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.
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.
In the dynamic world of nonprofit fundraising, where digital tools and transactional techniques often dazzle, Sherry Quam Taylor sounds a clarion call back to the essentials—deep, transformational relationships. As we roll into 2025, Sherry delivers a message to fundraisers to ‘refocus on the fundamentals of building meaningful donor connections, rather than chasing the latest tech-driven trends’.
Throughout this compelling conversation with host Julia Patrick, Sherry dissects the misconceptions of modern fundraising, emphasizing that while technology and events have their place, they shouldn’t overshadow the power of one-on-one relationships. Too many nonprofit professionals, she warns, have become "glorified admin fundraisers," trapped by the allure of automation and transactional efficiency at the cost of real genuine engagement.
"We want 50 to 75% of your annual revenue coming from relationships," Sherry offers up . . . "Donors give their best gift because of relationships, not because of flashy campaigns."
She challenges NPO leaders to analyze their time and effort allocation, pushing for more data-driven decision-making when it comes to fundraising events. One interesting case study she describes, revealed that less than 20% of a gala’s revenue came from outside donors, prompting the NPO to take a hard look at their ROI.
Continuing, Sherry introduces a powerful paradigm shift—leveraging brand authority on platforms like LinkedIn to attract mid-to-major-level donors. "We can’t hide anymore. Our donors need to see us as the thought leaders we are," she says.
You’ll agree that Sherry’s insights can push the sector toward a more sustainable, relationship-centered fundraising model, so that nonprofits not only survive but thrive in the coming years.
An essential yet often overlooked aspect of nonprofit fundraising: legal documents. Hosted by Julia Patrick and Tony Beall, this discussion provides an insightful overview of key legal agreements that protect both nonprofits and donors while ensuring compliance and clarity in financial engagements.
Tony emphasizes the critical nature of risk management within fundraising, explaining that documents such as donor agreements, gift acceptance policies, and sponsorship agreements are not just formalities but essential tools in establishing trust and accountability. "The fundraising professionals need to know why these documents exist, but it’s really the responsibility of the board and CEO to ensure these processes are in place," Tony says. He highlights that while fundraisers play a role in these agreements, the responsibility lies primarily with the CEO and board.
Julia shares real-world anecdotes, illustrating the legal complexities of donor relationships, including the significance of the "bad boy clause"—a provision for addressing potential reputational risks linked to donor behavior. "I think more and more, savvy donors and big players are going to be putting these types of constraints into legal documents," Julia adds.
A key part of the discussion centers around pledge agreements and the shift toward recurring donations, showcasing evolving donor expectations and digital giving trends. Sponsorship agreements are also dissected, emphasizing the necessity of clearly defined obligations and contingency plans for unforeseen disruptions.
The hosts remind us that while these legal frameworks may not be glamorous, they are indispensable in safeguarding organizational integrity, donor confidence, and sustainable fundraising success.
#FundraisingDocuments #Nonprofitfundraising #DonorTrust #fundraisingtools
Fundraising is as much an art as it is a science, requiring an understanding of donor psychology, strategic engagement, and institutional needs. In this episode of Fundraisers Friday, our cohosts dig into the nuanced realities of donor relations, tackling pressing questions about board membership, fundraising portfolios, donor engagement, and wealth screening tools.
The lively conversation begins with an ethical debate: Should major donors automatically be granted board seats? Co-host Tony Beall’s response is resolute—financial contributions should not be a ticket to governance. Instead, board membership should be earned through demonstrated commitment, expertise, and alignment with an organization’s strategic vision. He and co-host Julia Patrick explore alternative ways to recognize and honor significant donors, reinforcing the idea that influence should be wielded responsibly and not purchased outright.
Transitioning to other aspects of donor engagement, the hosts examine a frequently asked question: How many donors should a fundraiser manage in their portfolio? Tony breaks it down with precision—"major gift officers typically handle 75-150 donors, mid-level fundraisers manage 200-400, and annual fund managers may oversee up to 1,000 donors”. He points to the importance of organizational resources in determining manageable caseloads, describing how technology can play a vital role in optimizing donor stewardship.
Post-pandemic donor engagement strategies get the duo’s attention too. Tony advocates for quarterly in-person meetings with major donors, stressing that nothing replaces face-to-face interactions in fostering authentic relationships. He highlights creative and cost-effective ways to meet donors beyond formal settings, reinforcing the idea that ‘real’ engagement is about connection rather than transaction.
Finally, their chat turns to wealth screening tools—a topic that often gets mixed reactions from fundraising professionals. Tony offers a pragmatic view: while such tools provide valuable donor insights and improve targeted messaging, they should be evaluated based on an NPO’s revenue structure and fundraising strategy. For orgs heavily reliant on special events, wealth screening may not be a priority, whereas those seeking to expand individual giving programs might find it indispensable.
Throughout this fast-paced session, Julia and Tony blend expertise with humor, making complex fundraising topics engaging fun.
#FundraisingStrategy #DonorEngagement #NonprofitLeadership
Rather than focusing on overdone predictions, this conversation unveils groundbreaking insights about donor trust and the role of AI and influencers in the sector. In this compelling episode discussing unexpected trends shaping nonprofit fundraising, host Julia Patrick welcomes Melaina Chromy, Senior Manager of Brand Marketing at Bloomerang.
They begin with AI's increasing prevalence. As Melaina starts with, "Over half of all nonprofits in the U.S. are using AI to write and inform their digital fundraising." While AI offers immense efficiencies, it also presents challenges. A third of donors hesitate to give if they know AI is in use. To mitigate this, Melaina talks about transparency, suggesting nonprofits create an AI usage statement or include metrics like time saved in annual reports.
This fun and timely chat then shifts to influencer and peer-to-peer fundraising. “An influencer doesn’t have to be a celebrity,” Melaina remarks. “It could be the mayor of your town or a local blogger with a dedicated following.” This democratized approach to influence can transform outreach strategies, connecting organizations with untapped audiences.
With several practical examples and actionable ideas, Melaina brings home the importance of storytelling, trust-building, and leveraging modern tools to connect you with your donors.
#FundraisingTrends #DonorTrust #NonprofitInnovation
Our cohosts don their metaphorical fortune-teller hats to peer into the "2025 Crystal Ball and Prophecies" of nonprofit fundraising. Tackling hot topics like AI ethics, the silver tsunami, Gen Z engagement, and inter-organizational collaboration, the duo blends humor with insight.
Tony Beall, aka ‘The Nonprofit Prophet’, reveals "AI is not a human replacement; it’s a tool for collaboration." Meanwhile, Julia Patrick, ‘Madam Fundyraz’, shows the urgency of embracing change, and what’s to come for nonprofits!
Their fun prognostications peer deep into donor retention, legacy giving, and the critical role of metrics in an increasingly data-driven sector. With a dash of humor and a call to action, this episode motivates fundraisers to embrace the future.
#FundraisingTrends #NonprofitLeadership #fundraisersFriday
A master class for the year-end!! . . . . . about the importance of data-informed personalization’s and donor stewardship and emphasizing how technology and some human-centered strategies can transform your nonprofit donor relationships. You’ll hear a wealth of actionable recommendations, provided by Diana Otero, Senior Product Marketing Manager at Bloomerang.com.
There’s a lot to learn from this episode, explaining the need to revisit and optimize donor experiences, particularly through personalization. Diana begins by reminding us that even simple gestures, like addressing donors by name, can foster meaningful connections. "Using the donor's name is a great way to build that rapport," she explains. Yet, she urges nonprofits to go deeper, referencing past donor activities to demonstrate genuine understanding and appreciation. This level of engagement, she recommends, doesn’t require individual tailoring for every donor but can be achieved by grouping donors with shared interests or histories.
Another key focus is the intersection of technology and donor relationships. Diana emphasizes the importance of continuously refining digital touchpoints, such as donation pages and year-end giving statements. "Put yourself in the donor’s shoes and see what that experience is like," she advises, pointing out that outdated or cumbersome processes can alienate supporters. She encourages nonprofits to make giving ‘frictionless’, incorporating advancements like digital wallets and mobile-friendly designs to improve accessibility.
Diana also challenges the traditional separation between volunteers and financial donors, advocating for a more integrated view. "Most volunteers are among your most loyal supporters," she says, encouraging nonprofits to recognize and steward all forms of support—be it time, skills, or funds—as part of a ‘holistic relationship’ strategy. By acknowledging the breadth of donor contributions, organizations can inspire deeper and broader engagements.
Diana’s insights are a clarion call for nonprofits to think strategically about data, technology, and personalization. Her advice to regularly revisit systems and practices, coupled with her passion for donor engagement, serve as an energizing reminder of the opportunities for more success combining tech with your mission!
#Nonprofitfundraising #DonorEngagement #YearEndGiving
Nonprofit organizations face a range of challenges, from developing donor gift policies to balancing staff involvement in board meetings. This Fundraiser’s Friday session brings new ideas from questions viewers asked. Watch more details from these ‘takeaway questions and answers’ our co-hosts offered:
Why is a donor gift policy essential? It establishes clear guidelines for managing donations, refunds, and ethical dilemmas, safeguarding the organization and its team.
How should development staff engage with board meetings? Periodic updates (quarterly or annually) suffice to maintain alignment without overburdening staff or meetings.
Should development staff monitor “give or get” policies? Yes, they track contributions, but policing underperformance should remain the board chair’s responsibility.
Should paid staff have voting rights on the board? No, paid staff should advise the board but not vote, maintaining clear governance boundaries.
How can nonprofits mitigate risks associated with large donations? By creating and following comprehensive gift policies that address scenarios like questionable donors or refund requests.
#NonprofitLeadership #DonationPolicy #BoardEngagement
The nonprofit landscape is evolving at lightning speed, and Classy.org’s Social State of Giving Report provides essential insights to navigate these changes. Based on a survey of 1,000 individuals, this groundbreaking study digs into donor behaviors across generational lines, offering invaluable guidance for nonprofits eager to engage better with donors today and tomorrow. The findings underscore the distinct giving habits of Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and especially Gen Z—the future philanthropic powerhouse predicted to hold $12 trillion in wealth by 2030.
Among the eye-opening insights, Gen Z stands out. This digital-first generation is 10 times more likely than Boomers to share donations on social media, and 41% report being inspired to donate based on social media activity—a behavior that nonprofits cannot afford to ignore. As Michelle Boggs, Classy’s Executive Nonprofit Industry Advisor, explains: “Sharing drives action. It’s not just a post; it’s an invitation for others to act.”
The report also highlights the rise of “impact creators”—trusted individuals on platforms like TikTok and Instagram who inspire followers to donate directly through their campaigns. Over half of Gen Z respondents trust these creators to make donations on their behalf, a testament to the power of personal connection and digital trust.
Host Julia Patrick summed up the report’s transformative potential: “This isn’t just a shift in behavior—it’s a revolution in how we connect, inspire, and engage across generations.”
This report isn’t just data—it’s a roadmap for adapting to seismic shifts in philanthropy, equipping nonprofits to reach new heights.
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