In July 2025, Congress passed the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) Act. If you are a development officer in the nonprofit world, there are some changes that took effect in January 2026 that you should be aware of. These new tax provisions offer both expanded opportunities and important considerations for donors.

For those who take the standard deduction on their taxes

• The standard deduction has increased

  • Single or married and filing separately: $15,750

  • Head of household: $23,625

  • Married filing jointly or qualifying surviving spouse: $31,500

• Charitable gifts are no longer entirely restricted from the standard deduction, so even those who do not itemize may deduct cash donations to certain charities.

  • Single donors may deduct up to $1,000; married couples up to $2,000

  • Note that gifts to donor-advised fund sponsors and some private foundations are ineligible for this deduction.

Tip: If you have donors who are edging close to a gift at these levels, encourage them to consider stretching a bit to take advantage of this new deduction.

For those who itemize their deductions

• There is a “floor” of 0.5% on the deductions a donor can take for charitable giving.

  • For example, if your Adjusted Gross Income is $300,000, .05% of that is $1,500. Therefore, the first $1,500 in charitable donations will not be deductible, but amounts above $1,500 will qualify.

  • Corporations are only entitled to deduct charitable contributions to qualified charities that exceed 1% of their taxable income.

Tip: For these donors, larger gifts equal larger deductions. How can you help move them to a level that is more tax-beneficial to them and more impactful for you?

For itemizers in the top tax bracket

• For those donors in the 37% marginal tax bracket, the OBBB Act caps the tax benefit of itemized charitable deductions at 35%, meaning these donors will see the value of their deduction slightly reduced from the previous level. 

• Stocks, qualified charitable distributions, grants from donor-advised funds, or other noncash donations may be beneficial ways for donors to give more with additional tax benefits.

• Donors with large estates may see additional benefits through planned giving and legacy gifts.

Estate taxes and gift tax exemption

• The federal estate and gift tax exemption rises to $15 million per person (indexed for inflation), so very few estates will owe federal estate tax.

• States vary on the taxes they levy in these instances. South Dakota does not have a state estate tax, inheritance tax, or gift tax.

Although tax regulations can be overwhelming, it is important to take the time to learn about the potential benefits for your donors. It is wise to seek counsel from a trusted tax professional or financial advisor and suggest your donors do the same. Any changes that make giving beneficial to donors can ultimately benefit your nonprofit as well.

by contributing author Jona Schmidt, Development Director

A few years ago, I took the Halloween pumpkins I had on the front porch and tossed them under the deck in the back yard, thinking I would move them to a more appropriate spot later. It didn’t happen. Those pumpkins stayed put through the winter and by early summer I had the beginnings of a rather large pumpkin patch growing in the fertile soil under the deck. Even though I am not a gardener, by Fall I managed to harvest quite a large number of pumpkins, enough to share with family and friends, and all from seeds I wasn’t aware I had even planted.

Fundraising is a bit like my accidental gardening – tossing seeds into the soil, hoping that some will take root and grow into a relationship, and ultimately into gifts for our organizations. Planned gift, also known as legacy gift, fundraising is even more like planting seeds, taking several growing seasons to come to fruition. But when they do, the results can be transformational, and all from seeds you may not be aware you are planting.

To take the gardening analogy one step further, starting a planned giving program at your organization takes about the same skill level as I have with growing pumpkins. It does not require a dedicated staff member or large budget. Here are a few tips to get you started.

Tilling

Donor data management is the key to successful fundraising. While anyone of any age or income level can make a charitable bequest, most who do fall into several distinct categories. Whether you use a spreadsheet or dedicated software, you should be collecting critical data on your constituents that will help you create target audiences for a planned giving appeal.

Planned givers are usually long-term donors to your organization with a family history of support. They are interested in organizations like yours and may have received recognition from you in the past. They have been or are active volunteers or board members and may have talked to you before about planned gifts. They have few family obligations, are over age 65 and have no heirs. These people are your fertile soil – the folks you want to talk to about planned giving.

You should be recording demographic information in your database such as age, marital status, and children. Keep track of volunteer hours, if they serve on boards or committees, and what type of events they attend. You will also want to track gift histories including what appeals they respond to, their preferred communication method, and what types of gifts they give. Donors who give to your organization through a family trust or required minimum distribution (RMD) are giving the signal that they are planned giving prospects.

Planting

You can start a planned giving program today at no to low cost. Include a simple phrase on all your marketing materials like email signatures, business cards and letterhead that says, “Please remember (name of organization) in your will or estate plan”.  Include legacy giving information on your website under “Ways to Give” or “Donate”. Profile donors who have made a planned gift in your newsletters.

Most planned gifts to charity are made through a bequest, which can be as simple as a sentence in a will, so don’t worry if you are not an expert in how planned giving vehicles work. Donors should be encouraged to talk to their lawyer or financial planner to determine which planned gift option is best for them. What you are doing is planting seeds by providing your donors with information, encouraging them to consider your organization when they make their estate plans.

Every gift deserves your attention but watch for the donor who gives a small gift monthly and has done so for years. These donors can sometimes be overlooked because their gifts are small, and that is a mistake. Research has shown that these donors are over 7 times more likely to leave a legacy gift than other donors, including those who make major gifts. Send them a quarterly update, letting them know you are thankful for their gifts and telling them how their support is impacting your organization.

Volunteers already give so much of their time, is it too much to also ask for a gift, planned or otherwise? The answer to that is no. Infact, they may be wondering why you haven’t already asked.

Cultivating

A stewardship plan is a critical component of your fundraising process and is especially important with planned gifts. Stewardship consists of integrity, gratitude and impact. Integrity involves aligning our actions with our values. Gratitude is an attitude of appreciation that extends through interactions to relationships and ultimately to gifts. And impact is recognition of the difference we make with our efforts.

Legacy gifts are more about loyalty than wealth and are often given in memory of a loved one, or in honor of a life event, making emotion part of each transaction. Stewardship recognizes those feelings, underscores the impact of a gift, and celebrates the partnership between donor and organization.

The Harvest

Gardeners watch over the seeds they have planted, waiting until just the right time to harvest their produce from the field. Planned gift fundraising is not quite as transparent, as one rarely knows when a legacy gift will be completed. Some donors are willing to sign agreements with their intentions made plain; others keep that information to themselves. You may be reaping the rewards of a prior gift officer’s work, and someone in the future could be doing the same with yours.

As for my pumpkin patch, what started as an accident, through intentional planting and nurturing, has become an annual event.

You can do the same with a planned giving program for your organization. Till the fertile soil of your donor database, then plant the seeds of opportunity with your best prospects. Cultivate relationships through a strong stewardship plan and you will reap a harvest of planned gifts which will benefit your organization far beyond a single growing season.

Not Sure Where to Start with Planned Giving?

We can help. We’ll help you assess your donor data, craft simple messaging, and build a stewardship plan that supports long-term legacy gifts. Contact us today!

by contributing author: Lori Essig

We’ve all heard about the grandparent scams asking to bail a grandchild out of a bad situation, or the lonely people who get caught up in romance scams. Most of us think we could spot a scammer and not fall victim to these nefarious actors.

But nonprofit organizations are also targeted by scammers every day. While we want to trust people and be helpful and accommodating, it is a good idea to ensure you, your staff, and your board are aware of some of the most common scams that target nonprofits and donors. We’ve done a round-up of some of them here.

Check-cashing scam

You get a call from kind gentleman who says he wants to contribute to your organization in memory of his recently deceased aunt who had great appreciation for nonprofits with your type of mission. A few days later, you receive a check from him for $3,000. You deposit the check.

Soon after, the kind gentleman calls back, embarrassed. Turns out he meant to send $1,000. Could you cut him a check for the difference?

This is when the red flag should go up. Your first call should be to your bank to find out if the check you deposited is legitimate. In check-cashing scams, the donation check is fraudulent with no funds to back it up. If you were to send money to the scammer, he would get your money, but the original “donation” is nonexistent.  This is a common scam, and it costs victims billions of dollars a year.

Email scams

Because we rely on email communication for work and personal business every day, it is a common tool used by scammers in various ways. Some scammers are after sensitive or personal data, others are aiming directly for money.

• Internal emails – Criminals spoof or hack a senior executive’s or another staff member’s email to trick employees into transferring funds or sensitive data.

A fraudulent “internal” email may also ask for you to purchase gift cards for staff or volunteer recognition, then request the card numbers and PINs.

Just because the sender name that shows up is familiar, the email address may be fraudulent.

• Donation emails – Your board members, donors, or volunteers may be targeted via an email that looks like it is coming from you or another staff member. It may be an urgent request to fund an unexpected expense, or it may encourage giving as part of a board member’s organizational commitment. Regardless, be sure your constituents know how and when you will contact them about giving.

• State or federal compliance requests – Some fraudsters send messages that appear to come from the IRS, your state’s Secretary of State, or another official entity. You will be asked to pay a fee in compliance, usually with a deadline and a link embedded in the message for your convenience. To check the authenticity, never click the link. Go to the official website, or better yet, call the agency.

• Updating account numbers – A business or organization that you do business with may claim to have misplaced a routing or account number, or perhaps they say a new person is now doing the processing of your account. Be wary. Always follow up with a phone call to find out if it’s a legitimate request.

• “Thank you for your purchase/subscription” – You receive an email telling you that your checking account will be debited for a specific amount for the software you requested if you don’t call before a certain date. But you don’t remember the purchase and you don’t recognize the sender. Do you call? No. This is a scam to get you on the line at which point the scammer will attempt to get access to your computer, opening you up to all kinds of problems. It’s best to delete the email. If you ever find unexpected charges or account debits, call your bank immediately. Their experts will help recover any lost funds.

Artificial Intelligence

AI adds a layer of professionalism to fraudsters and scammers. The constantly improving technology makes it easier than ever to create deepfake videos and clone voices. These can be difficult to identify. The best defense is to be wary of where calls or emails are originating, and if it is from a supposed legitimate source, make a phone call to the business, agency, or organization.

Protect yourself and your organization

Just like walking down a dark, quiet street at night can send “be careful” signals to your brain, opening emails and even answering phone calls from strangers can also pop your antennae. Pay attention to those niggling feelings.

Regarding emails, use the SLAM method to stay safe:

S: Sender – Pay attention to the email address. Just because the sender name looks familiar, the actual email address could come from anyone. Often, scammers use Gmail or another free email service.

L: Links – Hover over any hyperlinks in the email to see the destination URL. If it does not match the legitimate website, do not click.

A: Attachments – Treat unexpected attachments with caution, even from known contacts. Scan them with antivirus software to ensure no malware is lurking.

M: Message – Analyze the tone and content of the email. Scammers often use high urgency and threats to encourage action. And while they are getting more sophisticated, you may find misspellings, poor grammar, and punctuation are giveaways also.

Other safety tips:

• Do not give out information to unsolicited calls, texts, or emails.

• Don’t take requests at face value.

• Slow down, especially if the person is trying to create an urgent situation.

• Create strong, secure passwords.

• Use multi-factor authentication for website logins.

If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Unfortunately, bad actors are becoming more sophisticated all the time. It will be a benefit to you and your organization if you create a culture of healthy skepticism when it comes to unsolicited donations, calls, emails, and texts. Your diligence will help protect your financial assets, donor information, and overall organizational health.

Sources: Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice, Cymulate.com, Threatmark.com, Wyoming Nonprofit Network

by Lori Essig

Nonprofit organizations have a love/hate relationship with grants: You love to secure outside funding to support your mission, but who has the time to research, write, and apply for the funding?

True, it may be difficult to find the time, but if you reconsider the benefits of grants, you will find that the time is really an investment. That investment can yield funding, of course, but there are many other benefits that can impact your long-term sustainability, especially when news of the grant is disseminated effectively.

1. Credibility

When your organization receives grant funding, that grantor is saying, “We believe in the mission and management of this organization.” By endorsing your organization through their precious resources, they are offering a stamp of approval and encouragement for all to see.

2. Trust

Your receipt of a grant helps to build trust with other potential donors and grantors, as well as validating the gifts of current donors. We all like to be in good company, so any publicity surrounding new grants confirms the good decision of your donors and provides encouragement for future givers.

3. Opening doors

Grant recipients can gain an inside track to other funders, whether foundations or even major donors who were unaware of you. If they learn about your mission through grant publicity and that mission resonates with them, you may have an opportunity to tell your story to a new and receptive audience.

4. Collaboration and innovation

New grant funding can pave the way for collaboration with other nonprofits, funders, or businesses, and can encourage innovation through those partnerships. Grantors often want to see evidence of collaboration to ensure the greatest impact from their gift. If, for example, when a nonprofit whose mission is to reduce food insecurity seeks out partners in food production, packaging, grocery, or farming they may create a new connection and more people are helped.

5. Accountability

Granting organizations want proof that their funds are having the impact they expect. This accountability requirement can seem daunting, but establishing a system to track expenses and impact will benefit you in the long run. Whether it’s for future grant applications, tracking for board and annual reports, or gathering data for marketing use, proving your impact is critical to your sustainability.

6. Ripple effects

It’s true that a grant affects the mission and sustainability of your nonprofit. It’s also true that that success can have ripple effects into your community, other nonprofits, and businesses. It’s the axiom of the rising tide lifting all boats: if the impact of your grant affects others, they may have the ability to influence their circle, and so on. The infusion of new funds has a multiplier effect well beyond your organization.

So, yes – grants take time and effort. But the benefits to your organization, your partners, your donors, and your community, are worth the investment.

INP has a proven track record in grant support for nonprofits; we are ready to help you plan and organize your efforts for stronger grant applications, and would love to support your success.

by contributing author Jona Schmidt, Development Director

Employee retention is a critical component of running a successful organization, large or small. The Better Business Bureau estimates it costs over $1,200 to onboard a new employee, and that does not take into consideration the staff time spent training the new staff. Beyond the cost associated with recruiting, hiring and training new employees, retaining experienced staff helps maintain productivity levels, fosters a positive work environment, boosts morale, and contributes to a positive organizational reputation. 

An employee recognition program does more than just reward employees; it creates a meaningful experience that connects team members to the organization’s mission. A good program creates a culture where people feel motivated, valued, and excited to contribute. Employee engagement soars when they know their efforts are appreciated.

Three Types of Employee Recognition

So how do you build a recognition program that makes a real impact, inspires employees, and delivers results that benefit the nonprofit organization? It helps to look at three types of recognition and how they affect employees: social, monetary, and peer-to-peer.

1. Social recognition is about celebrating an employees’ efforts in a way that everyone can see and share. This could be a shout-out at a meeting, a post on your company’s webpage, or a spotlight in a newsletter. Social recognition is important because people thrive when their work is noticed. It allows employees at every level to see the impact of the work they do and feel proud to be part of the team.

2. Monetary recognition adds a tangible reward to appreciation efforts. This can range from gift cards to bonus points that employees can redeem for rewards in a company marketplace. Monetary recognition ties directly to something employees can use or enjoy and is a powerful motivator. The rewards can be tailored for workplace anniversaries or small milestones.

3. Peer to peer recognition allows employees to connect and celebrate their colleagues, and to receive those sentiments back. It fosters healthy work-relationships and builds trust.

Designing Your Program

When designing your employee recognition program, follow a few simple steps to ensure flexibility, adaptability, and ease of use.  

• Set objectives. What do you want to achieve? Is it boosting engagement, improving retention, or supporting your organization’s mission?

• Align your recognition with your company’s culture. Your company culture is simply how you do things there. It is the shared values, behaviors and attitudes that shape how employees interact and work together. Your program should tie into and reflect that culture.

• Remember that an employee recognition program is an investment in the organization’s overall health and allocate an adequate budget to your efforts. Think about how you are going to accommodate different recognition needs and determine how much you can invest.

• Establish a guide so everyone knows how the program works. Specify which behaviors or achievements will be rewarded. Explain how the program ties into benefits, especially if you are using a tiered reward system.

• Get buy-in for the program from your board of directors by showing them tangible benefits. Do this by tracking retention, engagement and other positive impacts your program has on the organization’s bottom line.

Best Practices

Below are some best practices to ensure your recognition program is on the right track.   

• Make recognition frequent and consistent. Use staff meetings, or regular gatherings to call out employees for special recognition. If using monetary recognition be fair and uniform.

• Tie recognition to specific actions or desirable behaviors. Any behavior that exemplifies the organization’s mission should be especially lauded with positive and supportive recognition. Remember to always personalize your recognition and clearly communicate the action you are rewarding.

• Recognize employees in real time for maximum impact to show you are consciously paying attention to their everyday efforts. Use peer-to-peer recognition to reinforce positive behavior and to let employees know their hard work is noticed.

• Run regular campaigns to encourage participation. Think of fun ways your organization can incorporate its mission into your recognition program.

Building a recognition program takes time to design and implement, but the rewards can transform your employee retention and bring meaningful change to your organization.

High-performing organizations don’t happen by chance, they’re built through intentional team development. When culture, collaboration, and compensation are aligned, teams are more engaged, more productive, and better equipped to drive sustainable results. INP specializes in a variety of Human Resource services to help empower your staff to do their best work.

Contact us about strategies, team development workshops, wage & benefits evaluations, or to discuss a customized strategy to invest in your team!

A capital campaign can set your nonprofit organization on a transformational path, but jumping in before you’re ready could have a detrimental effect to your reputation and your future.

There are several key areas you must have in order before you consider your first ask.

Organizational infrastructure

Are your bylaws, insurance and accounting procedures in order? Having a solid organizational foundation demonstrates that you can be trusted with your donors’ hard-earned contributions.

This is also the time to review your giving and naming policies, so you are ready when unusual situations arise.

Data management

Do you maintain an accurate database of donor information, giving history, and communication records? If you are not using a database, this may be the time to do some research to see what might work best for you. You need a data management system that can track cash gifts, pledges, and even in-kind contributions. Ideally, your system will allow for online giving, expanding your reach and providing convenience.

Engage, INP’s donor management software, can make your capital and ongoing fundraising activities easy and efficient to track and review.

Campaign leadership

You can’t launch a capital campaign without your board’s commitment. They will have a role in fundraising; do they understand what that role is? Being able to offer training to them will help create a comfort level, but they need to have a realistic idea of the commitment – time, talent, and treasure – that is expected of them. If your board members are not already donating financially to your nonprofit, you likely are not ready for a capital campaign – that’s how important your board’s commitment is.

Project capacity

“Capacity” involves many things: time for all the aspects of fundraising, from grant-writing to presentations to face-to-face asks; it covers staff expertise and organizational skills; it can mean technology. Do you have the ability to take on what amounts to an additional job with the resources you have, or do you need to build expenses for these things into your campaign budget?

Human resources

A capital campaign takes people. You will need to assess the ability and availability of staff members to shift workload to a capital campaign. Using volunteers strategically can help share the load, so training and honest conversations about their commitment and skills are critical. A campaign committee that is organized and willing to be the face of the effort provides a community endorsement that lends credibility to your organization and your campaign. 

Marketing

This is the time to ensure your organizational marketing messages and materials – print, website, social media – are consistent and compelling. You and your volunteers should be able to easily make the case for your campaign. How will this campaign improve your programs and services? How will your clients and/or community be better off after the successful campaign?

Clearly defined needs

Having your organizational needs clearly identified and articulated supports your campaign readiness. You and your campaign volunteers and staff must be committed to the needs, passionate about the positive change that will come of a successful campaign, and ready to track and document that impact. Your donors will expect transparency, which will help foster pride in being part of your successful campaign.

Capital Campaign Fundamentals Assessment

If you are considering a capital campaign, you must have the fundamentals in place. To help you with this process, INP has created a Capital Campaigns Fundamentals Assessment. Download it here.

INP also offers capital campaign consulting services if you want a professional team to help you prepare, raise the money, and ensure ongoing success. Contact us today.

by contributing author Lori Essig

Are you managing your volunteers with the care they deserve?

Most nonprofit organizations would not survive without volunteers. Whether those volunteers are unpaid “staff” who keep the organization running, or they are cheerleaders and extra hands for tasks ranging from clerical to special events to fundraising, volunteers are critical in the nonprofit world.

There are many aspects of volunteer management, including recruitment, engagement, tracking, and, of course, recognition.

Volunteer Recruitment

Think about your favorite volunteer. She’s the one who always shows up. He’s the person with energy and support when you need it most.

Where in the world did those good souls come from?

Perhaps more importantly, where do they spend the rest of their time, and with whom? Chances are, they know more people like themselves. We tend to associate with people who have similar interests and traits, so your best volunteer recruiters are your current volunteers. Encourage them to invite friends to your events, to talk about their experiences, and even to share them on social media.

Another source for volunteer help is those who benefit from your mission. Whether it’s direct recipients, their friends or family members, the people who benefit from what you do may have a desire to give back with their time. Because they have seen the work you do firsthand, they may have a unique passion to support your organization.

Your board members are already sharing their time, talents, and hopefully, treasure, so remember to talk about your volunteer needs with them. Board members are often leaders in their own company or organization, perhaps they move in circles of influence that you do not. It’s possible they even have family members who would like to contribute to your mission. Remind them to make that ask.

Ultimately, the most important thing you can to is extend the invitation. People are unlikely to seek you out, but if they receive an invitation to participate from you or a current volunteer, they are far more likely to jump in.

Volunteer Engagement

Once you have a critical mass of volunteers, keeping them coming back is your next challenge. There will always be those who say they want to volunteer, but for whatever reason, they do not follow through.

There are a few things you can do to ensure the greatest likelihood for success.

1. Orientation and training

Make sure your volunteers are clear about the organizational mission and vision. Lay out the expectations you have of them, so they aren’t surprised by what is needed or how much time is expected. 

2. Proper placement

Find out what their talents and interests are – do they prefer outward-facing projects or events, or do they want to stuff envelopes and organize files? If you give them tasks that they enjoy, they’ll be more likely to keep coming back.

3. Mentors

Pair new volunteers with someone who has been volunteering for a while. It’s easier to ask questions and learn from someone who remembers being the new person.

Tracking Volunteer Hours

Though probably the least exciting part of volunteer management, tracking your volunteers can pay off in several ways.

• First, when you know the number of volunteer hours your organization receives, it opens your eyes to the financial impact; these hours represent salaries you do not have to pay.

• Second, being able to share the numbers of volunteers and their hours lends credibility to your reputation. Only a legitimate, impactful organization would have so many people willing to donate time and energy to its mission, right?

• Third, foundations often want to know these numbers when you apply for a grant. It helps them determine your use of volunteers as an efficiency tool, as well as general community support.

• Fourth, being able to tout your numbers in your annual report, at an annual meeting, or at a volunteer recognition event is another way to tell people they are smart to support you and to be part of the circle of people that is dedicated to your mission.

While there may be many ways to track your volunteers and their hours, investing in a donor management system will make your life easier. Manual systems can work, but there’s more room for error and your data will only be as reliable as the individuals doing the input.

INP’s Engage donor management software can make tracking your volunteers so much easier. More importantly, all your donor data lives here as well, so your fundraising efforts will be organized and streamlined. Any reports you need are just a click away.

Volunteer Recognition

If you want your volunteers to be committed to you, you need to show them that you are committed to them and you appreciate them.

Your appreciation can range from a hand-written thank-you note to a recognition event. What works best will depend on your culture, the size of your organization, and the number of volunteers you have. At the least, always acknowledge your volunteers at the site of their work, either directly to the individual, or as part of a program agenda.

Regardless of how you show gratitude, budget an amount that makes sense. Your volunteers save you a lot of money, but you don’t want to be so elaborate that you negate that benefit.

Fortunately, most volunteers go into their work with belief in your mission and an altruistic sense of doing good. If you nurture, value, and appreciate your volunteers, they will support you and your mission into the future.

At INP, we are experts in nonprofit management, including board and volunteer development. When you are ready to take your operations, strategy, and relationships to the next level, contact us for an obligation-free conversation. We would love to help you find success.

If your nonprofit has a small or mid-sized donor base, it can be tempting to track everything in Microsoft Excel. After all, it’s familiar, flexible, and already sitting on your computer. But while Excel is a powerful spreadsheet program, it’s not designed to manage donor relationships, and that difference matters.

Excel’s great for budgets, but not for building donor relationships.

Excel organizes numbers beautifully. You can sort, filter, and calculate just about anything using its grid of rows and columns. It’s great for budgeting, reporting, or managing lists. But when it comes to nurturing donors, Excel quickly reaches its limits. Every entry must be updated manually, there’s no built-in automation, and one misplaced cell or formula can throw off your entire record. More importantly, Excel can’t give you a full picture of each donor’s story.

That’s where a donor database comes in.

Why a donor database is a game changer

A donor database is purpose-built to help nonprofits manage, understand, and grow relationships with supporters. Instead of juggling spreadsheets, the database collects and organizes donor information — contact details, communication history, giving patterns, and more — into one cohesive profile.

Each donor profile gives you a snapshot of that person’s engagement with your organization: how often they give, what programs they support, and how they’ve interacted with your team over time. These insights allow you to personalize outreach and spot trends that spreadsheets simply can’t show.

Stay on top of every connection

A donor database helps you track interaction with donors and prospects. You can manage communications, and schedule reminders to follow up with donors who haven’t been contacted recently. Over time, the system builds a living history of your donor relationships, helping you strengthen connections and improve retention.

Turn data into fundraising wins

Beyond relationship management, donor software serves as a strategic fundraising tool. It lets you generate reports with just a few clicks, compare the success of different campaigns, and identify which fundraising strategies deliver the best results. Automation also reduces data entry errors and saves your team valuable time — allowing staff to focus on mission-driven work instead of database updates.

Keep donor data safe and sound

Security is another major advantage. While spreadsheets can easily be shared or accidentally exposed, a donor database encrypts sensitive donor and financial information, ensuring that only authorized users have access.

An investment that pays you back

It’s true that spreadsheets are free and donor databases come with an upfront cost. But when you factor in time savings, increased efficiency, and the ability to generate accurate, real-time insights, the investment quickly pays for itself. And with the right system, your team will have access to training and ongoing customer support to make the transition smooth.

Say goodbye to spreadsheets and hello to Engage!

With Engage, you’ll finally have a donor management solution that’s simple, powerful, and designed for nonprofits like yours, with a support team behind the scenes to ensure you succeed. The wrong donor management system risks wasted time, frustrated staff, lost donors, poor reporting, and another costly migration in a few years. With Engage and the INP team behind you, you’ll have the confidence, support, and tools to succeed.

We’d love to chat with you about how Engage can help your organization raise more money. Email us for a quick call or demo! You can also learn more about Engage here.

by contributing author: Lori Essig

Every good campaign starts with a plan, and Giving Tuesday – Dec. 2, 2025 – is no different. Are you ready? If not, it’s time to dive in!

Is your message crystal clear?

If you expect new and existing donors to dig deep on Giving Tuesday, your “why” needs to be compelling. Find those key stories that demonstrate impact and prepare them for dissemination – via email, social media, and on your website. Posts with photos and video are even better; if your stories tug at the heartstrings: gold! And finally, make those stories shareable so your people can easily push the message out to their own circle of influence.

Giving Tuesday teamed up with Canva to offer a wide selection of customizable co-created designs, Canva’s templates make campaign planning easier and less time-consuming. Whether you’re promoting your cause, engaging with donors, or organizing your team, these templates offer everything you need to create polished, professional materials quickly.

Register at SouthDakotaGives.org

Giving Tuesday is a national movement, and South Dakota has taken it to another level. South Dakota Gives has created a website for our state’s nonprofits to sign up, access training, download resources, and earn prize money. When you register and upload your organization’s logo, that clickable image will take donors directly to your website’s donation page.

Involve your volunteers and donors

Those who are already committed to your nonprofit have a valuable perspective. Why do they give? Why do they volunteer? Help them to talk about their why and use their stories in your marketing efforts. Make it easy for them to share the message with their friends and colleagues. Find fun ways for them be involved in the excitement of Giving Tuesday.

Organize your calendar

A successful Giving Tuesday campaign will have multiple touches, fun challenges, and clear donor benefits that are highlighted in the weeks leading up to the event, and throughout the day. How far in advance will you start talking about the day via email? Are you using your board, staff, and volunteers to create challenges and goals?  Having multiple goals throughout the day can add motivation and excitement. Don’t forget to think about fun – although silly may not feel dignified, humor and fun are engaging.

Are your systems ready?

Of course, you hope your email notifications go crazy with donations on Giving Tuesday. Is your website ready to handle the traffic? Is your data management system seamless? What is your plan for follow-up and thank-yous? Even more importantly, how will you keep the momentum going beyond the day? If you are fortunate, you will have new donors to engage and steward into the future; be ready to connect with them.

According to GivingTuesday.org, in 2024, $3.6 billion was donated in the US alone, representing an increase of 16 percent over 2023. Make sure you are organized for success so your nonprofit can benefit from the enthusiasm and momentum this worldwide event offers.

You want your fundraising campaigns to make an impact, but figuring out the right strategy can feel overwhelming. At INP, we guide nonprofits with proven fundraising and marketing strategies that drive results. Let’s talk about your goals for Giving Tuesday and beyond, so you can raise more and stress less.

The air is cool. The leaves are vibrant. The kids are busy with school and activities. There is just something about autumn that evokes a desire to nest and get cozy.

All those features of fall also make it a great time to launch a giving campaign.

Why fall?

• Summer vacation season is over. It’s difficult to connect with donors when they are planning trips, arranging childcare and children’s summer activities, and thinking about much-needed time away. Fall brings a more consistent schedule and focus that can play to your advantage.

• It’s story time. You should have many months’ worth of impact stories; fall is the perfect time to begin to share them. Less daylight means people are more likely to be home and scrolling in the evenings – why not give them something meaningful to read? 

• Year end is looming; so are the holidays. It’s not too soon to begin talking about year-end gifts and Giving Tuesday (Dec. 2, 2025). If you engage donors now, you are laying the groundwork for successful year-end giving events.

To play off the season, take advantage of the colors, images, and words associated with autumn: vibrant colors, leaves, apples and pumpkins, cornucopias, sunflowers, mums and sheaves of corn. Using fall imagery will make emails and mail appealing and timely.

Focus on your impact stories and find ways to reuse and recycle those stories through email, web pages, and social media. By sharing the same stories in several ways, you are being efficient, while building buy-in – donors will become invested in the stories of how your mission changes lives.

You might also think about serializing your impact stories. In other words, don’t tell the whole story in one message. Drip the details through two or three touch points, perhaps even using different media and ending on your web page with a call to action: donate now.

To encourage engagement and feedback, why not ask donors about their favorite autumn memories, recipes, or traditions? This give-and-take creates a positive connection between your organization and their happy memories.

Fall events can also play an important role in your campaign. Using the themes and images discussed above, you could organize anything from a pet costume parade to a chili cook-off to a pumpkin-carving contest to an elegant harvest dinner – think about what events would best showcase your mission and impact.    

Ultimately, your mission is what motivates your donors. However, remember that how you acknowledge and show appreciation to your donors is what keeps them coming back. With the season of Thanksgiving just ahead and pumpkin spice scenting the air, there are also creative and meaningful ways to say “thank you” to those who sustain your mission. Whether it’s a hand-written note, a personally delivered apple muffin, or a coffee date to strengthen your relationships, time spent thanking donors is never wasted.

At INP, we are experts in fundraising strategy and donor retention and stewardship. When you are ready to take your strategy and relationships to the next level, contact us for an obligation-free conversation. We would love to support your success.

By contributing author: Jona Schmidt, Development Director

An effective stewardship plan starts with you, but it doesn’t have to end in exhaustion. Donor management software can be a helpful tool to prevent burnout and save you time.

What is Stewardship?

Stewardship is defined as the responsible supervision of something—resources or property—that is entrusted to one’s care. In nonprofit management, stewardship involves the careful allocation and utilization of resources to achieve the organization’s mission and goals. Effective stewardship is essential for nonprofits to maintain the trust of their stakeholders, including donors, grantors, and the communities they serve.

Yet stewardship is a full-time job. Many organizations weave it into daily operations, slipping in a thank-you here, a donor contact there, and calling it good. Why is stewardship practiced that way? Time. Or rather, lack of time. But if there is one key to mission success, it is stewardship, and it must be a priority.

So, when stewardship is simply added to an already overflowing plate, it can contribute to staff burnout. But what if you could automate key stewardship tasks, simplify reporting, and organize donor data in one place? Donor management software like Engage gives you back the time and mental energy to steward people without sacrificing yourself in the process. Easily track your donors, manage your fundraising efforts, monitor your volunteers, and create reports.

Four Principles of Stewardship—For Your Nonprofit and For Yourself

The key principles of effective stewardship are accountability, responsibility, sustainability, and strategic planning. You use all four when designing a stewardship plan, but did you know you can apply the same four principles to yourself and your staff to prevent burnout?

Accountability

Listen to your body and learn to recognize and respond to signs of stress. Burnout manifests as a biological response to demanding situations. Signals may include a nervous stomach, tense muscles, headaches, or fatigue. Each person’s signs are different- recognize yours and respond.

Engage helps here too: it keeps you accountable to your stewardship plan by showing you what’s been done, what’s overdue, and where you can improve, so you don’t carry it all in your head.

Responsibility

Taking responsibility for yourself includes setting personal boundaries. Without them, you take on too much and risk burnout. Boundaries also communicate your needs to others.

Engage supports this by giving you clarity and structure: no more endless spreadsheets or chasing down reports. When your system handles the administrative load, you can protect your time and energy.

Sustainability

Sustainability is about balance, between work and life, output and rest. It means exercising both body and mind, taking breaks, and finding time for personal growth.

With Engage, sustainability in your nonprofit becomes easier too. The software streamlines donor management and volunteer tracking, giving your team a long-term, scalable system that reduces stress and increases productivity.

Strategic Planning

Strategic planning for yourself means making self-care a priority: eating balanced meals, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and leaning on supportive networks. For your nonprofit, it means reviewing what’s working and adjusting when needed.

Engage provides the same benefit: with built-in reporting and analytics, you can strategically evaluate your fundraising and stewardship efforts, making data-driven decisions that keep you and your mission on track.

Stewardship of Self = Stewardship of Mission

An effective stewardship plan includes regular review. Are your efforts working, or do you need to shift strategies to keep stakeholders engaged? Apply the same standard to yourself:

• Are you listening to your body’s signals of burnout?

• Are you maintaining healthy boundaries and balance?

• Are you being a good steward of your health, energy, and happiness?

We can’t always prevent burnout, but we can put coping skills into practice- setting boundaries, maintaining balance, and practicing self-care. With Engage and the team behind it at INP, you gain an ally that takes the pressure off, allowing you to steward yourself and others with greater ease and effectiveness.

Because in the end, when you steward yourself well, you steward your mission well.

If you’re ready to lighten your workload and transform your donor stewardship efforts, get in touch!

by contributing author: Jona Schmidt, Development Director - Bethel Lutheran Home Foundation

Nonprofits, whether national charities or small neighborhood associations, rely on donations to fund their operations. Most also operate in spaces occupied by several other nonprofits, competing for attention from the same pool of donors.

If this sounds familiar, then you understand the importance of getting your nonprofit to stand out. One way to do that is with new and creative fundraising ideas to draw in your supporters.

If you’re a seasoned fundraiser, constantly coming up with fresh ideas for raising money can be a challenge. If you’re new to the profession, you may find this a little overwhelming

We get it. But we also understand how important creative ideas can be to your fundraising effort. A new idea can energize long-term initiatives, overcome a mid-campaign slump or be used to quickly collect resources in response to an unexpected need.

To help, we have a few pointers to guide your fundraising appeals, and some ideas that are sure to rally supporters to your cause.

Effective appeals have a few things in common. They engage donors. They maximize participation, and they motivate immediate action. Effective appeals also inspire ongoing support.

Let’s break it down a bit. Engaging donors is simply finding a way to connect them with the ‘why’ of your organization. One of the best ways to do that is to share stories. Telling your story gives donors a glimpse into the life of a person impacted by their gifts and creates a connection that makes them want to contribute.

A fundraising appeal should also maximize participation. You want to cast your net wide to spread your message to the largest number of donors and potential donors. You can do that by segmenting your donor data and crafting your message in a way that speaks directly to a group of donors. Segmenting also allows you to deliver that message in the way most preferred by a group of donors.

A fundraising appeal should motivate immediate action and inspire ongoing support. Your message should be clear with what you are asking for obvious. Make it easy for donors to give to your appeal; a simple reply card, a one-click online donation, an offer to meet in person. Let donors know what their gift can accomplish today and how they can deepen their commitment with a recurring gift.

Now let’s get to the fun part and get creative!

Some of what follows may be new to you, some will be familiar, all are offered to ignite a spark in your imagination.

1. Pay-It-Forward Silent Auction

A traditional silent auction invites donors to outbid others to win the prize on offer. Take that basic premise and give it a slight twist for a Pay-It-Forward auction. Your charity identifies 5-6 specific needs and assigns an amount needed to fund each. Donors use bid sheets to indicate how much they are willing to give toward that specific need. Make it clear they are not bidding against each other; they are making a pledge toward your cause. At the close of the auction, tally up how much was pledged toward each need. This silent auction sends donors home with empty arms, but full hearts, knowing they gave directly to a specific need at the charity they support.

2. Create a giving circle

A giving circle is a group of supporters who commit to making regular donations to your nonprofit. Sometimes called a giving club, these groups build relationships amongst themselves, and ultimately evolve into some of the most loyal ambassadors for your charity. Keep them engaged by offering exclusive access to events, free brand merchandise, and public recognition. Members especially feel ownership of their circle when they are directing their gifts toward specific projects.

3. Donate a drink

Ask donors to give up a daily beverage and donate the money they would have spent to your cause instead. Provide supporters with data showcasing the impact of smaller donations in terms of the cost of a beverage. For example, tell your donors that 3 cups of designer coffee will buy a box of medical supplies or a bag of dog food. This puts the impact of the donor’s gift into a relatable perspective.

4. Donate your Venmo balance

Ask your supporters to donate the remaining balance in their Venmo accounts to your cause.  Donors will see that even modest contributions add up and can make a significant impact.  

5. Start a TikTok challenge

Partner with an influencer or create a viral challenge to help fuel your fundraising goals. TikTok is the medium of choice of next-gen donors, GenZ and Millennials, who are very media-savvy. Meet them where they are by using TikTok to promote your cause.

6. Host an UnGala

Sometimes called ‘Gone with the Gala’, this event is run online. Rather than buy tickets, donors contribute the amount they would have otherwise spent directly to your cause. You can solicit sponsorships and offer perks based on levels. You can use specialized software and include an online auction.

Fundraising events are a great way to engage with the community, create inspiring experiences and raise money for your cause. It’s important to choose an event that fits your organization’s budget and goals, and to plan it well to maximize engagement, participation, and giving. With the right approach, fundraising events can be a win-win for both the organization and its supporters.

If you need some extra support building a fundraising plan, and an accountability partner to ensure it is put into practice, chat with us. We’ll help ensure your plans are on track and goals are exceeded.

We’ve put together a list of beneficial resources for nonprofits to help streamline your organization and help boost your efforts.
Note these are NOT affiliate links - we do not receive any compensation for sharing.

1. GuideStar by Candid

• Overview: GuideStar provides comprehensive information about nonprofits to potential donors, grantmakers, and partners.

• Benefits: By creating or updating your nonprofit’s profile, you can increase visibility, build trust, and qualify for special opportunities (such as inclusion in charity directories).

• Website: GuideStar.org

2. Charity Navigator

• Overview: Charity Navigator rates nonprofits based on their financial health, accountability, and transparency, helping donors make informed decisions.

• Benefits: Being listed (or rated) on Charity Navigator increases donor confidence and provides exposure to their large donor base.

• Website: CharityNavigator.org

3. Facebook Fundraisers

• Overview: Facebook offers a donation feature that allows nonprofits to fundraise directly on the platform.

• Benefits: Leverages Facebook’s social reach, making it easy for donors to contribute and share causes with their networks.

• Website: Facebook for Nonprofits

5. Benevity

• Overview: Benevity is a workplace giving platform where companies encourage employees to donate to nonprofits of their choice.

• Benefits: By registering with Benevity, your nonprofit can receive donations and matching gifts from employees of partner companies.

• Website: Benevity.com

6. GoFundMe Charity

• Overview: GoFundMe Charity is a nonprofit fundraising platform that helps organizations connect with donors and supporters.

• Benefits: Encourage your donors or volunteers to run a fundraising campaign on your behalf.

• Website: gofundme.com/c/start/charity-fundraising

7. Google for Nonprofits

• Overview: Google for Nonprofits offers a suite of tools like free advertising through Google Ad Grants, YouTube for Nonprofits, and Google Workspace for nonprofit communications.

• Benefits: Google Ad Grants can be used to promote your nonprofit’s website to potential donors.

• Website: Google for Nonprofits

8. JustGiving

• Overview: A global fundraising platform for nonprofits and individuals.

• Benefits: JustGiving makes it easy for people to set up fundraising pages on behalf of your organization and share them with their networks.

• Website: JustGiving.com

9. PayPal Giving Fund

• Overview: PayPal Giving Fund allows users to donate to nonprofits directly from their PayPal accounts.

• Benefits: By registering, nonprofits become eligible to receive donations from PayPal’s large user base, and donations are fee-free.

• Website: paypal.com/fundraiser/hub

10. Goodshop is an online platform that allows users to shop at various retailers while supporting their favorite nonprofit organizations. Here's how it works:

• Online Shopping with Donations: When users make a purchase through the Goodshop website or app, a percentage of the sale is donated to the charity or nonprofit of their choice. Goodshop partners with thousands of popular retailers, such as Macy’s, Best Buy, and Amazon, offering discounts and deals while also benefiting nonprofits.

• Coupons and Deals: Goodshop provides users with access to coupons, promo codes, and deals at partnered stores, making it appealing to shoppers looking to save money while contributing to charitable causes.

• Nonprofit Participation: Nonprofits can sign up to be listed on the platform, allowing their supporters to choose them when shopping through Goodshop. Once a nonprofit is registered, they receive donations based on the purchases their supporters make.

• How it Benefits Nonprofits: Nonprofits receive a portion of the sales made by their supporters, creating a passive income stream. It's a simple way for organizations to raise funds without direct fundraising efforts.

Goodshop combines charitable giving with everyday shopping, making it easy for people to support causes they care about while shopping online.

• Website: goodshop.com

11. CSI Eco Solutions helps connect nonprofits with furniture, equipment, and the supplies they need to reach their goals. 

·        Website: csr-eco-solutions.com

12. TechSoup is a nonprofit organization that provides technology solutions, resources, and skills to help nonprofits, libraries, and charities. TechSoup's mission is to help civil society organizations and social change agents access the resources they need to design and implement technology solutions.

·        Website: techsoup.org/get-product-donations

By contributing author Lori Essig

The phrases “economic uncertainty” and “market volatility” seem constant these days. How should a nonprofit weather the storm of instability that may be swirling around donors and organizational leadership?

The most important thing you can do is to keep doing the work – carry out your mission, tell your impact stories, nurture your donors. We recommend some key activities to help you thrive in the uncertainty.

Engage your leadership

Remember, your board is feeling the same anxiety. Assure them that you are keeping tabs on economic indicators and continuing to plan and execute your mission as best you can. They feel the responsibility of leading the organization, so pledge to keep them informed if budgets need to be tightened or if fundraising efforts seem sluggish.

Ask for staff input

No one knows the organization better than those on the inside, so include your staff in planning and problem solving. Encourage them to continue to share impact stories with one another and with donors. This is a critical time for staff members to continue to engage with donors about the importance of your mission. In fact, in times of economic hardship, your mission is more important than ever. 

Review your donor messaging

Even if your donors are scaling back, continue to build rapport and, ultimately, loyalty with them. Now is the perfect time to take inventory of your messages and your means of communicating. It’s easy for this work to fall to the wayside when you are very busy, so take the time to analyze effectiveness. Spend time gathering impact stories and refreshing the stories you tell donors and prospects. These stories about your mission and the individuals served create an emotional connection that will remind your donors of the effect they are having on the community through your organization’s work. Remember to share the stories internally as well as externally.

Reconnect with your volunteers

Volunteers are your best ambassadors, so remember to show them appreciation. Work alongside them, but also respect their limitations and busy schedules. They need to know that their time and effort is an important part of carrying out the organizational mission.

Consider partnerships

Are there organizations that complement your nonprofit or have a unique connection? By partnering with others, you may create a synergy that benefits you both beyond what could be accomplished separately. Working with good partners is a great way to share resources when resources are tight.

Explore new sources of revenue

Cuts in federal funding are devastating for many organizations. If you have not done it in the past, now is the time to research new funding possibilities. Foundations, corporate gifts, and grants tied to specific missions or audiences can all be lifesavers, but they all take time and have unique giving cycles. Research, create a calendar, build your messages and impact statements so you can be ready to follow up and apply when the time comes. 

Uncertainty is a part of life. Organizations that are resilient, creative, and flexible can weather the storm of that uncertainty by continuing to focus on their mission and employing unique, thoughtful ways to persist.

If you need help with your fundraising strategy, we can help create a plan and proven strategies to help strengthen your approach to weather the uncertain times. Contact us today to get started.

By contributing author Kelly L. Harnett, KH Consulting

A one-time donation is often just the start of a donor’s journey with your organization. By building trust, showing them the impact of their gift, and creating meaningful relationships, you can turn that initial “yes” into lasting support. Whether through monthly or annual giving, sustained contributions provide the stability your mission needs to thrive and grow. Here are some ways to nurture these relationships and inspire donors to become long-term partners in your work.

1. Express Gratitude

• Thank Donors Quickly: Send a personalized thank-you as soon as you receive their gift. Prompt acknowledgment not only shows appreciation but also builds trust.

• Keep Donors Updated: Follow up with updates about how their contributions are making a difference. Let them know they’re a vital part of your journey.

• Celebrate Milestones: People love to be recognized! Whether it’s their donor anniversary, a shoutout in your newsletter, or a small token of appreciation, these gestures show how much they matter.

2. Build Strong Relationships

• Personalize Your Approach: Tailor your communication to the donor’s history and interests. Show them that you value their unique commitment.

• Stay in Touch: Use newsletters, social media, or personalized emails to keep donors engaged. Regular contact strengthens their connection to your cause and increases the likelihood of future giving.

3. Highlight Recognition Opportunities

• Offer Public Recognition: Acknowledge larger donations with thank-you letters, mentions in newsletters, or even donor walls.

• Provide Special Perks: Give higher-level donors access to behind-the-scenes updates, exclusive events, or other unique opportunities.

4. Show the Impact

• Share Tangible Results: Use stats, testimonials, and stories to show how donations are changing lives. Donors want to see the difference they’re making.

• Celebrate Success Stories: Real-life examples help donors feel connected and appreciated.

5. Be Specific and Clear

• Explain Your Needs: Let donors know exactly how their gift will be used and why it’s important. Transparency builds trust.

• Offer Giving Options: Provide tiered levels of giving so donors can choose what works for them.

6. Ask at the Right Time

• Time Your Asks Strategically: Year-end appeals, #GivingTuesday, or after a major success are great opportunities to request donations.

• Leverage Milestones: Tailor campaigns around your organization’s anniversary or other significant events.

7. Show Accountability

• Be Transparent: Share financials and reports to show exactly how funds are being used.

• Be Honest: Talk openly about both successes and challenges. Transparency builds trust and long-term commitment.

8. Make Giving Easy

• Offer Recurring Options: Make it simple for donors to set up recurring gifts, choosing their preferred amount and frequency.

• Automate Updates: Send reminders or updates to recurring donors to show the ongoing impact of their contributions.

9. Create a Sense of Community

• Highlight Donor Impact: Show donors how their support contributes to collective progress. Phrases like “Thanks to you, we achieved X” make them feel part of something bigger.

• Encourage Involvement: Invite donors to events or volunteer opportunities to deepen their connection to your work.

10. Use Data to Improve

• Know Your Donors: Use data to understand what motivates your supporters and tailor your approach to their preferences.

• Refine Your Strategy: Experiment with messages, timing, and asks to find what works best. Use what you learn to optimize your efforts.

By strengthening your connections with donors and showing them how their support drives your mission forward, you can inspire greater generosity and long-term engagement.

By contributing author: Kelly L. Harnett, KH Consulting

Remember when you were a kid begging your parents for that toy you wanted SOOO bad, and you finally got that yes? The joy was overwhelming, wasn’t it? Maybe you jumped up and down, exclaiming, “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” over and over again. You could barely contain your excitement. It felt like all your persistence and heartfelt sharing had finally paid off.

For those of us in the nonprofit world, getting a yes from a donor feels just as exhilarating. It’s a moment of validation – proof that what you’re doing matters and resonates with someone. But here’s the big question: what happens after the yes? How do you turn that one-time yes into a meaningful, ongoing relationship?

It all comes down to gratitude and deepening personal connection - with you and your organization.

Stewarding relationships with donors is crucial because donors are the lifeblood of any nonprofit organization. Building strong relationships creates trust, increases loyalty, and encourages donors to feel personally invested in your cause. When donors see the impact of their contributions and feel valued, they are more likely to give again - and more frequently.

Start with a Sincere and Personal Thank You

Let’s start with the basics: say thank you. It seems simple, but a heartfelt thank-you can go a long way. Don’t let time slip by – express your gratitude as soon as you can. Whether it’s a handwritten note, a personal phone call, text message, or an email, let your donor know just how much their support means to you. And make it personal! Be specific about how their gift is making an impact. For example:

"Thank you so much for your generous gift to Hobo's Healing Heart. Your support will help provide emergency veterinary care to families who would otherwise have to say goodbye to their beloved pets. Because of you, lives will be saved, and hearts will rejoice."

Make It Personal

Here’s a little secret: while most people who give truly appreciate the work your organization does, they aren’t simply giving to your organization - people give to people. It’s not just about the cause – it’s about the connection. Take the time to build that relationship, it matters. Share updates on how their contributions are making a difference. Invite them to events, or better yet, give them a chance to see your work in action. The more personal and meaningful the relationship is, the more likely they are to stick around and become lifelong supporters.

Use Yes as a Building Block

Think of that yes as the start of a journey, not the end. After you’ve said thank you, keep the momentum going. Ask questions that invite donors to engage even further such as:

• Would you like to stay updated on the impact of your donation?

• Have you considered joining our monthly giving program? Even a small monthly gift can make a huge difference.

• Would you be interested in volunteering or attending an event?

By giving donors ways to stay connected, you’re inviting them to be part of something bigger.

Show Gratitude through Action

Donor relationships are like any other—they thrive on respect and trust. When someone says yes, they’re not just giving money; they’re placing their trust in you to make a difference. Be transparent, accountable, and communicative. Let them see the impact of their support and show them that their trust was well-placed.

The next time someone says yes, let your gratitude shine. Celebrate it. Share it. And most importantly, nurture that relationship. A single yes can be the beginning of something truly beautiful. All it takes is a heartfelt thank you with a personal touch and a commitment to connection.

When it comes to building a donor base, a ‘yes’ is just the beginning.

If you need some assistance implementing a donor stewardship strategy, we’d love to partner with you as a trusted, friendly, expert to help you identify and navigate your challenges. Our goal is to build a relationship with you, help you set goals, prioritize tasks, and support you in achieving success. Contact us today to get started.

by contributing author Jona Schmidt, Development Director - Bethel Lutheran Home Foundation

Why am I here? What purpose do I serve? Is there a reason for my life?

If you have ever asked yourself these questions, you are not alone. From the beginning to the end of our lives, we ponder the meaning of our existence.

As a child we ask “where did I come from” as we search for an identity. As a young adult we ask “what is the point” as we struggle in the space between independence and fear of going out into the world. In our mid- ages we ask “is this worth it” as we build a family and a career and suffer the ups and downs that come with it. Retirement age begs the questions “what is next” as an uncertain future awaits us. And finally, at the end of our lives the question becomes “what am I leaving behind” as we reflect on our legacy.

These questions are deep, philosophical, and can be overwhelming, but can also be a tool to use in our everyday lives. We can take the big question of “Why am I here” and focus it on individual actions and circumstances.

The nonprofit sector offers ample opportunity to ask and answer the “Why am I here” question. The cornerstone of every service organization is answering a need, a why.  Most organizations start with a definition of their why and build from there. If you are involved with a nonprofit, you use the why to inform your work from building relationships and fundraising,  in planning and expansion, and even in recruiting employees and board members.

Americans usually take on their first job at age 16 and retire at age 62, although many of us are working well beyond that age. On average, we can expect to work about 45 years. With that long stretch, odds are that at some point along the way, we will have asked ourselves “why am I here” as we pulled up to our place of employment.

At a first job, the “why am I here” could be strictly to earn money for current wants and future needs. Midlife, the why is to build on what we have now and for what we have planned for the future. Our pre-retirement years on the job turn the why into more of a how, as in how much longer do I want to, how much longer can I, work.

Whatever your career stage, discovering, adding value to, and then internalizing your own answer to “why am I here” will pave the way for a more enjoyable and productive work life.

Nonprofit professionals, and nonprofit fundraisers in particular, are schooled in the art of presenting a reason, a why, for every action. Why does our organization do a year end mailing? Because most giving occurs in the final weeks of the calendar year. Why do we host an annual dinner? Because it gives donors a chance to hear our story and reaffirm their commitment to our cause. Why do we update our website with the latest information on our organization? Because most donors do online research before making their first gift to an organization. Chief executive officers, board members, and donors demand we know the answers to these and many other questions. 

When it comes to personal motivation, knowing your why is an important tool in managing work/life balance. Imagine getting up each day and going to work with the confidence of knowing what you do is valuable, meaningful and makes a difference.  How would your attitude be different if you approached work with an “I get to” rather than “I have to” mindset. This is what happens when you know your why.

Knowing your why helps you keep what you are doing in perspective. It helps you make decisions based on merit, not based on guilt or manipulation. Here is a simple example: Why am I here working until 8:00PM when I would rather be home? I am working late because there is a board meeting next week and I want to be prepared. Why am I taking Friday off? Because I worked late on Tuesday to prepare for next week’s board meeting.

And here is a more complicated example. Why am I here, working with a population that has challenges beyond anything I can fix with the limited resources I have to offer? Because the work that I am doing plants a seed of hope and change for this population and I can do at least that much.

Of course, none of us are immune to a negative response to the “Why am I here” question. We have all been in a situation where we’ve answered with “darned if I know!”. And that is okay. That is an answer that leads us to reflect, evaluate, and make changes.

Don’t know where to start in the search for your own why? Here is a clue: each of us has a true north, a guiding principle, that informs our life decisions. It is that feeling we get when we choose right, or wrong. It is that certainty that the direction we are going is correct. It is that voice that tells us when we are veering off the path. Start with your true north. Trust it, and yourself, to begin the journey to discover your why.

One last point – why is plural, as in you will have multiple whys depending on the situation and circumstance. What should remain constant is your willingness to ask the question, and your openness to embrace the answers. 

Need a little help with direction? Let us help you navigate challenges with personalized coaching. Receive actionable strategies and tools that lead to stronger leadership and results. Contact us today!

By contributing author Kelly L. Harnett, KH Consulting

Remember when you were a child, and there was something you wanted really badly? You probably knew your parents would say no, but you asked anyway. You explained to them how much it would mean to you, the joy it would bring into your life, and why you needed it so badly. And then, later, you asked again... and again... and again. Your desire for that thing was stronger than your fear of rejection. You kept asking and asking, and eventually, one day, they might have finally said yes. Maybe it was because they could afford it this time, or perhaps they just wanted you to stop asking. Either way, you didn’t let the word "no" stop you.

As adults, especially when we're building or supporting a nonprofit, we often forget this lesson. When we commit to founding a nonprofit or joining a board, a big part of our role is to grow the donor base and raise funds. Asking for donations isn’t easy, and hearing “no” can be disheartening. However, we need to approach it with the same determination and persistence we had as children.

More importantly, we need to share our heart stories—the "why" behind our involvement and passion. When you tell people why you're standing there asking for support, when you speak from your heart, it resonates. It sticks with them.

A “no” today doesn’t mean a “no” forever. Sometimes it means "not right now" or "not yet." Circumstances change, and what may seem impossible today might be achievable tomorrow. Just like when you were a child, don’t let the fear of hearing “no” stop you from asking again. Stay persistent, keep building relationships, and remember: No is not never.

If you need extra help refining your messaging or with getting an effective fundraising strategy in place, we can help. Contact us to learn more.

By contributing author Miranda Gallagher

Every year, Giving Tuesday brings together people from all over the world to celebrate generosity and community impact. As a Global Day of Giving, this special Tuesday after Thanksgiving empowers people to support the causes they care about most. For nonprofits, it’s a chance to rally donors, build community, and secure essential funding at a critical time of year. Here’s why participating in Giving Tuesday can make a big difference for your organization.

1. Boost Visibility

Giving Tuesday allows your nonprofit to reach a broader audience. With media outlets, influencers, and supporters promoting #GivingTuesday, your organization can tap into a wide network of potential donors and supporters. This increased visibility allows your message to reach people who may not know about your work but are ready to support meaningful causes. A well-organized campaign on this day can elevate your brand and mission, putting your cause in front of new eyes and connecting your organization with like-minded people who want to make an impact.

2. Engage Existing Supporters and Attract New Donors

Giving Tuesday isn’t just for new supporters, it’s also a prime opportunity to engage your existing donors in fresh ways. Many of your past supporters are likely aware of Giving Tuesday and might already be planning to participate. Use this day to reconnect with them, remind them of the impact they’ve already made, and invite them to continue supporting your cause.

For potential new donors, Giving Tuesday creates an open invitation to join your community. People are drawn to campaigns that are easy to participate in and align with a bigger cause, making them more likely to contribute or share your message. By participating, your nonprofit can engage new supporters who may become long-term donors or advocates for your work.

3. Jump-Start Your End-of-Year Fundraising

With Giving Tuesday falling in early December, it’s the perfect way to kick off your end-of-year fundraising. Many nonprofits receive a significant portion of their funding in the last quarter of the year, as people look to give back during the holiday season.

Since donors are in a giving mindset and may also be thinking about their charitable tax deductions, this timing can drive a substantial increase in donations. Giving Tuesday participation can help secure critical funds, ensuring that your nonprofit has the resources needed to finish the year strong and continue making an impact.

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4. Showcase the Impact of Giving with Stories and Social Proof

One of the most powerful aspects of Giving Tuesday is the sense of community it builds. When people see others donating to a cause, they are often inspired to give as well. Sharing success stories, testimonials, and impact metrics allows potential donors to see the real-world difference their contribution can make. On Giving Tuesday, social proof becomes especially influential; when your supporters see others giving, it builds trust and encourages them to join in.

Use storytelling to bring your mission to life. Share specific examples of the work your organization does and the lives it touches. Video stories, live Q&As and donor testimonials can help potential supporters understand the need and feel connected to the cause, making them more likely to contribute.

5. Strengthen Community Bonds and Partnerships

Giving Tuesday can go beyond just fundraising - it's also a chance to deepen connections within your community. Collaborating with local businesses, media outlets, and other nonprofits can amplify your message and create a powerful impact that reaches more people. For example, you might partner with a local business to match donations or collaborate with another nonprofit to promote both organizations' missions.

These partnerships can open doors to new resources, foster long-term relationships, and create a network of supporters dedicated to making an impact. By building these bonds, your organization will gain allies who can support your work far beyond a single day.

Make This Giving Tuesday Count

Participating in Giving Tuesday is about more than just a one-day fundraising boost. It’s a unique opportunity to engage new supporters, strengthen relationships with your existing community, and spread awareness for your cause on a global scale. By joining this global movement, your nonprofit can amplify its impact and lay the groundwork for greater community engagement all year round.

Whether you’re just starting your Giving Tuesday planning or looking to make an even bigger impact this year, remember that every action—big or small—can make a difference. Let’s come together, inspire generosity, and create lasting change this Giving Tuesday!

Not sure where to start or need some extra help with your strategy? From social media graphics to content and email templates, we can help. Get in touch today.

by contributing author: Jona Schmidt, Development Director - Bethel Lutheran Home Foundation

You Have 3 Seconds. Use it Wisely.

Google how many emails an average person receives, and the answer will be somewhere around 100 per day. Most of us have over 50 unread emails in our inbox, and multiple times more emails in our deleted file. (I have over 2,300 emails in my delete folder - I just checked - and 1,600 of those are unread!)

If you are like me, your inbox is crowded with messages from brands you don’t even remember signing up for, and places you have never been. Everything is on sale, ending soon, life changing or new. With all that going on, a message from a nonprofit you support can easily go unseen.

The decision to open an email or delete it is usually made in just 3 seconds, making the subject line a very important aspect of the message.

A compelling subject line is the key to getting supporters to read your message, respond to your event, and give to your nonprofit. But how do you write a subject line that gets attention? Below are a few tips and some subject line examples.

Stay clear and concise

What do you want to accomplish with your email? Your subject line will be more effective if you know that and communicate it early. Define your goal for the email and craft a subject line that gets right to the point.

For example, if the goal of your email is to acquire new donors from a pool of past event attendees you might write a subject line that reads “Enjoyed our event? Learn more about supporting our cause!” This subject line quickly communicates that you’d like recipients to support your nonprofit. If you are looking for donations, say it in the subject line. “Why are we asking you to donate $24.17?” or “Put our food pantry out of business.” You can use “Welcome to the fight” for new donors, or “Here’s how we spent your money” to thank recurring donors.

Keep the subject line short; most experts recommend 7 words, 41 characters. A good range is between 6 to 10 words.

Make it personal

“Katie, we did it with your help!” is much more compelling than a generic subject line like “See the results of our fundraising campaign”, and more apt to get donors’ attention. Using a first name makes the email relevant to the individual recipient.

You can make the subject hyper-relevant to your reader by segmenting contacts in your database and tailoring your message to each group. An easy way to segment is by giving level (i.e. major donors, midlevel donors, recurring donors) but if you can get more granular and specific, all the better.

For instance, you can segment supporters based on:

• Charitable interests culled from things they’ve said or events they’ve attended

• Which appeals or campaigns they’ve responded to and how they have donated

• Their connection with your organization; donors, staff, volunteers, etc.

• Their location; especially important when recruiting volunteers or sending event invites

If you don’t know a donor’s name or are unsure of a spelling, use You. “You can help us save Midtown Park! Find out how”, or “You can be a hero for Charlie the bulldog”.

Use words that stand out

Words can spark emotions in your readers. Words can pique their curiosity or impress them with interesting data. Go back to the goal of your email and let that be your guide to which words to choose.

If your goal is to create an emotional reaction, use words that empower like “together” or “thrive”. Pair them with a name or a story to evoke feelings of connection: “Jamie, together we made a difference in a child’s life.”

Curiosity is a powerful motivator and framing your email subject line with a question often compels a reader to open it to find the answer. “Have you seen what we did last week?” Using words like “explore” or “discover” will also evoke curiosity. “Are you curious how we did it? Discover our secret.”

Data including numbers and statistics tell readers of the impact of your nonprofit. You could use “One gift funded 200 meals! Explore the story” or “One gift, two dogs, three winners. Want to know more?”.

You can track the open rate of your email through whichever service you use, to help gauge which words are getting donor attention and which to avoid.

Be Genuine

Your nonprofit relies on building and maintaining relationships with donors. Relationship-building is always the secondary goal to whatever primary goal you have for an email.

A shocking subject line might get attention but if it doesn’t have anything to do with the content of the email your reader will feel tricked and now you’ve lost their trust. The body of your email should deliver on the promise made in the subject line.

Calling for urgent action with your email subject line should be used sparingly. Urgency can be effective for time-sensitive appeals like Giving Thursday or the last day to register for an event, but if used too often or flippantly it can turn people off. To keep donors engaged, save urgent subject lines for when you truly need them.

Avoid using all capital letters in your subject line. Rather than a sense of excitement, the impression all-caps gives most people is shouting.

Here are a few subject line examples to get your creativity flowing:

• How was your experience, Jim? Let us know (survey)

• Carol, your gifts can power change. Join the fight (donor acquisition)

• Rehome a puppy with your bid at our June auction (event invitation)

• Angie, here are 8 reasons to give now (fundraising appeal)

• Want to know what happened next? (fundraising follow up)

• You did this, and we appreciate it!  (thank you)

• Matt, we have been working on this for you (webinar invite)

• One more thing before you ring in the new year… (fundraising appeal)

• 10 minutes can save 10 lives (fundraising appeal)

• Want to know the power of $20.18? (fundraising appeal)

• Jill, this is the last chance to have your gift matched (fundraising appeal)

• Your gift brightened Charlotte’s day (thank you)

• Know anyone who might be interested, Mike? (donor acquisition)

• Want to take this one step further, Bob? (donor acquisition)

• Jessica, you can bring this project to life (donor acquisition)

• Welcome back Carly! We missed you (lapsed donor

• Josh, we put your name on the list (event invite)

With so much clutter in our email boxes it is hard to get the attention your nonprofit deserves, needs, to stay relevant. Using the tips above can help get you started. Effective subject lines take time but if a donor opens your email, are well worth the effort.

If you don’t know where to begin with your email marketing strategy, we’d love to help. We can create newsletter templates that allow you to plug in your stories with ease. New to email marketing? We will get you set up and create a communication strategy and best practices to get you started off on the right foot so you can connect with your audience effectively.

Contact us to get started boosting your email engagement with donors.