Why You Should ‘Get Bored’ With Your Fundraising

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Here’s a simple way to think about fundraising from the fundraiser’s perspective: Get bored. My favorite example of this from a client was a $75,000 CGA gift from a donor who received messaging for three years before committing. They were the right person getting the right message and the donor decided when it was the right time. What does “boredom” sound like for planned giving fundraisers? Find out here: Continue reading Why You Should ‘Get Bored’ With Your Fundraising

5 of the Best Ways to Make Your Holiday Donor Outreach Magical This Year

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Thirty percent of all annual giving occurs in December with 10% of that total happening within the last three days of the year, according to Nonprofits Source. Is your nonprofit ready for the holiday season? Here are 5 tips for magical donor outreach this holiday season. Continue reading 5 of the Best Ways to Make Your Holiday Donor Outreach Magical This Year

Why I Care About Estate Planning (and Why You Should, Too)

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During National Estate Planning Awareness Week—in the midst of a year like no other—it’s important to remember the people behind the plans (or lack thereof). Donors are on a journey, and when we do our job well, we meet them where they are and help equip them for the road ahead. Thanks for the important work you do—for families, philanthropy and our shared future. Continue reading Why I Care About Estate Planning (and Why You Should, Too)

How to Make the Most Out of Estate Planning Awareness Week

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Before the pandemic, it was estimated that more than two-thirds of Americans (68%) did not have a will. In September of this year, interest in creating a will was the highest it has ever been according to Google Trends. Find out how your nonprofit can make the most out of National Estate Planning Awareness Week this year with pointers from our pro, Sr. Gift Planning Consultant, Lynn Gaumer, J.D. Continue reading How to Make the Most Out of Estate Planning Awareness Week

How to Select the Right Audience for Your Planned Giving Marketing

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What aspect of your marketing mix can often go quietly overlooked, but actually makes the most difference where it counts? You guessed it: Audience selection. So, if you’re wondering why your results aren’t what you’d like them to be, start with your list. Today I’ll be sharing why, where and how to find the right audience. Plus, level up your list with my 3 pro tips below. Continue reading How to Select the Right Audience for Your Planned Giving Marketing

Focus On These 7 Things for Giving Tuesday Success

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In 2019, Giving Tuesday raised $511 million online alone, and a total of $1.97 billion with offline donations—making it a monumental day for philanthropy, and for nonprofits. No matter what your position (or department), Giving Tuesday fundraising can be vital for programs and requires all hands on deck. The big day isn’t far away, so let’s dive right in to these 7 Giving Tuesday strategies that will help ensure campaign success. Continue reading Focus On These 7 Things for Giving Tuesday Success

3 Free Fundraising Webinars You Need to Watch

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No matter what school looks like this year, the end of summer break means a renewed focus on learning—not only for the kiddos in our lives, but for us too. Continued learning helps us all develop new skills and stay at the top of our game. Whether these webinars are new to you or you just need a refresher, check them out as you’re designing your own never-stop-improving e-learning curriculum. Continue reading 3 Free Fundraising Webinars You Need to Watch

7 of the Most Frequently Asked Questions on Social Media for Nonprofits

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As a planned giving marketing company, we field a lot of questions about how nonprofits can utilize social and how planned giving can fit into that social strategy—especially these days. Knowing that there are a lot of questions circling around the use of social in today’s environment, Stelter’s Marketing Communications Specialist, Aimee Menhusen, invited me and Stelter’s Creative Director and Marketing Director, Zach Christensen, to a little Zoom Q&A on social media best practices. We put our heads together to come up with this list of FAQs to share. Enjoy! Continue reading 7 of the Most Frequently Asked Questions on Social Media for Nonprofits

How to Design the Perfect Marketing Strategy

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Kathryn W. Miree, President of Kathryn W. Miree & Associates, Inc., recently presented “Designing the Perfect Marketing Strategy for Your Planned Giving Program” as part of Stelter’s monthly webinar series. It’s a timely webinar, filled with practical tips for refining or creating your planned giving marketing plans. Kathryn covers audience segmentation and messaging, as well as the importance of integrating planned giving into an overall development communications plan. The webinar has many valuable takeaways, and today I’m excited to share a few of my favorites. Continue reading How to Design the Perfect Marketing Strategy

Giving USA 2020: Inside the Numbers and a Look Ahead

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Giving USA released its 2020 annual report last week, but it just felt, well, different. Perhaps you may even feel that it is irrelevant. So much has changed in the first six months of 2020. Let’s take a brief look into the numbers and, more importantly, let’s look ahead to see how Americans are responding and giving this year. Continue reading Giving USA 2020: Inside the Numbers and a Look Ahead

[FREE DOWNLOAD] Two-Life CGA Suggested Maximum Rate Schedules Are Here

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The American Council on Gift Annuities rates committee has revealed a new schedule of suggested maximum two-life charitable gift annuity (CGA) rates for gifts established on or after July 1, 2020. The new two-life rates are 0.3% to 0.5% lower than the current rates. Download our sample donor letter to reach out to those who may be interested in making a gift before July 1 to take advantage of the current rates. Continue reading [FREE DOWNLOAD] Two-Life CGA Suggested Maximum Rate Schedules Are Here

5 Storytelling Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

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Stories are how we share our culture, pass down our traditions and influence others. We are literally hardwired for storytelling. Perfect for fundraising, right? But if the formula is so simple—character + conflict + resourcefulness = resolution—then why don’t more stories resonate? Here are five mistakes that might be in the way. Continue reading 5 Storytelling Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Breaking News: ACGA Releases New Suggested Maximum Single-Life Rate Schedules [FREE DOWNLOAD]

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The American Council on Gift Annuities rates committee has revealed a new schedule of suggested maximum single-life charitable gift annuity (CGA) rates for gifts established on or after July 1, 2020. Check out our chart of the new rates and download our sample donor letter to reach out to those who may be interested in making a gift before July 1 to take advantage of the current rates. Continue reading Breaking News: ACGA Releases New Suggested Maximum Single-Life Rate Schedules [FREE DOWNLOAD]

[FREE DOWNLOAD] How to Let Your Donors Know About the New Charitable Gift Annuity Rates

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Stelter’s Senior Gift Planning Consultant, Lynn Gaumer, J.D., is back to share an update on the new schedule of CGA rates. We recommend you reach out now to your donors who may be interested in making a gift before July 1 to take advantage of the current rates. To assist you with this, we are providing a letter that you can customize and use for your donor communications. Continue reading [FREE DOWNLOAD] How to Let Your Donors Know About the New Charitable Gift Annuity Rates

[FREE WHITE PAPER] Women & Giving: A Marketing Roadmap

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The Stelter Company’s most recent research, Women & Giving: A Marketing Roadmap, showcases the differences that surface between men and women—differences related to giving, finances and self-image. I’m here today to share some findings that can help your nonprofit’s planned giving marketing program. Continue reading [FREE WHITE PAPER] Women & Giving: A Marketing Roadmap

[FREE DOWNLOAD] How to Let Your Donors Know About the New Charitable Gift Annuity Rates

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The American Council on Gift Annuities recently revealed a new schedule of suggested maximum gift annuity rates for gifts established on or after Jan. 1, 2020. Score your free donor letter and customize it for your nonprofit’s CGA communications. Continue reading [FREE DOWNLOAD] How to Let Your Donors Know About the New Charitable Gift Annuity Rates

Read These: The Best Quotes to Prepare You for International Day of Charity

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September 5 is International Day of Charity, designated by the United Nations General Assembly as a day to shine a light on charity-related activities worldwide. On this day, individuals, nonprofits and volunteer organizations raise awareness, organize special events and build support for charitable works. Continue reading Read These: The Best Quotes to Prepare You for International Day of Charity

What You Need To Know Now to Promote, Receive and Acknowledge a DAF Gift

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Today we welcome back a special guest on the blog: Stelter Senior Technical Consultant, Lynn Gaumer, J.D. Lynn returns to share her insights on promoting, receiving and acknowledging donor advised fund gifts. Donor advised funds date back to the Great Depression, yet they were not actively promoted until the early 1990s when Fidelity established FidelityContinue reading What You Need To Know Now to Promote, Receive and Acknowledge a DAF Gift

How to Cultivate Donor Loyalty: 5 Marketing Tips

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A friend of mine, a retired hospice-facility fundraiser, recently made a sizable gift to a local women’s shelter. But she never received an acknowledgment or thank you. She was even told, “No thanks, we’ve got it covered,” when she volunteered to write their thank you notes. Needless to say, she’s hesitant to go any furtherContinue reading How to Cultivate Donor Loyalty: 5 Marketing Tips

What Kind of Donor Journey Are You Delivering?

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Earlier this year, I shared the primary three stages of the donor journey. Today, I’m back with the final two stages. As you may recall, the donor’s journey starts off similarly to the buyer’s journey—but  can conclude with two additional destinations: donation and believer. Your nonprofit’s ultimate goal is to help your donors reach theContinue reading What Kind of Donor Journey Are You Delivering?

The 5 Questions You MUST Answer in Your Copy

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In her continuing series, we welcome special guest, Stelter Editorial Director, Katie Parker. Marketing is piquing interest, evoking emotion, triggering response. It’s about making something that you do relevant to them (better yet, it’s listening to their needs and answering them with your product). At the core of marketing your service is compelling copy. Here areContinue reading The 5 Questions You MUST Answer in Your Copy