Explore every episode of the podcast Nonprofit Answers: Nonprofit Fundraising, Marketing, Monthly Giving

A fundraising plan has to balance on three things: dollars, hours, and dates. In the final episode of A Plan You Can Defend, we put one name on every line, build a budget that knows when the cash actually arrives, close Riverbend's hundred-and-fifty-hour gap with a stop-doing list, pressure-test the plan with AI, and take it to the board for a decision.

In this episode you'll learn:

• Why every line in your plan needs one name, including the board's lines.
• Cash timing: why a goal you reach in December still has to get you through June.
• Why Serving Orphans Worldwide cut its budget to rebuild reserves but protected donor acquisition.
• How to build a stop-doing list from return: stop it, shrink it, or hand it to someone else.
• Three rules for using AI in planning: the AI asks, challenges, and drafts but doesn't do the math; no donor names leave your building; and you make every decision.
• Five AI pressure tests, including the skeptical treasurer, the tired donor, and your most overloaded person, plus where AI gets it wrong.
• How to present your plan to the board in ten minutes and ask for a decision, not feedback.
• How to pace quarterly check-ins against last year's pattern, with a short monthly walk-through in between.
• This episode's action item and homework: put your planning day on the calendar, and start your stop-doing list now.

Riverbend Community Food Pantry, Dana, Joanne, and all of Riverbend's numbers are fictional and illustrative.

Ready to build next year's plan? Your 12-Month Fundraising Plan in One Day walks you through it step by step: nine modules and about three hours of video, built for executive directors and development teams of one to three people. You get the Planning Day Kit (data checklist, request emails, one-day agenda, team exercise guides, and a printable wall calendar), the Planning Workbook spreadsheet in a blank version and as Riverbend's filled-in example, the One-Page Board Plan, and the Co-Strategist Prompt Library for using AI without sharing a single donor's name. Lifetime access to the videos and downloads.

When one part of your plan deserves more attention, go deeper with Finish Strong for your year-end campaign, The Gratitude System for thanking and keeping new donors, and the Monthly Giving Masterclass for your monthly giving push.

Resources mentioned

• Your 12-Month Fundraising Plan in One Day
• Finish Strong: The 90-Day Year-End Fundraising Course
• The Gratitude System
• Monthly Giving Masterclass

Riverbend's first draft plan looked great on paper. Then Dana counted the hours and put every ask on one calendar. The plan needed a hundred and fifty more hours than she had, and their most loyal donors would be asked six times in April. In the second episode of A Plan You Can Defend, we make sure your plan fits the people who have to run it, on both sides of the ask.

In this episode you'll learn:

• Why a plan that ignores capacity is a wish list with a budget attached.
• The Hours Honesty exercise: compare each person's estimate with a two-week time log.
• How to turn real weekly hours into a year, and why you plan at eighty percent.
• How to estimate what each campaign and strategy costs in hours.
• How to choose three or four anchor campaigns with a simple scoring grid, and why a telemarketing campaign the staff didn't like stayed in the plan.
• Why your always-on work goes into the plan first.
• Calendar Collision: put every ask, touch, and thank-you on one wall, one row per donor segment, and find the month that asks too much.
• How to set your own ask limit for each segment from your own evidence.
• This episode's action item and homework: start counting your real hours, set your own ask limit for each segment, and leave your capacity gap open for now.

Riverbend Community Food Pantry, Dana, Joanne, and all of Riverbend's numbers are fictional and illustrative.

Ready to build next year's plan? Your 12-Month Fundraising Plan in One Day walks you through it step by step: nine modules and about three hours of video, built for executive directors and development teams of one to three people. You get the Planning Day Kit (data checklist, request emails, one-day agenda, team exercise guides, and a printable wall calendar), the Planning Workbook spreadsheet in a blank version and as Riverbend's filled-in example, the One-Page Board Plan, and the Co-Strategist Prompt Library for using AI without sharing a single donor's name. Lifetime access to the videos and downloads.

Resources mentioned

• Your 12-Month Fundraising Plan in One Day

Most fundraising plans are last year's calendar plus hope. In the first episode of A Plan You Can Defend, a three-part series on building next year's fundraising plan, we follow Dana and Joanne at Riverbend Community Food Pantry into their planning day. We start with the numbers: what to gather, how to read last year honestly, and how to set a goal you can explain in one sentence.

In this episode you'll learn:

• Why a small team can build a full year's plan in one working day, but only if the numbers are on the table first.
• The four things to request before your planning day (gift-level giving export, finance's revenue report, channel costs, and hours), and why gathering them usually takes one to two weeks.
• Why you reconcile last year's total with finance before you plan anything.
• The guessing exercise that shows the gap between what your team remembers and what actually happened.
• Net per hour: why a gala and an email appeal can look very different once you count costs and staff hours.
• How to read donors by lifecycle and gift level, and what one point of retention is worth to you.
• Why the goal starts with your organization's strategy, and how to build it top-down and bottom-up.
• How to set a floor, a target, and a stretch, and the one-sentence test every goal has to pass.
• This week's action item and homework: send the data request, and do the guessing exercise before you look at the real numbers.

Riverbend Community Food Pantry, Dana, Joanne, and all of Riverbend's numbers are fictional and illustrative.

Ready to build next year's plan? Your 12-Month Fundraising Plan in One Day walks you through it step by step: nine modules and about three hours of video, built for executive directors and development teams of one to three people. You get the Planning Day Kit (data checklist, request emails, one-day agenda, team exercise guides, and a printable wall calendar), the Planning Workbook spreadsheet in a blank version and as Riverbend's filled-in example, the One-Page Board Plan, and the Co-Strategist Prompt Library for using AI without sharing a single donor's name. Lifetime access to the videos and downloads.

Resources mentioned

• Your 12-Month Fundraising Plan in One Day

It's the first Monday in January. The pantry is quiet, and Dana is looking at a printout of about two hundred new donors with two feelings at once: gratitude that they showed up, and a little dread, because she knows how often first-time donors never give again. In this final episode of Finish Strong, we talk about the part of year-end that happens after December 31. Year-end brings new donors in. January decides whether they stay.

In this episode you'll learn how to:

• See why a second gift matters more than a bigger first one, and why keeping a donor costs far less than finding one.
• Thank every donor within 48 hours with a real thank-you, not just a receipt.
• Run a board thank-a-thon in early January, a job every board member can do.
• Build a 90-day welcome series: personal thanks, a story about what their gift did, an invitation to come closer, and then a first ask to become a monthly donor.
• Report back to everyone who gave: the total, the promise kept, and one face.
• Debrief with your team in January and record your real numbers, so next October's plan starts from facts, not guesses.
• Use AI to draft your welcome series while you hand-write notes to your top new donors.

Riverbend Community Food Pantry, and Tanya's story, are fictional, but if you've worked at a small nonprofit, you'll recognize them. Your new donors said yes in December. January is your chance to show them it mattered.

Resources mentioned

• Finish Strong Full Course
• Free 12 Days to Build a Great Year-End Fundraising Plan

It's December 15, a little after four in the afternoon. Dana clicks schedule on the last of her final-week emails and heads out for the holidays. The biggest week of Riverbend's year is about to happen, and the person who planned it won't be in the building. That's exactly the plan. In episode six of Finish Strong, we prepare for the last 72 hours of the year, when a huge share of giving comes in.

In this episode you'll learn how to:

• Understand who gives at the very end: tax-motivated donors, procrastinators, and people who meant to give in November.
• Build a six-email final-week sequence, with four of those emails in the last 72 hours.
• Write and schedule everything by December 15 (December 22 at the latest) so a small team can rest.
• Audit your donation page on a phone: load speed, gift amounts, the monthly option, the receipt, and other ways to give, like donor-advised funds and stock.
• Remember that in the US, a check with a December 31 postmark counts for this tax year.
• Make personal thank-you calls to top donors who haven't given yet.
• Run December 31 well: who's watching, updating the match total, and when to stop sending.
• Use AI as a second set of eyes on your emails and donation page before you schedule.

Riverbend Community Food Pantry is a fictional organization, but if you've worked at a small nonprofit, you'll recognize it. Your donors want to finish their year well, and a clear, easy last week helps them do it.

Resources mentioned

• Finish Strong Full Course
• Free 12 Days to Build a Great Year-End Fundraising Plan

It's the Monday before Thanksgiving, and Dana has eleven emails in her inbox with Giving Tuesday in the subject line. None of them are from donors. In episode five of Finish Strong, we take some pressure off: you don't have to win Giving Tuesday. You have to decide what it's for, and then do that one thing well.

In this episode you'll learn how to:

• See Giving Tuesday honestly. Most of the people who give to you that day already know you.
• Choose one of three ways to play it: go all in with a launch, focus on one narrow goal like new monthly donors, or skip the ask and send gratitude.
• Run a four-touch plan if you're going all in: a preview the week before, a morning launch, an afternoon progress update, and an evening last call.
• Let a few board members carry part of the day with personal texts to friends who trust them.
• Win the day after: thank every donor within 48 hours, report the total honestly, and protect your December 31 giving.
• Use AI to draft board messages that sound like each board member, not like your organization.

Riverbend Community Food Pantry is a fictional organization, but if you've worked at a small nonprofit, you'll recognize it. On a day full of noise, the warmest message your donors get can be yours.

Resources mentioned

• Finish Strong Full Course
• Free 12 Days to Build a Great Year-End Fundraising Plan

Last year, Dana was at her kitchen table at 9:30 on the night of December 18, writing an email that had to go out at eight the next morning. This year she's writing that email in the first week of November, when she's rested and has time to think. In episode four of Finish Strong, we build your email calendar from November 1 through midnight on December 31, so your donors hear from you when they're ready to give.

In this episode you'll learn how to:

• Get past the fear of "too much email." Most organizations email too little, and donors who are ready to give need a reminder.
• Plan four phases: echoing the letter in early November, the Giving Tuesday run-up, December 2 through Christmas, and the final week.
• Write about twenty emails in a few batches instead of one at a time in December.
• Mix five types of email (story, impact update, match countdown, thank-you, and last call) so twenty emails don't feel like twenty asks.
• Stop asking once someone gives, and move them to a thank-you track.
• Write versions for monthly donors and lapsed donors, and keep the real ask for top donors personal.
• Get the mechanics right: send from a real person, keep it plain, use one clear link, and make sure your donation page works on a phone.
• Use AI to draft from your letter and calendar, then edit every line by hand.

Riverbend Community Food Pantry is a fictional organization, but if you've worked at a small nonprofit, you'll recognize it. Every email is a chance to show your donors what their generosity is already doing.

Resources mentioned

• Finish Strong Full Course
• Free 12 Days to Build a Great Year-End Fundraising Plan

Dana's first draft of the year-end letter opened with "Riverbend Community Food Pantry is pleased to share" and a number about pounds of food. It was accurate, and it wasn't going to move anyone sitting at a kitchen table with a stack of mail. In episode three of Finish Strong, we rebuild the letter, the backbone of your whole campaign, around one simple idea: one person, one problem, one gift.

In this episode you'll learn how to:

• Use the shape of a strong appeal: one person, the problem, the donor as the solution, the offer, the deadline, and a P.S. that restates the ask.
• Choose whose story to tell, get written permission, and tell it with dignity instead of pity.
• Write to one donor: more "you," short paragraphs, plain words, and a reply card that matches the letter.
• Turn one letter into four versions for top donors, lapsed donors, monthly donors, and new donors.
• Time it right: in mailboxes before Thanksgiving, then a shorter second letter in early December that announces the match.
• Use AI as your editor, not your author.

Riverbend Community Food Pantry, and Tanya's story, are fictional, but if you've worked at a small nonprofit, you'll recognize them. When your letter is about one person and what your donor can do for her, the donor gets to be the hero.

Resources mentioned

• Finish Strong Full Course
• Free 12 Days to Build a Great Year-End Fundraising Plan

Dana laid last year's year-end letter on Marcus's desk. Across the top it said, "Help us fight hunger in our community." She asked him one question: "If you got this in the mail, how much would you give?" He honestly didn't know. In episode two of Finish Strong, we turn a sincere slogan into a real offer, one your donors can picture, afford, and finish.

In this episode you'll learn how to:

• Build an offer with four parts: a specific need, a price, an outcome, and a deadline. For Riverbend, that's "Keep the shelves full in January. Forty dollars gives a family a week of groceries."
• Create an offer ladder where every gift level is tied to its own outcome, plus a monthly option.
• Start each donor's ask near their last gift, even with a basic donor database.
• Use a simple one-to-one match. Research by Karlan and List found that announcing a match raised giving, and bigger ratios did no better than one-to-one.
• Find a match from your board, a top donor, or a local business, and hear what that ask meeting actually sounds like.
• Run your match honestly: launch it on Giving Tuesday, be clear about the terms, and never fake one.
• Use AI to brainstorm offer lines, then pick the one a donor could repeat to a friend.

Riverbend Community Food Pantry is a fictional organization, but if you've worked at a small nonprofit, you'll recognize it. When you give donors a job they can finish, you let them be the hero of the story.

Resources mentioned

• Finish Strong Full Course
• Free 12 Days to Build a Great Year-End Fundraising Plan

It's the first week of October, and Dana at Riverbend Community Food Pantry has last year's $210,000 total on one side of her screen and a blank year-end calendar on the other. In this first episode of Finish Strong, a seven-part series on your year-end campaign, we help her answer the question every executive director asks: "What's our number this year?"

Your year-end goal is a math problem before it's a writing problem. In this episode you'll learn how to:

• Break last year's October–December giving into donor segments and find three numbers for each: how many, what share gave, and how much.
• Build a goal from the ground up (donors × response rate × average gift) so you can show your board where every dollar comes from.
• Find the money already in your file: lapsed donors who said yes once, and monthly donors who are glad to be invited into something important.
• Test your plan against your real capacity using three anchor dates: the letter in mailboxes by mid-November, Giving Tuesday on December 1, and the final days of December.
• Use AI to do the segment math and stress-test your goal, with donor contact information removed first.

Riverbend is a fictional organization, but if you've worked at a small nonprofit, you'll recognize it. Your donors are ready to be generous this season. A clear plan helps you give them the chance.

Resources mentioned

• Finish Strong Full Course
• Free 12 Days to Build a Great Year-End Fundraising Plan

This is the last episode of the series, and I didn’t want to end it with another list of tools or twenty predictions about where AI is headed. Half of those predictions would look silly in three years anyway.

So I’m ending with something simpler. AI is going to keep changing. Your mission shouldn’t.

I’ve tried to argue two things at the same time throughout this series. Nonprofits should use AI. The gains are real, and ignoring them doesn’t make you more human. It may just make you unnecessarily busy. But efficiency isn’t the mission. If AI gives you four hours back and those hours disappear into more email, we missed the point. If you spend them with donors and with the people you serve, now the technology is doing its job. That’s what “work smarter, serve more” means. Not produce more. Serve more.

In this episode I bring it all together around a few commitments. Stay curious without getting captured by every new tool. Protect the practices that form you, the writing, the thinking, the hard conversations, and for faith-based leaders, the prayer and discernment that keep you grounded. Lead your culture and not just the software decision, because banning AI in theory while everyone quietly uses it in practice is the worst of both worlds. And stay rooted in what doesn’t change: the person who showed up, who listened, who cared.

I also have a word for those of you who came into this series skeptical. Some of that skepticism is healthy. The alternative to reckless adoption isn’t no adoption. It’s intentional adoption.

Your final homework: finish the framework you started in Episode 11, put it in front of your leadership team or board, and then go use the tools. Call the donor. Visit the program.

Part of the AI for Nonprofits series. Download the free companion workbook at https://nonprofitfundraising.com/ai 

If you're ready to put this into practice with your team, I built a course for exactly that: Build Your AI Fundraising Assistant. It walks you through building one shared AI assistant that knows your voice, your approved numbers, and your real stories, with a person in the loop on every draft. It's made for small development teams, so the time you save can go back to your donors.

The title of this episode says “policy,” because that’s what most people call it. But I don’t think most nonprofits should start with a policy. AI changes too fast. A list of approved tools and banned uses can be out of date almost as soon as you finish writing it. What you need is a framework, something that gives your staff principles they can apply when they run into a situation nobody anticipated.

In this episode we build that framework together. We start with an audit of what your team is already doing with AI, and I’ll tell you how to run it so it doesn’t feel like a sting operation. Then we write a two or three sentence principles statement and pick three to five commitments: how AI touches your relationships, your data, your public content, the truth of your stories, and the decisions you make about people. You’ll notice none of them name ChatGPT or Claude or any other tool. Tools change. Principles last longer.

I also spend some time on a phrase almost every AI policy includes: “AI-generated work must be reviewed by a human.” Glancing at a fundraising letter for twenty seconds and hitting send technically counts. That’s not the standard. The standard is ownership. Who is willing to put their name on it?

I walk through what a complete framework looks like for an eight-person nonprofit. It fits on one page. I also share a sample public statement you can adapt for donors and partners, plus why you need one person, not a committee, who owns all of it.

Your homework is version one of your framework. Four pieces. Then show it to someone on your team and ask, “Where would this fail in real life?”

Part of the AI for Nonprofits series. Download the free companion workbook at https://nonprofitfundraising.com/ai 

If you're ready to put this into practice with your team, I built a course for exactly that: Build Your AI Fundraising Assistant. It walks you through building one shared AI assistant that knows your voice, your approved numbers, and your real stories, with a person in the loop on every draft. It's made for small development teams, so the time you save can go back to your donors.

At some point, a donor is going to ask. Maybe a major donor who has been giving for a decade and noticed something feels different. Maybe a board member who read an article and wants to know where your organization stands. Maybe someone who just wants a straight answer before they make a significant gift.

Do you have one?

This episode cuts through the confusion around AI disclosure, not with a simple rule, but with a more useful question: would the people affected by this decision trust your organization more or less if they knew how you made it? That question gets you somewhere a checklist never will.

Jeremy walks through the categories where disclosure is clearly required, where it becomes a judgment call, and where proactive communication with your board and staff matters more than any public statement. 

The episode also addresses the AI detection question honestly. Your sophisticated donors are using AI themselves. They know what generated content feels like. The best protection against the trust cost of undisclosed AI use isn’t a policy,  it’s producing content that is genuinely, substantially human. This episode helps you figure out where that line actually is.

By the end, you’ll have a clear answer ready for the donor who asks. And if you don’t have that answer yet, this is the episode to start with.

Part of the AI for Nonprofits series. Download the free companion workbook at https://nonprofitfundraising.com/ai 

If you're ready to put this into practice with your team, I built a course for exactly that: Build Your AI Fundraising Assistant. It walks you through building one shared AI assistant that knows your voice, your approved numbers, and your real stories, with a person in the loop on every draft. It's made for small development teams, so the time you save can go back to your donors.

Every AI tool you use was built by someone. That someone had values, assumptions, and a particular understanding of what makes work good and outcomes worth measuring. Those values got baked into the system — not maliciously, just inevitably. And when you use that system to help you think through your strategy, write your messaging, or evaluate your programs, you’re drawing on those assumptions whether you realize it or not.

The tools most of us use were built by technology companies that optimize for efficiency, scale, and measurable outcomes. Those are not bad things. But they’re not the same things most nonprofit missions optimize for. Your work may depend on relationships that don’t scale, outcomes that take years to show up in any data, and a sense of purpose that no algorithm can access.

In this episode, Jeremy walks through exactly where this values gap shows up in nonprofit work — in strategic planning, in fundraising messaging, in program evaluation, and for those leading faith-based organizations, in the discernment practices that orient everything else. He then gives you three practical tools for managing the gap: a mission values prompt to add to your AI inputs, an organizational anchor check to run on any significant recommendation, and a community accountability practice that gives you access to knowledge no AI system will ever have.

The question isn’t whether to use AI. It’s whether you stay awake to whose assumptions you’re importing when you do.

Part of the AI for Nonprofits series. Download the free companion workbook at https://nonprofitfundraising.com/ai

If you're ready to put this into practice with your team, I built a course for exactly that: Build Your AI Fundraising Assistant. It walks you through building one shared AI assistant that knows your voice, your approved numbers, and your real stories, with a person in the loop on every draft. It's made for small development teams, so the time you save can go back to your donors.

A lot of the conversation about AI focuses on what it can do, and the list keeps getting longer. This episode is about something different — not what AI does poorly today and might improve at tomorrow, but what is structurally, fundamentally beyond what it can do. Not because of current limitations. Because of what those things actually are.

Jeremy makes the case for five things in nonprofit work that are irreplaceable in ways that matter: presence, trust earned over time, judgment in ambiguous situations, the formation that comes from doing hard work, and genuine care. These aren’t soft ideas. They’re the specific qualities that make donors give significantly, that make program participants stay engaged, that make community partners choose your organization over the alternatives. And they’re exactly the things that erode when AI takes over more and more of the work that builds them.

The episode also addresses the honest tension this creates. If authentic presence and real relationships require personal time, doesn’t that limit how many people you can serve? Jeremy’s answer is yes, to some degree — and why the alternative, scaling through AI-generated approximations of care, produces organizations that are bigger but hollower.

This is the episode to share with a board member who keeps asking why you can’t just automate more of the donor work. It’s also the one to sit with yourself when the efficiency argument starts feeling more persuasive than it should.

Part of the AI for Nonprofits series. Download the free companion workbook at https://nonprofitfundraising.com/ai 

If you're ready to put this into practice with your team, I built a course for exactly that: Build Your AI Fundraising Assistant. It walks you through building one shared AI assistant that knows your voice, your approved numbers, and your real stories, with a person in the loop on every draft. It's made for small development teams, so the time you save can go back to your donors.

Here's a scenario that plays out more often than anyone talks about. You automate several things, gain back real time, produce more content, hit your deadlines, and by every measurable metric you're more efficient. And then something shifts. You're busier than ever but feel less connected. Your communications are more frequent but your relationships feel thinner. You have more capacity and somehow less of the thing that capacity was supposed to serve.

That's the efficiency trap. And it has nothing to do with AI being bad at its job. It has everything to do with what happens when efficiency becomes the goal instead of the means.

In this episode, Jeremy names five specific versions of the trap that show up in nonprofit work — including one that's changing meeting culture in ways most leaders haven't noticed yet, and one that's quietly hollowing out major gift pipelines at organizations that think they're doing well. He also gives you four practical principles for capturing real efficiency gains without paying the costs that usually come with them.

The core question this episode keeps coming back to is a simple one: when you automate something, what specifically are you doing with the time you get back? Most people don't have a clear answer. This episode makes the case that answering it deliberately is the difference between AI serving your mission and AI slowly replacing it.

Part of the AI for Nonprofits series. Download the free companion workbook at https://nonprofitfundraising.com/ai 

If you're ready to put this into practice with your team, I built a course for exactly that: Build Your AI Fundraising Assistant. It walks you through building one shared AI assistant that knows your voice, your approved numbers, and your real stories, with a person in the loop on every draft. It's made for small development teams, so the time you save can go back to your donors.

The blank page is one of the most expensive problems in a nonprofit communications shop. Every appeal that goes out late, every grant narrative written in a panic the night before it's due, every newsletter that gets skipped because nobody had time — that's mission capacity sitting on the floor.

AI doesn't solve the blank page problem by replacing the writer. It solves it by giving you a starting point that's faster and less painful than staring at a cursor. The discipline is in what comes next.

In this episode, Jeremy walks through the human-in-the-loop workflow he uses for every significant piece of AI-assisted content: what you load in at the front, where you check in during the middle, and why a human review at the end is non-negotiable. He covers newsletters, social media, grant narratives, impact reports, and board communications — with specific workflows for each, not just general principles.

He also introduces one of the most underused strategies for small nonprofits: the content library. Loading your best past appeals, impact stories, and voice examples into your AI tool as standing context changes the quality of everything it produces. Instead of generic nonprofit language, you get something that actually sounds like your organization. Jeremy shares how he built this at Serving Orphans Worldwide and what it made possible.

The episode also addresses the concern communications staff hear most often — what if AI makes us all sound the same? The answer isn't to avoid it. It's to give it strong enough signals that it can't.

Part of the AI for Nonprofits series. Download the free companion workbook at https://nonprofitfundraising.com/ai 

If you're ready to put this into practice with your team, I built a course for exactly that: Build Your AI Fundraising Assistant. It walks you through building one shared AI assistant that knows your voice, your approved numbers, and your real stories, with a person in the loop on every draft. It's made for small development teams, so the time you save can go back to your donors.

 

Want to learn more? My new book may have the answers for you! The Christian Leader's Guide to AI: https://amzn.to/3RvXyoA 

Your donors are already using AI. Seventy-six percent of them, according to a March 2026 study from BBS & Associates. They know what AI-generated content feels like. Which means the question of whether to use AI in your fundraising isn't really about hiding anything — it's about knowing where it helps and where it quietly erodes the thing donors are actually giving to.

In this episode, Jeremy digs into the BBS Donor Confidence Survey findings and what they actually mean for your development program. The results are more nuanced than most people expect. Donors broadly support AI when it makes their charitable dollars go further operationally. They get noticeably more cautious the closer AI gets to the relationship itself — and the data shows they can often tell the difference.

Jeremy covers what AI does well in fundraising: prospect research, donor file analysis, content drafting, versioning appeals for different audiences, and annual planning. He gives you specific workflows, not just concepts. And he's clear about where the line is — the one place in major gift fundraising where AI should never be making the decisions, no matter how good it gets at the output.

If you've been wondering how to use AI in your development work without losing the relationships that make your fundraising actually work, this episode is the one to start with.

Part of the AI for Nonprofits series. Download the free companion workbook at nonprofitfundraising.com/ai.

If you're ready to put this into practice with your team, I built a course for exactly that: Build Your AI Fundraising Assistant. It walks you through building one shared AI assistant that knows your voice, your approved numbers, and your real stories, with a person in the loop on every draft. It's made for small development teams, so the time you save can go back to your donors.

 

The Christian Leader's Guide to AI: https://amzn.to/3RvXyoA 

BBS & Associates: https://servantheart.com

You're busy. The question isn't whether AI can help with that ... it can. The question is which parts of your work should stay yours, and which parts are just getting in the way.

In this episode, Jeremy Reis introduces the obstacle versus connection test: a simple, practical framework for deciding what to hand off to AI and what to protect. Some tasks are pure overhead, like formatting, reformatting, scheduling, and data entry. They consume time without connecting you to anything that matters. Others look like overhead but actually keep you attuned to your donors, your clients, and the details that make you good at your job. Hand those off and you get the output. You lose what the doing of them actually gives you.

Jeremy shares how Serving Orphans Worldwide used this framework to go from four fundraising appeals a year to four emails a month plus a monthly mailed appeal — with zero new staff — and grow from 300 new donors in 2024 to 1,500 in 2025. The efficiency was real. But the gains came from what the reclaimed time made possible, not from the time saved itself.

One framework. One question to ask before you automate anything. And a homework assignment that most people skip but shouldn't.

Part of the AI for Nonprofits series. Download the free companion workbook at https://nonprofitfundraising.com/ai 

If you're ready to put this into practice with your team, I built a course for exactly that: Build Your AI Fundraising Assistant. It walks you through building one shared AI assistant that knows your voice, your approved numbers, and your real stories, with a person in the loop on every draft. It's made for small development teams, so the time you save can go back to your donors.

The Christian Leader's Guide to AI: https://amzn.to/3RvXyoA 

Virtuous Study: https://virtuous.org/blog/2026-nonprofit-ai-adoption-report/

BBS & Associates: https://servantheart.com

There's a risk of AI adoption that doesn't make headlines. It's not a data breach or a generated image with extra fingers. You'll find this risk quieter than that, and by the time most leaders notice it clearly, it's been building for a long time.

When you consistently hand your hardest cognitive work to a tool, something starts to slip. Your output quality hopefully doesn't change. What slips is the understanding that comes from doing the work yourself. The board member who used to have a firm grip on the details. The development director who lost touch with what made her donor communications feel real. The executive director who realized his most recent strategic presentation was more polished than any he'd done before, and somehow less his.

Jeremy calls this cognitive atrophy, and in this episode he makes the case that it's the most underappreciated risk in nonprofit AI adoption. He walks through exactly where it shows up in leadership work: strategy, donor relationships, program evaluation, and the kind of judgment that can't be looked up. He also covers what protecting your thinking actually looks like day to day, and why the answer isn't to avoid AI but to stay deliberate about which work stays yours.

Your homework this episode is simple and uncomfortable: pick one thing you've been letting AI handle, and do it yourself this week. Just once. Notice what you find.

Download the free companion workbook at https://nonprofitfundraising.com/ai 

If you're ready to put this into practice with your team, I built a course for exactly that: Build Your AI Fundraising Assistant. It walks you through building one shared AI assistant that knows your voice, your approved numbers, and your real stories, with a person in the loop on every draft. It's made for small development teams, so the time you save can go back to your donors.

The Christian Leader's Guide to AI: https://amzn.to/3RvXyoA 

Virtuous Study: https://virtuous.org/blog/2026-nonprofit-ai-adoption-report/

BBS & Associates: https://servantheart.com

Most leaders ask the wrong question about AI. "Can I use this?" has a very short conversation these days ... the answer to almost everything is yes. The steward asks a different question: "Should I, and how?" That shift changes everything about how you approach technology decisions.

In this episode, Jeremy introduces the steward's mindset for AI adoption, the framework that separates organizations that use AI wisely from those that drift into it reactively. He walks through four questions every steward asks before adopting any significant tool: What does it actually do? What does it do poorly? What happens to me when I use it regularly? And what happens to the people I serve? Then he introduces the four pillars of an AI-ready organization — Safety, Alignment, Transparency, and Flexibility — and shows what each one looks like in practice.

This episode is where the series shifts from honest assessment to building something. By the end, you'll have a clear framework for evaluating any AI decision, and a first draft of the principles your organization needs to use AI well.

Download the free companion workbook at https://nonprofitfundraising.com/ai 

If you're ready to put this into practice with your team, I built a course for exactly that: Build Your AI Fundraising Assistant. It walks you through building one shared AI assistant that knows your voice, your approved numbers, and your real stories, with a person in the loop on every draft. It's made for small development teams, so the time you save can go back to your donors.

The Christian Leader's Guide to AI: https://amzn.to/3RvXyoA 

Virtuous Study: https://virtuous.org/blog/2026-nonprofit-ai-adoption-report/

BBS & Associates: https://servantheart.com

Most nonprofit leaders are already using AI ... often quietly, without a shared plan, and without a framework for deciding what's okay and what isn't. A 2026 study found that 92% of nonprofits are using AI, but 65% describe their use as reactive and individual, and 47% have no governance policy at all. If that sounds familiar, this episode is your starting point.

Virtuous Study: https://virtuous.org/blog/2026-nonprofit-ai-adoption-report/

BBS & Associates: https://servantheart.com

In this first episode of the AI for Nonprofits series, Jeremy cuts through the noise and addresses the question nobody says out loud: should you feel weird about this? He walks through the three organizational postures — avoidance, reactive, and intentional — and gives you the framework you'll use throughout the entire series: three diagnostic questions that apply to every AI decision you'll ever face. No hype, no fear.

Download the free companion workbook at https://nonprofitfundraising.com/ai 

If you're ready to put this into practice with your team, I built a course for exactly that: Build Your AI Fundraising Assistant. It walks you through building one shared AI assistant that knows your voice, your approved numbers, and your real stories, with a person in the loop on every draft. It's made for small development teams, so the time you save can go back to your donors.

The Christian Leader's Guide to AI: https://amzn.to/3RvXyoA 

 

Welcome to the Donor Retention: Secrets to Keeping Your Donors Engaged, for Nonprofit Fundraisers, Development Directors, and Nonprofit Leaders course!

This special 20-episode course will teach you everything you need to know about donor retention, ensuring your donors keep giving and you're able to retain more monthly donors!

👉 Please download the free Donor Retention workbook at https://nonprofitfundraising.com/retention/ to get the most out of this course.

In this episode, we’re diving into why donor retention is the one of the most important factors for nonprofit success. It’s not just about attracting new donors—it’s about keeping the ones you already have engaged and loyal.

We break down how expensive it can be to constantly seek out new supporters, and why focusing on your existing donors is a more cost-effective strategy that fuels long-term growth.

You’ll discover how building donor loyalty leads to consistent revenue and turns your supporters into long-term advocates for your cause.

We also cover the potential risks of poor retention, including financial instability and a damaged reputation, and why nonprofits that prioritize retention are better positioned for success.

If you’re ready to turn one-time donors into long-term partners for your charity, this course will give you the key strategies to boost donor retention and build a solid foundation for your nonprofit’s future.

Welcome to the Donor Retention: Secrets to Keeping Your Donors Engaged, for Nonprofit Fundraisers, Development Directors, and Nonprofit Leaders course!

This special 20-episode course will teach you everything you need to know about donor retention, ensuring your donors keep giving and you're able to retain more monthly donors! If you're discovering this episode first, please start with episode 1, labeled [Donor Retention]. 

👉 Please download the free Donor Retention workbook at https://nonprofitfundraising.com/retention/ to get the most out of this course.

Special Offers

Get more donors to give a second gift and stay longer with our Retain More Donors with Great First-Year Communications course! Learn more | Get $50 off

Build a successful and growing monthly giving program with our Step-By-Step Training to Building a Successful Monthly Giving Program. Learn more | Get $50 off

Get either course for $50 off with coupon code RETENTION. 

Episode 2: Quick Tips to Showing Donor Gratitude – Why Saying ‘Thank You’ Isn’t Enough

Want to know how to keep your donors coming back? In this episode, we’re breaking down the power of genuine donor gratitude and how it can make all the difference in retention. Learn why expressing appreciation goes beyond a simple thank-you and discover practical tips like personalized notes, welcome calls, and impact reports to help your donors feel valued. If you’re ready to master the art of gratitude and build stronger, longer-lasting relationships, this episode has everything you need!

Welcome to the Donor Retention: Secrets to Keeping Your Donors Engaged, for Nonprofit Fundraisers, Development Directors, and Nonprofit Leaders course!

This special 20-episode course will teach you everything you need to know about donor retention, ensuring your donors keep giving and you're able to retain more monthly donors! If you're discovering this episode first, please start with episode 1, labeled [Donor Retention]. 

👉 Please download the free Donor Retention workbook at https://nonprofitfundraising.com/retention/ to get the most out of this course.

Special Offers

Get more donors to give a second gift and stay longer with our Retain More Donors with Great First-Year Communications course! Learn more | Get $50 off

Build a successful and growing monthly giving program with our Step-By-Step Training to Building a Successful Monthly Giving Program. Learn more | Get $50 off

Get either course for $50 off with coupon code RETENTION. 

Episode 3: Crafting the Perfect Thank-You – How Thoughtful Gratitude Boosts Donor Retention

What separates a simple thank-you from one that truly makes a difference? In this episode, we explore the art of crafting meaningful and timely thank-you messages that leave a lasting impact on your donors. Learn how personalized notes, heartfelt phone calls, and thoughtful messages can significantly boost donor retention and deepen relationships. We’ll share best practices to ensure your donors feel appreciated and valued. If you’re ready to elevate your gratitude game and keep donors engaged, this episode is a must-listen!

Welcome to the Donor Retention: Secrets to Keeping Your Donors Engaged, for Nonprofit Fundraisers, Development Directors, and Nonprofit Leaders course!

This special 20-episode course will teach you everything you need to know about donor retention, ensuring your donors keep giving and you're able to retain more monthly donors! If you're discovering this episode first, please start with episode 1, labeled [Donor Retention]. 

👉 Please download the free Donor Retention workbook at https://nonprofitfundraising.com/retention/ to get the most out of this course.

Special Offers

Get more donors to give a second gift and stay longer with our Retain More Donors with Great First-Year Communications course! Learn more | Get $50 off

Build a successful and growing monthly giving program with our Step-By-Step Training to Building a Successful Monthly Giving Program. Learn more | Get $50 off

Get either course for $50 off with coupon code RETENTION. 

Episode 4: The Power of First Impressions – How to Craft a Donor Welcome Series That Works

First impressions matter, especially with new donors. In this episode, we dive into the critical role an email welcome series plays in building strong, lasting relationships. Learn how to create a structured, impactful series of emails that not only expresses gratitude but also builds trust, engages donors, and encourages ongoing support. We’ll walk you through crafting a five-part welcome series that leaves a lasting impression and sets the foundation for long-term donor loyalty. Ready to master your first interactions with new supporters? Tune in for the step-by-step guide!

Welcome to the Donor Retention: Secrets to Keeping Your Donors Engaged, for Nonprofit Fundraisers, Development Directors, and Nonprofit Leaders course!

This special 20-episode course will teach you everything you need to know about donor retention, ensuring your donors keep giving and you're able to retain more monthly donors! If you're discovering this episode first, please start with episode 1, labeled [Donor Retention]. 

👉 Please download the free Donor Retention workbook at https://nonprofitfundraising.com/retention/ to get the most out of this course.

Special Offers

Get more donors to give a second gift and stay longer with our Retain More Donors with Great First-Year Communications course! Learn more | Get $50 off

Build a successful and growing monthly giving program with our Step-By-Step Training to Building a Successful Monthly Giving Program. Learn more | Get $50 off

Get either course for $50 off with coupon code RETENTION. 

Episode 5: Segmenting Donors & Creating a Warm Welcome – Personalizing Your Approach for Better Retention

In this episode, we’re unlocking the power of donor segmentation—because not all donors are the same, and your communication shouldn’t be either. Learn how to effectively segment your donor base and create personalized engagement strategies that speak directly to each group. We’ll show you how segmenting donors can lead to stronger connections, higher retention, and more meaningful relationships. If you’re ready to stop sending one-size-fits-all messages and start creating targeted, personalized experiences that keep donors coming back, this episode is for you.

Welcome to the Donor Retention: Secrets to Keeping Your Donors Engaged, for Nonprofit Fundraisers, Development Directors, and Nonprofit Leaders course!

This special 20-episode course will teach you everything you need to know about donor retention, ensuring your donors keep giving and you're able to retain more monthly donors! If you're discovering this episode first, please start with episode 1, labeled [Donor Retention]. 

👉 Please download the free Donor Retention workbook at https://nonprofitfundraising.com/retention/ to get the most out of this course.

Special Offers

Get more donors to give a second gift and stay longer with our Retain More Donors with Great First-Year Communications course! Learn more | Get $50 off

Build a successful and growing monthly giving program with our Step-By-Step Training to Building a Successful Monthly Giving Program. Learn more | Get $50 off

Get either course for $50 off with coupon code RETENTION. 

Episode 6: Crafting Your Fundraising Ask for the Welcome Series – How to Secure the All-Important Second Gift

Wondering how to get that crucial second gift from your donors? In this episode, we’re breaking down how to create the perfect fundraising ask as part of your donor welcome series. Learn how to craft a compelling appeal that feels natural, builds trust, and encourages new donors to deepen their commitment. We’ll walk you through step-by-step strategies to turn first-time donors into long-term supporters. If you want to master the art of the follow-up and boost your donor retention, this episode has all the tools you need. Tune in to perfect your fundraising ask!

Welcome to the Donor Retention: Secrets to Keeping Your Donors Engaged, for Nonprofit Fundraisers, Development Directors, and Nonprofit Leaders course!

This special 20-episode course will teach you everything you need to know about donor retention, ensuring your donors keep giving and you're able to retain more monthly donors! If you're discovering this episode first, please start with episode 1, labeled [Donor Retention]. 

👉 Please download the free Donor Retention workbook at https://nonprofitfundraising.com/retention/ to get the most out of this course.

Special Offers

Get more donors to give a second gift and stay longer with our Retain More Donors with Great First-Year Communications course! Learn more | Get $50 off

Build a successful and growing monthly giving program with our Step-By-Step Training to Building a Successful Monthly Giving Program. Learn more | Get $50 off

Get either course for $50 off with coupon code RETENTION. 

Episode 7: Storytelling for Donor Retention – How to Use Stories to Keep Donors Engaged

Ever wonder why some nonprofits have loyal donors year after year? The secret is in the stories they tell. In this episode, we dive into the powerful role that storytelling plays in donor retention. Learn how to craft and share stories that emotionally resonate with your donors, making them feel like integral parts of your mission. We’ll walk you through using the Hero’s Journey framework to position your donors as the heroes of your story. If you want to strengthen donor loyalty and deepen their connection to your cause, this episode is a must-listen! Tune in and discover how storytelling can transform your donor relationships.

Welcome to the Donor Retention: Secrets to Keeping Your Donors Engaged, for Nonprofit Fundraisers, Development Directors, and Nonprofit Leaders course!

This special 20-episode course will teach you everything you need to know about donor retention, ensuring your donors keep giving and you're able to retain more monthly donors! If you're discovering this episode first, please start with episode 1, labeled [Donor Retention]. 

👉 Please download the free Donor Retention workbook at https://nonprofitfundraising.com/retention/ to get the most out of this course.

Special Offers

Get more donors to give a second gift and stay longer with our Retain More Donors with Great First-Year Communications course! Learn more | Get $50 off

Build a successful and growing monthly giving program with our Step-By-Step Training to Building a Successful Monthly Giving Program. Learn more | Get $50 off

Get either course for $50 off with coupon code RETENTION. 

Episode 8: The Impact Report – Turning Stories into Donor Engagement Gold

Want to keep your donors hooked and excited about their impact? In this episode, we dive into the art of creating impact reports that do more than just list achievements—they tell powerful stories that make your donors feel like heroes. We’ll walk you through how to craft donor-centric impact reports that showcase your organization’s success while highlighting the crucial role your supporters play. If you’re looking to turn your impact reports into a tool that drives deeper engagement and long-term loyalty, this episode is packed with practical tips. Tune in and start turning your reports into relationship-builders!

Welcome to the Donor Retention: Secrets to Keeping Your Donors Engaged, for Nonprofit Fundraisers, Development Directors, and Nonprofit Leaders course!

This special 20-episode course will teach you everything you need to know about donor retention, ensuring your donors keep giving and you're able to retain more monthly donors! If you're discovering this episode first, please start with episode 1, labeled [Donor Retention]. 

👉 Please download the free Donor Retention workbook at https://nonprofitfundraising.com/retention/ to get the most out of this course.

Special Offers

Get more donors to give a second gift and stay longer with our Retain More Donors with Great First-Year Communications course! Learn more | Get $50 off

Build a successful and growing monthly giving program with our Step-By-Step Training to Building a Successful Monthly Giving Program. Learn more | Get $50 off

Get either course for $50 off with coupon code RETENTION. 

Episode 9: Creating ‘Wow’ Moments in the Donor Journey – Surprising Your Donors for Lasting Loyalty

Want to know how to turn a regular donor interaction into something unforgettable? In this episode, we’re diving into the power of ‘Wow’ moments—those unexpected, thoughtful gestures that make your donors feel truly valued. We’ll show you how these moments can significantly enhance donor retention by strengthening emotional connections and deepening loyalty. From personalized thank-yous to surprise gifts, learn how to incorporate ‘Wow’ moments into your donor journey and keep supporters engaged for the long haul. Tune in and start creating experiences that donors won’t forget!

Welcome to the Donor Retention: Secrets to Keeping Your Donors Engaged, for Nonprofit Fundraisers, Development Directors, and Nonprofit Leaders course!

This special 20-episode course will teach you everything you need to know about donor retention, ensuring your donors keep giving and you're able to retain more monthly donors! If you're discovering this episode first, please start with episode 1, labeled [Donor Retention]. 

👉 Please download the free Donor Retention workbook at https://nonprofitfundraising.com/retention/ to get the most out of this course.

Special Offers

Get more donors to give a second gift and stay longer with our Retain More Donors with Great First-Year Communications course! Learn more | Get $50 off

Build a successful and growing monthly giving program with our Step-By-Step Training to Building a Successful Monthly Giving Program. Learn more | Get $50 off

Get either course for $50 off with coupon code RETENTION. 

Episode 10: The Power of Monthly Giving Programs – Build a Loyal Community of Recurring Donors

Want to create a steady, reliable stream of income for your nonprofit? In this episode, we’re exploring the power of monthly giving programs and how they can transform your financial stability and donor retention. Learn practical strategies to build and grow a successful monthly giving program that keeps supporters engaged and committed long-term. From setting up the right systems to encouraging donors to join, we’ll show you how to create a community of recurring donors who fuel your mission. Tune in to discover how to launch a program that keeps donors giving month after month!

Welcome to the Donor Retention: Secrets to Keeping Your Donors Engaged, for Nonprofit Fundraisers, Development Directors, and Nonprofit Leaders course!

This special 20-episode course will teach you everything you need to know about donor retention, ensuring your donors keep giving and you're able to retain more monthly donors! If you're discovering this episode first, please start with episode 1, labeled [Donor Retention]. 

👉 Please download the free Donor Retention workbook at https://nonprofitfundraising.com/retention/ to get the most out of this course.

Special Offers

Get more donors to give a second gift and stay longer with our Retain More Donors with Great First-Year Communications course! Learn more | Get $50 off

Build a successful and growing monthly giving program with our Step-By-Step Training to Building a Successful Monthly Giving Program. Learn more | Get $50 off

Get either course for $50 off with coupon code RETENTION. 

Episode 11: Leveraging Data to Improve Retention – How to Use Donor Data for Stronger Engagement

Ready to unlock the power of your donor data? In this episode, we dive into how nonprofits can use data analytics to boost donor retention. From personalizing communications to predicting donor churn, we’ll show you how to turn raw data into actionable insights that build stronger, lasting relationships. If you want to learn how to segment donors, spot patterns, and keep your supporters engaged with targeted strategies, this episode is packed with the tools you need. Tune in and discover how data can transform your retention efforts!

Welcome to the Donor Retention: Secrets to Keeping Your Donors Engaged, for Nonprofit Fundraisers, Development Directors, and Nonprofit Leaders course!

This special 20-episode course will teach you everything you need to know about donor retention, ensuring your donors keep giving and you're able to retain more monthly donors! If you're discovering this episode first, please start with episode 1, labeled [Donor Retention]. 

👉 Please download the free Donor Retention workbook at https://nonprofitfundraising.com/retention/ to get the most out of this course.

Special Offers

Get more donors to give a second gift and stay longer with our Retain More Donors with Great First-Year Communications course! Learn more | Get $50 off

Build a successful and growing monthly giving program with our Step-By-Step Training to Building a Successful Monthly Giving Program. Learn more | Get $50 off

Get either course for $50 off with coupon code RETENTION. 

Episode 12: Engaging General Donors – Strategies to Keep Your Annual Fund Strong

Want to keep your annual fund donors coming back year after year? In this episode, we focus on practical strategies for engaging general donors, the backbone of many nonprofits. Learn how to nurture relationships with these essential supporters, encourage repeat giving, and build long-term loyalty. From personalized communication to consistent updates on impact, we’ll show you how to turn occasional donors into dedicated advocates for your cause. Tune in to find out how to keep your annual fund strong and your general donors engaged for the long haul!

Welcome to the Donor Retention: Secrets to Keeping Your Donors Engaged, for Nonprofit Fundraisers, Development Directors, and Nonprofit Leaders course!

This special 20-episode course will teach you everything you need to know about donor retention, ensuring your donors keep giving and you're able to retain more monthly donors! If you're discovering this episode first, please start with episode 1, labeled [Donor Retention]. 

👉 Please download the free Donor Retention workbook at https://nonprofitfundraising.com/retention/ to get the most out of this course.

Special Offers

Get more donors to give a second gift and stay longer with our Retain More Donors with Great First-Year Communications course! Learn more | Get $50 off

Build a successful and growing monthly giving program with our Step-By-Step Training to Building a Successful Monthly Giving Program. Learn more | Get $50 off

Get either course for $50 off with coupon code RETENTION. 

Episode 13: The Psychology of Giving – Understanding What Drives Donor Loyalty

What really motivates donors to stick around? In this episode, we dive deep into the psychology of giving and uncover the key factors that drive donor loyalty. From the power of gratitude to the importance of emotional connection and social recognition, we’ll explore the psychological triggers that keep donors engaged and committed. If you’re ready to unlock the secrets to turning one-time donors into long-term supporters, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Tune in and discover how to tap into donor motivations and build lasting relationships!

Welcome to the Donor Retention: Secrets to Keeping Your Donors Engaged, for Nonprofit Fundraisers, Development Directors, and Nonprofit Leaders course!

This special 20-episode course will teach you everything you need to know about donor retention, ensuring your donors keep giving and you're able to retain more monthly donors! If you're discovering this episode first, please start with episode 1, labeled [Donor Retention]. 

👉 Please download the free Donor Retention workbook at https://nonprofitfundraising.com/retention/ to get the most out of this course.

Special Offers

Get more donors to give a second gift and stay longer with our Retain More Donors with Great First-Year Communications course! Learn more | Get $50 off

Build a successful and growing monthly giving program with our Step-By-Step Training to Building a Successful Monthly Giving Program. Learn more | Get $50 off

Get either course for $50 off with coupon code RETENTION. 

Episode 14: How to Ask for Feedback and Act on It – Boost Retention by Listening to Your Donors

Want to know one of the easiest ways to improve donor retention? Just ask! In this episode, we’re breaking down how gathering and acting on donor feedback can transform your nonprofit’s retention strategy. Learn how to ask the right questions, gather meaningful insights, and—most importantly—use that feedback to strengthen relationships and keep donors engaged. If you’re ready to build deeper connections and show your supporters that their voices matter, don’t miss this episode. Tune in and discover how feedback can become your secret weapon for retention!

Welcome to the Donor Retention: Secrets to Keeping Your Donors Engaged, for Nonprofit Fundraisers, Development Directors, and Nonprofit Leaders course!

This special 20-episode course will teach you everything you need to know about donor retention, ensuring your donors keep giving and you're able to retain more monthly donors! If you're discovering this episode first, please start with episode 1, labeled [Donor Retention]. 

👉 Please download the free Donor Retention workbook at https://nonprofitfundraising.com/retention/ to get the most out of this course.

Special Offers

Get more donors to give a second gift and stay longer with our Retain More Donors with Great First-Year Communications course! Learn more | Get $50 off

Build a successful and growing monthly giving program with our Step-By-Step Training to Building a Successful Monthly Giving Program. Learn more | Get $50 off

Get either course for $50 off with coupon code RETENTION. 

Episode 15: How to Keep Mid-Level & Major Donors Engaged – Strategies for Nurturing Your Top Supporters

Looking to strengthen relationships with your most important donors? In this episode, we’re diving into the best strategies for keeping mid-level and major donors engaged and committed to your cause. These donors are the backbone of your nonprofit, and maintaining their support requires intentional, personalized approaches. From one-on-one meetings to exclusive opportunities and tailored stewardship plans, we’ll show you how to nurture these key relationships. If you’re ready to take your donor engagement game to the next level and retain your top supporters, this episode is a must-listen!

Welcome to the Donor Retention: Secrets to Keeping Your Donors Engaged, for Nonprofit Fundraisers, Development Directors, and Nonprofit Leaders course!

This special 20-episode course will teach you everything you need to know about donor retention, ensuring your donors keep giving and you're able to retain more monthly donors! If you're discovering this episode first, please start with episode 1, labeled [Donor Retention]. 

👉 Please download the free Donor Retention workbook at https://nonprofitfundraising.com/retention/ to get the most out of this course.

Special Offers

Get more donors to give a second gift and stay longer with our Retain More Donors with Great First-Year Communications course! Learn more | Get $50 off

Build a successful and growing monthly giving program with our Step-By-Step Training to Building a Successful Monthly Giving Program. Learn more | Get $50 off

Get either course for $50 off with coupon code RETENTION. 

Episode 16: Donor Retention for Small Nonprofits – Big Impact on a Small Budget

Running a small nonprofit with limited resources? This episode is for you! We’re diving into practical, budget-friendly strategies to help small nonprofits retain their donors and build lasting relationships. From personalized communication to leveraging social media and hosting low-cost appreciation events, we’ll show you how to make a big impact without breaking the bank. If you want to keep your supporters engaged and grow your nonprofit on a tight budget, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you thrive. Tune in and learn how to retain donors—even with limited resources!

Welcome to the Donor Retention: Secrets to Keeping Your Donors Engaged, for Nonprofit Fundraisers, Development Directors, and Nonprofit Leaders course!

This special 20-episode course will teach you everything you need to know about donor retention, ensuring your donors keep giving and you're able to retain more monthly donors! If you're discovering this episode first, please start with episode 1, labeled [Donor Retention]. 

👉 Please download the free Donor Retention workbook at https://nonprofitfundraising.com/retention/ to get the most out of this course.

Special Offers

Get more donors to give a second gift and stay longer with our Retain More Donors with Great First-Year Communications course! Learn more | Get $50 off

Build a successful and growing monthly giving program with our Step-By-Step Training to Building a Successful Monthly Giving Program. Learn more | Get $50 off

Get either course for $50 off with coupon code RETENTION. 

Episode 17: The Impact of Donor Recognition Programs – Boost Retention by Honoring Your Donors

Want to know the secret to keeping your donors coming back year after year? In this episode, we’re unlocking the power of donor recognition programs and how they can significantly boost retention. From personalized thank-you notes to exclusive events and naming opportunities, we’ll break down the best ways to show your donors how much they matter. If you’re looking to strengthen relationships and make your supporters feel truly valued, this episode is packed with strategies you can start using today. Tune in and discover how thoughtful recognition can turn donors into lifelong champions of your cause!

Welcome to the Donor Retention: Secrets to Keeping Your Donors Engaged, for Nonprofit Fundraisers, Development Directors, and Nonprofit Leaders course!

This special 20-episode course will teach you everything you need to know about donor retention, ensuring your donors keep giving and you're able to retain more monthly donors! If you're discovering this episode first, please start with episode 1 labeled [Donor Retention]. 

👉 Please download the free Donor Retention workbook at https://nonprofitfundraising.com/retention/ to get the most out of this course.

Special Offers

Get more donors to give a second gift and stay longer with our Retain More Donors with Great First-Year Communications course! Learn more | Get $50 off

Build a successful and growing monthly giving program with our Step-By-Step Training to Building a Successful Monthly Giving Program. Learn more | Get $50 off

Get either course for $50 off with coupon code RETENTION. 

Episode 18: Legacy Giving and Long-Term Retention – Securing the Future of Your Nonprofit

Want to build a lasting legacy for your nonprofit? In this episode, we dive into the power of legacy giving—one of the most impactful ways to secure long-term support for your organization. Learn how to encourage your donors to make planned gifts, leaving a legacy that continues to drive your mission for years to come. We’ll walk you through practical strategies for introducing legacy giving, deepening donor relationships, and building a culture of philanthropy that keeps supporters engaged for life. Ready to future-proof your nonprofit? Tune in and discover how legacy giving can transform your donor retention!

Welcome to the Donor Retention: Secrets to Keeping Your Donors Engaged, for Nonprofit Fundraisers, Development Directors, and Nonprofit Leaders course!

This special 20-episode course will teach you everything you need to know about donor retention, ensuring your donors keep giving and you're able to retain more monthly donors!

👉 Please download the free Donor Retention workbook at https://nonprofitfundraising.com/retention/ to get the most out of this course.

Special Offers

Get more donors to give a second gift and stay longer with our Retain More Donors with Great First-Year Communications course! Learn more | Get $50 off

Build a successful and growing monthly giving program with our Step-By-Step Training to Building a Successful Monthly Giving Program. Learn more | Get $50 off

Get either course for $50 off with coupon code RETENTION. 

Episode 19: Addressing Donor Attrition – Why Donors Leave and How to Stop It

Ever wonder why donors stop giving, and more importantly, how to keep them around? In this episode, we’re tackling donor attrition head-on. We break down the most common reasons why donors walk away—lack of communication, feeling unappreciated, poor donor experience—and share actionable strategies to address these issues before it’s too late. If you're ready to turn donor drop-offs into long-term loyalty and keep your supporters engaged, this episode is packed with the insights you need to make it happen. Don't miss out—tune in and learn how to stop donor attrition in its tracks!

Welcome to the Donor Retention: Secrets to Keeping Your Donors Engaged, for Nonprofit Fundraisers, Development Directors, and Nonprofit Leaders course!

This special 20-episode course will teach you everything you need to know about donor retention, ensuring your donors keep giving and you're able to retain more monthly donors! If you're discovering this episode first, please start with episode 1 in this series. 

👉 Please download the free Donor Retention workbook at https://nonprofitfundraising.com/retention/ to get the most out of this course.

Special Offers

Get more donors to give a second gift and stay longer with our Retain More Donors with Great First-Year Communications course! Learn more | Get $50 off

Build a successful and growing monthly giving program with our Step-By-Step Training to Building a Successful Monthly Giving Program. Learn more | Get $50 off

Get either course for $50 off with coupon code RETENTION. 

About Episode 20: The Future of Donor Retention: Emerging Trends and Technologies Shaping Retention Strategies

Curious about how cutting-edge trends and technology are shaping the future of donor retention? In this final episode, we explore the game-changing tools nonprofits can use to keep donors engaged like never before. From data analytics and AI to mobile giving platforms and VR experiences, we’ll show you how these innovations can revolutionize your donor retention strategy. Whether you're a small nonprofit or a larger organization, staying ahead of these trends is crucial to building stronger, longer-lasting relationships with your supporters. Don't miss this episode—it’s your roadmap to the future of donor retention!

Tired of the fundraising feast-or-famine cycle? December was amazing, but now it's January and donations have disappeared?

You know monthly giving could solve your revenue roller coaster, but there's one terrifying question keeping you stuck: What if your $1,000 annual donor becomes a $20/month donor instead? That's $760 less per year. The fear of losing overall revenue from your best supporters has you trapped in the campaign cycle, envying organizations with steady recurring income but afraid to risk what you have.

What You'll Discover

The game-changing insight: The most successful organizations don't convert annual donors to monthly giving - they ADD monthly giving alongside annual giving. Your $1,000 donor doesn't become a $600 monthly donor. They become a $600 monthly donor who ALSO gives $400 at year-end.

The 5-Step Monthly Giving Formula

• Strategic segmentation - Which donors to approach (and which to leave alone)
• The "addition not conversion" positioning that eliminates cannibalization fears
• The percentage formula - Ask for 10-20% of their annual gift as monthly support
• Content differentiation - Monthly giving for ongoing needs, campaigns for special projects
• Annual solicitation strategy for monthly donors that maximizes total value

Real Results You'll Hear

An environmental organization afraid of losing campaign revenue invited 200 engaged donors to ADD monthly giving to their annual support:

• 40% said yes to monthly giving
• Annual giving dropped only 10%
• Total giving increased 180% on average
• A $200 annual donor became a $360 total donor ($180 monthly + $180 annual)

Perfect For Animal Rescue (and Every Nonprofit)

Lisa from Austin gets specific strategies for positioning monthly giving as supporting daily animal care while campaigns fund facility expansion and special medical procedures. Learn the exact language that makes donors want to give MORE, not differently.

The Bottom Line

Monthly giving shouldn't replace your annual campaigns - it should create the stable foundation that lets your campaigns focus on growth instead of survival. When positioned correctly, monthly giving gives engaged donors what they actually want: more opportunities to help, not fewer.

Ready to escape the revenue roller coaster without losing your best annual donors? This episode gives you the exact formula that adds recurring revenue while protecting and even growing your existing annual gifts.

Stop choosing between monthly giving and annual giving. Start building both.

Small Organization, Big Impact - Managing Everything Yourself

It's 11:30 PM, you're at your kitchen table surrounded by grant applications, donor letters, and program reports. Your "working" board means well, but the reality is everything falls on your shoulders. You're drowning in operational details while the mission work you're passionate about gets squeezed into whatever time is left.

The painful irony: You got into this work because you care about the mission, but increasingly you feel like an administrator, accountant, marketing manager, and secretary rather than someone focused on actual impact.

The impossible juggle: Writing $50,000 grants in the morning, calling donors at lunch, updating websites in the afternoon, and doing thank-you letters at midnight. You're changing lives but losing yourself in the process.

What You'll Discover

The skills mismatch insight: The abilities that make you an effective mission-driven leader are completely different from the skills needed to manage operations, administration, and fundraising. You're being asked to be five different professionals simultaneously.

The strategic focus principle: The goal isn't managing every detail flawlessly - it's identifying essential functions only you can do and creating efficient systems for everything else.

The 5-Area Framework for Small Organization Management

• Role clarification and prioritization - Identifying what only you can do vs. what can be systemized or delegated
• Systems development for efficiency - Creating processes that work without you for routine functions
• Strategic volunteer utilization - Getting real help rather than more coordination burden
• Board engagement optimization - Moving beyond meeting attendance to operational responsibility
• Sustainable workload management - Preventing burnout while maintaining impact

Real Small Organization Transformation Results

A rural North Carolina youth development organization founder working 70+ hour weeks implemented this systematic approach:

• Sustainable work hours within 18 months while serving 40% more participants
• Board members took genuine operational responsibility for fundraising and outreach
• Skilled volunteers managed administrative functions freeing founder for program focus
• Organization became more fundable due to sustainable management structure

Perfect for International and Grassroots Organizations

Sonya's North Carolina-based international organization gets specific strategies for managing complex cross-cultural programs, systematic communication protocols, and partnership opportunities for resource sharing.

The Bottom Line

Managing everything yourself isn't a badge of honor - it's an organizational sustainability risk. The goal is creating systems and structures that allow your organization to thrive without requiring unsustainable hours or sacrificing mission-focused work.

Sustainable impact requires building organizational capacity beyond one person's efforts.

Ready to transform from founder-dependent to systems-dependent? This episode gives you the exact framework for creating organizational foundations that support long-term growth through strategic focus, efficient systems, and genuine volunteer support.

Stop trying to do everything perfectly. Start building systems that work without you.

Fundraising During Economic Uncertainty: How to Raise Money When Everyone's Worried

Built by nonprofit professionals, for nonprofit professionals. NonprofitPrompt takes the guesswork out of AI content creation with proven prompts for fundraising appeals, donor communications, and more. Join fellow nonprofit leaders at nonprofitprompt.com

The Challenge

When the economy is uncertain, inflation is high, and people are worried about their financial future, many nonprofits face a dilemma: Should they continue fundraising or is it insensitive to ask for money when everyone's struggling? This episode addresses this critical question through Patricia's situation - her Tampa homeless shelter has seen online donations drop 25% while demand for services has increased dramatically.

The Key Insight

Economic uncertainty doesn't mean you should stop fundraising - it means you need to fundraise differently.During tough times, people don't stop giving; they give more carefully and strategically. They become more selective about where they give, more focused on impact, and more concerned about organizational stability.

Seven Strategic Adaptations for Economic Uncertainty 1. Lead with Increased Community Need, Not Organizational Need

• Focus on how economic conditions create greater community need
• Position donor giving as community investment, not organizational bailout
• Example: "As inflation affects Tampa families, 40% more families need shelter" vs. "We need funding to keep our doors open"

2. Emphasize Immediate, Tangible Impact

• Donors want clear, immediate results during uncertain times
• Focus on direct services rather than capacity building
• Be specific: "$75 provides three nights of emergency shelter" vs. "Your gift supports our programs"

3. Offer Smaller Giving Options with Clear Impact

• Create compelling opportunities for smaller gifts
• Add lower giving levels: if you typically ask for $100-500, add $25-100 options
• Each level needs specific impact: "$25 provides emergency meals for three days"

4. Focus on Stewardship and Retention Over Acquisition

• Keeping existing donors is more cost-effective than finding new ones
• Increase thank-you calls, impact updates, and personal attention
• Help current donors feel so connected they maintain giving while reducing support elsewhere

5. Demonstrate Financial Responsibility and Stability

• Be transparent about challenges while showing responsible management
• Share program expense ratios, reserves, and board oversight
• Frame challenges in terms of community need: "We've reviewed our budget to ensure every dollar helps people"

6. Create Urgency Around Community Need, Not Organizational Survival

• Wrong: "We need $50,000 to keep programs running"
• Right: "We need $50,000 to shelter families facing eviction due to economic stress"
• Make donors feel like community rescuers, not organizational bailouts

7. Leverage Partnerships and Matching Opportunities Aggressively

• Donors want gifts to go further during tough times
• Promote matching gifts heavily: "Every dollar doubled for families in crisis"
• Create collaborative opportunities with businesses and foundations

Addressing Common Concerns

"Isn't it insensitive to ask during hard times?" People often want to help more during uncertainty because they understand financial worry. Acknowledge conditions: "We know times are challenging. That's why your support matters so much."

"Won't donors give less?" Some will, and that's okay. A donor reducing from $500 to $200 is still a donor. A donor who stops entirely because you stopped asking is a lost relationship.

"Should we cancel major gift asks?" Never. Major donors are often least affected and may increase giving. Focus on immediate impact and be sensitive to those affected by losses.

Success Story

A food bank during the 2008 recession saw 60% increased demand and 20% decreased revenue. By implementing these strategies - focusing on community hunger rather than budget shortfalls, creating smaller giving options, and increasing donor stewardship - they recovered lost revenue and increased it by 15% within eight months while building stronger donor relationships.

Key Takeaway

Community need likely increases during tough times, making the case for supporting your organization stronger, not weaker. Economic uncertainty creates both challenges and opportunities. Organizations that adapt their fundraising strategies to match donor psychology during difficult periods often emerge with stronger relationships and more sustainable revenue.

The goal isn't to avoid fundraising during uncertainty - it's to fundraise more strategically, acknowledging economic realities while demonstrating urgent community need.

The Donor Stewardship Calendar: Stop Losing Donors Between Campaigns

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It's March and you suddenly realize you haven't contacted donors since December. Sound familiar?

You're great at running campaigns - your year-end appeal crushed it, your spring event was a success - but then... radio silence. Donors hear from you only when you need money, and you wonder why retention rates keep dropping and supporters seem less engaged each year.

What You'll Discover in This Episode

The counterintuitive truth: The nonprofits with the highest donor retention don't ask for money less often - they ask MORE often while providing tremendous value between asks.

The game-changing strategy: How to create a systematic donor stewardship calendar that combines regular fundraising with impact reporting, turning every communication into both relationship-building AND revenue generation.

What's Inside the Framework

• Monthly communication strategy that donors actually appreciate (hint: it's not about asking less)
• The dual-purpose content formula that shows impact while creating giving opportunities
• Segmentation secrets for different donor engagement levels
• 12-month calendar template with specific examples for each month
• The integration method that makes fundraising feel like partnership, not pestering

Real Results You'll Hear About

A social services nonprofit afraid they were "too pushy" completely transformed their approach:

• 40% increase in revenue (more opportunities = more gifts)
• 30% improvement in retention (regular connection = stronger loyalty)
• Donors writing thank-you notes for keeping them informed about impact

One donor said: "I love that you keep me updated on both the needs and the progress. It makes me feel like a real partner in your work, not just someone you ask for money."

Perfect For Veterans Services (and Every Other Nonprofit)

Michael from a veterans nonprofit gets specific strategies for showing measurable outcomes - veterans finding jobs, securing housing, successful transitions - while maintaining consistent giving opportunities.

The Bottom Line

Donors don't get tired of hearing from organizations they care about. They get tired of hearing from organizations that only contact them for money or provide no value.

Ready to transform scattered, guilty communications into a strategic system that builds relationships AND raises more money? This episode gives you the exact month-by-month blueprint that turns donor stewardship from an afterthought into your secret retention weapon.

Stop losing donors between campaigns. Start building the kind of ongoing relationships that create lifelong supporters.

Your 28% Email Open Rate Means Nothing (Here's What Actually Matters)

Transform your AI results from bland to brilliant. NonprofitPrompt provides sector-specific prompts that turn ChatGPT and Claude into your most effective fundraising tool. Created for nonprofit professionals who need content that converts. Get a free account at nonprofitprompt.com

Your appeal email had a 35% open rate but only raised $500. Your newsletter had a 22% open rate but generated $8,000 in donations. Which one was more successful?

If you answered based on open rates, you're making the same costly mistake that's sabotaging nonprofit email programs everywhere.

Steven from a Seattle homeless services nonprofit perfectly illustrates this problem: His open rates improved by 8 percentage points (now consistently 26-28%), but his email fundraising results stayed completely flat at $15,000 per year. Great engagement, terrible results.

Here's the hard truth: Email open rates are a vanity metric that can actually hurt your fundraising when you optimize for them.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

✅ Why open-rate optimization destroys fundraising results (and the psychological trap that keeps nonprofits focused on the wrong metrics)

✅ The 6 email metrics that actually correlate with donations:

• Click-through rates vs. open rates
• Time spent reading (not just opening)
• Response rates that generate revenue
• List quality over list size
• Conversion from email to actual donation
• Unsubscribe patterns that reveal what donors really want

✅ The case study that proves everything: One organization decreased open rates from 25% to 21% but increased email revenue by 180%

✅ 5 specific strategies to optimize for results instead of vanity metrics:

• Why "You won't believe what happened" subject lines kill long-term engagement
• How to write subject lines that attract donors, not browsers
• The segmentation strategy that turns casual subscribers into committed supporters

The Bottom Line:

A smaller list of engaged supporters will always outperform a larger list of casual observers. Opens don't pay the bills—conversions do.

Perfect for: Communications directors, development professionals, and anyone frustrated that their "great" email metrics aren't translating into actual fundraising success.

The wake-up call your email program needs: Stop celebrating the wrong numbers and start measuring what actually moves your mission forward.

The Difficult Conversation Playbook: How to Address Problems Without Destroying Relationships

I've created a new tool: Built by nonprofit professionals, for nonprofit professionals. NonprofitPrompt takes the guesswork out of AI content creation with proven prompts for fundraising appeals, donor communications, and more. Join fellow nonprofit leaders at nonprofitprompt.com

Ever promise a donor something you can't deliver? Had a board member storm out of a meeting? Watched a star employee quit because you avoided addressing performance issues?

Every nonprofit leader faces conversations that make their stomach churn - with staff who aren't performing, board members overstepping boundaries, or donors with unrealistic expectations. Most of us either avoid these conversations until they explode into crises, or dive in unprepared and make everything worse.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

The counterintuitive truth: The leaders who excel at difficult conversations aren't naturally comfortable with conflict - they just have better frameworks for approaching these situations strategically rather than reactively.

The 6-step framework that transforms difficult conversations from relationship-killers into relationship-strengtheners:

1. Thorough preparation (most conversations fail before they start)
2. Starting with shared goals (collaborative vs. adversarial tone)
3. Focusing on behaviors, not personalities (the game-changing difference)
4. Active listening (understanding the real problem)
5. Collaborative solutions (specific expectations and support)
6. Consistent follow-up (ensuring lasting change)

Real Scenarios Covered

• The performance conversation that saved a struggling development director's job and led to record fundraising
• Boundary-setting with micromanaging board members without burning bridges
• Managing donor expectations when you can't deliver what they want
• Conflict resolution that strengthens teams instead of dividing them

The Bottom Line

Avoiding difficult conversations doesn't protect relationships - it destroys them slowly. When you master these conversations, you create environments where problems get solved quickly, expectations are clear, and relationships are built on honesty and mutual respect.

Ready to stop dreading these conversations and start seeing them as opportunities to strengthen your organization? Listen now for the specific phrases, preparation strategies, and follow-up techniques that turn your most challenging leadership moments into your greatest successes.

Perfect for: Executive directors, development professionals, program managers, and anyone who needs to address performance, conflict, or change while maintaining strong working relationships.

Why Your Small Nonprofit Is Missing Out on $50,000+ Legacy Gifts (And How to Fix It)

Transform your AI results from bland to brilliant. NonprofitPrompt provides sector-specific prompts that turn ChatGPT and Claude into your most effective fundraising tool. Created for nonprofit professionals who need content that converts. Get a free account at https://nonprofitprompt.com

A 78-year-old woman walks into your office and says she wants to put your organization in her will. Your heart races—then panic sets in because you have absolutely no idea what to tell her.

This actually happened to Jennifer, executive director of a small literacy nonprofit in Boise. Her organization just received an unexpected $85,000 bequest from a donor they'd never even heard of—someone who had been quietly reading their newsletters for years and decided to leave them money in her will.

Here's the shocking truth: Most small nonprofits think legacy giving is only for large organizations with dedicated staff and wealthy donors. They're completely wrong.

In this episode, you'll discover:

✅ Why modest $50-100 annual donors are leaving $200,000+ bequests (and how to identify them)

✅ The 7 simple strategies that make planned giving work for small nonprofits without hiring specialists or spending money you don't have

✅ The biggest barrier to legacy gifts (hint: it's not donor capacity—it's organizational fear)

✅ Exact language you can use immediately in newsletters and thank-you letters to plant the planned giving seed

✅ How one small historical society identified 12 planned gift commitments in 3 years and increased annual giving by 40%

The reality check: Legacy gifts aren't about wealthy donors—they're about committed donors who want their values to outlive them. And your most loyal supporters are making estate plans right now without ever being asked to consider your organization.

Stop leaving transformational gifts on the table. This episode gives you everything you need to start meaningful legacy giving conversations today—no legal expertise required.

Perfect for: Executive directors, development coordinators, and anyone at a small nonprofit who thinks planned giving is "too complicated" for their organization.

Stop Losing 70% of Your First-Time Donors: The 90-Day Game Plan That Changes Everything

But before we get to the episode, let me tell you about a new platform I created just for you. Stop wasting hours crafting AI prompts that deliver mediocre results. NonprofitPrompt gives you expert-crafted prompts that generate compelling donor appeals, grant proposals, and stewardship content in minutes. Get your free account at https://nonprofitprompt.com.

You're doing great at attracting new donors, but here's the brutal truth: most nonprofits lose 70% of first-time donors who never give a second gift. If this sounds familiar, you're literally watching potential lifelong supporters slip through your fingers—and missing out on massive revenue.

What if there was a proven system to flip those numbers?

In this episode, host Jeremy Reis reveals the 90-day cultivation journey that transforms one-time donors into committed supporters. You'll discover why the first 90 days after someone's initial gift is the make-or-break period that determines whether they'll support you for one year or twenty years.

You'll learn the exact 7-step sequence that successful organizations use:

• The 24-hour acknowledgment that makes donors feel truly seen (not just receipted)
• The one-week impact report that shows their specific gift in action
• Why personal connection within 30 days skyrockets retention rates
• The "insider access" psychology that creates belonging
• When and how to make that crucial second ask

Real results: One animal shelter used this system to boost their retention rate from 17% to 25% in just one year, with retained donors giving 40% more in their second year.

Perfect for: Development staff and nonprofit leaders who are tired of the "acquire and pray" approach to donor cultivation.

Featured: Angela from a Richmond food pantry who brought in 800 new donors but kept only 12%—and the specific strategies that can turn her numbers around.

The bottom line: Stop treating donors like transactions and start treating them like the lifetime partners they could become. This episode gives you the exact roadmap to make it happen.