Send us a text

Year-End Donor Retention: The Crucial First 30 Days

Did you know 80% of first-time donors don’t return the following year? This is especially true for year-end donors, where the first 30 days after their gift can make or break their decision to stay engaged. In this episode of The Nonprofit Podcast, Britt Stockert and fundraising expert Katherine Lacefield discuss how nonprofits can turn one-time donors into lifelong supporters through practical, actionable strategies.

Top Highlights:

✅ Build Trust Through Personalization: Simple, personalized communication shows donors they matter.

✅ Stand Out with Handwritten Notes: They convey authenticity and genuine care.

✅ Leverage CRMs for Deeper Connections: Organize donor data to personalize and streamline outreach.

Join us for an episode packed with advice that nonprofits of any size can implement immediately to improve donor retention and engagement.

🎄Thank you so much for your loyal support throughout 2024, we’ll be back on January 16, 2025, with a new season of tips, tools, and tactics to take your nonprofit to the next level from January to December.  Happy holidays!

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction to Donor Retention Challenges

02:51 – The Importance of the First 30 Days

05:48 – Personalization in Donor Communication

09:07 – Strategies for Effective Donor Engagement

11:47 – Common Mistakes in Donor Outreach

15:11 – Final Thoughts and Resources

Connect with Katherine Lacefield:

🌐 Website: Just Be Cause Consulting

🔗 LinkedIn: Katherine Lacefield 

If this episode gave you actionable insights, don’t forget to subscribe for more nonprofit tips, and share with your team to make the most of year-end giving!

What makes Donorbox the Best Nonprofit Fundraising Platform to Achieve Your Strategic Goals?

Easy to customize, available in multiple languages and currencies, and supported by leading payment processors (Stripe and PayPal), Donorbox’s nonprofit fundraising solution is used by 80,000+ global organizations and individuals. From animal rescue to schools, places of worship, and research groups, nonprofits use Donorbox to raise more funds, manage donors efficiently, and make a bigger impact.

Take a tour right now and start fundraising in just 15 minutes: → https://donorbox.org/

The Nonprofit Podcast, and a wealth of nonprofit leadership tutorials,  expert advice, tips, and tactics, are available on the Donorbox YouTube channel, subscribe today and never miss an episode:

🖥️The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️🎙️ - YouTube 

The Nonprofit Podcast is available every Thursday, be sure to follow, rate, and download so you never miss an episode.

🎙️ Apple Podcasts: The Nonprofit Podcast

🎙️ Spotify: The Nonprofit Podcast

Support the show

Send us a text

  Year-end performance reviews are here—are you ready to turn them into a game-changer for your team? This essential (and often daunting) task is a golden opportunity for nonprofit leaders to inspire growth, strengthen accountability, and drive meaningful results for your organization.

In this episode, Jena and Britt break down how to approach year-end reviews with confidence and purpose. Whether you’re striving to celebrate wins, provide constructive feedback, or align individual goals with your nonprofit’s mission, this session is packed with actionable insights to help you succeed.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Why reviews matter: Boost morale, accountability, and alignment.
• Feedback that works: Honest, empathetic, and trust-building.
• Celebrate wins: Motivate your team with recognition.
• Stay focused: Using SMART goals for clarity.
• Avoid missteps: Clear feedback, and two-way conversations.
• Engage your team: Build trust and collaboration.

Year-end reviews are more than a formality—they’re a chance to deepen connections, strengthen your team, and set the stage for a successful new year.

🎧 Listen now to learn how to make your nonprofit performance reviews meaningful, impactful, and motivating!

Resources Mentioned:

• 20 KPIs for Nonprofits to Track Over Time (includes a section on HR performance metrics): https://donorbox.org/nonprofit-blog/kpis-for-your-nonprofit 

Chapters

• 00:00 Reflecting on Year-End Performance Reviews
• 02:57  Balancing Accountability with Compassion
• 06:12   The Importance of Open Dialogue
• 08:52  Preparing for Productive Reviews
• 11:47   Common Pitfalls in Performance Reviews
• 15:07  Constructive Feedback Techniques
• 17:56  Creating a Two-Way Conversation
• 20:48 Setting Intentional Goals for the New Year

What makes Donorbox the Best Nonprofit Fundraising Platform to Achieve Your Strategic Goals?
Easy to customize, available in multiple languages and currencies, and supported by leading payment processors (Stripe and PayPal), Donorbox’s nonprofit fundraising solution is used by 80,000+ global organizations and individuals. From animal rescue to schools, places of worship, and research groups, nonprofits use Donorbox to raise more funds, manage donors efficiently, and make a bigger impact.
Take a tour right now and start fundraising in just 15 minutes: → https://donorbox.org/

The Nonprofit Podcast, and a wealth of nonprofit leadership tutorials,  expert advice, tips, and tactics, are available on the Donorbox YouTube channel, subscribe today and never miss an episode:
🖥️The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️🎙️ - YouTube 

The Nonprofit Podcast is available every Thursday, be sure to follow, rate, and download so you never miss an episode.
🎙️ Apple Podcasts: The Nonprofit Podcast
🎙️ Spotify: The Nonprofit Podcast

Support the show

Send us a text

📊 Maximize your Giving Tuesday donations by unlocking the full potential of your donor data. Jena and Britt dive into how nonprofits can analyze critical metrics like ROI, donor acquisition, and retention rates to create smarter fundraising strategies.

This episode also explores how nonprofit CRM tools and AI can streamline donor management, personalize outreach, and set data-driven goals for 2025. Packed with actionable insights, it’s a must-listen for nonprofits ready to optimize their impact.

Chapters:
00:00 - Unlocking the Power of Data for Nonprofits
10:00 - Key Metrics for Evaluating Fundraising Success
17:02 - Applying Insights for Future Campaigns

Listen now to turn your data into action!

Don’t forget to subscribe for more expert nonprofit tips and strategies to take your giving Season to new heights.

What makes Donorbox the Best Nonprofit Fundraising Platform to Achieve Your Strategic Goals?

Easy to customize, available in multiple languages and currencies, and supported by leading payment processors (Stripe and PayPal), Donorbox’s nonprofit fundraising solution is used by 80,000+ global organizations and individuals. From animal rescue to schools, places of worship, and research groups, nonprofits use Donorbox to raise more funds, manage donors efficiently, and make a bigger impact. 

Take a tour right now and start fundraising in just 15 minutes: → https://donorbox.org/

The Nonprofit Podcast, and a wealth of nonprofit leadership tutorials,  expert advice, tips, and tactics, are available on the Donorbox YouTube channel, subscribe today and never miss an episode:

🖥️The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️🎙️ - YouTube  

The Nonprofit Podcast is available every Thursday, be sure to follow, rate, and download so you never miss an episode.

🎙️ Apple Podcasts: The Nonprofit Podcast 

🎙️ Spotify: The Nonprofit Podcast 

Support the show

Send us a text

🦃  This Thanksgiving, we’re gathering around the podcast table to celebrate you—the nonprofit heroes changing lives every day. 

As we reflect on gratitude, we’re thankful for your passion, your hard work, and the impact you create. We are so grateful for your continued support. 💙

Today, we raise a toast to your wins, your dedication, and the difference you make in the world. Happy Thanksgiving! 🥂

We’ll be back next week with more tips, tactics, and tools, so don’t forget to subscribe, download, and write us a review!  

What makes Donorbox the Best Nonprofit Fundraising Platform to Achieve Your Strategic Goals?

Easy to customize, available in multiple languages and currencies, and supported by leading payment processors (Stripe and PayPal), Donorbox’s nonprofit fundraising solution is used by 80,000+ global organizations and individuals. From animal rescue to schools, places of worship, and research groups, nonprofits use Donorbox to raise more funds, manage donors efficiently, and make a bigger impact. 

Take a tour right now and start fundraising in just 15 minutes: → https://donorbox.org/

The Nonprofit Podcast, and a wealth of nonprofit leadership tutorials,  expert advice, tips, and tactics, are available on the Donorbox YouTube channel, subscribe today and never miss an episode:

🖥️The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️🎙️ - YouTube  

The Nonprofit Podcast is available every Thursday, be sure to follow, rate, and download so you never miss an episode.

🎙️ Apple Podcasts: The Nonprofit Podcast 

🎙️ Spotify: The Nonprofit Podcast 

Support the show

Send us a text

Nonprofit burnout isn’t just stress—it’s a threat to your mission! But, it doesn’t have to define your work. 

In this episode, Britt Stockert gets honest about the emotional weight of nonprofit work and reveals actionable strategies to build resilience and a supportive workplace culture—together.

✨ What you’ll learn:

• How to recognize burnout as a shared challenge, not an individual failure.
• Practical tools for creating a work culture rooted in collective care.
• The power of structured, intentional conversations to lighten emotional burdens.
• How to build peer support networks that actually make a difference.
• Steps to advocate for wellness resources that your team truly needs.

Burnout doesn’t have to define your work. Listen now for real solutions to build a resilient nonprofit team that thrives—together.

And, to take this collective approach upline as well as to your team, head back to:
 
Ep 127| Engage Your Board: Avoid Year-End Fundraising Burnout https://youtu.be/kWEQRhBobNQ?si=-6BuQ3E3d4bij4_A 

Plus, we have a great guide to recognize the causes, identify the symptoms, and 11 effective techniques to manage burnout, here:

Nonprofit Burnout: How to Recognize And Manage It: https://donorbox.org/nonprofit-blog/nonprofit-burnout?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast_42    

Don’t forget to subscribe for more expert nonprofit tips and strategies to take your giving Season to new heights.

What makes Donorbox the Best Nonprofit Fundraising Platform to Achieve Your Strategic Goals?

Easy to customize, available in multiple languages and currencies, and supported by leading payment processors (Stripe and PayPal), Donorbox’s nonprofit fundraising solution is used by 80,000+ global organizations and individuals. From animal rescue to schools, places of worship, and research groups, nonprofits use Donorbox to raise more funds, manage donors efficiently, and make a bigger impact. 

Take a tour right now and start fundraising in just 15 minutes: → https://donorbox.org/

The Nonprofit Podcast, and a wealth of nonprofit leadership tutorials,  expert advice, tips, and tactics, are available on the Donorbox YouTube channel, subscribe today and never miss an episode:

🖥️The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️🎙️ - YouTube  

The Nonprofit Podcast is available every Thursday, be sure to follow, rate, and download so you never miss an episode.

🎙️ Apple Podcasts: The Nonprofit Podcast 

🎙️ Spotify: The Nonprofit Podcast 

Support the show

Send us a text

Why Recurring Donors Matter (And How to Get Them)

Jena is joined by Chris Barlow, founder of Beeline Marketing, to explore how nonprofits can build and sustain a loyal base of recurring donors. This episode offers practical, real-world strategies for converting one-time donors into ongoing supporters who bring long-term stability.

Discover:

• Why recurring donors provide critical revenue stability for nonprofits.
• How to time your asks to maximize conversions from year-end donors.
• The common mistakes nonprofits make when asking for recurring gifts—and how to fix them.
• Proven methods to keep donors engaged and feeling genuinely valued.
• Strategies to create a strong sense of community among your donor base.
• Key steps to start or enhance your recurring giving program.
• Insights into 2025 trends that will shape donor engagement.

Want to create lasting donor relationships? Listen and start making a bigger impact today!

Head back to Episode 104, Fundamentals of Nonprofit Digital Marketing, for more strategies to keep your year-end campaigns on target: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9w2_6_dfEtQ 

Chapters

• 00:00The Importance of Recurring Donors
• 02:52Common Pitfalls in Converting Donors
• 06:09Effective Messaging Strategies
• 08:47Building Relationships with Donors
• 12:08Engagement Strategies for Recurring Giving
• 14:52Starting a Recurring Giving Program
• 18:05Emerging Trends for 2025

Chris is leading a Donorbox workshop, 'The Truth About Getting Recurring Donors — And the First Way to Fix It', on November 20th at 1:00 PM ET.

• Register Here for more in-depth strategies!

Don’t forget to subscribe for more expert nonprofit tips and strategies to take your giving Season to new heights.

What makes Donorbox the Best Nonprofit Fundraising Platform to Achieve Your Strategic Goals?

Easy to customize, available in multiple languages and currencies, and supported by leading payment processors (Stripe and PayPal), Donorbox’s nonprofit fundraising solution is used by 80,000+ global organizations and individuals. From animal rescue to schools, places of worship, and research groups, nonprofits use Donorbox to raise more funds, manage donors efficiently, and make a bigger impact. 

Take a tour right now and start fundraising in just 15 minutes: → https://donorbox.org/

The Nonprofit Podcast, and a wealth of nonprofit leadership tutorials,  expert advice, tips, and tactics, are available on the Donorbox YouTube channel, subscribe today and never miss an episode:

🖥️The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️🎙️ - YouTube  

The Nonprofit Podcast is available every Thursday, be sure to follow, rate, and download so you never miss an episode.

🎙️ Apple Podcasts: The Nonprofit Podcast 

🎙️ Spotify: The Nonprofit Podcast 

Support the show

Send us a text

Ready to turn up the volume on your year-end fundraising? 

Jena and Britt share how to craft multichannel appeals that truly resonate with donors. You’ll learn to create compelling storylines and messages that deliver real results for your nonprofit this giving season.

Discover the elements that make a multi-channel appeal effective, including: 

• The power of consistent messaging.
• Storytelling techniques that immerse donors in your mission.
• Quick tips for writing donation-driving emails and social posts.
• Effective strategies for boosting engagement with targeted asks.
• Boosting appeal letters with impactful design tweaks.
• Tips for stress-free campaign management and content scheduling.

Make your year-end appeals unforgettable and drive maximum donations! This episode shares expert strategies and actionable insights to engage donors and make a lasting impact. 

• To help you create a strong foundation for your multi-channel year-end appeal, head back to Episode 136, Craft the Perfect Year-End Ask & Case for Support, you can find it here: 
  • https://youtu.be/Kf7hTaEZEOs?si=BI7XkKhjIZi4R3gQ.
• Plus our in-depth webinar, Trending Ways to Write Fundraising Asks That Engage, to guide you step-by-step can be found here: 
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gTmtatQUCM 
• Add our free downloadable e-book, Giving Tuesday Appeals, packed with email and social media appeal examples and ideas, to arm your campaign with comprehensive research-backed methods to help your appeals drive more donations. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gTmtatQUCM 

Chapters:

00:00 Crafting Compelling Appeals: The Power of Storytelling

07:27   Storytelling Examples for Nonprofits

09:55  Anatomy of an Effective Fundraising Appeal

20:08  Multi-Channel Campaign Strategies for Nonprofits

What makes Donorbox the Best Nonprofit Fundraising Platform to Achieve Your Strategic Goals?

Easy to customize, available in multiple languages and currencies, and supported by leading payment processors (Stripe and PayPal), Donorbox’s nonprofit fundraising solution is used by 80,000+ global organizations and individuals. From animal rescue to schools, places of worship, and research groups, nonprofits use Donorbox to raise more funds, manage donors efficiently, and make a bigger impact. 

Take a tour right now and start fundraising in just 15 minutes: → https://donorbox.org/

The Nonprofit Podcast, and a wealth of nonprofit leadership tutorials,  expert advice, tips, and tactics, are available on the Donorbox YouTube channel, subscribe today and never miss an episode:

🖥️The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️🎙️ - YouTube  

The Nonprofit Podcast is available every Thursday, be sure to follow, rate, and download so you never miss an episode.

🎙️ Apple Podcasts: The Nonprofit Podcast 

🎙️ Spotify: The Nonprofit Podcast | Podca

Support the show

Send us a text

Cyber attacks occur every 39 seconds, and nonprofits are 50% more likely to be targeted!

Understanding potential vulnerabilities can help your organization stay secure, continue its valuable work without interruption, and keep your donor trust relationships intact.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why Nonprofits Are Prime Targets
• Impact of Fraud on Nonprofits
• Key Cybersecurity Terms Explained including PCI DSS Compliance, tokenization,  encryption, and DDoS attacks 

From data breaches and ransomware to payment fraud and spam donations, Jena and Donorbox IT Support specialist, Kimi Arnett, examine the risks and provide actionable steps to protect your valuable data and maintain donor trust.

As Cyber Security Month closes and Giving Season picks up pace understanding the threats, how they can disrupt your fundraising efforts, and how to protect your organization proactively is critical. We have an excellent blog guiding you through the steps to prepare for a cyber-attack, you can find it here:
📑 Cyber Security for Nonprofits | Steps to Address Cyber Security Risks: 

https://donorbox.org/nonprofit-blog/cyber-security 

To find out how Donorbox protects your data 24/7, visit donorbox.org/security, or reach out to Kimi and our dedicated security team at [email protected]. 

What makes Donorbox the Best Nonprofit Fundraising Platform to Achieve Your Strategic Goals?

Easy to customize, available in multiple languages and currencies, and supported by leading payment processors (Stripe and PayPal), Donorbox’s nonprofit fundraising solution is used by 80,000+ global organizations and individuals. From animal rescue to schools, places of worship, and research groups, nonprofits use Donorbox to raise more funds, manage donors efficiently, and make a bigger impact. 

Take a tour right now and start fundraising in just 15 minutes: → https://donorbox.org/

The Nonprofit Podcast, and a wealth of nonprofit leadership tutorials,  expert advice, tips, and tactics, are available on the Donorbox YouTube channel, subscribe today and never miss an episode:

🖥️The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️🎙️ - YouTube  

The Nonprofit Podcast is available every Thursday on all your favorite podcast platforms, so follow, rate, and download so you never miss an episode:

🎙️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-important-podcast/id1483848924 

🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fj1bk0PHws7kn6CMwzhLQ 

🎙️ Buzzsprout: https://thenonprofitpodcast.buzzsprout.com

Support the show

Send us a text

Join Britt as she balances the pros and cons of the CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive) certification. Exploring what it means, how it can impact your career and your organization, and whether it’s the right path for you.

CFRE is recognized as a valuable asset for nonprofit fundraisers, boosting job prospects, salary potential, and emphasizing ethical fundraising practices. But it’s also a significant commitment, both in time and resources. And—not everyone finds it aligns with their fundraising philosophy or has access to pursue it.

If you’re exploring ways to grow as a nonprofit leader, tune in to learn:

• The benefits and challenges of CFRE certification 🎓
• How ethical fundraising practices can elevate your organization 📊
• Alternative paths to professional growth in the nonprofit sector 🌱

To find more in-depth step-by-step information on taking the CRFE exam, head to The Nonprofit Blog for an article that covers everything from eligibility to maintaining your certification, read it here:
CFRE Certification for Nonprofits: Everything You Need to Know: https://donorbox.org/nonprofit-blog/cfre-certification 

Whether CFRE is the right move for you or you’re considering other routes, this episode will help you make an informed decision on your professional development journey. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and subscribe! 

What makes Donorbox the Best Nonprofit Fundraising Platform to Achieve Your Strategic Goals?

Easy to customize, available in multiple languages and currencies, and supported by leading payment processors (Stripe and PayPal), Donorbox’s nonprofit fundraising solution is used by 80,000+ global organizations and individuals. From animal rescue to schools, places of worship, and research groups, nonprofits use Donorbox to raise more funds, manage donors efficiently, and make a bigger impact. 

Take a tour right now and start fundraising in just 15 minutes: → https://donorbox.org/

The Nonprofit Podcast, and a wealth of nonprofit leadership tutorials,  expert advice, tips, and tactics, are available on the Donorbox YouTube channel, subscribe today and never miss an episode:

🖥️The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️🎙️ - YouTube  

The Nonprofit Podcast is available every Thursday on all your favorite podcast platforms, so follow, rate, and download so you never miss an episode:

🎙️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-important-podcast/id1483848924 

🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fj1bk0PHws7kn6CMwzhLQ 

🎙️ Buzzsprout: https://thenonprofitpodcast.buzzsprout.com

Support the show

Send us a text

Why Your Nonprofit Needs a Powerful Case for Support This Year-End!

In the sea of year-end appeals, how can your nonprofit stand out? We dive into why a clear, compelling case for support is essential to make your mission shine and drive donations.

In this episode, we share:

• The power of storytelling to connect emotionally with donors
• Strategies to craft a message that truly resonates
• The 3C Formula: Clear, Concise, Compelling donor communication
• How to tailor your message to different donor segments
• Quick, practical tips to create a powerful case—even when time is tight

Whether you aim to increase donations, enhance meaningful donor engagement, or refresh your fundraising approach, this episode is packed with actionable insights to keep your nonprofit relevant and engaging!

And we have more to get your mission front and center this Giving Season! 

Join our Donorbox fundraising experts on Thursday, October 24 at 2 p.m. ET for Fundraising Appeal Writing: How to Write Asks That Engage.  The webinar is a full overview of the art and science behind creating compelling and impactful appeals so that you can ensure your message resonates with your donors.  Book now.
🔗 Appeal-Writing Workshop on October 24, 2pm ET: Sign up here

Plus,  download the free Year-End Fundraising Workbook to maximize your giving season strategy here:   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AQxjaYVbUXyOxGyLI9sAOtW2RIiHgqYx/view 

What makes Donorbox the Best Nonprofit Fundraising Platform to Achieve Your Strategic Goals?

Easy to customize, available in multiple languages and currencies, and supported by leading payment processors (Stripe and PayPal), Donorbox’s nonprofit fundraising solution is used by 80,000+ global organizations and individuals. From animal rescue to schools, places of worship, and research groups, nonprofits use Donorbox to raise more funds, manage donors efficiently, and make a bigger impact. 

Take a tour right now and start fundraising in just 15 minutes: → https://donorbox.org/

The Nonprofit Podcast, and a wealth of nonprofit leadership tutorials,  expert advice, tips, and tactics, are available on the Donorbox YouTube channel, subscribe today and never miss an episode:

🖥️The Nonprofit Podcast 🎙️🎙️ - YouTube  

The Nonprofit Podcast is available every Thursday on all major podcast platforms. Be sure to follow, rate, and download so you never miss an episode.

🎙️ Apple Podcasts: The Nonprofit Podcast 

🎙️ Spotify: The Nonprofit Podcast | Podcast on Spotify 

🎙️ Buzzsprout: https://thenonprofitpodcast.buzzsprout.com

Support the show