Author: Virginia Davidson

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, […]

Read More… from Revised edition of “The Little Book of Gold” offers practical advice for fundraisers

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 […]

Read More… from Do you have to send annual statements to donors?

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 […]

Read More… from Make an impact with your GivingTuesday confirmation email

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 […]

Read More… from How to rescue your fundraising data from a cycle of panic and neglect

According to the National Philanthropic Trust, planned giving through bequests amounted to $45.84 billion in 2024. It’s important for fundraisers to have a basic understanding of what a bequest is, since it’s the simplest way for donors to make a planned gift to your organization. The simplicity of bequests also makes them the most common […]

Read More… from What is a bequest?

Your organization’s year-end appeal is an important opportunity to raise funds for your mission. To help you do that, we’ve gathered four ideas to help you implement an effective year-end fundraising appeal: Idea #1: Incorporate local businesses into your appeal By expanding your appeal beyond individual donors, you can build a broader network of support. […]

Read More… from 4 ideas for an effective year-end fundraising appeal

If you need to write an appeal letter for your nonprofit organization, you probably wouldn’t consider Stephen King to be a resource. But his book titled On Writing includes some gems that are applicable to fundraisers, too. Here are 5 tips from Stephen King, the King of Horror, that you can use to draft and […]

Read More… from How Stephen King’s writing tips can help you craft a compelling fundraising appeal letter

As a fundraiser, your work helps move your organization’s mission forward. If you’re preparing to leave your fundraising job, what steps can you take to help your successor build on your work? Heather Eddy, President and CEO of Kistner Eddy Executive Services (KEES), recommends putting together some key documentation before your departure. By doing so, you’ll help continue […]

Read More… from 4 key tasks before you leave your fundraising job

It’s important to make it easy for donors to make a gift to your organization, but what does that actually mean when it comes to your online donation forms? One approach is to follow the advice that James Clear shares in Atomic Habits, intended to reduce friction and make desired actions simpler. His four tips […]

Read More… from How easy is it for donors to make a gift to your organization?