Author Archives | Sandra Sims

Sandra Sims has written 338 posts on Step By Step Fundraising.

Sandra Sims is the founder of Step by Step Fundraising, which connects non-profits with effective fundraising solutions. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of North Texas, a Certificate in Non Profit Management from Midwestern State University and is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.


Website: Step By Step Fundraising

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. [...]

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 [...]

Your Time and Effort Matter for Effective Fundraising

Posted on 26 January 2010

In last week’s newsletter I featured Marc Pitman’s great ideas about The Pareto Principle: The 80/20 Rule for Fundraising.  (If you’re not on our newsletter list you can sign up here.)
Basically the rule says that 20% of your efforts produce 80% of results.  This concept reminds us that effective fundraising is not just about the [...]

How to Fundraise for Haiti Relief Efforts

Posted on 19 January 2010

The immediate outpouring of support for Haitian relief efforts has been astounding.  Donations are reaching record amounts and people continue to want to donate or fundraise to help the people of Haiti.
Britt Bravo has a great article with links: Helping Haiti: Places to Donate, Creative Fundraising Ideas, and Being a Smart Donor.  I’d like to [...]

Happy Holidays from the (expanded) Sims family

Posted on 14 December 2009

If you’re on my newsletter list you may have already heard about the new addition to the Sims family, Micah Wesley.  He decided to come into this world a couple weeks sooner than expected, arriving at 5:47 AM on Tuesday November 24th. Thanks again to those who emailed with such kind well wishes.
We just returned [...]

Evaluating Online Donation Service Providers

Posted on 18 November 2009

There are many companies eager to help you with the task of online donations, from standard credit card processors to those specializing in nonprofits.  So how do you decide which provider is right for you? Here are seven factors for you to consider when choosing an online donation service provider:
1. Features
When evaluating service providers first [...]