Fridays 4 Fundraising

SummaryIn this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly talks about why we need to think about donor relationships more like real-life relationships...because they ARE real-life relationships. Join Sustain & Thrive: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thrive Schedule a consultation call: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/schedule TakeawaysAsking a stranger to donate to your nonprofit is about as nonsensical as asking a stranger to help you move or babysit your children.People need more interesting reasons to sign up for your email list beyond "get updates."We have to get people excited about our mission (WHY we exist) before we bore them with details like program updates.

SummaryIn this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly talks about how to give your Annual Report life and staying power. We're re-thinking the role of annual reports—not as a one-time task, but as something that should be integrated into ongoing communication with donors. Kelly introduces the concept of impact meetings, where organizations can engage donors directly, share stories, and gather feedback, ultimately fostering deeper connections and loyalty. She encourages organizations to think creatively about how to leverage their annual reports throughout the year and to consider implementing impact meetings as a strategy for donor engagement. Join Sustain & Thrive: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thrive Schedule a consultation call: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/schedule TakeawaysSending out your annual report is not a one and done activity.Think about how you can roll out your annual report throughout the year.Impact meetings can enhance donor engagement and loyalty.Donors appreciate being involved in the organization's mission.Annual reports should facilitate ongoing conversations with donors.Engaging donors through Q&A sessions can provide valuable insights.Leverage annual report energy to discuss future plans with donors.Invite donors to see the impact of their contributions firsthand.There's no one-size-fits-all approach; find what works for your organization.Feedback from donors can lead to new ideas and strategies. Chapters00:00 Welcome to Fridays 4 Fundraising00:48 This Week's Focus: Annual Report Meetings01:17 How to Give Your Annual Report Life with Report Meetings05:54 This Week's Assignment: Give Your Annual Report Life Keywordsannual reports, donor engagement, impact meetings, fundraising strategies, nonprofit communication

SummaryIn this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly may have gone on a bit of a tangent about the overhead myth. But more generally, Kelly talks about how to integrate data with the narratives you're telling in your annual report. She highlights how donors are interested in understanding how their contributions impact not only our mission-driven outcomes, but also the growth of the organization as an institution.  Join Sustain & Thrive: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thrive Schedule a Discovery Call: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/schedule TakeawaysDonors want to hear about organizational growth and change, and your Annual Report is a great place for telling those stories and providing that data.Financial transparency is crucial in annual reports.Overhead costs should be openly discussed with donors.Data should support the narrative being told in the report as integrating metrics with stories enhances donor understanding of impact outcomes.Capacity building stories are important for donor confidence. Chapters00:00 Welcome to Fridays 4 Fundraising00:48 This Week's Focus: Data for Annual Reports02:33 Quick Note on the "Overhead Myth"03:51 How to Pick the Right Data for Your Annual Report07:45 Resources to Support Your Growth09:11 This Week's Assignment: Pick Relevant Data Keywordsannual reports, financial transparency, donor communication, nonprofit storytelling, impact metrics, organizational growth, capacity building, donor engagement, overhead costs, mission outcomes

SummaryIn this episode, Kelly discusses the need to craft compelling narratives that resonate emotionally and intellectually with the audience. The conversation also touches on the various formats of annual reports and how they influence the storytelling approach, encouraging organizations to reflect on their most significant developments and how to present them effectively. Join Sustain & Thrive: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thrive Request a Discovery Call with Kelly: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/schedule TakeawaysThe framework of annual reports is changing due to better donor communication.Storytelling is crucial in annual reports to engage donors.Crafting narratives involves making donors feel and think.Different formats require different storytelling approaches.Client stories are common, but institutional storytelling is also important. Chapters00:00 Welcome to Fridays 4 Fundraising00:48 This Week's Focus: Annual Reports & Storytelling01:34 How to Pick Stories for Your Annual Report04:42 Resources to Support You06:04 This Week's Assignment: Decide How to Tell a Story Keywordsannual reports, storytelling, nonprofit communication, donor engagement, data presentation, narrative crafting, client stories, organizational growth, impact stories, communication strategies

SummaryIn this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly discusses how annual reports are evolving, emphasizing the need for innovative formats that engage donors effectively. She highlights the shift away from traditional, lengthy reports towards more dynamic and accessible options, such as short PDFs, videos, and community engagement events. The focus is on understanding donor preferences and creating meaningful connections through impactful communication. Join Sustain & Thrive: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thrive Request a Discovery Call with Kelly: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/schedule TakeawaysAnnual reports are evolving; there's no one-size-fits-all format.Donors are less interested in traditional printed reports.Engagement with donors should be frequent and dynamic.Consider your audience's preferences when creating reports. Shorter, more visual formats can be more effective.Community-building events can replace traditional reports.Focus on the impact of donations to retain donor interest. Chapters00:00 Welcome to Fridays 4 Fundraising00:48 This Week's Focus: Formats for Your Annual Report01:07 How To Pick the Right Format for Your Annual Report06:09 This Week's Assignment: Pick an Annual Report Format06:30 Resources to Get You Growing Keywordsannual reports, donor engagement, nonprofit fundraising, impact reporting, communication strategies

Episode SummarySummaryIn this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly chats about the importance of conducting post-year-end gratitude campaigns to build donor loyalty. She discusses how organizations often bombard donors with requests for money without following up on the impact of their contributions. By effectively communicating the outcomes of donations and treating donors as partners, nonprofits can foster stronger relationships and encourage continued support. Get SupportNote: We only support U.S.-based nonprofit organizations that are IRS designated 501(c)(3) organizations or that are fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) organization.Sustain & Thrive: Engaging, Supportive Group Learning: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thriveNurture & Grow: Your Individual Giving Program Launch: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/nurture-growNot sure what you need? Request a Consultation: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/schedule TakeawaysPut equal effort into thanking donors as you do in asking for money.Donors want to know what happened after they donated.Treat donors as partners in your mission, not just sources of funds.Donors are passionate about the causes they support; acknowledge that passion.Creating a sustainable fundraising strategy is essential for long-term success.Chapters00:00 Welcome to Fridays 4 Fundraising00:48 This Week's Focus: Gratitude After Year End03:14 How to Do Gratitude Campaigns05:32 This Week's Assignment: Find a Way to Partner with Your Donors06:15 Fundraising Resource You can AffordKeywordsfundraising, donor loyalty, gratitude campaigns, nonprofit, communication, donor engagement, fundraising strategy, donor partnership, nonprofit management, fundraising success

Episode SummarySummaryIn this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly emphasizes the importance of sending tax letters to donors as a way to enhance donor appreciation and loyalty. She discusses the key elements of crafting effective tax letters, including the timing, content, and legal language to use. Additionally, she highlights the need for a solid fundraising infrastructure to support organizations in their fundraising efforts.Get SupportNote: We only support U.S.-based nonprofit organizations that are IRS designated 501(c)(3) organizations or that are fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) organization.Sustain & Thrive: Engaging, Supportive Group Learning: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thriveNurture & Grow: Your Individual Giving Program Launch: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/nurture-growNot sure what you need? Request a Consultation: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/schedule TakeawaysSending tax letters is a best practice for donor relations.Send letters when donors receive other tax documents.Include a summary of accomplishments in the tax letter.Use clear language about tax deductibility to avoid legal issues.Creating tax letters should be a straightforward processRegular communication fosters a sense of partnership with donors. Chapters00:00 The Importance of Tax Letters for Donors03:37 Crafting Effective Tax Letters05:16 Building Sustainable Fundraising StrategiesKeywordstax letters, donor appreciation, fundraising, nonprofit, donor loyalty, charitable deductions, communication, impact letters, fundraising infrastructure, donor relations

Episode SummarySummaryIn this episode of Fridays for Fundraising, Kelly emphasizes the importance of donor stewardship after year-end fundraising. She discusses how autoresponders are insufficient for expressing gratitude and suggests personalized approaches to thank donors, such as thank you calls and personal emails. Kelly encourages small nonprofits to leverage their ability to connect with donors on a personal level, fostering loyalty and engagement.  TakeawaysFundraising success requires warm connections, not just autoresponders.Personalized thank yous can significantly impact donor loyalty.Small nonprofits have an advantage in donor engagement in being able to personalize relationships with donors.Thank you call-a-thons can be fun and effective.Building relationships with donors is crucial for retention.Creative thank you strategies can enhance donor experience. Get SupportNote: We only support U.S.-based nonprofit organizations that are IRS designated 501(c)(3) organizations or that are fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) organization.Sustain & Thrive: Engaging, Supportive Group Learning: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thriveNurture & Grow: Your Individual Giving Program Launch: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/nurture-growNot sure what you need? Request a Consultation: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/scheduleChapters00:00 Introduction to Fundraising Success00:53 The Importance of Donor Stewardship05:01 Creative Ways to Thank Donors08:12 Conclusion and Next StepsKeywordsfundraising, nonprofit, donor stewardship, thank you calls, donor loyalty, small nonprofits, fundraising strategies, donor engagement, nonprofit success, fundraising tips

SummaryIn this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly emphasizes the importance of concise messaging, effective use of visuals, and engaging donors beyond just fundraising campaigns to make a compelling pitch for donations on December 31. With practical tips and a focus on simplicity, Kelly aims to help nonprofits drive donations and build lasting relationships with their supporters. Join Sustain & Thrive: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thrive Join the Recipe for Relief Workshop Waitlist: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/2026-relief TakeawaysNobody is reading a long email on December 31st.How short can you make a case for support?A picture is worth a thousand words.Simple is actually a real winner. Chapters00:00 Kickstarting Your Fundraising Journey00:43 Maximizing Year-End Campaigns04:20 Engaging Donors Effectively05:51 Planning for Future Success Keywordsfundraising, nonprofit, year-end campaigns, donor engagement, email marketing, short messaging, video content, fundraising strategies, donor stewardship, sustainable fundraising

SummaryIn this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly shares actionable strategies for small nonprofits to enhance their year-end fundraising campaigns by making small adjustments rather than drastic changes, engaging donors through personal outreach, and effectively communicating the impact of donations. Kelly also discusses the role of board members in fundraising efforts and introduces the concept of peer-to-peer connection as a way to boost campaign performance. The episode concludes with a preview of upcoming workshops and programs designed to support nonprofit leaders in their fundraising efforts.  Join Sustain & Thrive: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thrive Download the Year End Campaign Planner: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/yearend Get on the waitlist for the 2026 Recipe for Relief Workshop: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/2026-relief TakeawaysDon't make massive changes, just tweak.Calling your donors can be a great way to connect.Bring in the board to activate your campaign.State the need in a positive way.Add a peer-to-peer campaign element to your campaign. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Fundraising Success00:52 Year-End Campaign Strategies02:02 Course Correction Techniques06:43 Engaging Donors Effectively09:12 Communicating Impact and Need11:54 Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Strategies14:29 Looking Ahead: Future Workshops and Programs Keywordsfundraising, nonprofit, year-end campaign, donor engagement, fundraising strategies, peer-to-peer fundraising, impact communication, course correction, board engagement, fundraising success 

SummaryIn this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly emphasizes the importance of setting clear goals, tracking progress, and maintaining donor engagement without overwhelming them. The episode also previews future workshops aimed at building sustainable fundraising strategies for 2026. Join Sustain & Thrive: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thrive Download the Year End Campaign Planner: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/yearend   Get on the wait list for the 2026 Recipe For Relief Fundraising Planning Workshop: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/2026-relief TakeawaysAssess your progress regularly during your year-end campaign.Divide your overall fundraising goal into manageable weekly targets.Pace your campaign to account for slower starts and bigger finishes.Avoid making massive changes to your fundraising plan mid-campaign.Use positive messaging to engage donors effectively.Consider a call campaign to reconnect with past donors. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Fridays 4 Fundraising01:17 Year-End Campaign Strategies02:13 Setting and Tracking Fundraising Goals06:19 Maintaining Donor Engagement08:19 Looking Ahead: Future Fundraising Plans Keywordsfundraising, nonprofit, year-end campaign, donor engagement, fundraising goals, small nonprofit, fundraising strategies, donor stewardship, fundraising success, fundraising planning 

SummaryThis is not a regular episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising. This is Kelly's love letter to the fundraisers of the world—whether they consider themselves professional fundraisers or "because I have to" fundraisers. We talk about the importance of making the work sustainable so you're in it for the long haul, and the resources From Scratch Fundraising offers to make that more possible for overworked, under-resourced, tired nonprofit pros. Join Sustain & Thrive: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thrive Get on the wait list for the Recipe for Relief: 2026 Fundraising Planning Workshop: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/2026-relief TakeawaysFundraisers are passionate about their mission and play a crucial role.It's important to take breaks and find joy in the work.Sustainable practices lead to a bigger impact over time.Burnout prevention is essential for long-term success.Fundraising is a year-round effort, not just at year-end. Chapters00:00 Thank You for Being the Heart of Fundraising02:15 Surviving Year End is More Important Than the Money04:06 Connect with From Scratch Fundraising's Resources Keywordsfundraising, nonprofit, sustainable practices, donor development, community impact, fundraising resources, burnout prevention, individual giving, fundraising strategies, nonprofit sector

SummaryIn this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly shares some rapid fire tips for double checking your campaign for optimum success before you launch. From testing links and proofreading to ensuring mobile optimization and having a backup plan, Kelly provides actionable steps to enhance donor engagement and campaign effectiveness. Join Sustain & Thrive: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thrive Download the Year End Campaign Planner: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/yearend TakeawaysThese final touches might seem small and nit-picky, but they enhance the smooth operation of your year-end campaign.Test every link on your donation page.Proofread one last time.Check image file sizes.Make sure everything looks nice on a small screen.A timely thank you is the icing on the cake.Have a backup plan if things go wrong!  Chapters00:00 Welcome to Fridays 4 Fundraising00:44 Year End Campaigns: What to Do This Week01:45 Final Checks: How to Do It07:47 Templates & Tools for Fundraising Success08:16 Getting More Fundraising Support10:52 This Week's Assignment: Final Checks Keywordsfundraising, nonprofit, year-end campaigns, fundraising strategies, donor engagement, fundraising success, campaign planning, nonprofit resources, fundraising tips, sustainable fundraising

SummaryIn this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly outlines actionable steps for small nonprofits to enhance their fundraising efforts by integrating Giving Tuesday into year-end campaigns. She emphasizes the importance of relationship building over transactions and provides practical strategies for leveraging Giving Tuesday as a kickoff for broader fundraising initiatives. Kelly also highlights the need for nonprofits to adapt their approaches in a changing social media landscape and offers resources for effective campaign planning.Join Sustain & Thrive: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thriveDownload the Year End Campaign Planner: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/yearend TakeawaysGiving Tuesday can be integrated into larger campaigns.Small nonprofits often struggle with Giving Tuesday's effectiveness.Focus on relationship building with donors, not just transactions.December is crucial for annual online revenue for nonprofits.Use Giving Tuesday to thank existing donors and share impact stories.Avoid elaborate campaigns specific to Giving Tuesday.Your goal should be to raise money throughout December.Chapters00:00 Welcome to Fridays 4 Fundraising01:04 Understanding Giving Tuesday's Impact02:54 Rethinking Giving Tuesday for Small Nonprofits04:57 This Week's Assignment05:52 Join Sustain & Thrive for Extra Support07:03 How To Get Year End Going in No TimeKeywordsfundraising, Giving Tuesday, year-end campaigns, small nonprofits, donor engagement, nonprofit success, fundraising strategies, community support, sustainable fundraising, nonprofit resources

SummaryIn this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly emphasizes the importance of planning ahead, scheduling content, and utilizing the right tools to streamline the fundraising process so that you can be reactive while your campaign is in progress. She shares options for affordable, but excellent, tools nonprofit leaders can use to make this seamless.Join Sustain & Thrive: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thriveDownload the Year End Campaign Planner: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/yearend TakeawaysPlanning ahead is crucial for year-end campaigns.Scheduling content allows for better donor stewardship.Using a CRM with email marketing integration is beneficial.Pre-programming social media content saves time.Investing in email marketing tools is worthwhile.Having a campaign planner simplifies the processChapters00:00 Welcome to Fridays 4 Fundraising01:19 Why it's important to pre-schedule your year-end campaign03:52 Free resources to support your year-end campaign04:18 Consider joining Sustain & Thrive05:30 This Week's Assignment ReviewKeywordsfundraising, nonprofit, year-end campaigns, content scheduling, donor stewardship, email marketing, social media management, CRM tools, fundraising success, small nonprofits, Neon One, Canva, Buffer, Meta, Hootsuite

SummaryIn this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly shares actionable steps for small nonprofits to enhance their fundraising efforts through social media. She emphasizes the importance of building relationships with donors rather than direct asking on social platforms. The conversation covers strategies for lead generation and effective content creation.Join Sustain & Thrive: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thriveDownload the Year End Campaign Planner: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/yearend TakeawaysSocial media should be used to build relationships.Direct asking on social media is not effective for small nonprofits.Lead generation posts are essential for engaging potential donors.Offer compelling reasons for people to join your email list.Mix up social media posts between updates and asks.Plan your social media content around your email campaigns.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Fundraising Strategies00:49 Social Media's Role in Fundraising06:06 Tools and Resources for Effective CampaignsKeywordsfundraising, nonprofit, social media, lead generation, year-end campaign, donor engagement, fundraising strategies, nonprofit success, community support, email marketing

SummaryIn this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly shares actionable steps for small nonprofits to enhance their year end email efforts. She discusses the importance of storytelling, effective messaging strategies, and the need for compelling email content to engage donors. Kelly provides practical tips on crafting emails, including the significance of personalization, hooks, and strategic asks. Additionally, she introduces resources and templates to streamline the fundraising process, encouraging nonprofits to take proactive steps towards success.TakeawaysCrafting a compelling message involves making donors feel and think.Storytelling is crucial in nonprofit communication.Emails should have a strong hook to engage readers.Asks should be placed above the fold in emails.Personalization in emails increases donor engagement.Subject lines should be catchy and avoid direct asks for money.Chapters00:00 Welcome to Fridays 4 Fundraising01:08 Making the most of email content02:08 Copywriting Best Practices04:40 Make Sure Emails are Opened and Read08:36 Do More with Less Time08:49 Getting Additional Support10:08 This Week's AssignmentKeywordsfundraising, nonprofit, email strategy, donor engagement, year-end campaigns, storytelling, messaging, templates, fundraising success, small nonprofitJoin Sustain & ThriveDownload the Year End Campaign Planner

SummaryIn this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly McLaughlin emphasizes the importance of segmentation in nonprofit fundraising, and what to think about when segmenting for year-end campaigns. She outlines practical strategies for segmenting donor audiences to tailor messaging effectively, ensuring that communications resonate with different donor groups. Join Sustain & ThriveLearn about NeonOneTakeawaysSegmentation is crucial for effective donor communication.Tailor messages based on donor history and engagement.Utilize a CRM for better data management.Segment donors by giving patterns or acquisition sources.Consider different asks for different donor segments.Engagement with donors should feel personalized and valued.Chapters00:00 Welcome00:40 The Importance of Segmentation03:38 Practical Segmentation Strategies06:07 Resources for Year-End Campaigns07:10 Join the Sustain and Thrive ProgramKeywordsfundraising, nonprofit, segmentation, donor management, year-end campaigns, CRM, donor engagement, fundraising strategies, nonprofit leadership, sustainable fundraising

SummaryIn this episode of Fridays for Fundraising, Kelly provides actionable steps for nonprofit leaders to enhance their year-end fundraising campaigns. She emphasizes the importance of identifying the target audience, drafting compelling content, and structuring the messaging around specific asks. TakeawaysYear End content should focus on your ideal donor.Different channels of communication require different writing styles.Build your copy around the specific ask you're making.Start with one piece of baseline content for feedback before you write out the whole campaign.You can grab a copy of our Year End Campaign Planner right here!Join the Sustain and Thrive program for ongoing support.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Fundraising Success00:40 Drafting Effective Campaign Content02:46 Building Your Campaign's Base Content04:44 Ready Made Templates and Tools05:15 Sustain and Thrive Program OverviewKeywordsfundraising, nonprofit, year-end campaigns, content creation, donor engagement, fundraising strategies, templates, fundraising success, nonprofit leadership, campaign planning

SummaryIn this episode, Kelly McLaughlin emphasizes the importance of early planning for year-end fundraising campaigns for small nonprofits. She outlines actionable steps to create a successful campaign, including defining the campaign theme, identifying the target audience, and determining the appropriate ask. She encourages nonprofit leaders to take proactive measures to avoid last-minute panic and to focus on targeted strategies that resonate with their audience.TakeawaysStart planning your year-end campaign early to avoid panic.Define a clear theme for your campaign to guide your messaging.Identify your target audience to tailor your approach effectively.Focus on where your audience is most active for outreach.Customize your ask based on the relationship with the donor.Avoid generic messaging; specificity is key to engagement.Follow a structured approach to ensure fundraising success.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Year-End Fundraising Planning02:09 Key Components of a Successful Campaign06:02 Actionable Steps for Campaign ExecutionKeywordsfundraising, nonprofit, year-end campaign, planning, donor engagement, small nonprofit, campaign strategy, fundraising success