Are you ready to achieve greater fundraising success for your cause? If so you have found the right place! It is my mission to connect you with the most effective fundraising strategies so you can continue to make a positive impact in the world.


On this site you'll find how-to articles and guides that provide step-by-step, practical resources for fundraisers. The fundraising ideas presented on this site come from real fundraisers, just like you. You will get the real inside scoop about what works and what doesn't, saving you lots of time and effort.


If you're new here, the best place to start is to get a copy of The 5 Keys to Successful Fundraising. This is our free guide that will help you in your fundraising planning & strategy. Whether you are a newbie, or an experienced fundraiser this guide will give you a fresh perspective on fundraising for your organization.


Sandra Sims,
Publisher, Step by Step Fundraising

 

Most Recent Posts

Philanthropy reveals true character

Posted on 08 March 2010

Grace Groner lived through the Great Depression, so saving money was her expertise. Nobody knew just how much she had saved until she died in January at age 100 and left $7 million to Lake Forest College, her alma mater…. “She could have lived in any house in Lake Forest but she chose not to. [...]

One-Mile Fun Run Fundraiser

Posted on 01 March 2010

If you review a community event calendar you may see organizations offering a one-mile fun run with their events.  This short distance run can improve your audience reach within the community and compliment a 5K or 10K nicely.  They can also be great add-ons to weekend festivals or health fairs. Including more people in your [...]

Does Stigma Impact Your Fundraising Efforts?

Posted on 22 February 2010

A few years ago, I was trying to drum up participation in our upcoming Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk by hosting a booth at a community fair. I had cheery, purple decorations (purple is the signature color of the Alzheimer’s cause), freebies such as pens and magnets, and lots of information about our walk to [...]

Roundup: Internet Strategies for Nonprofits

Posted on 19 February 2010

Today’s link roundup includes advice regarding a variety of internet strategies for nonprofits:
Integrating Your Web Site and Database for Greater Donor Engagement by Robin Fisk, FundraisingSuccess
Are you new to blogging? Read this simple primer. by Sandra Sims, Cause Blogger
Online Outreach on a Budget - the January Nonprofit Blog Carnival, issueLab’s Footnotes
15 Nonprofit Social Media [...]

Grants Available from Major Corprorations: Lowes, Pepsi

Posted on 12 February 2010

News on two programs available from major corporations:
With the Pepsi Refresh Project the company will be giving up to $1.3 million in grants to businesses and nonprofits for fresh new ideas. The project is a crowd-sourced granting program where the public submits and votes on ideas, in various categories, that can change the world.
Go to [...]

12 Ways to Use Social Media to Market Your Fundraiser

Posted on 04 February 2010

Social media applications like blogs, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook can be useful tools to help you publicize, gain attendees and supporters for fundraisers such as benefit auctions. Not only are these tools free to use, but they enable you to relay short, constant reminders about your  fundraiser.
Creating “something to write” can be overwhelming for some [...]

2 Simple Ways to Increase Your Online Giving

Posted on 01 February 2010

Several weeks ago I decided to feature a local nonprofit organization I worked with years ago for Twitter’s #CharityTuesday, thinking that I might be able to drive a few extra dollars their way.
So I paid a visit to their website to make a donation and copy the url.
I searched and searched for a way to [...]