Mary Cahalane

As the year winds down, nonprofits enter one of the most important fundraising windows on the calendar. December alone accounts for nearly 30% of annual giving. Many donors make their most significant gifts during the final weeks of the year. This timing is often driven by holiday generosity and tax planning as donors aim to maximize their charitable deductions before the fiscal year…

When donors continue giving to your nonprofit year after year, it lays the foundation for sustainable growth and long-term impact. In addition to the more stable, reliable funding that longtime supporters can provide, retention is much more cost-effective than acquisition. Nonprofits often spend up to $1.50 per dollar raised to acquire a new donor. But it usually only costs $0.20 per dollar…

As the years go by, donors’ expectations evolve. For nonprofits looking to connect with their audiences in 2025, this means tailoring your outreach experience to their expectations and centering them in your marketing strategy.  But how can your nonprofit speak to every individual donor? Nonprofits use individualized strategies for forging relationships with major donors. But it’s all too common…

As fundraisers, we work hard to find and recruit new donors to our causes. But do you ever feel like your supporters are slipping away after their first gift? There could be a whole host of reasons for this. From a supporter not feeling properly thanked, to a lack of charity brand recall (“I loved that campaign, but what was the name of the charity again?”). By creating a supporter journey, we…

Measure your fundraising to succeed. Nonprofits often follow rules regarding fundraising appeals to maximize their success. For example, industry experts will tell you that personalization is key to stewarding donor relationships. And storytelling is a surefire way to tug at your audience’s heartstrings. However, the most reliable source of information about what works for your nonprofit’s…