Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Fridays 4 Fundraising

Summary

In 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.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome

00:40 The Importance of Gratitude Campaigns

02:17 Planning Your Gratitude Campaign

04:32 Resources and Next Steps

06:06 Final Assignment

06:27 Outro

Keywords

fundraising, nonprofit, gratitude campaigns, donor stewardship, small nonprofits, fundraising success, donor engagement, campaign planning, phone-a-thon, fundraising resources

Summary

In 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!

Chapters

00:00 Welcome

00:37 Weekly Focus

01:07 The Power of Gratitude Campaigns

02:14 Crafting Effective Call Scripts

03:44 It's not just what you do, it's how you do it.

04:18 Templates & Tools

04:42 Join Sustain & Thrive!

05:51 Final Assignment

06:10 Outro

Keywords

fundraising, nonprofit, gratitude campaigns, donor engagement, call scripts, stewardship, fundraising success, nonprofit leadership, donor communication, fundraising strategies

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.

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.

Summary

In 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!

Takeaways

• Gratitude 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.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome

00:39 The Power of Gratitude Campaigns

02:42 Planning Your Phone-a-thon

05:44 Executing the Call Campaign

07:02 Join Sustain & Thrive!

07:32 Resources and Next Steps

08:11 Final Assignment

08:32 Outro

Keywords

fundraising, nonprofit, gratitude campaigns, phone calls, donor engagement, board members, fundraising strategies, call-a-thon, donor stewardship, fundraising success

Summary

In 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.

Takeaways

• Focus 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.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome

02:38 Implementing Gratitude Campaigns

03:18 Resources

03:35 Join Sustain & Thrive!

04:35 Special Offer for Sustain & Thrive

05:09 Final Assignment

05:56 Go bake the world a better place!

Keywords

fundraising, nonprofit, gratitude campaigns, donor engagement, email marketing, small nonprofits, year-end campaigns, fundraising strategies, donor stewardship, community support

Summary

In 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.

Takeaways

• Start 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.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Year-End Fundraising Planning

02:09 Key Components of a Successful Campaign

06:02 Actionable Steps for Campaign Execution

Keywords

fundraising, nonprofit, year-end campaign, planning, donor engagement, small nonprofit, campaign strategy, fundraising success

Summary

In 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.

Takeaways

• Crafting 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.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Fridays 4 Fundraising

01:08 Making the most of email content

02:08 Copywriting Best Practices

04:40 Make Sure Emails are Opened and Read

08:36 Do More with Less Time

08:49 Getting Additional Support

10:08 This Week's Assignment

Keywords

fundraising, nonprofit, email strategy, donor engagement, year-end campaigns, storytelling, messaging, templates, fundraising success, small nonprofit

Join Sustain & Thrive

Download the Year End Campaign Planner

Summary

In 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 & Thrive

Learn about NeonOne

Takeaways

• Segmentation 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.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome

00:40 The Importance of Segmentation

03:38 Practical Segmentation Strategies

06:07 Resources for Year-End Campaigns

07:10 Join the Sustain and Thrive Program

Keywords

fundraising, nonprofit, segmentation, donor management, year-end campaigns, CRM, donor engagement, fundraising strategies, nonprofit leadership, sustainable fundraising

Summary

In 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.

Takeaways

• Year 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.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Fundraising Success

00:40 Drafting Effective Campaign Content

02:46 Building Your Campaign's Base Content

04:44 Ready Made Templates and Tools

05:15 Sustain and Thrive Program Overview

Keywords

fundraising, nonprofit, year-end campaigns, content creation, donor engagement, fundraising strategies, templates, fundraising success, nonprofit leadership, campaign planning

Episode Summary

Summary

In 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 Support

Note: 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-thrive

Nurture & Grow: Your Individual Giving Program Launch: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/nurture-grow

Not sure what you need? Request a Consultation: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/schedule

Takeaways

• Put 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.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Fridays 4 Fundraising

00:48 This Week's Focus: Gratitude After Year End

03:14 How to Do Gratitude Campaigns

05:32 This Week's Assignment: Find a Way to Partner with Your Donors

06:15 Fundraising Resource You can Afford

Keywords

fundraising, donor loyalty, gratitude campaigns, nonprofit, communication, donor engagement, fundraising strategy, donor partnership, nonprofit management, fundraising success

Episode Summary

Summary

In 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 Support

Note: 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-thrive

Nurture & Grow: Your Individual Giving Program Launch: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/nurture-grow

Not sure what you need? Request a Consultation: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/schedule

Takeaways

• Sending 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 process
• Regular communication fosters a sense of partnership with donors.

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Tax Letters for Donors

03:37 Crafting Effective Tax Letters

05:16 Building Sustainable Fundraising Strategies

Keywords

tax letters, donor appreciation, fundraising, nonprofit, donor loyalty, charitable deductions, communication, impact letters, fundraising infrastructure, donor relations

Summary

In 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-thrive

Download the Year End Campaign Planner: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/yearend 

Takeaways

• Social 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.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Fundraising Strategies

00:49 Social Media's Role in Fundraising

06:06 Tools and Resources for Effective Campaigns

Keywords

fundraising, nonprofit, social media, lead generation, year-end campaign, donor engagement, fundraising strategies, nonprofit success, community support, email marketing

Episode Summary

Summary

In 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.

Takeaways

• Fundraising 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 Support

Note: 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-thrive

Nurture & Grow: Your Individual Giving Program Launch: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/nurture-grow

Not sure what you need? Request a Consultation: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/schedule

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Fundraising Success

00:53 The Importance of Donor Stewardship

05:01 Creative Ways to Thank Donors

08:12 Conclusion and Next Steps

Keywords

fundraising, nonprofit, donor stewardship, thank you calls, donor loyalty, small nonprofits, fundraising strategies, donor engagement, nonprofit success, fundraising tips

Summary

In 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

Takeaways

• Nobody 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.

Chapters

00:00 Kickstarting Your Fundraising Journey

00:43 Maximizing Year-End Campaigns

04:20 Engaging Donors Effectively

05:51 Planning for Future Success

Keywords

fundraising, nonprofit, year-end campaigns, donor engagement, email marketing, short messaging, video content, fundraising strategies, donor stewardship, sustainable fundraising

Summary

In 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

Takeaways

• Don'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.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Fundraising Success

00:52 Year-End Campaign Strategies

02:02 Course Correction Techniques

06:43 Engaging Donors Effectively

09:12 Communicating Impact and Need

11:54 Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Strategies

14:29 Looking Ahead: Future Workshops and Programs

Keywords

fundraising, nonprofit, year-end campaign, donor engagement, fundraising strategies, peer-to-peer fundraising, impact communication, course correction, board engagement, fundraising success

Summary

In 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

Takeaways

• Assess 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.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Fridays 4 Fundraising

01:17 Year-End Campaign Strategies

02:13 Setting and Tracking Fundraising Goals

06:19 Maintaining Donor Engagement

08:19 Looking Ahead: Future Fundraising Plans

Keywords

fundraising, nonprofit, year-end campaign, donor engagement, fundraising goals, small nonprofit, fundraising strategies, donor stewardship, fundraising success, fundraising planning

Summary

This 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

Takeaways

• Fundraisers 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.

Chapters

00:00 Thank You for Being the Heart of Fundraising

02:15 Surviving Year End is More Important Than the Money

04:06 Connect with From Scratch Fundraising's Resources

Keywords

fundraising, nonprofit, sustainable practices, donor development, community impact, fundraising resources, burnout prevention, individual giving, fundraising strategies, nonprofit sector

Summary

In 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

Takeaways

• These 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! 

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Fridays 4 Fundraising

00:44 Year End Campaigns: What to Do This Week

01:45 Final Checks: How to Do It

07:47 Templates & Tools for Fundraising Success

08:16 Getting More Fundraising Support

10:52 This Week's Assignment: Final Checks

Keywords

fundraising, nonprofit, year-end campaigns, fundraising strategies, donor engagement, fundraising success, campaign planning, nonprofit resources, fundraising tips, sustainable fundraising

Summary

In 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-thrive

Download the Year End Campaign Planner: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/yearend 

Takeaways

• Giving 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.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Fridays 4 Fundraising

01:04 Understanding Giving Tuesday's Impact

02:54 Rethinking Giving Tuesday for Small Nonprofits

04:57 This Week's Assignment

05:52 Join Sustain & Thrive for Extra Support

07:03 How To Get Year End Going in No Time

Keywords

fundraising, Giving Tuesday, year-end campaigns, small nonprofits, donor engagement, nonprofit success, fundraising strategies, community support, sustainable fundraising, nonprofit resources

Summary

In 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-thrive

Download the Year End Campaign Planner: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/yearend 

Takeaways

• Planning 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 process

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Fridays 4 Fundraising

01:19 Why it's important to pre-schedule your year-end campaign

03:52 Free resources to support your year-end campaign

04:18 Consider joining Sustain & Thrive

05:30 This Week's Assignment Review

Keywords

fundraising, 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

Summary

In 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

Takeaways

• Sending 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.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Fridays 4 Fundraising

00:48 This Week's Focus: Annual Report Meetings

01:17 How to Give Your Annual Report Life with Report Meetings

05:54 This Week's Assignment: Give Your Annual Report Life

Keywords

annual reports, donor engagement, impact meetings, fundraising strategies, nonprofit communication

Summary

In 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

Takeaways

• Donors 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.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Fridays 4 Fundraising

00:48 This Week's Focus: Data for Annual Reports

02:33 Quick Note on the "Overhead Myth"

03:51 How to Pick the Right Data for Your Annual Report

07:45 Resources to Support Your Growth

09:11 This Week's Assignment: Pick Relevant Data

Keywords

annual reports, financial transparency, donor communication, nonprofit storytelling, impact metrics, organizational growth, capacity building, donor engagement, overhead costs, mission outcomes

Summary

In 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

Takeaways

• The 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.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Fridays 4 Fundraising

00:48 This Week's Focus: Annual Reports & Storytelling

01:34 How to Pick Stories for Your Annual Report

04:42 Resources to Support You

06:04 This Week's Assignment: Decide How to Tell a Story

Keywords

annual reports, storytelling, nonprofit communication, donor engagement, data presentation, narrative crafting, client stories, organizational growth, impact stories, communication strategies

Summary

In 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

Takeaways

• Annual 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.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Fridays 4 Fundraising

00:48 This Week's Focus: Formats for Your Annual Report

01:07 How To Pick the Right Format for Your Annual Report

06:09 This Week's Assignment: Pick an Annual Report Format

06:30 Resources to Get You Growing

Keywords

annual reports, donor engagement, nonprofit fundraising, impact reporting, communication strategies

Summary

In 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

Takeaways

• Asking 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.

Summary

In 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

Takeaways

• Be 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.

Summary

In 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

Takeaways

• You 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.

Summary

In 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.

Links

• Check Out Donorbox
• Request 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.

Keywords

nonprofit fundraising, email segmentation, donor management, CRM, donor engagement, fundraising strategies, nonprofit tips

Summary

In 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.

Links

• Check Out Donorbox
• Request a Discovery Call

Takeaways

• When 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.

Keywords

fundraising, fundraiser burnout, nonprofit burnout, rest is resistance, nonprofit leadership

Summary

In 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.

Links

• Join Sustain & Thrive: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thrive
• Schedule a Discovery Call: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/schedule
• Check Out DonorBox: https://donorbox.org/?kfl_ln=zdbknju

Takeaways

• Eliminate 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.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Fridays 4 Fundraising

00:45 Thank You to our First Sponsor: Donorbox!

01:28 This Week's Focus: Boost Productivity & Eliminate!

02:22 How to Eliminate Non-Essential Tasks

04:24 Resources to Support You

04:59 This Week's Assignment: Find things to eliminate on your to do list

Keywords

fundraising, nonprofit, productivity, task elimination, relationship building, Kelly McLaughlin, From Scratch Fundraising, nonprofit tips

Summary

In 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!

Links

• Join Sustain & Thrive: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thrive
• Schedule a Discovery Call: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/schedule
• Check Out DonorBox: https://donorbox.org/?kfl_ln=zdbknju

Takeaways

• Automate 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.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Fridays 4 Fundraising

01:31 This Week's Focus: Framework for Productivity - Delegate!

02:50 How To Delegate - even when there's nobody to delegate to

06:49 Resources to Support You

08:00 This Week's Assignment: Figure out something you can delegate today

Keywords

nonprofit, productivity, delegation, automation, fundraising, volunteer, small nonprofit, efficiency, Kelly McLaughlin, From Scratch Fundraising

Summary

In 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.

Links

• Join Sustain & Thrive: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thrive
• Schedule a Discovery Call: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/schedule
• Check Out DonorBox: https://donorbox.org/?kfl_ln=zdbknju

Takeaways

• Create SOPs for recurring tasks to save brainpower and ease delegation/handoffs
• Prepare your organization to operate smoothly even in your absence

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Fridays 4 Fundraising

00:00 A Note from Donorbox

01:55 This Week's Focus: Productivity - Operate!

03:05 How to Create Standard Operating Procedures

07:30 This Week's Assignment: Create a few SOPs

Keywords

nonprofit fundraising, SOP, standard operating procedures, automation, nonprofit strategy, Kelly McLaughlin, fundraising systems, nonprofit growth, donor relationships, fundraising success

Summary

In 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.

Links

• Join Sustain & Thrive: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thrive
• Schedule a Discovery Call: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/schedule
• Check Out DonorBox: https://donorbox.org/?kfl_ln=zdbknju
• Check Out Zapier: https://zapier.com

Takeaways

• Review your to-do list for automation opportunities
• Use tools like Zapier to automate repetitive tasks
• Leverage existing platform features for automation

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Fridays 4 Fundraising

00:40 Thank You to our First Sponsor: Donorbox!

01:43 This Week's Focus: Boost Productivity & Automate!

02:29 How To Boost Productivity through Automations

05:07 Resources to Support You

06:38 This Week's Assignment: Find things to automate on your to do list

Keywords

nonprofit fundraising, automation, productivity, Zapier, donor management, fundraising strategy, nonprofit tips, efficiency, system building

Summary

In 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.

Links

• Download the Welcome Series Template: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/email
• Join Sustain & Thrive: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thrive
• Schedule a Discovery Call: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/schedule
• Check Out DonorBox: https://donorbox.org/?kfl_ln=zdbknju

Summary

In 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.

Links

• Check Out Donorbox
• Request a Discovery Call

Takeaways

• It'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.

Keywords

fundraising, lapsed donors, donor engagement, nonprofit, Kelly McLaughlin, donor retention, fundraising tips

Summary

In 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 Mentioned

• Zapier - https://zapier.com
• DonorBox - https://www.donorbox.org
• Neon One - https://neonone.com
• Monday.com - https://monday.com

Takeaways

• Zapier 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.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Fridays 4 Fundraising

00:48 Thanks to Donorbox!

01:17 This Week's Focus: Drop busywork with Zapier

02:07 How to drop busywork with Zapier

06:55 Resources to Support You

08:10 This Week's Assignment: Automate something that will save you hours

Keywords

fundraising automation, Zapier, nonprofit efficiency, donor management, workflow automation

Summary

In this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly talks about how to get your board to buy into professional development budgets.

Links

• Check Out Donorbox
• Request a Discovery Call

Takeaways

• Present 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.

Keywords

fundraising, nonprofit, professional development, donor retention, board engagement, fundraising strategy, nonprofit success, donor retention improvement, fundraising support

Summary

In 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.

Links

• Check Out Donorbox
• Request a Discovery Call

Takeaways

• The decline of digital-only fundraising strategies
• The importance of personal donor relationships
• Practical steps for calling and engaging donors

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Fridays 4 Fundraising

00:41 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 Know

05:49 Let's hang out!

06:53 Your Homework Assignment: Call 10 Donors You Don't Know

Keywords

fundraising, donor engagement, nonprofit, relationship-building, donor calls, fundraising strategy, Kelly McLaughlin, From Scratch Fundraising

Summary

In 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.

Links

• Check Out Donorbox
• Request a Discovery Call

Takeaways

• Using 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.

Chapters

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Fridays 4 Fundraising

01:07 The Shift in Donor Scheduling Preferences

01:38 Why Calendar Links Are a Must Now

03:55 Choosing the Right Scheduling Platform

05:17 Setting Up Default Meeting Types

06:09 Matching Meeting Types to Donor Needs

06:50 Quick Setup Tips for Calendar Links

06:58 Your Weekly Homework: Implement a Calendar Link

Keywords

fundraising, nonprofit, calendar scheduling, donor relationships, efficiency, digital tools, fundraising tips

Summary

In 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.

Links

• Check Out Donorbox
• Request a Discovery Call
• Sign up for How To Fundraise Without Burning Out workshop

Takeaways

• Burnout 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.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Fridays 4 Fundraising

02:40 Understanding Fundraiser Burnout

05:19 Physiological Responses to Stress

08:14 Strategies for Managing Stress

10:58 Building a Burnout Recovery Action Plan

13:51 Workshop Invitation and Conclusion

Keywords

fundraiser burnout, stress management, nonprofit, sustainable fundraising, mental health, stress response, burnout recovery, Kelly McLaughlin, DonorBox, fundraising tips

Summary

In 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.

Links

• Check Out Donorbox
• Request a Discovery Call
• Sign up for How To Fundraise Without Burning Out workshop

Takeaways

• Using BCC in autoresponders helps to build relationships by prompting conversations with donors you wouldn't have otherwise.
• Improving donor retention requires personalized engagement

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Fridays 4 Fundraising

00:47 Thank You Donorbox!

01:31 This Week's Focus: Optimize Your Thank Yous

04:31 How To Set Up a BCC on your Autoresponder

10:25 Workshop: How to Fundraise Without Burning Outt

13:01 This Week's Assignment: Set up a BCC on your autoresponders

Keywords

fundraising, donor relationships, autoresponders, donor retention, nonprofit, digital fundraising, relationship building, Kelly McLaughlin, fundraising tips

Summary

In 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.

Links

• Check Out Donorbox
• Request a Discovery Call
• Sign up for How To Fundraise Without Burning Out workshop

Takeaways

• The importance of calling donors for relationship building
• Steps to effectively call top donors
• Using digital tools to enhance face-to-face interactions
• Managing fundraising burnout and stress

Chapters

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Fundraising Focus

00:38 Kelly's Weekly Fundraising Assignment

01:34 Introducing the Call Your Donors Series

01:58 The Impact of Donor Calls on Fundraising

03:51 Digital Tools vs. Personal Relationships

06:04 How to Identify Your Top 10 Donors

06:42 Simple Steps to Call Your Donors

08:00 Treat Every Donor as Valuable

08:52 Voicemail and Follow-up Tips

09:22 Upcoming Free Workshop on Burnout Prevention

11:36 Weekly Homework: Call Your Top 10 Donors

Keywords

fundraising, donor calls, nonprofit, relationship building, donor retention, burnout prevention, digital tools, fundraising strategy