Soapbox Engage Blog

Issue 222

Happy Tuesday, Fundraisers!

It’s hard to believe that November is almost upon us, which means we’re just over a month out from Giving Tuesday. Roughly 30% of all annual charitable giving happens in December, with around 10% occurring in the last three days alone. Take advantage of peak fundraising season and download this year-end fundraising checklist to keep yourself on track!

Scroll on down for more great fundraising content relating to multichannel fundraising, donation asks, and nonprofit stories. Enjoy!

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Great Fundraising Posts

Why You Need to Plan a Multichannel Fundraising Campaign

Ann Green (Ann Green’s Nonprofit Blog)

Year-end fundraising season is here, and you likely have your appeal plan mapped out. If the only thing on your list is a letter by mail, prepare to be disappointed. For successful fundraising, you need to be reaching out to donors via multiple channels. In this post, Ann shares why and offers a sample schedule and strategy for you to follow.

Is It More Difficult to Ask for Donations or Fund Nonprofits?

Jim Eskin (NonProfitPro)

Which is more difficult: raising funds, or deciding which organizations to fund? Whichever role you fall into is likely the one you think is harder. But the grass isn’t always greener on the other side! In this blog post, Jim breaks down the challenges and opportunities of both positions in order to encourage better understanding of everyone’s responsibilities.

A Fundraiser’s First Obligation

Jim Langley (Market Smart)

As ethical fundraisers, it’s important to commit to philanthropy itself. We must engage in practices that renew the philanthropic spirit. In this blog post, Jim outlines practices that harm philanthropy so that organizations know not to fall into those traps.

How to Project Manage Your Nonprofit Story

Claire Axelrad (Clairification)

The best way to get inside a donor’s head and heart is by telling a dramatic, emotional story. You don’t want to start a story talking about how it ended, and you don’t want to tell the same story over and over. In this post, Claire offers five steps to project manage your story and improve your fundraising.

The Power of Mystery for Raising Funds Online and Off

Jeff Brooks (Future Fundraising Now)

We often think the work we’re “selling” is so important and compelling that people will open it just because it’s there. But that’s not true in most cases. In fact, mystery is one of the most important (and under-used) tools for us in fundraising. In this blog post, Jeff talks about how to utilize mystery in your fundraising.

3 Quick Tips for a Better Nonprofit Website Aesthetic

Christine Ward (The ENGAGE Blog)

A well-designed website can work wonders for your nonprofit in spreading awareness of your mission and converting first-time visitors into loyal, active supporters. While many factors can make or break a website, one of the most notable is its aesthetic. This blog post features three tips to take your nonprofit’s website aesthetic to the next level.

Giving Tuesday: A Powerful Opportunity for Connection

Beth Ann Locke (Gail Perry Group)

Giving Tuesday will be here before you know it. This day has grown from a grassroots idea into a worldwide movement — a day dedicated to generosity, community, and making a difference. It is a powerful opportunity to connect with your community. This blog post offers three approaches to make this day more engaging.

A Perfect Guide To Attract Corporate Sponsors and Building Partnerships

GiveCentral (GiveCentral)

If you’re part of a nonprofit, finding corporate sponsors can be a game-changer for your organization. Not only do they provide funding, but they also bring credibility and resources to help you make a bigger impact. So, how can you attract these corporate partners? This blog post serves as a deep dive on how to attract corporate sponsors and build partnerships.

Here’s Why YOU Should Plan a Tournament for Your Next Fundraiser!

Laurie Hochman (Get Fully Funded)

There are so many different types of events that can serve as a fundraiser. Are you worried that what you’ve done so far is getting stale? Time to try something new! In this blog post, Laurie explains why a tournament can be such a great fundraiser, and offers advice on how to plan one.