Fridays 4 Fundraising

SummaryIn this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly is bringing back a blast from the early 2000s. Remember Google Alerts? They still exist, and they are a highly underutilized fundraising gold mine!LinksCheck Out DonorboxRequest a Discovery CallJoin Sustain & ThriveRegister for Major Gifts for the Small Shop Workshop TakeawaysHow to use Google Alerts to grow your major gifts programWhat to do with the information you learn via Google AlertsIt's not just for individual donors: try it on your corporate and foundation partnersKeywordsnonprofit fundraising, donor engagement, major gifts, creative fundraising strategies, corporate funding, corporate giving, foundations, foundation fundraising

SummaryIn this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly is helping you get over the fear of sending donor updates by showing you how the shift from polish to authenticity wins every single time.LinksCheck Out DonorboxRequest a Discovery CallJoin Sustain & ThriveRegister for Major Gifts for the Small Shop Workshop TakeawaysInfrequent, super polished newsletters don't engage donors the way you want.Less polished, more authentic emails win every single time.How can you re-think your donor engagement strategy.Keywordsnonprofit fundraising, email list growth, donor engagement, major gifts, creative fundraising strategies

SummaryIn this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly is getting you to think outside the box on growing email list. Kelly shares innovative strategies and creative, non-traditional methods of list building.LinksCheck Out DonorboxRequest a Discovery CallRegister for Major Gifts for the Small Shop Workshop TakeawaysTabling at local events is a highly effective lead generation method for small nonprofits.Offering valuable resources like bird guides or bingo cards can attract email signups.Donor engagement can be increased by signaling value and relevance through targeted content.Keywordsnonprofit fundraising, email list growth, donor engagement, major gifts, creative fundraising strategies

SummaryIn this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly talks about the importance of maintaining a clean and up-to-date donor CRM, and how to leverage slower months (like August) to prep it for busier times (like year end). Kelly shares practical steps for nonprofit organizations to streamline their donor data, prepare for major gift campaigns, and leverage CRM cleanup as a strategic tool for fundraising success.LinksCheck Out DonorboxRequest a Discovery CallRegister for Major Gifts for the Small Shop Workshop TakeawaysRegular CRM cleanup prevents duplicate donor accounts which avoids critical relationship management errors.Up-to-date donor profiles improve communication and engagement.Cleaning your CRM now saves time and effort later.A systematic approach to cleanup can be manageable and effective.CRM maintenance is crucial for long-term fundraising success.Keywordsnonprofit fundraising, donor CRM, data cleanup, major gifts, fundraising strategy, nonprofit tips, donor management, CRM best practices, fundraising success, nonprofit growth

SummaryIn this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly challenges you to call your 10 most recent donors AND create the infrastructure to keep calling your donors every Friday. LinksCheck Out DonorboxRequest a Discovery Call TakeawaysBuild and schedule a report from your donor CRM to keep you on top of calling your donors.End your week with calls to your donors to maximize your donation relationships and end your week with encouragement.Keywordsfundraising, nonprofit, donor communication, stewardship

SummaryIn this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly tells you how her clients have successfully gotten more responses from emails to donors with a simple, practical email strategy to improve donor communication and stewardship, emphasizing strategic and sparing use of mail merge for maximum impact.LinksCheck Out DonorboxRequest a Discovery Call TakeawaysMail merge can personalize donor updates and increase engagement when used SPARINGLY.Using mail merge for important, targeted communications can create a sense of exclusivity and intimacy.Always use mail merge strategically to avoid spamming donors.Tools like Outlook, Gmail, and third-party plugins can facilitate mail merge.Donor stewardship emails sent via mail merge can generate immediate responses and conversations.Keywordsfundraising, nonprofit, mail merge, donor communication, stewardship, email marketing, nonprofit tips

SummaryIn this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly explains how to effectively use LYBUNT reports to re-engage donors and build sustainable support. Learn actionable steps to improve donor retention and strengthen your fundraising efforts.LinksCheck Out DonorboxRequest a Discovery Call TakeawaysCheck LYBUNT reports monthly to catch donors before they lapseReach out to donors who haven't given this year to re-engage themUnderstand why donors lapse and address their concernsUse donor data to inform your fundraising strategyBuild relationships beyond financial contributionsKeywordsfundraising, nonprofit, donor retention, LYBUNT, donor engagement, fundraising strategy, nonprofit tips

SummaryIn this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly shares practical strategies for email list segmentation and donor engagement to boost nonprofit fundraising efforts. Learn how to effectively categorize your supporters and leverage integrated platforms for better outreach.LinksCheck Out DonorboxRequest a Discovery Call Takeaways Segment your email list based on donor activity and interests.Use integrated platforms like Neon One, DonorBox, and CauseVox.Allow supporters to self-select their interests to improve engagement.Update donor tags with last donation date for targeted campaigns.Leverage Zapier to connect platforms that don't natively integrate.Keywordsnonprofit fundraising, email segmentation, donor management, CRM, donor engagement, fundraising strategies, nonprofit tips

SummaryIn this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly shares something a little different: a deeply impactful mindset quote that she wants to share with you. Take this weekend to rest, instead of continuing to hustle. The work will be there again on Monday.LinksCheck Out DonorboxRequest a Discovery Call TakeawaysWhen we don't take time for rest, we're asking to burn out.Even when the work is hard and urgent, rest is yet more urgent because you are your mission's greatest asset.Keywordsfundraising, fundraiser burnout, nonprofit burnout, rest is resistance, nonprofit leadership

SummaryIn this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly shares practical strategies for engaging lapsed donors, including real-life success stories and actionable steps to re-engage supporters and boost fundraising efforts.LinksCheck Out DonorboxRequest a Discovery Call TakeawaysIt's worth calling lapsed donors, not to raise more, but to find out how to improve your fundraising efforts.A real life story about how Kelly brought a donor back into the fold at a higher level than they'd ever given before.Keywordsfundraising, lapsed donors, donor engagement, nonprofit, Kelly McLaughlin, donor retention, fundraising tips

SummaryIn this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly shares how nonprofit organizations can leverage Zapier to automate routine tasks, saving time and increasing efficiency in fundraising efforts. Links to Tools MentionedZapier - https://zapier.comDonorBox - https://www.donorbox.orgNeon One - https://neonone.comMonday.com - https://monday.comTakeawaysZapier can connect multiple tools to automate fundraising tasks.Automation frees up staff to focus on relationship-building rather than data entry.A well-structured automation system can operate seamlessly without constant oversight.Nonprofits can implement sophisticated workflows even with small teams. Chapters00:00 Welcome to Fridays 4 Fundraising00:48 Thanks to Donorbox!01:17 This Week's Focus: Drop busywork with Zapier02:07 How to drop busywork with Zapier06:55 Resources to Support You08:10 This Week's Assignment: Automate something that will save you hoursKeywordsfundraising automation, Zapier, nonprofit efficiency, donor management, workflow automation

SummaryIn this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly talks about how to get your board to buy into professional development budgets.LinksCheck Out DonorboxRequest a Discovery Call TakeawaysPresent fundraising investments as gains, not a way to prevent losses.Use data to show the potential return on investment.Frame fundraising needs as opportunities for growth.Keywordsfundraising, nonprofit, professional development, donor retention, board engagement, fundraising strategy, nonprofit success, donor retention improvement, fundraising support

SummaryIn this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly emphasizes the importance of personal donor engagement through calls, advocating for a return to traditional relationship-building methods to boost fundraising effectiveness. She shares practical steps for nonprofit leaders to reconnect with donors and improve retention.LinksCheck Out DonorboxRequest a Discovery Call TakeawaysThe decline of digital-only fundraising strategiesThe importance of personal donor relationshipsPractical steps for calling and engaging donorsChapters00:00 Welcome to Fridays 4 Fundraising00:41 Thank You to Donorbox!01:08 This Week's Focus: Call Your Donors, part 2!04:10 How to Approach Calling Donors You Don't Know05:49 Let's hang out!06:53 Your Homework Assignment: Call 10 Donors You Don't Know Keywordsfundraising, donor engagement, nonprofit, relationship-building, donor calls, fundraising strategy, Kelly McLaughlin, From Scratch Fundraising

SummaryIn this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly explains how nonprofit fundraisers can leverage calendar scheduling links to increase efficiency and build stronger donor relationships. Kelly shares practical steps to implement these tools and improve fundraising outcomes. LinksCheck Out DonorboxRequest a Discovery Call TakeawaysUsing calendar links is now essential for donor engagement.Set up three default meeting types: 30-min virtual, 60-min virtual, 90-min in-person.Choose a platform that integrates well with your existing tools.Donors prefer efficient, no-hassle scheduling options.ChaptersChapters00:00 Welcome to Fridays 4 Fundraising01:07 The Shift in Donor Scheduling Preferences01:38 Why Calendar Links Are a Must Now03:55 Choosing the Right Scheduling Platform05:17 Setting Up Default Meeting Types06:09 Matching Meeting Types to Donor Needs06:50 Quick Setup Tips for Calendar Links06:58 Your Weekly Homework: Implement a Calendar Link Keywordsfundraising, nonprofit, calendar scheduling, donor relationships, efficiency, digital tools, fundraising tips

SummaryIn this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly shares insights on managing fundraiser burnout by understanding the physiological stress response and practical techniques to stay resilient.  LinksCheck Out DonorboxRequest a Discovery CallSign up for How To Fundraise Without Burning Out workshop TakeawaysBurnout is the freeze response, a physiological reaction to stress.Managing stress involves making your body feel safe through physical and social activities.Understanding the physicality of stress is crucial for long-term resilience.Chapters00:00 Welcome to Fridays 4 Fundraising02:40 Understanding Fundraiser Burnout05:19 Physiological Responses to Stress08:14 Strategies for Managing Stress10:58 Building a Burnout Recovery Action Plan13:51 Workshop Invitation and Conclusion Keywordsfundraiser burnout, stress management, nonprofit, sustainable fundraising, mental health, stress response, burnout recovery, Kelly McLaughlin, DonorBox, fundraising tips

SummaryIn this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly shares a simple yet powerful technique to enhance donor relationships and increase retention—BCC'ing team members on donation autoresponders. She explains how this easy step can foster real conversations, improve engagement, and ultimately boost fundraising success. LinksCheck Out DonorboxRequest a Discovery CallSign up for How To Fundraise Without Burning Out workshop TakeawaysUsing BCC in autoresponders helps to build relationships by prompting conversations with donors you wouldn't have otherwise.Improving donor retention requires personalized engagement Chapters00:00 Welcome to Fridays 4 Fundraising00:47 Thank You Donorbox!01:31 This Week's Focus: Optimize Your Thank Yous04:31 How To Set Up a BCC on your Autoresponder10:25 Workshop: How to Fundraise Without Burning Outt13:01 This Week's Assignment: Set up a BCC on your autoresponders Keywordsfundraising, donor relationships, autoresponders, donor retention, nonprofit, digital fundraising, relationship building, Kelly McLaughlin, fundraising tips

SummaryIn this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly talks about why phone calls to donors still matter—even (and maybe in spite of) the age of digital efficiency. This week, start with your top 10 donors to begin making strides in donor retention and upgrades. LinksCheck Out DonorboxRequest a Discovery CallSign up for How To Fundraise Without Burning Out workshop TakeawaysThe importance of calling donors for relationship buildingSteps to effectively call top donorsUsing digital tools to enhance face-to-face interactionsManaging fundraising burnout and stress ChaptersChapters00:00 Introduction to Fundraising Focus00:38 Kelly's Weekly Fundraising Assignment01:34 Introducing the Call Your Donors Series01:58 The Impact of Donor Calls on Fundraising03:51 Digital Tools vs. Personal Relationships06:04 How to Identify Your Top 10 Donors06:42 Simple Steps to Call Your Donors08:00 Treat Every Donor as Valuable08:52 Voicemail and Follow-up Tips09:22 Upcoming Free Workshop on Burnout Prevention11:36 Weekly Homework: Call Your Top 10 Donors Keywordsfundraising, donor calls, nonprofit, relationship building, donor retention, burnout prevention, digital tools, fundraising strategy

SummaryIn this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly shares practical strategies for nonprofit fundraising success, focusing on eliminating non-essential tasks to free up time for relationship building and mission impact. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on activities that directly support organizational goals.LinksJoin Sustain & Thrive: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thriveSchedule a Discovery Call: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/scheduleCheck Out DonorBox: https://donorbox.org/?kfl_ln=zdbknjuTakeawaysEliminate tasks that don't support primary goals or organizational survival.Use a three-question test to evaluate each task's importance.Focus on relationship-building activities to move fundraising forward.Automation and delegation are key to increasing productivity.Chapters00:00 Welcome to Fridays 4 Fundraising00:45 Thank You to our First Sponsor: Donorbox!01:28 This Week's Focus: Boost Productivity & Eliminate!02:22 How to Eliminate Non-Essential Tasks04:24 Resources to Support You04:59 This Week's Assignment: Find things to eliminate on your to do list Keywordsfundraising, nonprofit, productivity, task elimination, relationship building, Kelly McLaughlin, From Scratch Fundraising, nonprofit tips

SummaryIn this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly shares a practical framework for nonprofit leaders to boost productivity by automating, operating efficiently, and delegating tasks. This episode offers actionable steps to free up time for relationship building and strategic growth via delegation--even when there's nobody to delegate to!LinksJoin Sustain & Thrive: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thriveSchedule a Discovery Call: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/scheduleCheck Out DonorBox: https://donorbox.org/?kfl_ln=zdbknjuTakeawaysAutomate repetitive tasks using tools like Zapier and QuickBooks.Delegate non-value-adding tasks to volunteers, contractors, or software.Use platforms like Volunteer Match to find volunteers for specific tasks.Hiring an accountant can save time and money, often more than the cost.Focus on relationship-building activities that drive fundraising. Chapters00:00 Welcome to Fridays 4 Fundraising01:31 This Week's Focus: Framework for Productivity - Delegate!02:50 How To Delegate - even when there's nobody to delegate to06:49 Resources to Support You08:00 This Week's Assignment: Figure out something you can delegate todayKeywordsnonprofit, productivity, delegation, automation, fundraising, volunteer, small nonprofit, efficiency, Kelly McLaughlin, From Scratch Fundraising

SummaryIn this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly shares practical strategies for creating standard operating procedures (SOPs) to streamline operations, automate tasks, and build sustainable systems. She also introduces her Nurture and Grow consulting program to help organizations develop long-term fundraising strategies.LinksJoin Sustain & Thrive: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thriveSchedule a Discovery Call: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/scheduleCheck Out DonorBox: https://donorbox.org/?kfl_ln=zdbknjuTakeawaysCreate SOPs for recurring tasks to save brainpower and ease delegation/handoffsPrepare your organization to operate smoothly even in your absence Chapters00:00 Welcome to Fridays 4 Fundraising00:00 A Note from Donorbox01:55 This Week's Focus: Productivity - Operate!03:05 How to Create Standard Operating Procedures07:30 This Week's Assignment: Create a few SOPsKeywordsnonprofit fundraising, SOP, standard operating procedures, automation, nonprofit strategy, Kelly McLaughlin, fundraising systems, nonprofit growth, donor relationships, fundraising success

SummaryIn this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly shares practical strategies for nonprofit fundraisers to boost productivity through automation, effective use of tools like Zapier, and strategic planning. She emphasizes the importance of simplifying tasks, automating repetitive processes, and building sustainable fundraising systems. LinksJoin Sustain & Thrive: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thriveSchedule a Discovery Call: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/scheduleCheck Out DonorBox: https://donorbox.org/?kfl_ln=zdbknjuCheck Out Zapier: https://zapier.comTakeawaysReview your to-do list for automation opportunitiesUse tools like Zapier to automate repetitive tasksLeverage existing platform features for automation Chapters00:00 Welcome to Fridays 4 Fundraising00:40 Thank You to our First Sponsor: Donorbox!01:43 This Week's Focus: Boost Productivity & Automate!02:29 How To Boost Productivity through Automations05:07 Resources to Support You06:38 This Week's Assignment: Find things to automate on your to do list Keywordsnonprofit fundraising, automation, productivity, Zapier, donor management, fundraising strategy, nonprofit tips, efficiency, system building

SummaryIn this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly walks you through the WHY of a welcome series so that you can better understand HOW to build an effective welcome series.  LinksDownload the Welcome Series Template: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/emailJoin Sustain & Thrive: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thriveSchedule a Discovery Call: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/scheduleCheck Out DonorBox: https://donorbox.org/?kfl_ln=zdbknju

SummaryIn this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly talks about where to build your email list, depending on whether your strategy includes just donors or other audiences. She also discusses unconventional strategies that are wildly successful for list building for small nonprofits.Download the Welcome Series Template: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/email Join Sustain & Thrive: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thrive Schedule a consultation call: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/schedule TakeawaysYou don't always need an email marketing system that is separate from your donor CRM/donor database. In fact, there are some CRMs with great integrated email marketing tools.Think beyond social media when you think about list building. Offline methods are often far more powerful in helping you build an engaged email list.

SummaryIn this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly talks about how to balance the need to gain data on your prospective donors with keeping your subscription forms lean.Download the Welcome Series Template: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/email Join Sustain & Thrive: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thrive Schedule a consultation call: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/schedule TakeawaysBe strategic in identifying what data you really need from email subscribers to implement your email segmentation, and keep away from fluff.Use a simple form for high conversion, and pair with a back-end tagging strategy based on how you recruit new subscribers.

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

SummaryIn this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly shares actionable steps for small nonprofits to enhance their fundraising efforts with easy, effective, personalized donor emails as part of a comprehensive Gratitude Campaign.TakeawaysFocus on gratitude campaigns this month.Use at least two channels for your gratitude campaign.Sending personal emails is more effective than mass emails.Use mail merge to send personalized emails.Join the Sustain and Thrive program for comprehensive support.Chapters00:00 Welcome02:38 Implementing Gratitude Campaigns03:18 Resources03:35 Join Sustain & Thrive!04:35 Special Offer for Sustain & Thrive05:09 Final Assignment05:56 Go bake the world a better place!Keywordsfundraising, nonprofit, gratitude campaigns, donor engagement, email marketing, small nonprofits, year-end campaigns, fundraising strategies, donor stewardship, community support

SummaryIn this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly discusses the importance of gratitude campaigns for nonprofits, focusing on the effectiveness of phone calls in donor engagement and in activating board engagement with fundraising. She shares a personal story about how a board member transformed from reluctance to enthusiasm through a gratitude phone campaign. The episode outlines practical steps for organizing a phone-a-thon, including planning, donor list preparation, and execution strategies. Kelly emphasizes the value of gratitude in fundraising and provides resources for further support. Download the Gratitude Campaign Starter Kit here.Join Sustain & Thrive!TakeawaysGratitude campaigns are essential for donor engagement.Phone calls uniquely connect with donors.A phone-a-thon can bond your team.Match callers to donors for better conversations.Gratitude interactions should invite donor feedback.Call campaigns can significantly increase revenue in future fundraising efforts.Chapters00:00 Welcome00:39 The Power of Gratitude Campaigns02:42 Planning Your Phone-a-thon05:44 Executing the Call Campaign07:02 Join Sustain & Thrive!07:32 Resources and Next Steps08:11 Final Assignment08:32 OutroKeywordsfundraising, nonprofit, gratitude campaigns, phone calls, donor engagement, board members, fundraising strategies, call-a-thon, donor stewardship, fundraising success

In this special episode, Kelly McLaughlin addresses the overwhelming chaos many fundraisers face as the year-end approaches. She talks about a unique workshop she has designed to help you organize your work and life, ensuring you enter the giving season calm and prepared. Don't miss this opportunity to transform your approach and achieve fundraising success. Register now at fromscratchfundraising.com/organized.

SummaryIn this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly discusses the effectiveness of phone calls in donor engagement, providing actionable steps for creating call scripts that excite donor engagement. Go to fromscratchfundraising.com/gratitude to get the Gratitude Campaign Starter Kit.Join Sustain & Thrive!Chapters00:00 Welcome00:37 Weekly Focus01:07 The Power of Gratitude Campaigns02:14 Crafting Effective Call Scripts03:44 It's not just what you do, it's how you do it.04:18 Templates & Tools04:42 Join Sustain & Thrive!05:51 Final Assignment06:10 OutroKeywordsfundraising, nonprofit, gratitude campaigns, donor engagement, call scripts, stewardship, fundraising success, nonprofit leadership, donor communication, fundraising strategies

SummaryIn this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly helps you launch a gratitude campaign for your small nonprofits. She outlines actionable steps to create a gratitude campaign and provides a structured approach to planning the campaign, including selecting communication channels and writing scripts. Go to fromscratchfundraising.com/gratitude do get the Gratitude Campaign Starter Kit.Join Sustain & Thrive.Chapters00:00 Welcome00:40 The Importance of Gratitude Campaigns02:17 Planning Your Gratitude Campaign04:32 Resources and Next Steps06:06 Final Assignment06:27 OutroKeywordsfundraising, nonprofit, gratitude campaigns, donor stewardship, small nonprofits, fundraising success, donor engagement, campaign planning, phone-a-thon, fundraising resources

Welcome to Fridays 4 Fundraising! In the next 5 minutes, you’re going to learn one step you can take before you leave the office today that can move fundraising forward for your small nonprofit.