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For nonprofits, reputation isnt just important. Its everything. Trust is the foundation of donor relationships, volunteer engagement, and community impact. While many organizations focus on public relations and fundraising strategies, smaller, often overlooked factors can significantly shape how your nonprofit is perceived. A proactive approach to reputation management helps safeguard trust and ensure long-term credibility.
In an ideal world, a newsletter can be a great way to engage with your donors. In the real world, that doesnt often happen because most donor newsletters can be used as a cure for insomnia. Theyre too long and filled with boring articles that brag about how wonderful the organization is. A newsletter is a vital part of the ask, thank report, repeat formula and you cant just go on autopilot.
Why Identifying Your Nonprofit Target Audience Matters Too many nonprofits fall into the trap of broadcasting messages to bystanders instead of strategically engaging the right people. Traditional audience personas can be helpful, but they often dont capture the true motivations behind why people engage with your cause. Thats where Engagement Mindsets come ina research-backed framework created by Nonprofit Marketing Guide (NPMG) that helps nonprofits move beyond surface-level demographics and in
Your donor database is an effective tool for boosting engagement at your nonprofitif you optimize and leverage it strategically. Learn more in this guide. By Sarah Tedesco Its no secret that effective donor engagement is vital to your nonprofits success. Individual donations make up a large portion of most nonprofits funding, and those donors generally want to feel connected to and appreciated by the organizations they support.
Speaker: Lee Andrews, Founder at LJA New Media & Tony Karrer, Founder and CTO at Aggregage
This session will walk you through how one CEO used generative AI, workflow automation, and sales personalization to transform an entire security company—then built the Zero to Strategy framework that other mid-market leaders are now using to unlock 3.5x ROI. As a business executive, you’ll learn how to assess AI opportunities in your business, drive adoption across teams, and overcome internal resource constraints—without hiring a single data scientist.
Image Credit: ThisIsEngineering on Pexels Artificial intelligence (AI) has come to the nonprofit sector. Whether one views the technology as a force for good or something more sinister, the use of AI by nonprofits is sure to grow. More than half of nonprofits are using AI in some capacity, according to a recent report by the Center for Effective Philanthropy.
The organization behind the annual post-Thanksgiving generosity extravaganza wants to help nonprofits and foundations create drives nationwide to help groups raise cash and earn trust. By Drew Lindsay GivingTuesday In northern Michigan, the Copper Shores Community Health Foundation raised more than $1 million last year through a community campaign.
Ian Adair, MS, ACNP , four time nonprofit CEO and one of the first 50 professionals in the country to earn the Advanced Certified Nonprofit Professional (ACNP) credential (a designation now held by hundreds in the United States), made the bold decision to move across the country for the role of Chief Executive Officer at the Seattle Police Foundation , a position that sits squarely at the intersection of trust, trauma, and transformation.
Ian Adair, MS, ACNP , four time nonprofit CEO and one of the first 50 professionals in the country to earn the Advanced Certified Nonprofit Professional (ACNP) credential (a designation now held by hundreds in the United States), made the bold decision to move across the country for the role of Chief Executive Officer at the Seattle Police Foundation , a position that sits squarely at the intersection of trust, trauma, and transformation.
Theres a widespread misconception that charity is just for the less fortunatethe poor, the marginalized, etc.even though those of us in the nonprofit sector know we all benefit from the work nonprofits do on a daily basis. Not only do nonprofits provide assistance to those affected by a climate disaster, illness, financial calamity, or other unexpected difficulty, research has shown all segments of society benefit from the sector.
Our Ask An Expert series features real questions answered by Claire Axelrad, J.D., CFRE , also known as Charity Clairity. Todays question comes from a nonprofit employee who wants advice on whether an email welcome series is necessary, and how to set one up: Is a welcome email series necessary? We always send a thank you, but couldnt an automated series of emails annoy new donors?
Our world is chock full of information. When I was growing up, we just had a few TV channels to choose from. Now there are countless streaming options. We also have email, the internet, and social media, just to name a few. Its not only the volume of options, its also the content. And in our current climate of crisis and uncertainty, its information overload on steroids.
Guess what? In the age of AI and short attention spans, generic partnership decks are getting ignored. The new standard? Short, punchy pitches so tailored they feel hand-delivered. I call them 'just-in-time partnership pitches." But you dont need hoursor a research teamto make a prospect feel like the only one in your inbox. Try this 3-question framework in your next email: 1.
Speaker: Gareth Webb & Phil Selley, Founding Partners at Intouch Business
For many nonprofit organizations and NGOs, managing grants and monitoring projects with spreadsheets and manual processes feels familiar—but is it holding your organization back? As funding requirements become more complex and stakeholder expectations for transparency grow, relying on outdated methods can lead to inefficiencies, missed opportunities, and compliance risks.
Funders working to build strong communities should know this: Research shows that people crave relationship, but they need opportunities to come together and work together. By Kate Carney Levitt Foundation Members of the audience dance during a show at Levitt Pavilion Dayton, which hosts dozens of free concerts throughout the summer, in Dayton, Ohio.
While nonprofits can and should buck the overhead myth , theres still some logic in it. After all, what charitable organization doesnt want to minimize costs and devote more resources to its mission? Your fundraisers should strive to make this happen, even when it comes to gaining revenue for major projects. One short-term, low-cost fundraiser is a crowdfunding campaign.
Image Credit: Photo by Anton on Unsplash This past weekend, a friend asked me, How are you really ? The first word that came to mind was lonely. Freezing in placeis rarely a winning strategy, even if it is dressed up as such. Not because I dont have a great team and a loving family, but because professionally, Im sensing the fear gripping all of us as the federal administration threatens our community, our organizations, and even our industry.
By Sara Horowitz You can feel it when you walk into a mutualist space for the first timewhether its a worker cooperative in North Carolina , a community garden , a labor-housing cooperative , a cohousing group in New York City, a nonprofit building in Portland, Oregon , or a social cooperative in the Italian Alps. In these places, you just feel human in a way that you dont when youre one-click ordering on Amazon or strolling through Target.
Your financial statements hold powerful insights—but are you truly paying attention? Many finance professionals focus on the income statement while overlooking key signals hidden in the balance sheet and cash flow statement. Understanding these numbers can unlock smarter decision-making, uncover risks, and drive long-term success. Join David Worrell, accomplished CFO, finance expert, and author, for an engaging, nontraditional take on reading financial statements.
As you work on your nonprofit messages, remember the word why. Why, you ask? Because a lot of nonprofit communication doesnt focus on why something is important. Theres usually a lot of what and how, but not much why. The typical fundraising letter and newsletter article rambles on about accomplishments without explaining why something matters. Some organizations also like to pour on the statistics.
Whats standing between your nonprofit and greater impact in 2025? From donor shifts to budget stress, discover the 9 biggest fundraising challengesand how to overcome them with smarter strategies and better data. Unlock insights that help you grow giving, boost efficiency, and engage high-value donors. Dont miss this must-read for nonprofit leaders navigating a rapidly changing fundraising landscape.
In word and deed, the pontiff preached a gospel of pluralism that is illuminating for advocates working to bring Americans together. By Eboo Patel Vatican Media via AP Pope Francis poses for a photo after washing the feet of Muslim, Christian, and Hindu refugees during an Easter Week Mass with asylum-seekers at a shelter in Castelnuovo di Porto, outside Rome, in 2016.
Couldnt make it to the Nonprofit Leadership Alliances annual Elevate Conference on February 25-27 th , 2025? Now, you dont have to miss out! Elevate 2025 On Demand is officially live and ready for you to stream at your convenience. Elevate is a 3-day virtual nonprofit conference designed to help mission-driven professionals and organizations thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
Traditional budgeting and forecasting methods can no longer keep pace with today’s rapidly evolving business environment. Static budgets, rigid annual forecasts, and outdated financial models limit an organization’s ability to adapt to market shifts and economic uncertainty. To stay ahead, finance leaders must leverage a future-forward approach—one that leverages real-time data, predictive analytics, and continuous planning to drive smarter financial decisions.
Image credit: Photo by Marco Bianchetti on Unsplash In anticipation of being threatened with defunding, PBS decided this past January to close their DEI office. In a statement they shared with NPR , they noted, The staff members who served in that office are leaving PBS. PBS was not forced to act. The nonprofit faces financial risk, of course, as it receives 16 percent of its funding from the federal government.
Marketing outreach is an essential part of advancing a nonprofits mission. Strategic and well-thought out print and digital marketing can make an initial connection with a potential donor, strengthen an existing relationship, or inspire an important stakeholder to take action. Whether the goal is donations, advocacy, or volunteer engagement, well-designed nonprofit marketing and communications can inspire action.
Great piece, Amy! Love the idea of ‘Make America Kind Again, a.k.a. MAKA. Maybe we could start this desperately needed movement!! Also, #9… think like the recipient of the message; what would they want to hear and how do you want to make them feel or respond to your message. Finally… what to do when writer’s block hits– how I wish I could take my computer into the shower!
Nonprofits generate vast amounts of donor and program data, yet most of it remains untapped. Over 75% of Blackbaud customers report using less than half of their platform's potential, leaving critical insights hidden in disconnected systems. Data Moose integrates AI-powered enhancements that help nonprofits maximize their Blackbaud investments, improving donor engagement and operational efficiency.
Speaker: Tim Sarrantonio, Director of Corporate Brand
Do you really know your donors? Not just what they give, but who they are? 👥 In this interactive session, we’ll break down how nonprofits can use behavioral indicators (affinity, recency, frequency, and monetary value) to build prospecting segments that go beyond wealth screening and actually align with donor identity. You’ll walk away with practical strategies to move beyond basic demographics and cultivate supporters based on how they already engage with you!
Peter and Bonnie McCauslands donation will back paid internships, neuroscience research programs, and faculty fellowships. By Maria Di Mento University of South Carolina Peter and Bonnie McCausland unveil the newly-renamed McCausland College of Arts and Sciences at the University of South Carolina. Plus, a law school in Nebraska landed $2 million to enhance holocaust and international justice studies, and several other universities and a medical center in Hawaii received big gifts.
By Alex Counts The global humanitarian movement is under siege. With the dismantling of USAID, it has become clear that we need new paradigms and modalities if we are to resuscitateor even invigoratethe global humanitarian enterprise. Current models of private philanthropy alone cant make up for the sudden reduction of American development assistance (which itself follows on a more gradual reduction in aid from the United Kingdom), and we need to acknowledge that effective organizations as well
Image Credit: Planet Volumes on Unsplash One-time large contributions to nonprofits, no matter the amount, can be perceived as risky because theyre not recurring and might leave a gap once the funds are spent. The likelihood of a financial cliff may prompt some organizations to prioritize a diverse base of backers over one-time contributions. However, a recent Center for Effective Philanthropy (CEP) study, titled Breaking the Mold: The Transformative Effect of MacKenzie Scotts Big Gifts , which
Sponsored by Neon One a software that connects nonprofits with the technology and resources that empower them to build a community of generosity. Donation tax receipts are a must. No, seriously. For any charitable gift over $250, the IRS requires that nonprofits send a receiptand nobody wants to make the IRS unhappy. But donation receipts can also be a great way to give your donors more than just a dry accounting of their recent transaction.
Payroll compliance is a cornerstone of business success, yet for small and midsize businesses, it’s becoming increasingly challenging to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of federal, state, and local regulations. Mistakes can lead to costly penalties and operational disruptions, making it essential to adopt advanced solutions that ensure accuracy and efficiency.
Every day, more and more nonprofits are facing increasing fiscal uncertainty as the U.S. government cuts longstanding programs and grant funding. At Candid, we understand whats at stakeand were taking immediate action to support the nonprofits hit hardest. Our data reveals that at least 30% of U.S. nonprofits receive government grants , and for more than 35,000 of them, those grants make up over half of their total revenue.
Ditch the cookie-cutter thank-you. Todays donors expect moreand deserve it. Learn how to deliver powerful, personalized stewardship that speaks directly to each type of donor. Backed by psychology and real-world success, this session will show you how to use gratitude strategically to boost retention, increase giving, and create lasting impact. If you want donors to feel seen, valued, and inspiredthis is your must-attend session.
After Edward Blum's complaint to the IRS about the Gates Foundation's "illegal" scholarship program for students of color, the Seattle philanthropy giant said it would change the scholarship's eligibility criteria to include all races. By Alex Daniels Susan Walsh/AP After Edward Blum's complaint to the IRS about the Gates Foundation's "illegal" scholarship program for students of color, the Seattle philanthropy giant said it would change the scholarship's eligibility criteria to include all race
Nonprofit organizations thrive when their operations are efficient, their teams are aligned, and their communities are engaged. This article explores how nonprofits can leverage tools like organizational chart software and donor databases to streamline workflows, manage teams effectively, and enhance donor relationships. It also highlights the value of focus groups as a strategy for refining programs and improving community impact.
Employee recognition has often been deemed a "feel-good" initiative, tied closely to rewards. While we understand its importance, we tend to associate recognition with intangible outcomes like engagement and sentiment, rather than direct impacts on retention and high performance. In today’s workplace, the true ROI of recognition lies in its ability to regenerate tangible, business-driven results.
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