Each week in April Step by Step Fundraising published new articles on the topic of Fundraising Myths. These fundraising and non profit management experts brought their unique perspectives to this topic. There are many years of experience and wisdom to be found on these pages!
Here’s a list of each of the articles in this […]

When non-profit directors or development staff comes to me looking for help in the world of foundations, the first thing I usually have to do is dispel the most common myths surrounding foundation funding.
Myth #1: Foundation funding is easy.
Myth #2: Foundations are anxious to give money to organizations like mine.
Myth #3: Foundations just require a […]

In a time when many non-profit organizations are examining their budgets closely and looking anywhere to cut expenses, it is not uncommon that allocations for advertising and marketing are slashed. This may cause some to worry that existing customers will fall out of touch and potential new ones will never hear of you in […]

When a dear friend of our family moved into senior housing, we had to get everything out of her house. But her new apartment was full long before the house was empty. With all the additional stuff on the lawn, it felt like we were starring on an episode of the TV show Clean Sweep.
In […]

Volunteerism is a defining characteristic of the Not-For-Profit sector, in that it sets us apart from the other two societal sectors. It is usually thought of as a virtuous, selfless enterprise on the part of the volunteer….yet my experience, both as an organizational leader and as a volunteer, is that this is not true. […]

Big events and celebrity galas that make the news may leave the impression that special events are the best way to raise money for charity. While event fundraisers can be quite successful, it’s important to have realistic expectations.
The famous line from the movie Field of Dreams “if you build it, they will come” unfortunately doesn’t […]

The question is simple, what have you given in return to those who make financial donations to your organization? No, I don’t mean little chotchkies, pens or mailing labels.
Maybe it sounds backwards even, “they are supposed to give to us!” But giving, as in any relationship, is a two way street.
Here are three things that […]

While researching email tips for non profits I discovered Kivi Leroux Miller’s blog about non profit communications. One of her articles presents 15 Places to Find Article Ideas for Your Nonprofit Newsletter which includes some creative places around the office and otherwise to find newsletter ideas.
So after reading Kivi’s post I decided to put […]

Everybody knows that you should send a thank you note to a donor. Along with the fundraising “ask” letter, these two kinds of letters are the bookends. However these not be the only times you make contact with your supporters.
The following is a list of ten reasons you should stay in contact with your […]

Ever hears of a giving circle? It’s a great way for friends to get together and support causes they care about. Giving circles are made up of a small group of friends that meet informally on occassion, simliar to supper clubs and book clubs.
I suppose social service clubs have been doing this for years […]