At the most recent AFP International Conference, Sea Change Strategies presented its latest excellent study on midlevel donors (supporters contributing between $1,000 and $10,000) – The Missing Middle: Part Four. To categorize their report as eye opening is an understatement. Frequently, fundraisers treat midlevel donors either as a prospect pool for major gifts or as
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In today’s higher education environment, small colleges face intense pressure to balance limited budgets, meet student needs, and remain mission-driven. According to BestColleges.com, more than 81 institutions have shuttered their doors since 2020, with additional closures predicted. Financial sustainability is a growing concern and one that demands bold, integrated strategies across advancement, finance, and leadership.
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As a nonprofit, knowing where you stand compared to your peers is crucial for both operational and philanthropic success. Benchmarking allows organizations to evaluate their current position, identify opportunities for improvement, and set clear, actionable goals for the future. In this blog, we’ll discuss the purpose of benchmarking, walk through key indicators, and explore how
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Successful strategic fundraising is not built on the number of solicitations you undertake. It’s rooted in building and nurturing long-term, genuine relationships with donors. Many nonprofits fall into the trap of transactional fundraising, focusing only on an endless cycle of short-term gifts. But the most successful organizations take a donor-centric approach, prioritizing relationships over one-time
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In today’s increasingly competitive environment, independent schools and higher education institutions need more than traditional fundraising approaches to thrive. Enrollment and philanthropy are the lifeblood of institutional success, yet many advancement teams, athletic directors, coaches, deans, and program leaders still operate in silos, cultivating their own networks of donors, alumni, and supporters independently. The result?
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Which gift would accomplish more good for your charity’s mission: $100,000 in cash or the gift of a single-family home valued at the median sales price in your state? In all 50 states your answer should be the gift of real estate. And if commercial property is involved, the decision is not even close. The
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As a fundraising consultant with a practice in the arts, culture, and public media, I’ve encountered organizations with compelling missions and established fundraising programs that are falling short of strategically advancing prospect relationships. In fact, it’s not uncommon to see large and relatively successful arts organizations neglecting a core fundraising strategy: a comprehensive prospect management
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In the world of nonprofit fundraising, understanding your donors’ capacity to give is key to creating effective strategies and maximizing contributions. Wealth screening is a powerful tool that helps you gain insights into your donors’ financial capacity, allowing you to tailor your fundraising efforts more effectively. In this blog, we’ll discuss what wealth screening is,
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The new year inspires us to take stock, get organized, and energize the efforts we put toward our goals and dreams. Nonprofit organizations have meaningful, and often challenging, goals, so starting the year off by adopting these four essential fundraising practices to set the pace for a fruitful year ahead. Reflect on Your Challenges Start
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