Soapbox Engage Blog

Issue 311

Happy Tuesday, fundraisers!

If there’s a common thread running through this week’s roundup, it’s that meaningful fundraising rarely comes from shortcuts. Whether it’s building stronger relationships with major donors, growing a matching gift program, or taking the time to do thoughtful prospect research, these pieces remind us that lasting results are built one step at a time!

We also share a couple different articles on grassroots advocacy, a lesser known path to engaging your supporters and strengthening your donor base, while driving meaningful change for the causes most important to your organization. Worth some consideration!

Here's to building momentum this summer!

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Great Fundraising Posts

How to Launch a Constituent Action Campaign Without Building an Advocacy Program

Soapbox Engage (Soapbox Engage)

You don't need a full-fledged advocacy program to mobilize your supporters. In this post, we explore how nonprofits can launch timely action campaigns that educate, engage, and inspire supporters to take meaningful action, even if advocacy isn't a core part of the organization. With the right tools and a clear call to action, it's often easier than organizations think to turn moments of public interest into lasting supporter engagement.

How to Do Prospect Research: A Checklist for Lean Teams

wpengine (FundraisingIP)

Prospect research doesn't have to feel like detective work. This practical checklist walks through the key steps, from identifying likely major donor prospects to gathering the information that can lead to more meaningful outreach. The biggest takeaway? Good prospect research isn't about finding the wealthiest names. It's about finding the right people and approaching them with the right strategy.

How to Build a Matching Gift Challenge Program That Actually Drives Donor Growth

Joe Frye (NonProfit PRO)

A matching gift challenge should do more than create a burst of donations. It should help grow your donor community. This article shares practical ways to design campaigns that inspire first-time donors, re-engage lapsed supporters, and build momentum that lasts beyond the match itself. The best challenge campaigns don't just double donations for a day. They create relationships that keep paying off long after the deadline passes.

Lots of Small Steps

Steven Screen (The Better Fundraising Company)

Big fundraising goals are usually achieved through a series of small, simple asks, not one giant leap. This article makes a compelling case for keeping appeals focused on a single idea and giving donors an easy next step instead of asking them to buy into your entire mission all at once. It's a great reminder that clarity doesn't just make fundraising easier to understand. It makes it easier to say "yes."

Refuse the Miracle. Accept the Work.

Roger Craver (The Agitator)

Everyone wants the silver bullet, whether it's AI, a new platform, or the latest fundraising trend. This piece is a refreshing reality check: lasting results rarely come from miracles. They come from doing the foundational work well, like cleaning your data, understanding your donors, testing your messaging, and improving a little at a time. It's a timely reminder that the best fundraising strategies aren't the flashiest. They're the ones that consistently put in the work.

Give Major Donors Something They Actually Want to Fund

Claire Axelrad (Clairification)

Major donors don't get excited about funding line items or operating budgets. They get excited about making a tangible difference. This article is a great reminder to frame opportunities around specific outcomes and visible impact, giving donors something they can easily picture themselves making possible. When the vision is clear, the conversation becomes a lot more inspiring for everyone involved.

The End of Human Fundraising? Why AI Makes Face-to-Face Relationships More Valuable Than Ever

Dr. Russell James (MarketSmart)

AI can save time, surface insights, and take repetitive tasks off your plate, but it can't replace genuine human connection. This article makes the case that the future of fundraising isn't AI or people. It's AI handling the busy work so fundraisers can spend more time listening, building trust, and strengthening donor relationships. That's where the biggest impact still happens.

Their Legacy, Your Mission: Engaging Single, Childless Donors in Planned Giving

Jamie Simmons (Stelter Insights)

As more adults reach retirement without children or direct heirs, planned giving conversations are evolving right alongside them. This article explores how nonprofits can thoughtfully engage this growing group of donors by focusing less on estate planning mechanics and more on the legacy they want to leave behind. It's a timely reminder that for many supporters, your mission can become part of the family they choose.

Best Nonprofit Advocacy Software 2026: 7 Platforms Compared

Soapbox Engage (Soapbox Engage)

Choosing advocacy software isn't just about finding the platform with the longest feature list. It's about finding the one that fits the way your organization actually works. In this guide, we compare 10 leading advocacy platforms, looking at everything from action campaigns and petitions to CRM integration and supporter engagement. Whether you're launching your first advocacy effort or replacing an existing tool, this side-by-side comparison can help you narrow the field and find the right fit for your team.