Fridays 4 Fundraising

Summary

In this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly may have gone on a bit of a tangent about the overhead myth. But more generally, Kelly talks about how to integrate data with the narratives you're telling in your annual report. She highlights how donors are interested in understanding how their contributions impact not only our mission-driven outcomes, but also the growth of the organization as an institution.

Join Sustain & Thrive: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thrive

Schedule a Discovery Call: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/schedule

Takeaways

• Donors want to hear about organizational growth and change, and your Annual Report is a great place for telling those stories and providing that data.
• Financial transparency is crucial in annual reports.
• Overhead costs should be openly discussed with donors.
• Data should support the narrative being told in the report as integrating metrics with stories enhances donor understanding of impact outcomes.
• Capacity building stories are important for donor confidence.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Fridays 4 Fundraising

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

02:33 Quick Note on the "Overhead Myth"

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

07:45 Resources to Support Your Growth

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

Keywords

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

Summary

In this episode, Kelly discusses the need to craft compelling narratives that resonate emotionally and intellectually with the audience. The conversation also touches on the various formats of annual reports and how they influence the storytelling approach, encouraging organizations to reflect on their most significant developments and how to present them effectively.

Join Sustain & Thrive: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thrive

Request a Discovery Call with Kelly: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/schedule

Takeaways

• The framework of annual reports is changing due to better donor communication.
• Storytelling is crucial in annual reports to engage donors.
• Crafting narratives involves making donors feel and think.
• Different formats require different storytelling approaches.
• Client stories are common, but institutional storytelling is also important.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Fridays 4 Fundraising

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

01:34 How to Pick Stories for Your Annual Report

04:42 Resources to Support You

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

Keywords

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

Summary

In this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly discusses how annual reports are evolving, emphasizing the need for innovative formats that engage donors effectively. She highlights the shift away from traditional, lengthy reports towards more dynamic and accessible options, such as short PDFs, videos, and community engagement events. The focus is on understanding donor preferences and creating meaningful connections through impactful communication.

Join Sustain & Thrive: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thrive

Request a Discovery Call with Kelly: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/schedule

Takeaways

• Annual reports are evolving; there's no one-size-fits-all format.
• Donors are less interested in traditional printed reports.
• Engagement with donors should be frequent and dynamic.
• Consider your audience's preferences when creating reports. Shorter, more visual formats can be more effective.
• Community-building events can replace traditional reports.
• Focus on the impact of donations to retain donor interest.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Fridays 4 Fundraising

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

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

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

06:30 Resources to Get You Growing

Keywords

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

Episode Summary

Summary

In this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly chats about the importance of conducting post-year-end gratitude campaigns to build donor loyalty. She discusses how organizations often bombard donors with requests for money without following up on the impact of their contributions. By effectively communicating the outcomes of donations and treating donors as partners, nonprofits can foster stronger relationships and encourage continued support.

Get Support

Note: We only support U.S.-based nonprofit organizations that are IRS designated 501(c)(3) organizations or that are fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) organization.

Sustain & Thrive: Engaging, Supportive Group Learning: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thrive

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

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

Takeaways

• Put equal effort into thanking donors as you do in asking for money.
• Donors want to know what happened after they donated.
• Treat donors as partners in your mission, not just sources of funds.
• Donors are passionate about the causes they support; acknowledge that passion.
• Creating a sustainable fundraising strategy is essential for long-term success.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Fridays 4 Fundraising

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

03:14 How to Do Gratitude Campaigns

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

06:15 Fundraising Resource You can Afford

Keywords

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

Episode Summary

Summary

In this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly emphasizes the importance of sending tax letters to donors as a way to enhance donor appreciation and loyalty. She discusses the key elements of crafting effective tax letters, including the timing, content, and legal language to use. Additionally, she highlights the need for a solid fundraising infrastructure to support organizations in their fundraising efforts.

Get Support

Note: We only support U.S.-based nonprofit organizations that are IRS designated 501(c)(3) organizations or that are fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) organization.

Sustain & Thrive: Engaging, Supportive Group Learning: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thrive

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

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

Takeaways

• Sending tax letters is a best practice for donor relations.
• Send letters when donors receive other tax documents.
• Include a summary of accomplishments in the tax letter.
• Use clear language about tax deductibility to avoid legal issues.
• Creating tax letters should be a straightforward process
• Regular communication fosters a sense of partnership with donors.

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Tax Letters for Donors

03:37 Crafting Effective Tax Letters

05:16 Building Sustainable Fundraising Strategies

Keywords

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

Episode Summary

Summary

In this episode of Fridays for Fundraising, Kelly emphasizes the importance of donor stewardship after year-end fundraising. She discusses how autoresponders are insufficient for expressing gratitude and suggests personalized approaches to thank donors, such as thank you calls and personal emails. Kelly encourages small nonprofits to leverage their ability to connect with donors on a personal level, fostering loyalty and engagement.

Takeaways

• Fundraising success requires warm connections, not just autoresponders.
• Personalized thank yous can significantly impact donor loyalty.
• Small nonprofits have an advantage in donor engagement in being able to personalize relationships with donors.
• Thank you call-a-thons can be fun and effective.
• Building relationships with donors is crucial for retention.
• Creative thank you strategies can enhance donor experience.

Get Support

Note: We only support U.S.-based nonprofit organizations that are IRS designated 501(c)(3) organizations or that are fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) organization.

Sustain & Thrive: Engaging, Supportive Group Learning: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thrive

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

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

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Fundraising Success

00:53 The Importance of Donor Stewardship

05:01 Creative Ways to Thank Donors

08:12 Conclusion and Next Steps

Keywords

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

Summary

In this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly emphasizes the importance of concise messaging, effective use of visuals, and engaging donors beyond just fundraising campaigns to make a compelling pitch for donations on December 31. With practical tips and a focus on simplicity, Kelly aims to help nonprofits drive donations and build lasting relationships with their supporters.

Join Sustain & Thrive: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thrive

Join the Recipe for Relief Workshop Waitlist: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/2026-relief

Takeaways

• Nobody is reading a long email on December 31st.
• How short can you make a case for support?
• A picture is worth a thousand words.
• Simple is actually a real winner.

Chapters

00:00 Kickstarting Your Fundraising Journey

00:43 Maximizing Year-End Campaigns

04:20 Engaging Donors Effectively

05:51 Planning for Future Success

Keywords

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

Summary

In this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly shares actionable strategies for small nonprofits to enhance their year-end fundraising campaigns by making small adjustments rather than drastic changes, engaging donors through personal outreach, and effectively communicating the impact of donations. Kelly also discusses the role of board members in fundraising efforts and introduces the concept of peer-to-peer connection as a way to boost campaign performance. The episode concludes with a preview of upcoming workshops and programs designed to support nonprofit leaders in their fundraising efforts.

Join Sustain & Thrive: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thrive

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

Get on the waitlist for the 2026 Recipe for Relief Workshop: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/2026-relief

Takeaways

• Don't make massive changes, just tweak.
• Calling your donors can be a great way to connect.
• Bring in the board to activate your campaign.
• State the need in a positive way.
• Add a peer-to-peer campaign element to your campaign.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Fundraising Success

00:52 Year-End Campaign Strategies

02:02 Course Correction Techniques

06:43 Engaging Donors Effectively

09:12 Communicating Impact and Need

11:54 Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Strategies

14:29 Looking Ahead: Future Workshops and Programs

Keywords

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

Summary

In this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly emphasizes the importance of setting clear goals, tracking progress, and maintaining donor engagement without overwhelming them. The episode also previews future workshops aimed at building sustainable fundraising strategies for 2026.

Join Sustain & Thrive: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thrive

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

Get on the wait list for the 2026 Recipe For Relief Fundraising Planning Workshop: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/2026-relief

Takeaways

• Assess your progress regularly during your year-end campaign.
• Divide your overall fundraising goal into manageable weekly targets.
• Pace your campaign to account for slower starts and bigger finishes.
• Avoid making massive changes to your fundraising plan mid-campaign.
• Use positive messaging to engage donors effectively.
• Consider a call campaign to reconnect with past donors.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Fridays 4 Fundraising

01:17 Year-End Campaign Strategies

02:13 Setting and Tracking Fundraising Goals

06:19 Maintaining Donor Engagement

08:19 Looking Ahead: Future Fundraising Plans

Keywords

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

Summary

This is not a regular episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising. This is Kelly's love letter to the fundraisers of the world—whether they consider themselves professional fundraisers or "because I have to" fundraisers. We talk about the importance of making the work sustainable so you're in it for the long haul, and the resources From Scratch Fundraising offers to make that more possible for overworked, under-resourced, tired nonprofit pros.

Join Sustain & Thrive: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thrive

Get on the wait list for the Recipe for Relief: 2026 Fundraising Planning Workshop: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/2026-relief

Takeaways

• Fundraisers are passionate about their mission and play a crucial role.
• It's important to take breaks and find joy in the work.
• Sustainable practices lead to a bigger impact over time.
• Burnout prevention is essential for long-term success.
• Fundraising is a year-round effort, not just at year-end.

Chapters

00:00 Thank You for Being the Heart of Fundraising

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

04:06 Connect with From Scratch Fundraising's Resources

Keywords

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