Insights and Resources for Nonprofit Fundraising
Browse by topic: Capital Campaign Donor Research Major Gifts Donor Engagement Donor Acquisition Planning & Strategy
How to Turn Your Nonprofit’s Milestone Anniversary into a Transformational Campaign
An anniversary campaign or a capital campaign launched in conjunction with a milestone anniversary can reenergize your mission, galvanize your supporters, provide ample opportunities to celebrate your organization and mission, and attract new donors and attention. Done without enough lead-time planning, it risks becoming an expensive party with little lasting impact.
Why Coaching and Mentorship Matter for Heads of Philanthropy
It’s a role that demands strategic vision, people leadership, financial savvy, and a deep commitment to your mission. Fundraising leaders carry the responsibility of keeping the whole development engine running smoothly—not just cultivating major gifts, not just writing grant proposals, not just events management—but all of that and the umbrella, too.
Celebrating Small Wins: How Micro-Victories Keep Fundraisers Motivated
Research tells us that even minor achievements activate the brain’s reward system, triggering a dopamine release—the feel-good chemical that fuels motivation. And who doesn’t want that? When fundraisers experience these positive feedback loops, they’re more likely to stay engaged and resilient.
You Can’t Fundraise Well If You’re Running on Empty: Why Healthy Boundaries Are the Secret to Sustainable Impact
Nonprofit leaders and fundraisers are some of the most passionate people on the planet. That passion can drive incredible change. But left unchecked, it also drives burnout. The constant pressure to do more, say yes, and chase every opportunity creates a treadmill effect—fast-moving, exhausting, and hard to step off.
Embracing Change: When Board Members Step Down, Make Room for What’s Next
Board transitions are not a crisis. They’re an opportunity. When a board member steps down, they create space for new leadership—leaders who are aligned with where the organization is headed next. The key is to navigate these transitions with confidence, intentionality, and gratitude.
Shifting Board Culture: How to Introduce a Giving Expectation for Your Capital Campaign
It’s absolutely possible to establish board giving as an expectation without causing resistance or division. The key is introducing this shift as a natural evolution—one that aligns with the mission, reinforces board members’ roles as leaders, and strengthens the organization’s credibility.
Leading by Example: The Ripple Effect of Board Giving
For major donors and institutional funders, board giving is a make-or-break trust signal. Some foundations even require 100% board participation before considering a grant. And many high-net-worth donors won’t even enter the conversation until they know the board is fully invested.
What’s Holding Your Board Back? Overcoming Resistance to Giving
Resistance to board giving is more common than many nonprofit leaders realize, and it often stems from long-standing board culture rather than a lack of commitment. Whether it’s uncertainty, financial concerns, or simply an outdated understanding of board roles, these challenges can—and must—be addressed head-on. A board that isn’t fully engaged in giving makes fundraising harder at every level.
Making It Easy: How to Ensure 100% Board Participation in Your Next Campaign
This is the first post in a five-part series on board giving—how to set expectations, overcome resistance, and build a culture where board members lead by example in fundraising. Today, we’re starting with one of the most critical steps in any campaign: ensuring 100% board participation.
Creating a Capital Campaign Budget: Costs & Considerations
Planning a capital campaign and unsure how much to budget for expenses? Explore our quick guide to capital campaign budgeting for professional insight.
5 Tips for Engaging Nonprofit Volunteers on a Deeper Level
Volunteers are a core part of your nonprofit’s team. Learn how to retain and motivate them with these top strategies for engagement and relationship building.
Building a Thriving Volunteer Community in 2025 (& Beyond)
Volunteers who feel a sense of community around your nonprofit are more likely to stick with your organization. Learn how to build a modern volunteer community.