Soapbox Engage Blog

Issue 71

With Giving Tuesday behind us, you’ve hopefully had the chance to come up for air! But the craze of year-end fundraising endures, and it’s a lot of pressure. Take frequent computer breaks, and remember you are truly the superheroes of the nonprofit world. I have full faith that you’ll knock this last month out of the park!

Here are my top fundraising picks for the week! Brush up on best practices for fundraising during a pandemic, prepare some storytelling interview questions, or make time to welcome your new donors. Happy reading!

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Great Fundraising Posts

Nonprofit Guide to Fundraising During COVID-19

Soapbox Engage (Soapbox Engage)

We've been navigating the "new normal" of life during the COVID-19 pandemic for a few years now. It continues to present unique challenges and obstacles for nonprofits and development professionals. That's why Soapbox Engage created this guide to help you navigate the new fundraising world. Head over to this page to grab this free fundraising resource!

3 Steps to Securing Bigger Gifts

Richard Perry and Jeff Schreifels (Veritus Group)

Big donations seem hard to get. It might come as a surprise to you that many nonprofits have big donors in their portfolio, they're just not sure how to identify them and present the right giving invitation. Richard and Jeff have years of experience working with nonprofits of all shapes and sizes. They're revealing their best advice and guidance about finding the right donors in your portfolio that have the potential to give bigger donations.

Improve Your Fundraising Knowledge

Pat Farrell (NonProfit PRO)

Online fundraising is challenging and there are many factors to navigate and consider. Sometimes it's tough to keep up with what information is important. This clever quiz helps assess what you understand and know and any "knowledge gaps" about online fundraising so you can improve them and boost your online fundraising.

25 Storytelling Interview Questions for Non-Profits

Vanessa Chase Lockshin (The Storytelling Non-Profit)

Story interviews can be one of the most challenging aspects of storytelling. Many people stress about asking the "right" question or talking to someone they don't know well. Some don't feel very equipped to know what to do if the interview doesn't quite go well. Head over to this blog for some practical tips about how to conduct a great storytelling interview and 25 ideas of questions to ask.

Lessons from a “Heat Map”

Steven Screen (The Better Fundraising Company)

Most people who read your direct mail pieces don't actually read the whole thing. In fact, many donors skip around adn tend to focus on the beginning and the end. A "heat-map" tracks where reader's eyes look as they read something and there's a lot we can learn from them--even if it's not a map of your specific mailing. Check out this blog post to learn how to format and write your next direct mail letter for maximum impact!

Pick Up the Phone & Call a Donor Today

Lori Jacobwith (Ignited Fundraising)

When was the last time you picked up the phone to call a donor and thank them for their support? Phone calls really do make a difference in your bottom line and it dramatically impacts donor retention. But we understand that making those phone calls can be intimidating and even scary. Once you move past those emotions, this blog has some great insight about who to call and what to say.

Make Time to Welcome Your New Donors

Ann Green (Ann Green)

The year-end giving season, and especially Giving Tuesday, has the potential to bring in quit a few new donors. That's something you don't want to overlook or take for granted. Unfortunately, it's very easy for these new donors to get lost in the shuffle and retention rates for first-time donors is already low. That's why it's so critical to engage these supporters and begin establishing a relationship that leads to a second donation. This blog offers some helpful insights on how to welcome your new donors well.

6 Tips to Raise More Year-End Money in Just 4 Weeks

Amy Eisenstein (Amy Eisenstein)

It's no secret that more charitable donations are given in the last few weeks of the year than at any other time. We know you're tired and ready for a much-deserved vacation, but this blog offers some specific and practical strategies to raise more money in these last few weeks before January first.

The 2 Things to Avoid in Year-End Fundraising

Marc A. Pitman (The Fundraising Coach)

The last few weeks of the fundraising year can often feel like an exhausting plod to the finish line. It's easy to feel like you're trying hard to keep up with everything but to no avail. The temptation is to either try to do ALL the things or to give up and throw in the towel. Head over to this blog to read Marc's gentle wisdom about why it's so important to stay focused on your mission, your goals, and your year-end fundraising plan.