Benefits Of Online Fundraising For Nonprofits
Online fundraising has revolutionized the way nonprofits engage with donors and raise funds. As traditional in-person events face limitations, NPO’s are increasingly turning to digital platforms, such as online raffles, to expand their reach and efficiency. This evolution is exemplified by platforms like Chance2Win.org, which provides nonprofits a seamless way to host digital raffles, ensuring not only increased participation but also more organized and traceable results.
Heather Hammons, a fundraising coach at Chance2Win, explains how online fundraising simplifies processes and improves the experience for nonprofits and their donors. She begins with. . .”With online fundraising, that ticket number is automatically generated for the customer, emailed directly to them, and put into reporting for you online,”, eliminating the traditional hassle of managing paper tickets, so nonprofit staff no longer need to worry about lost tickets, duplicate numbers, or illegible handwriting.
One of the big advantages of digital fundraising is its ability to expand an organization’s donor base. As Heather points out, sharing a unique raffle URL via social media, email campaigns, or text messages allows nonprofits to reach a much larger audience. Whether it’s out-of-state family, distant supporters, or local community members who wouldn’t typically attend an event, everyone can now participate more easily from wherever they are.
Heather also describes how the data management aspect of online raffles is a game-changer. Organizations gain access to valuable donor reports, including contact details, purchase history, and even how participants heard about the event. This lets nonprofits re-engage donors effectively and can connect future campaigns based on real-time insights versus traditional raffle methods that fail to capture . . . . . . . . .
Grant Writing With Passion, Maps and Folders!
A treasure trove of insights for anyone involved in the world of nonprofit grant writing. You’ll learn a lot from this vibrant conversation between host Julia Patrick and Libby Hikind, the founder and CEO of Grant Watch, affectionately known as the “Queen of Grants.” Libby shares her revolutionary approach to grant writing, emphasizing the ‘role of passion’ in crafting compelling proposals.
Libby discusses her book, which has quickly gained recognition, and reveals how the moniker “Queen of Grants” evolved from a podcast introduction to the title of her acclaimed book. As she begins her wisdom on grant writing, she says, “Your passion has to jump off the page and the reader has to buy in to what you’re saying. If it’s just clinical, right, if it’s just these needs and a bunch of statistics, it’s not engaging.”
Julia and Libby chat about the core principles of effective grant writing, highlighting Libby’s innovative PMF approach—Passion, Maps, and Folders. Libby explains that while clinical data is important, it’s the infusion of passion that makes a grant proposal stand out. She insists, “Passion maps and folders say it all. Your grant is an elevator pitch. Your passion has to be in there, and all the extraneous stuff needs to be trimmed away.”
The discussion takes a pragmatic turn as Libby explains how to balance passion with precise data, using real-world examples and personal anecdotes. She points to the importance of aligning your grant proposal with the mission and vision of the funding source, saying, “If their mission and vision is not what you’re interested in, why are you applying . . . . . . . . .
Using Incremental Testing To Improve Fundraising!
Jen Boland, founder of Boland Solutions, talks about the strategic application of incremental testing to enhance nonprofit fundraising efforts. The discussion centers on how nonprofits can use data-driven approaches to optimize their marketing strategies, particularly by employing incremental and lift testing.
Jen begins this engaging conversation, with host Julia Patrick, by explaining her background and the focus of her work, explaining how many organizations overvalue certain marketing channels, particularly those that are more about demand capture rather than demand generation. She stresses the importance of correctly interpreting data to ensure that fundraising efforts are effectively allocated. Jen says, “Overvaluing channels that really are demand capture channels and not demand generation channels… probably over investing in the wrong tactics and under investing in the right tactics.”
The conversation then explores the BEATS model, a framework Jen adapted from the for-profit sector, which stands for Business Financials, Experiments, Analytics, Technology, and Surveys. The model is designed to help nonprofits better understand the incremental value of their marketing efforts. A key part of the discussion is on the role of experiments, particularly lift testing, which involves testing different marketing strategies to determine their true incremental value. This is crucial because traditional metrics like last-click attribution can often be misleading. As Jen notes, “If we don’t test into higher spend, if we don’t test into different types of creative, we will never know the true incrementality of our marketing efforts.”
The talk between the two highlights the challenges nonprofits face in accurately measuring the effectiveness of their marketing channels. Jen speaks about the use of simple tools like Excel . . . . . . . . .
How To Prepare For An Annual Performance Review
Preparing for your annual performance review is a critical process that can shape your career trajectory, especially in the nonprofit sector as a fundraiser. It involves setting clear goals, documenting your achievements, advocating for yourself, identifying growth opportunities, and maintaining open lines of communication with your supervisor. During this episode of Fundraisers Friday, cohosts Julia Patrick and Tony Beall offer guidance on how to approach this important conversation.
Start Early: The Importance of Goal Setting
Tony starts with emphasizing the necessity of setting clear goals and objectives well before the review process begins. Without a defined set of expectations, it’s challenging to have a meaningful discussion about performance. Whether you’re working in a small nonprofit or a larger organization, having these goals in place is crucial. If your organization doesn’t already have a structured review process, Tony advises taking the initiative to propose one. By bringing examples and frameworks to your reviewer, you can advocate for a process that allows both you and the nonprofit to improve.
Documenting Achievements: Keep Track of Your Successes
Throughout the year, it’s essential to document your accomplishments and any challenges you’ve faced. This practice not only helps in preparing for your review but also ensures that you can accurately reflect on your performance. Tony suggests maintaining a folder—whether digital or physical—where you collect evidence of your achievements, such as meeting fundraising goals or overcoming donor obstacles. This documentation will be invaluable, as it can provide concrete examples of your contributions.
Self-Advocacy: Be Prepared to Highlight Your Value
One of the big tips from the discussion is the importance of self-advocacy during the . . . . . . . . .
Your Nonprofit’s Case For Support (Key factors)
A Case for Support is a vital tool for any nonprofit organization striving to clearly convey its mission and impact to donors and stakeholders. Investing time and effort into developing a thoughtful, well-structured Case for Support is a strategic move that pays dividends in the long run. It simplifies communication, strengthens donor relationships, and ultimately propels your organization’s mission forward. In this learning episode, nonprofit experts Julia Patrick and Sherry Quam Taylor, along with communications strategist Erin Straza, discussed the significance of creating a compelling Case for Support and the transformative role it can play.
At its heart, a Case for Support is more than just a document; it is a powerful narrative that tells the story of your nonprofit in a way that resonates deeply with donors. As Erin Straza so beautifully put it, “Your case for support is a narrative. It is telling your nonprofit’s story for the donor, explaining why your work is essential and how their partnership makes a difference.” This narrative acts as a foundation, from which all other communications and fundraising materials are built, ensuring a unified message that echoes across various platforms.
A well-crafted Case for Support typically comprises four essential sections:
Crisis or Problem Statement: This section paints a vivid picture of the challenges your organization is dedicated to addressing. It outlines the urgency and relevance of these issues, grounding them in credible data and compelling stories. Erin highlighted the importance of this section, noting that while some nonprofits worry about focusing too much on the negative, it is crucial to help donors understand the pressing nature of . . . . . . . . .
Nonprofit’s Fraud Risk With Digital Giving Apps
This conversation gives a critical call to action for nonprofits to be vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their operations and donor relationships in the digital age.
Host Julia Patrick engages with Jennifer Blasy from Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC.com) to explore the dangerous fraud risks associated with digital giving apps in the nonprofit sector. As nonprofits increasingly turn to digital platforms to facilitate donations, the conversation outlines the critical robust internal controls needed to mitigate fraud risks.
Jennifer Blasy, who brings a wealth of experience as a forensic accountant and a consultant for numerous nonprofits, describes the vulnerabilities these organizations face as they adopt new digital fundraising tools. She points out that while digital giving apps offer convenience, they also open the door to potential fraud if not properly managed. “We want to encourage digital giving,” Jennifer notes, “but it’s crucial to tap the brakes and ensure that we are thoughtful about how we’re accepting money and protecting both the organization and its donors.”
One of the big challenges discussed is the use of cash apps for donations, particularly at off-site events or through personal devices. Jennifer highlights the value of using organizational accounts for such transactions to maintain the validity of tax deductions and avoid mismanagement. She explains, “You may have multiple different people using these apps if they’re off-site, and you want to ensure they are using company devices, not their own personal devices, to prevent any mishandling of funds.”
The two also dig into the alarming practice of fraudsters using nonprofit websites to test stolen credit cards. Nonprofits are often targeted because credit . . . . . . . . .
Nonprofit Strategic Planning With AI
Innovative approaches to strategic planning in the nonprofit sector using artificial intelligence (AI). The discussion, with guest Mike Burns, co-founder and CEO of Strat Simple, introduces Strat Simple as a tool designed to simplify strategic planning through the use of AI, with the goal to make strategic planning more accessible and less intimidating for nonprofits. Mike starts with “about half of nonprofits don’t have any strategic plan at all,” a statistic that amplifies the need for simpler, more efficient planning processes.
The informative discussion begins with assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led many organizations to abandon or reconsider traditional long-term strategic plans, with Mike commenting that “a three to five-year planning cycle just doesn’t work nowadays,” as he advocates instead for a more dynamic, one-year planning approach with a long-term vision.
A big part of the discussion is the use of AI in strategic planning. Mike explains, “We use AI in a couple of major places. We use it to do our actual interviews and for coaching to set goals.” However, he describes that while AI can automate many aspects of planning, the human element remains crucial, particularly in areas like facilitation and negotiation.
Mike, and host Julia Patrick, also talk about the concept of Objectives and Key Results (OKRs), a goal-setting framework that shifts focus from activities to outcomes. Mike describes OKRs as “a complete cultural game changer,” noting how they empower teams by allowing them to figure out how to achieve the desired results rather than simply following a predefined checklist.
This is a very informative session on the importance of strategic . . . . . . . . .
Surprising Ways Temp Help Supports Nonprofits!
Exploring the strategic benefits of utilizing temporary staff in nonprofit organizations, with Dana Scurlock, the Director of Recruitment for Staffing Boutique. By considering temporary staffing, nonprofits can better manage their workload, prevent burnout, and ultimately enhance their mission-driven impact and as holiday seasons approach, nonprofits face a challenging period that demands increased workload, when events, fundraising, and fiscal responsibilities peak simultaneously.
Dana highlights the cyclical nature of nonprofit operations, where the end of the fiscal year and the busy event season collide, creating a “perfect storm” of demands. She states, “It’s really in this quarter where both of those things are happening at once,” emphasizing how the intense workload can overwhelm nonprofit teams, leading to burnout and reduced efficiency.
Session host, Julia Patrick, and Dana discuss the advantages of bringing in temporary staff to alleviate this pressure, especially when nonprofits struggle to manage both internal and external events. Dana points out, “Hiring a temp is super useful because some of those things you can offload to this person,” illustrating how temporary staff can seamlessly support ongoing operations without the long-term commitment of full-time hires.
Dana also shares insights into how temporary staffing can serve as a proactive strategy rather than a crisis response, urging nonprofits to plan ahead. “I would love to think that you can [plan ahead],” she says, pushing for a more structured approach to staffing during peak seasons.
This engaging conversation outlines the importance of flexible staffing solutions in sustaining nonprofit operations during the busiest times of the year. Learn more about StaffingBoutique.org
Nonprofit Donor Management Tips and Tricks
A comprehensive overview of nonprofit donor portfolio management, exploring the need for tailored approaches, technological investment, succession planning, and transparent reporting to ensure successful fundraising efforts.
With co-hosts Julia Patrick and Tony Beall, the discussion begins with a fundamental question: what is a donor portfolio? Tony explains that a donor portfolio is essentially a collection of data on donors, including communication history, gift history, personal details, and more. This data helps nonprofit organizations segment their donors, tailoring their approaches based on donor levels, relationships, and other factors.
Tony emphasizes the importance of tailoring portfolios based on donor gift levels, noting that higher-level donors often require more time and personalized attention. Julia highlights the human aspect of donor management, sharing an example where a development officer insisted on managing certain donors due to shared cultural ties.
The conversation shifts over to the role of technology in donor portfolio management. Tony points out that investing in technology is crucial for nonprofits, enabling them to efficiently manage donor data, track interactions, and segment their donors. He describes that while small organizations might rely on spreadsheets, investing in comprehensive donor management systems can greatly enhance their operations.
Succession planning is another critical aspect of donor portfolio management discussed. Given the high turnover rate in fundraising positions, Tony stresses the importance of maintaining detailed records and historical data, ensuring continuity and a smooth transition when new team members take over, and most importantly, preserving the organization’s relationships with its donors.
Finally, the hosts touch on the importance and sometimes internal dynamics of reporting in donor portfolio management. Tony advocates for transparency . . . . . . . . .
Nonprofit Grant Prospecting Playbook (finding grants)
Understanding the intricacies of grant prospecting for nonprofits with a peek into the challenges and strategies surrounding the grant-seeking process. Featuring special guest Rachel Fidler Cannella from Instrumentl.com
Rachel begins by providing insights into how Instrumentl’s platform simplifies grant management. She highlights the platform’s ability to consolidate various aspects of the grant process, from prospecting to tracking funders, which is particularly beneficial for small nonprofit teams where one person often wears many hats. “Instrumentl is an all-in-one grants platform management system,” she explains, noting its efficiency and collaborative tools that help nonprofits manage their grant-seeking efforts more effectively.
A big part of this informative discussion is the misconception that grant writing is a simple task. Rachel describes the need for a deliberate approach, saying how many organizations fail to consider whether they are truly a good fit for a grant before applying. She explains: “On average, 75% of grant writers spend 10 hours or more on a single application.” This statistic highlights the significant time investment required, making it essential for organizations to carefully evaluate each opportunity to ensure it is worth the effort.
The conversation also touches on the latest changes in grant writing, with a focus on the integration of new technologies, including AI. Rachel discusses how AI tools, such as Instrumentl’s grant rating feature, are helping grant writers streamline their work, allowing them to reuse and adapt content more efficiently. This innovation, she suggests, could significantly reduce the time spent on each application, ultimately allowing organizations to apply for more grants without increasing their workload.
Show host Julia Patrick, and Rachel, . . . . . . . . .
Donor Advised Funds And Donors (New research)
New research about the world of donor-advised funds (DAFs) and their significant impact on nonprofit fundraising. Mitch Stein, head of strategy at Chariot, brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, sharing eye-popping insights from a recent report that explores DAFs’ growing influence in the philanthropic landscape.
Mitch begins by simplifying what a DAF is, likening it to a 401K or HSA, but for charitable giving. He explains how a DAF allows donors to contribute assets, receive an immediate tax deduction, and then allocate those funds to charities over time. The key innovation from Chariot, the “DAF Pay” tool, integrates DAFs directly into standard fundraising processes, making it easier for donors to give immediately without the hassle of logging into separate portals. As Stein emphasizes, “It’s about meeting donors at the moment they’re inspired to give.”
The conversation describes the rapid growth of DAFs, which have seen a near tenfold increase in accounts and assets over the past decade. Mitch cites that this growth is not limited to the ultra-wealthy, as more everyday donors, including younger demographics, are utilizing DAFs. He dispels the myth that DAFs are only for the wealthy, pointing out that “The minimum gift size has come down to $50,” showing how this tool is being used by a broader audience.
Mitch continues this informative conversation, discussing the implications of this growth for nonprofits, particularly in light of their report findings. The report reveals that nonprofits have seen a median increase of 214% in DAF revenue over the past five years, compared to just 1% in non-DAF giving. Mitch conveys the . . . . . . . . .
Building The Infrastructure For Fundraising (60 minute guidebook)
You’ll enjoy this celebratory interview with Tracy Vanderneck, a nonprofit thought leader and now a published author. The focus is on Tracy’s newly released book, The 60-Minute Guide to Building the Infrastructure for Successful Nonprofit Fundraising. Tracy shares her journey of distilling years of nonprofit consulting into a practical guide that aims to demystify the complexities of fundraising infrastructure for organizations of all sizes.
Show host Julia Patrick, acknowledging the monumental task of writing a book, especially one as vital as Tracy’s, begins with asking about the significance of building a lasting fundraising infrastructure, particularly for small to mid-sized nonprofits, as well as those new to the sector. Tracy shares, “Even some mid-sized nonprofits who have been fundraising on a wing and a prayer all this time could benefit from actually going back and adding some of the infrastructural pieces to it.”
Throughout the conversation, the two talk about the disconnect that often exists within organizations about the role of fundraising. Julia points out that many people, from board members to staff, often have misconceptions about what fundraising entails, sometimes reducing it to just socializing and asking for money. Tracy points to the importance of educating all stakeholders about the strategic and infrastructural elements of fundraising, stating, “Fundraising isn’t just going out to lunch or trying different things to see what would happen. There is an actual infrastructure and a strategy around how we go about fundraising to support nonprofit missions.”
Tracy’s book is positioned as a manual for anyone in the nonprofit sector, offering practical tools and insights that can be implemented immediately. With . . . . . . . . .