The last three months of the year are the most important fundraising period for nonprofits. Nearly one-third of all annual giving occurs in December, and many organizations receive a significant portion of their annual revenue during the final days of the year. After all, this is the season of generosity, reflection, and gratitude. Nonprofits that plan strategically can inspire donors to act, strengthen relationships, and close the year with momentum that carries into the nex

The biggest challenge nonprofit organizations face today is uncertainty. The current economic, political, and social environment has created volatility that affects both nonprofit operations and donor behavior. For several years, donors have been cautious, often pausing or reducing their giving in response to these unpredictable conditions.

Fundraising is often seen as the lifeblood of nonprofit sustainability. Yet, success is rarely the result of a single factor or tactic. Instead, it depends on a combination of internal strengths, external perceptions, relationships, and strategic execution. Understanding these variables can help set realistic expectations, maximize potential, and improve outcomes.

A well-crafted case for support is the cornerstone of effective fundraising. It is the guiding document that ensures a nonprofit communicates consistently, compellingly, and confidently across all donor and funder interactions. For a case for support to meet best practices, it must be data driven, emotional, urgent, and compelling.

A bold vision sets the destination. Strategic priorities chart the course. They ensure that every decision, every program, and every dollar supports the change you want to see. By defining them clearly, resourcing them properly, and using them consistently, your nonprofit can move forward with focus, purpose, and measurable impact.

What you do after the event is just as important as what happened during it. Small events are often the spark that begins a donor relationship. A thoughtful, strategic follow-up plan can turn that spark into lasting support.

In fundraising, rejection is inevitable, but how you handle it can make all the difference. When a potential donor says "no", especially if they are a high-net-worth individual, you might initially feel deflated. However, this moment can be a great opportunity for learning and further engagement.

Major gifts are not spontaneous. They are the outcome of intentional cultivation, built on shared values, trust, and a clear vision for impact. Successful fundraising strategies prioritize long-term partnerships over transactional giving, recognizing that the donor journey is a multi-stage process requiring time, strategy, and structure.

It’s no longer enough to say your program is making a difference. Today’s donors want to see the results. In an increasingly outcomes-focused funding landscape, measurement and evaluation are not just buzzwords. They are critical tools for building donor confidence and sustaining long-term support.

As the philanthropic landscape continues to evolve, nonprofits must stay informed about emerging trends to effectively engage donors and...

Funding priorities are not just line items or wish lists. They are mission-aligned, strategically defined opportunities for investment that clearly articulate what your organization needs in order to fulfill its vision.

Nonprofits face a crossroads: The donor-centric model is failing. It’s time to shift power and embrace community-centric fundraising.

I am honored to be chairing the 2024 AFP conference featuring 36 sessions, catering to various fundraising disciplines and experience levels

I recently had the honor of hosting an NEAHP Webinar as part of the NEAHP Ask the Experts program, a role I proudly chair as a board member.

Women in the United States are estimated to control more than $22 trillion in personal wealth. We weld significant personal and...

I am proud to be a Keynote speaker at this year's NEAHP Conference . In my 20 years of fundraising, I have seen the power of a culture...

As an adjunct faculty member of Northeastern University’s School of Nonprofit Management, I teach a graduate level course on measuring...

I recently had the pleasure of joining Stephen Halasnik on The Nonprofit MBA Podcast to discuss the major gift fundraising playbook. To...

When we work collectively for the greater good, we have the capacity to foster equity and sustainable change.

Nonprofits report decreased revenue & limited engagement to be 2020’s toughest challenges but virtual events may be the solution.