Author: Virginia Davidson

Foundations typically request financial documents as part of a nonprofit’s application for grant funding. These materials provide a bigger picture of your organization’s financial planning and health. But how are these documents actually used when assessing your application? I was happy to interview Celeste Arista Glover, who has many years of experience as a philanthropy […]

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A fundraising plan is one of the most important tools a fundraiser can use to guide their work.  But even if you began the new year without a plan in place, there’s still time to create one. We’ve rounded up three resources to help you put a plan together, so you can better focus your […]

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Lapsed donors deserve attention from fundraisers. These donors supported your organization in the past, so there’s a good chance they’ll support you again—if you ask them to. Communication is key to recapturing lapsed donors, so review your lapsed donors and make a plan to connect with them. Here are some important things to keep in […]

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A well-crafted appeal letter compels people to make a gift to your organization, but the letter can only inspire donations if it is read. That’s why it’s important to consider the impression your envelope makes. Sarah Gnerre of Kirkwood Cultivate recommends imagining your grandparents receiving your appeal. When they hold the envelope, it should be […]

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An annual fundraising plan is one of the most effective tools a fundraiser can use to alleviate stress and overwhelm. But if the idea of creating such a plan feels daunting, you might end up avoiding getting started. Fundraising expert Sandy Rees has suggestions to help you overcome five common roadblocks and create a simple […]

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It’s challenging for fundraisers to find fundraising advice targeted at small (and very small) organizations. This is what makes The Little Book of Gold by Erik Hanberg such a valuable resource. It’s a slim but information-packed book that offers clear, realistic steps small organizations can use to fundraise effectively. It was originally published in 2011, […]

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If you’re wondering whether your organization is required to send annual statements to its donors, the answer is no. There is no requirement to send annual statements, also known as year-end statements, every year in January. By sending acknowledgments throughout the year, your nonprofit organization has already fulfilled its IRS obligation to provide timely documentation […]

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If your organization participates in GivingTuesday, you likely spend a solid amount of time preparing your email communications encouraging people to donate on that day. But how much time do you spend crafting the confirmation emails sent to GivingTuesday donors? Especially for first-time donors, your confirmation email plays a key role in their early impressions […]

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A cycle of panic and neglect usually refers to public health crises or natural disasters. But those same patterns can pop up in other aspects of our lives. And when it comes to fundraising data, the cycle of panic and neglect is easy to fall into—especially when you’re constantly shifting from one priority to the […]

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