.
Gone are the days of frenzied paper-based silent auctions, where donors jostled for position, hoping to scribble down the winning bid. Matthew shares how ClickBid has streamlined the entire experience, making it easier, faster, and more engaging—whether supporters are in the room or across the globe.
The shift wasn’t always smooth. When mobile bidding first emerged, skeptics hesitated. Change brings uncertainty, especially in traditional fundraising circles. But as Matthew points out, the data speaks volumes: “Just by adding the auction component, we see a consistent 30% bump in fundraising totals.”
Matthew also talks about security concerns, explaining how new tech enhances donor safety. Instead of handing credit card details to a volunteer, donors can now pay securely from their own devices, reducing risk and increasing trust.
This sparkly conversation goes beyond just auctions. Fundraising events have always centered around donor engagement, and ClickBid ensures technology enhances rather than replaces the human touch. For example, a real-time paddle-raise feature lets donors see their names flash on-screen during a live event—whether they’re in the ballroom or bidding from their living room.
The future? Matthew envisions AI-powered insights that help nonprofits personalize donor interactions in real time—a game-changer in event fundraising. Watch and learn how “Fundraising tech isn’t just about transactions—it’s about elevating donor experiences.”
#FundraisingInnovation #NonprofitTech #MobileBidding
How do you transform a simple document into a powerful storytelling tool that inspires donor action? That’s exactly what cohosts Julia Patrick and Tony Beall tackled on this week’s Fundraisers Friday episode on How to Use Case Studies in Fundraising.
Case studies aren’t just dry reports filled with data; they are dynamic narratives that celebrate an organization’s impact. As Tony put it, “A case study is a celebration of the work and the accomplishments of your organization.” Rather than seeing them as another bureaucratic task, nonprofits should recognize them as strategic storytelling tools that capture purpose, execution, and impact.
The fast-paced conversation highlights the importance of humanizing data with powerful testimonials—from clients, volunteers, or even city officials—adding credibility and emotional depth. Julia points to this shift in nonprofit storytelling: “The sense was if you don’t have images of devastation, you won’t light a fire under anyone—but now we’re seeing hopeful, positive images of impact.”
Another key takeaway you’ll find? Who owns the case study? While some organizations leave this to research teams, Tony emphasized the role of marketing in crafting an engaging, visually compelling narrative. Plus, if nonprofits lack resources, they can partner with universities, business associations, and even SCORE (Gov’t agency) to leverage external expertise.
The duo wrapped up with a powerful call to action: case studies aren’t just about the past—they should be forward-thinking tools that drive engagement, build donor trust, and inspire action. Whether used for grant applications, board reports, or major donor conversations, these documents must prove why the organization’s work matters.
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