Author: Virginia Davidson

Applying for grants from private foundations can be an important part of a nonprofit’s annual fundraising plan. That means it’s important to streamline your process so you can dedicate time to writing a strong application rather than spend it tracking down various required materials. Here are some ways you can save time and give yourself […]

Read More… from How to give yourself a head start on grant applications

Unless your nonprofit organization has a controlling membership, in which the articles of incorporation give members voting authority, membership programs are implemented as a tool for building support of your mission. But building that support requires consistent effort and strategy. Here are four key components of a successful membership program: An organized, mission-focused benefits program. […]

Read More… from 4 elements of a successful membership program

Are you confident in your process for acknowledging gifts made in honor of someone? While the process is similar to acknowledging memorial gifts, it’s also important to create thank-you templates specifically for gifts made in honor of someone. There are 2 components to acknowledging gifts made in honor of someone The acknowledgment letter, which goes […]

Read More… from How to acknowledge gift donations made in honor of someone

When you begin a new job as a fundraiser, there’s a lot to learn about the organization you’re working for. And if your new organization uses a donor management system that you have never used, that can top the list of things that might overwhelm you. How can you get up to speed when you […]

Read More… from What to do when you inherit a donor management system

Do you know when your Form 990 is due? Most federally tax-exempt organizations are required to file this annual tax return with the IRS. You can be prepared and avoid last-minute stress by confirming your deadline and understanding which version you need to file. How do you know when your 990 is due? Your organization’s […]

Read More… from Do you know when your 990 is due?

Is it possible that your fundraising success is being held back by a lack of systems, procedures, or knowledge? While it can be uncomfortable to acknowledge those issues in your work, pinpointing problems can help you prioritize solving them. Consider the following scenarios that can thwart your fundraising success An organization accepts event registrations through […]

Read More… from What’s holding you back from fundraising success?

During the first months of the year, you may be so busy catching up from the year-end fundraising season that it’s practically spring before you come up for air. When you do, it’s crucial to take some time to evaluate how things are going. Consider where you can make improvements, and even tackle some good […]

Read More… from 3 ways fundraisers can tackle spring cleaning

Fundraisers are focused on increasing numbers: Raise more money through your annual appeal, increase net income from an annual fundraising event, and so on. So you may not be accustomed to trying to decrease numbers. However, by decreasing two key numbers, you may actually increase your overall fundraising totals. Two numbers to decrease to raise […]

Read More… from Two numbers to decrease to raise more money

Lapsed donors represent great potential for your organization. The fact that they’ve contributed in the past suggests they’ll be inclined to give again, but how can you re-engage them? Here are 4 suggestions that can help re-engage your lapsed donors: Be clear about who your lapsed donors are A lapsed donor is someone who contributed […]

Read More… from How to re-engage lapsed donors