It’s that time of year when we tend to do a lot of looking backward, evaluating the past year before we flip the calendar over.
Did we do what we set out to do? Did we reach our goals? When all is said and done, was 2022 a year to remember or one we’d like to forget?
Here on the Insights blog we’ve also been reflecting on the past year, pulling data to gauge whether we were successful in doing what we promised: Helping you be better at your job.
We feel pretty good. Today’s blog is number 55, beating our goal of one blog per week. Almost 43,000 of you visited the blog this year, viewing the content over 63,000 times. We covered topics ranging from getting your board on board with your gift planning program to using social media to connect with donors effectively to recession proofing your fundraising. And everything in-between.
So, what topics struck a chord? If you missed a post, here’s your chance to see what your colleagues were most interested in.
Top 5 Stelter Blogs of 2022
Why is There a Paper Shortage and What Can I Do About it?
Originally posted in November 2021, this blog found an audience well into 2022 with over 4,500 views.
Sample content:
“Direct mail fundraisers know that paper price is a major component of the total price of their marketing. Have you been hit with sticker shock lately? Consider this: Paper prices have gone up a little more than 25% since January 2021.”
Giving USA 2022: Inside the Numbers
The release of Giving USA’s annual report on philanthropy, and our expert, Lynn M. Gaumer, J.D.’s take on what it all means, is always a highly anticipated blog favorite.
Sample content:
“The new numbers say that after considering individual donations, corporate donations, bequests and foundation giving, Americans gave $484.85 billion in 2021—a 4% increase in current dollars. When adjusted for inflation, total giving changed by -0.7%, staying relatively flat with 2020. This equates to more than $1.32 billion per day.”
[Special Update] New Gift Annuity Rates Released (Plus Get Your Free Download)
Charitable gift annuity rates were all the rage this year. In fact, our Senior Gift Planning Consultant, Lynn M. Gaumer, J.D., joined us on the blog four times in 2022 to keep you abreast of the changes. Her blogs releasing the rates were some of our most visited.
Sample content:
“The American Council on Gift Annuities has released a new schedule of suggested maximum gift annuity rates for gifts established on or after January 1, 2023. On average, rates will increase approximately 0.6% depending on the age of the annuitant. These new rates will mark the highest they’ve been in more than a decade.”
5 Fundamentals for Your Planned Giving Program in the New Year
The very first blog of the new year provided direction for starting your fundraising program on the right foot—and ranked high with readers.
Sample content:
“It’s a fresh year and a fresh calendar. Is your planned giving program similarly feeling revived? Now’s the time to take a breath, remain focused and build the foundation for future years of growth. These five fundamentals will start your 2022 program on solid footing.”
[Free Download] Impact CGAs Offer a Smart Way to Fundraise
Did I mention that CGAs were hot this year? Lynn was in again to teach us a creative way to market CGAs.
Sample content:
“Giving now and later. That is the essence of blended giving. What typically comes to mind is an outright gift of cash or appreciated property combined with a gift in a will or beneficiary designation. But let’s think outside the box for a moment. What happens if we give a little flair to the traditional charitable giving annuity (CGA)? And just for fun, we give it a new name. Enter the “Impact CGA.”
We’re taking a break on the blog next week, but we will be back come January. In the meantime, we hope you have a happy, healthy and safe holiday season!