With National DAF Day approaching on October 8, now is a good time to ask a bigger question: Is your organization making the most of this rapidly growing form of philanthropy?
With National DAF Day approaching on October 8, now is a good time to ask a bigger question: Is your organization making the most of this rapidly growing form of philanthropy?
Topics: Communications, Fundraising, Case For Support, Annual Campaign, Annual Fundraising, Fund Development, Fundraising Campaign, Development
By Gary Laermer and Kali Righter
The latest Fundraising Effectiveness Project data (Q4 2025), reveals overall giving is up 5% in 2025, which is a very encouraging signal. But that growth is being driven by a smaller group of donors, as the total number of donors continues to decline.
Topics: Fundraising, Camp Fundraising, Donor Communications, Annual Fundraising, Fundraising Management, donor research, data, middle donor
Over the years I’ve lost count as to how many times a nonprofit colleague has asked “do we have a donor for this program?” My response is almost always the same: “Please send me 3 sentences on the societal problem you’re proposing to solve and 3 sentences on how your program or project solves the problem, and I’ll get back to you.”
Topics: Donor Stewardship, Fundraising, Major Gifts, Donor Relations, Relationship Building, Planned Giving
-Aug-18-2025-03-07-15-8115-PM.png)
In many fundraising teams, donor stewardship follows a predictable script: a $250 donor gets a thank-you note and an annual report, a $500 donor also receives a quarterly newsletter and so on. While this approach acknowledges generosity, it also keeps donors in a holding pattern—focused on their last contribution rather than future possibilities.
What if stewardship wasn’t just about recognition and acknowledgement? By aligning stewardship with moves management, we can create a dynamic, forward-facing strategy that deepens engagement and drives transformational giving.
Topics: Leadership, Donor Stewardship, Stewardship, Fundraising, Nonprofit Management, Storytelling, Donor Recognition, Nonprofit Leadership, Strategy, Donor Engagement, Inspiration, Communication, Giving, Development, Gift Of Giving
Some call it storytelling; others call it an elevator pitch. Either is fine, and elevator pitches are good as long as you know that most people want to get off on the 2nd floor.
Developing a concise, compelling, and succinct message that clearly states the societal problem you’re working to address, how you will solve it, and what differentiates your work is a key factor in fundraising campaign success. Your case must be made clearly, quickly, be externally focused, and demonstrate urgency.
Topics: Communications, Donor Cultivation, Fundraising, Case For Support, Annual, Strategy, Case Statement, Donor Relations, Fund Development, Communication, Appreciation, Collaboration, Attitude
-2.png)
When setting fundraising goals—whether for annual contributed revenue or a multi-year campaign—many organizations default to looking at past performance. But here’s the thing: basing your goals only on what’s been done before can be limiting.
Topics: Capital Campaign, Donor Stewardship, Donation, Fundraising, Goal Setting, Campaign Leadership, Goals, Financial Development, Fundraising Management, Capital Fundraising, Fund Development, Communication, Development, Campaign Planning, Making The Case, Making The Ask, Donor, Online Giving, Donor Advised Funds, CelebratingOurClients