Author: Virginia Davidson

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. […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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Fundraisers are accustomed to tracking and reporting on progress toward financial goals. But do you track any metrics related to your own work? If you’re looking to get a better sense of your workload and fundraising operations, identify and start tracking some key pieces of information for yourself. Doing so may reveal opportunities to improve […]

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Looking for ways to strengthen your donors’ engagement with your nonprofit organization? Consider engaging your donors as volunteers. This not only benefits your organization but also increases your donors’ understanding of what it takes to achieve your mission. Here are three reasons why it’s great to engage donors as volunteers, and three ways you can […]

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