Insights and Resources for Nonprofit Fundraising
Browse by topic: Capital Campaign Donor Research Major Gifts Donor Engagement Donor Acquisition Planning & Strategy
How to Use Social Proof to Boost Fundraising Results and Donor Trust
There’s a wonderful little magic trick our brains play on us: when we’re uncertain, we look around to see what other people are doing. And then we often do the same thing. If you’ve ever slowed down to watch a crowd gather around a street performer, or found yourself joining in applause at the end of a performance—even when you weren’t sure it was over—you’ve experienced this firsthand.
Why Donors Freeze at the Donation Page — And 5 Ways to Reduce the Hidden Friction
You’ve built a compelling campaign. You’ve inspired someone to click “Donate.”They’re aligned with your mission. They’re emotionally invested. And still—they hesitate. Or worse: they close the tab. If you’ve seen this pattern, you’re not alone.
By understanding why this hesitation happens, we can help nonprofit leaders recognize and remove hidden points of friction.
Why Your Donors Aren’t Giving (And What To Do About It)
Every fundraiser knows the feeling—your campaign is live, the messaging is strong… and then, silence. Before you blame the strategy, consider this: the real reason donors hesitate may have less to do with your message—and more to do with what’s happening in their minds.
5 Common Myths About Hiring a National Fundraising Consulting Firm—And What Nonprofits Should Know
Hiring a national fundraising consulting firm can feel risky—especially if your nonprofit is rooted in a close-knit community. But many common concerns are based on myths. This post unpacks five widespread misconceptions—and what actually matters when choosing the right partner for your next big fundraising effort.
One Gift vs. One Thousand: The Math (and Psychology) of Leadership Giving in a Capital Campaign
Would you rather reach your goal through one $5 million leadership gift—or through thousands of smaller ones? Because while every gift matters, not all gifts shape a campaign’s outcome—or its timeline—the same way. Let’s take a look at the math, and the mindset behind why securing a leadership gift early makes all the difference.
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.