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
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
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)
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
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
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
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
Going from point A (introductions) to point B (gift finalization) is not an aimless pursuit; follow the most direct route that gets all of you to the final mutual and rewarding destination. Here are 5 ways to stay on course. Continue reading Prospects Lost? Give Them a Road Map to the Gift
Almost 3/4ths of Americans use YouTube, according to Pew Research. Video is powerful marketing. Are you taking advantage of video to tell your nonprofit’s story? Continue reading The Indisputable Power of Video
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
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
At almost 8 months into the novel coronavirus pandemic, many of us may be scratching our heads, wondering, “What’s next? When will it end? What do I need to do to keep our nonprofit above water and moving forward with our mission?” Continue reading Latest Research: Planned Giving’s Positive Impact on Annual Giving
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
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
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)
