Soapbox Engage Blog

Issue 313

Happy Tuesday, fundraisers!

As we wrap up July, this week’s roundup focuses on making the tools and strategies behind your fundraising work smarter. From getting more out of your Salesforce data to understanding which supporters are most likely to engage, these pieces explore how the right information and systems can help you build stronger fundraising programs.

Scroll down for some guidance on prioritizing major gift prospects, creating better alignment between your website and social channels, and thinking strategically about technology as your campaigns grow!

Have a wonderful week!

You can receive the Fundraising Weekly newsletter each Tuesday by subscribing today!

Great Fundraising Posts

The Best Salesforce Fundraising Apps for Nonprofits: A Complete Guide

Soapbox Engage (Soapbox Engage)

If your nonprofit runs on Salesforce, choosing the right fundraising apps is about more than checking feature boxes. It's about finding tools that fit your workflows and keep your data flowing seamlessly into your CRM. In this guide, we compare the major app categories, explain what to look for beyond marketing claims, and share practical questions to ask before making a decision. A little homework upfront can save a lot of headaches later!

Before the Big Ask: How to Use CRM Data to Find and Prioritize Major Gift Prospects

Katherine Swank (sgENGAGE)

A donor's wealth is only part of the picture. The real question is whether they're ready for a major gift conversation. This article offers a practical framework for using your CRM to identify prospects based on capacity, engagement, and readiness, helping fundraisers spend less time chasing lists and more time building the right relationships.

6 Ways to Align Your Website Design & Social Media Strategy

Julia Claire Campbell (Julia Campbell)

Your website and social channels shouldn't feel like two different organizations. This article shares practical ways to create a more consistent experience across both, from branding and messaging to content and calls to action. The result? Supporters know they're in the right place no matter where they first discover your nonprofit.

Lunch Isn’t Free, Nor is Email

Kevin Schulman (The Agitator)

Email may be inexpensive to send, but it isn't free. Every message asks donors to spend something even more valuable: their time and attention. This article is a good reminder that every email should earn its place in the inbox by delivering value, strengthening the relationship, or giving supporters a compelling reason to act.

The Flawed Argument That ‘Fewer Donors Giving to Our Appeal Means Some Donors Are More Engaged and Will Give More Later’

Steven Screen (The Better Fundraising Company)

When an appeal underperforms, it's easy to blame shrinking donor numbers. This article argues that's often the wrong conclusion. Before assuming fewer people want to give, it's worth asking whether the appeal itself gave them a compelling reason to. It's a useful reminder that fundraising results aren't just about the audience. They're also about the strength of the message.

Fundraising Strategies That Are Working in 2026 for Nonprofits on Salesforce

Soapbox Engage (Soapbox Engage)

Fundraising doesn't always need a new tool or shiny trend. Sometimes it just needs better use of the data you already have. In this guide, we look at five fundraising strategies we're seeing work for Salesforce nonprofits, from smarter donor segmentation to earlier year-end planning and making event data work harder. The common thread? Consistent execution beats constant reinvention.

Who Are Your Fundraising Ambassadors? 4 Donor Personas

Julia Claire Campbell (Julia Campbell)

Not every fundraising ambassador is motivated by the same thing, and that's exactly the point. This article explores different ambassador personas and how understanding what drives each one can help nonprofits recruit, support, and inspire more effective advocates. A little personalization goes a long way, especially when your biggest champions are helping tell your story.

AI Fundraising: 4 Steps to Getting it Right

Jeff Brooks (Moceanic)

The nonprofits getting the most out of AI aren't handing it the keys. They're using it to make good fundraisers even more effective. This article lays out a practical, step-by-step approach to adopting AI, focusing on the tasks where it can save time while keeping people firmly in charge of strategy, relationships, and decision-making. It's a refreshing reminder that AI works best as a teammate, not a replacement.

Why 91% of Nonprofits Run Multiple Fundraising Campaigns And Your Technology Should Too

Tamara Varner (null)

Today's fundraising isn't built around one big gala anymore. It's a year-round mix of events, campaigns, recurring giving, and digital appeals, and trying to manage it all with disconnected tools quickly becomes a headache. This article makes a strong case for connected fundraising technology that helps every campaign build on the last, creating a smoother experience for both your team and your supporters.