Soapbox Engage Blog

Issue 102

Happy Tuesday, fundraisers! As I write this, I am watching an impressive (and frightening) DC lightning storm from my window. I hope wherever you are this Tuesday, you are safe and comfortable.

In this week’s newsletter, learn the elements of great nonprofit communication, prepare for a capital campaign, or brush up on some facilitation skills that will improve your fundraising. Dig in!

You can receive the Fundraising Weekly newsletter each Tuesday by subscribing today!

Great Fundraising Posts

Setting Fundraising Goals for Nonprofit Campaigns

Tim Forbes (Soapbox Engage)

Setting fundraising goals that are too ambitious can actually work against you. Any goal that feels unachievable can make your fundraisers feel inadequate or set for failure. On the other hand, goals that feel too easy aren't inspirational or motivating and won't bring a sense of satisfaction when achieved. It's essential to set goals that are appropriately challenging for each campaign. This blog has some helpful insights about how to strike that balance when setting fundraising goals.

The 5 C’s of Good Nonprofit Communication

Ann Green (Ann Green)

Ann presents a "rerun" of a powerful blog about the "5 C's" of powerful communication with donors–and really in any context. Whether you're writing an appeal letter, a thank you note, a newsletter update, or any other type of donor communication, make sure it's clear, concise, conversational, compelling, and establishes a connection.

“Why Are You Writing About the Organization?”

Steven Screen (The Better Fundraising Company)

Steven continues the series on donor-centered newsletters and presents a powerful question: "Why are you writing about your organization?" After all, most donors read newsletters to learn how their gift made an impact, not to learn about the organization itself. Effective newsletters clearly demonstrate how financial contributions are making an impact by telling powerful stories. Keep reading to learn more about writing donor-centered newsletters that raise more money.

The Envelope Has 2 Sides -- You Can Use Both

Jeff Brooks (Future Fundraising Now)

We all take for granted that the envelope has two sides… and most of us probably only use one side of those fundraising envelopes. But commercial direct marketing regularly uses both sides of the envelope! Check out this blog to see how you can use some of those commercial marketing strategies to your fundraising advantage.

4 Ways to Raise More Money Online for Your Nonprofit

Joe Garecht (Joe Garecht Fundraising)

Every nonprofit of all shapes and sizes should be using all four of the primary fundraising channels throughout the year: e-mail, website, crowdfunding or peer-to-peer fundraising, and social media. It's more important than ever to be raising money via these online strategies and this blog will show you how to raise more money online, even if you don't quite feel tech-savvy.

How Facilitation Skills Make You a Better Fundraiser

Karen Kendrick (Veritus Group)

A well-facilitated meeting is a good use of everyone's time and accomplishes a lot. It creates space for valuable conversation, creativity, and collaboration. Wouldn't it be great if you could create that kind of experience in your donor interactions? With the " Permission-Based Asking Model" you can do just that! Check out this blog to learn how to structure your donor meetings for maximum enjoyment and outcome.

6 Winning Ways to Start Your Next Fundraising Appeal

Lisa Sargent (Moceanic)

Have you ever felt all your creativity vanish when you sit down to write your next fundraising appeal? There's so much pressure to anchor your donor's interest early in the appeal. Even when you follow all the "best practices" the best development professionals still find themselves struggling for a way to start and to frame the lead or get the story started. This blog has some helpful tips and strategies to kickstart writing your next appeal when you're feeling a bit of writer's block or lack of creativity.

What Can Your Nonprofit Do With Just $1?

Erica Waasdorp (NonProfit PRO)

It's easy to overlook or minimize the value of microdonations or small gifts. Those small gifts and dollars really do add up. In this blog, Erica recounts the power of a small book called "What Can You Do With Just $1" and applies the principles to the nonprofit fundraising context.

Capital Campaign Pre-Planning: What to do Before Hiring a Consultant

Gail Perry (Fired-Up Fundraising)

It's perfectly understandable to get excited about launching a capital campaign. You're excited about your vision and you're chomping at the bit to get started. While that enthusiasm does generate momentum and excitement, it's critical to not skip the organization and pre-planning steps prior to your feasibility study. Make sure you're laying the groundwork for a successful study before you start the search for a reputable campaign consulting firm. This blog has insights into some essential pre-planning any nonprofit should do before a capital campaign.