Marc A. Pitman's Blog

It’s no secret that the pressure on nonprofits to prioritize financial sustainability is intensifying amid economic uncertainty. Consider the following insights from the Nonprofit Finance Fund’s research into the current economic climate in the sector:

36% of nonprofits ended 2024 in an operating deficit.84% of organizations with government funding expect cuts to that funding.Over half of survey respondents (52%) have 3 months or less cash on hand, and 18% have one month or less cash on hand.

However, achieving financial resilience is more than cutting costs—it requires strategic foresight and robust financial systems. This guide presents strategies for building nonprofit financial resilience, even in times of economic uncertainty.

Access Outsourced Expertise

To achieve financial security, your nonprofit must first acquire necessary support through fundraising activities. Then, your team must manage and allocate those funds effectively.  

However, many small- to mid-sized nonprofits lack the financial expertise needed to strategize in these areas, and they certainly lack the funds to hire a full-time, in-house expert. Instead, nonprofits can consult with specialized professionals, such as:

A fractional CFO: A nonprofit CFO manages your organization’s broader financial strategy. According to Chazin’s overview of nonprofit CFOs, outsourcing this responsibility provides deep financial knowledge and strategic assistance on an as-needed or scalable basis, keeping costs manageable..A fundraising coach: Your nonprofit can also benefit from fundraising advising through a dedicated coach who provides tactical guidance on strengthening and diversifying revenue streams. A fundraising coach will help you develop a resilient strategy that maximizes your organization’s revenue potential, ensuring your income is secure even in times of uncertainty.

The return on investment (ROI) for these outsourced services greatly outweighs the cost of hiring someone in-house or tackling these strategies alone. Not only does a professional’s expertise set your team up for success, but they also provide an objective perspective of your nonprofit’s approach and make suggestions based on their years of experience in the sector.

Practice Strong Financial Tracking and Reporting

To evaluate your nonprofit’s finances and identify areas for improvement, start by organizing your financial data. Financial statements summarize key financial figures, making them helpful tools for assessing your organization’s income and expenses.

These reports each detail different aspects of your nonprofit’s financial health, and they’re essential for completing most 501(c)(3) organizations’ Form 990 tax returns. Understanding the various types of statements is the first step toward using them strategically:

Statement of Activities: This statement presents your organization’s revenues and expenses over a specific period of time, detailing the sources of your funding and how you’ve used those funds.Statement of Financial Position: This statement, also known as a balance sheet, provides an overview of your nonprofit’s assets, liabilities, and net assets at a specific point in time. Statement of Cash Flow: This statement details how cash moved in and out of your organization over a period. It categorizes your nonprofit’s transactions by operating, investing, and financing activities.Statement of Functional Expenses: This statement categorizes expenses by function (i.e., management versus fundraising costs) to clearly show stakeholders how your nonprofit allocated funds to support its mission.

Beyond supporting internal budgeting decisions, financial statements also make it easy to communicate your financial performance to stakeholders. The nonprofit financial landscape is unique in that accountability and trust should be your organization’s end goal. Transparency is a key factor in acquiring support through effective fundraising appeals, as well as securing buy-in from your board, staff, and external stakeholders for various operational decisions.

Diversify Revenue Streams

A common pitfall for many nonprofits is relying too heavily on a single funding source. While scouring the best grant databases for one substantial source of funding or securing a major government contract can lead to significant financial support, relying too heavily on that revenue can leave your organization in dire straits if it goes away.

When economic conditions are uncertain, a lack of revenue diversification directly threatens mission continuity. To safeguard against potential funding lapses, nonprofits should utilize their financial data to determine which programs are most sustainable and identify gaps in potential revenue streams.

Identifying untapped revenue opportunities will require your team to think creatively. Consider alternative giving methods, such as:

Non-cash donations , such as contributions of food for your beneficiaries or discounted marketing services from a professional agencyRecurring giving, through which donors may commit to contributing at a recurring frequency, like monthly or quarterlyEvents, which may raise funds for your mission through admissions, concessions, activities, or simply promoting your donation pageCorporate giving, such as event sponsorships, matching gifts programs, or other forms of support, through which a corporation aims to improve its social impact Various types of planned gifts , like bequests or charitable gift annuities (CGAs)

Revenue diversification creates a safety net that can be further strengthened by effective operating reserve policies. Set aside a “rainy day” fund for your organization, ensuring you have the cash on hand you need to manage unexpected shifts in the economic environment.

Again, consulting a fundraising professional and a financial expert is invaluable here. A fundraising coach can offer strategic guidance for exploring new revenue streams, and a professional accountant can help ensure that your financial systems are ready to accurately track and report new fundraising dollars.

Building financial resilience is a strategic effort that requires proactive decisions in three core areas: securing expert guidance, maintaining rock-solid financial transparency, and actively diversifying your funding streams. This approach enables you to establish a solid financial foundation, resulting in better-informed, more impactful decisions.

Review your current financial processes and conduct a full financial assessment of your organization. When your financial house is in order, your organization can move past funding stress and focus entirely on the mission it was created to fulfill.

About the Author

Jackie McLaughlin, CPA, Quality Control and Learning Manager at Chazin & Company

Jackie is a seasoned accounting professional with over 35 years of accounting experience, 18 years specific to nonprofit accounting. She started her career as an auditor with KPMG where her client base consisted of tech startups. From there, she worked for Fortune 500 companies in audit management and internal audit.

Returning to her passion for startups, Jackie has since dedicated her training and expertise to the nonprofit sector. She is currently responsible for quality control, training, and financial reviews, through which she helps nonprofits achieve financial integrity and operational excellence.

The post How to Build Financial Resilience in Times of Uncertainty appeared first on FundraisingCoach.com.

I’ve been seeing a disturbing pattern in fundraising appeals this fall. Smart, well-meaning people are making the same critical mistakes – and ignoring decades of proven data about what actually works.

These well meaning people are smart, creative, resourceful. But their fall fundraising letters are just wrong.

The Problem: Instinct Over Evidence

I recently listened to Michael Bungay Stanier’s podcast Change Signal, where he interviewed Dave Ulrich about courage and decision-making. Dave raised a crucial question for leaders: “When do you trust your instincts versus when do you trust data?”

“When do you trust your instincts versus when do you trust data?”
– Dave Ulrich, on the Change Signal podcast

This question cuts right to the heart of what I’m seeing with these awful fundraising appeals.

Too many first-time fundraisers, program officers, executive directors, and board members are trusting their instincts instead of looking at the data.

They’re totally ignoring that data.

And we have mountains of data. We’ve been asking people for money for millennia, and our research methodology gets better every year. We know what helps it takes to communicate clearly to people and motivate them to take action.

Yet well-meaning leaders continue to create appeals based on what seems “logical” or “professional”—completely ignoring what actually works. Even organizations who have a track record of world class fundraising letters are throwing it away based on uninformed, untested “hunches.”

The Three Biggest Mistakes that are Killing Your Fundraising LetterMistake #1: Trying to Educate About Your Organization

The appeals I’m seeing are trying to educate donors about the nonprofit itself. They list all the different programs, describe various scholarships, talk about all the varied outcomes, and detail every wonderful thing the organization does.

This. Doesn’t. Work.

Education is needed. But not educating about your nonprofit.

Appeals that raise funds educate donors about the problem their gift will impact. Tell people about the problem boldly and clearly, without suggesting it’s already solved. You’re inviting them to be part of the solution.

If the problem is already solved, then your nonprofit is no longer needed.

Donors don’t know about the problem. It’s your job to tell them. In detail.

Appeals that raise funds educate donors about the problem not about the nonprofit.

Mistake #2: Thanking Donors

Thanking donors is incredibly important. But not in an appeal to raise money.

When you thank donors in the same piece where you’re asking for money, you confuse them. They think, “Oh, you’ve got this all set. I’m glad my previous gift was helpful. (Even though I don’t even remember making a previous gift.)” So they throw the letter away or delete the email and look for a nonprofit that really needs their money.

You need to have the courage to clearly ask donors to donate and be part of the solution.
Not because they’re superheroes.
Not because they have more power.
Not because they are better human beings than the people their gift will help.

Because they can be part of something meaningful. Something that is in line with their values. And something human beings have been doing for millennia—helping each other.

Mistake #3: Creating Graphically Designed “Brochures”

The third major mistake I’m seeing is that these appeals look like brochures. They have lots of colors, multiple fonts, design offsets, and fancy layouts.

They look really pretty. But they don’t work to raise funds.

Fundraising appeals that work are letters. Letters are sent from one person to another person.

When your appeal looks like a polished brochure, it signals “completed thing,” “we’ve got things under control here” rather than a personal request for a another person to take action. It’s no longer one person asking another person to help.

Worse, these graphically produced appeals are also incredibly hard for older eyes to read. And your best responders tend to be older donors. Use a serif font at 13 points or larger, not tiny type squeezed into a designer layout.

5 Fixes for These Fatal Flaws in Your Fundraising Letter

Here’s what actually works:

1. Write a letter

A real letter, from one person to another.

Use their address at the top.Greet them by name.Have a clear P.S. that sums up the problem, the amount you’re asking them for, and the deadline for them to make that donation.

And have it signed by one person, not a committee.

2. Clearly state the problem

Be honest and tell donors that life is not okay. Things aren’t great. There is a wrong that needs to be addressed.

Be intellectually honest without objectifying the people or situation. Clearly give donors a reason to take action.

3. Ask clearly and early

Put the ask up front: “Your gift of $50 will help resolve this situation.” And ask throughout the letter.

4. Make your fundraising letter scannable

Use short paragraphs, underlining, bolding, and bulleted lists.

Donors aren’t sitting around waiting to thoroughly read your fundraising letter. They are super busy. Probably reading your letter over the trash can.

It’s your job to help busy donors quickly grasp your message and easily understand what action you’d like them to take.

5. Weed your letter

Once you have the letter, remove every reference to your nonprofit. As fundraising expert Steven Screen says, “Donors aren’t stupid, but they’re busy.”

They know you sent the letter. They know the donation will be to your nonprofit. They’re not stupid.

So remove all the times you name your nonprofit. Remove every “we,” “our,” and “ours.” If your initial phrase is “your gift of $72 to our mission will…” cross out the to our mission to make the phrase: “your gift of $72 will…”

Donors know who you are. Your logo is on the envelope. Instead, weed your letter so the reader can focus. They should be thinking:

“Oh, here’s a problem. Will I help?”Not, “Wow, that nonprofit seems great.”Trust the Data, Then Trust Your Instincts

These three changes will drastically increase the results of your fundraising appeals. We have data on this.

Donors have even more reasons to be distracted this year. Now is not the time to trust your instinct without checking the evidence we have on fundraising letters.

Once you start seeing the results from following proven best practices, then you can trust your instincts and tweak based on what you’re learning. But start with what we know works—what thousands of organizations have tested and proven over decades of direct response fundraising.

Your mission is too important to ignore the evidence.

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You know that moment when your board announces, “We need to raise $50,000″… and everyone looks at you like you’re supposed to magic it into existence?

Yeah, me too.

It’s easy to panic. Especially if the board mistakenly thinks that you “just” need to find 50 people to give $1,000.

The Power of a Gift Range Calculator

Based on studies of successful campaigns, we’ve found they typically contain:

One gift = 10-25% of your total goalOne gift = 7.5-15% of your goalTwo gifts = 5-10% of your goal eachAnd so on down the pyramidSo for that $500,000 goal? You’re really looking for:1 donor who can give $12,5001 donor at $7,5002 donors at $5,000Plus smaller gifts to complete the campaign

Suddenly that intimidating number becomes a more constructive conversation: “Who do we know that could give at these levels?”

You can do this yourself at https://GiftRangeCalculator.com/

Turn Panic Into Planning

Here’s why I love this approach:

For you: It transforms “find money somewhere” into “who are the five people we can first talk to?”For your board: When someone says “Let’s raise a million dollars!”, you can respond with enthusiasm instead of despair. Pull out the calculator and ask: “Great! Who are the 5 people we know who could give $250,000?”For donors: When you show them the gift range chart, they feel relief. “Oh good—you’re not asking me to fund this entire thing.”The Best Part?

If you follow the gift levels from the Gift Range Calculator and all gifts come through, you’ll raise more than your goal.

Because when people see a fundraising campaign is going to succeed, they want to be part of it. Late gifts pour in.

And is exceeding goal a problem? I don’t think so.

I taught this as part of my “Ask Without Fear!® – the Essentials” session last week. DonorSearch was kind enough to post it on YouTube.

The Ask Without Fear! Essentials video is on YouTube at:
https://youtu.be/CX8keuV4LEs?si=k1QbQ2BQIJknCd58

Goals aren’t just for fundraising. If you want help with your personal and professional goalsetting for all of 2026, join us for Magnetize 2026! Learn more and sign up at: https://concordleadershipgroup.com/magnetize-2026

The post Stop panicking about your fundraising goal (there’s a formula for that) appeared first on FundraisingCoach.com.

Behind every successful fundraiser, community gala, or awareness event is a nonprofit event planner managing countless details, from budgets and vendors to volunteers and sponsors. 

All the while, they need to keep the mission front and center. Unlike traditional event planners, their work goes beyond logistics; every choice supports a cause and strengthens community impact.

In this article, you’ll step into the life of a nonprofit event planner in the weeks leading up to an event. From morning planning sessions to evening wrap-ups, you’ll see how passion, organization, and creativity come together to make every event a success.

What Does a Nonprofit Event Planner Do?

A nonprofit event planner is responsible for turning an organization’s mission into memorable experiences that inspire action and raise support. Their work blends creativity with strategy, ensuring that every event aligns with the organization’s goals, whether that’s raising funds, growing awareness, or deepening community relationships.

A typical day in the life of an event planner involves managing a wide range of responsibilities. Nonprofit event planners handle:

Event budgeting and resource allocation to do more with limited funds.Vendor coordination to ensure every detail runs smoothly and the guests have a well-rounded experience.Volunteer management to support event setup, registration, and guest experience at a lower cost.Sponsorship and donor outreach to secure essential financial support.Marketing and communications to promote the event and engage the community.

To thrive in this role, a planner needs more than organization and multitasking skills. They must be strong communicators, imaginative thinkers, adaptive, and quick problem-solvers. More than anything else, they must be deeply committed to your cause!

Benefits of Having a Nonprofit Event Planner

Partnering with a dedicated nonprofit event planner offers significant advantages that directly benefit your mission and bottom line. Their unique expertise ensures that every detail, from the largest sponsorship to the smallest logistical choice, drives maximum impact. In particular, a nonprofit event planner:

Frees up team time: A dedicated event planner handles all the logistics, empowering your core staff (leadership and development) to focus on donor engagement and mission-critical work. Maximizes fundraising ROI . Planners are experts at structuring the financial aspects of an event (sponsorships, auctions, appeals). Their experience helps you optimize every revenue stream, often leading to a higher return on investment than events planned by in-house staff.Elevates the guest experience. They ensure a polished, cohesive, and seamless experience for every attendee. A better-executed event translates directly into higher donor satisfaction and strengthens their commitment to your cause.Reduces stress and manages risk. A professional brings a proactive, solutions-focused mindset. They anticipate problems, prepare for contingencies, and handle last-minute troubleshooting, protecting your organization’s reputation and reducing stress for your entire team.Allocates your budget strategically. Planners know how to negotiate with vendors and allocate resources to do more with limited funds, ensuring that every dollar spent directly supports the event’s fundraising goals.A Day in the Life of a Nonprofit Event PlannerMorning: Laying the Groundwork for a Successful Event

The morning hours set the tone for the entire day. This is when nonprofit event planners establish their priorities, manage communications, and lay the foundation for a productive day. It’s all about organization, focus, and staying one step ahead. Here’s what might happen in the morning:

Review the day’s schedule. Most planners start their day by reviewing the event timeline, checking emails, and identifying the most pressing tasks. They might confirm catering details, review new registrations, or double-check deadlines with vendors. Staying organized early ensures that small issues don’t become big problems later in the day.Team and volunteer coordination. Nonprofit events often rely on volunteers and small teams, so morning check-ins are key. Planners touch base with volunteers and staff to confirm responsibilities, communicate updates, and make sure everyone understands the day’s objectives. Just a short meeting can ensure the entire day stays on track.Manage budgets and vendor communication. Budget management is a daily task, especially when every dollar counts. Planners might compare quotes, review invoices, or negotiate with vendors to ensure funds are used efficiently. Maintaining strong relationships with trusted partners helps ensure reliable service and long-term collaboration for future events.Afternoon: Bringing the Details Together

By midday, nonprofit event planners are deep into the details. This is when preparation turns into action. The afternoon is often spent bringing ideas to life to keep the event running smoothly. During the afternoon, event planners might:

Venue walkthroughs and logistics checks. If an event is approaching, the planner may spend part of the afternoon visiting the venue. They’ll review room layouts, test audio-visual setups, confirm signage placement, and make sure everything meets accessibility standards. Even for virtual events, this might mean testing platforms, verifying speaker connections, or running through live-streaming logisticsMarketing and promotion. Event success depends on getting the right people on board. Nonprofit event planners often collaborate with marketing teams during the afternoon to review promotional campaigns, approve graphics, schedule social media posts, or check email engagement metrics. Every outreach effort is designed to build excitement and encourage participation.Sponsor and donor engagement. A major part of any nonprofit event’s success lies in its financial backing. Planners spend time nurturing sponsor and donor relationships. Sending updates, finalizing recognition packages, or preparing follow-up materials. These interactions not only secure funding but also strengthen long-term partnerships for future initiatives.Evening: Managing the Event and Following Up

As the day winds down, nonprofit event planners often find their work is just getting started, especially when the event is right around the corner. That might mean supporting on-site operations or wrapping up a long day of coordination and communication. Here’s what their evening might involve:

On-site coordination. During the event, the planner is the go-to person for everything. They oversee check-in, manage vendors, guide volunteers, and troubleshoot any last-minute issues. Their calm, solutions-focused mindset keeps the experience smooth for attendees and stress-free for staff.Real-time fundraising management. Especially during a gala or auction, the planner or their team must actively monitor and troubleshoot fundraising tools like mobile bidding platforms or live donation displays. This ensures that the technology works flawlessly when the ask is made, maximizing revenue during the most critical moments of the evening.Post-event wrap-up and data review. Once the event concludes, there’s still plenty to do. Planners often stay late to oversee cleanup, collect materials, and thank volunteers and partners. In the days immediately following, they review attendance data, evaluate feedback, and measure outcomes against goals. These insights help refine future events and demonstrate impact to donors and leadership teams.That’s a Wrap!

Ultimately, whether you’re hosting a cookout or , the successful execution of any major nonprofit event relies on disciplined planning and a clear dedication to the mission. By adopting the habits of a professional event planner—prioritizing proactive communication, dedicating time to financial stewardship, and ensuring meticulous logistical checks—your organization can minimize stress and maximize impact. Whether you utilize a dedicated planner or incorporate these strategic methods into your own workflow, empowering your team with this level of organization is the essential step needed to transform careful preparation into moments that inspire your community and drive meaningful, measurable change.

About the Author

Daria Knupp

Daria Knupp, CEM, is the Senior Content Marketing Manager at A2Z Events by Personify. She has spent most of her career in the association world, handling content creation and digital marketing, and recently decided to apply her expertise to the events industry.

The post A Day in the Life of a Nonprofit Event Planner + Takeaways appeared first on FundraisingCoach.com.

In the last few weeks, many nonprofit leaders have been asking me a variation of the same question: “How do I know how much to ask the donor?”

Do you ever wonder?

In the last few weeks, I’ve heard more interest in tools like WealthEngine, DonorSearch, iWave, and Hatch.ai than I had in the previous six months! Granted, I am currently advising a number of capital campaigns. But having confidence in knowing a how much to ask for is something CEOs, board members, and fundraisers desperately desire.

It seems comforting to think that knowing all about the wealth of a donor will make it easier to ask.

It won’t.

Research is the first step in “Ask Without Fear!®” – but it’s easy to get stuck in research.

And without talking to a donor, research alone can lead to faulty conclusions. Just this week, I told a client, “Looking at their house value on Zillow may feel nice. But no donor is going to give you a tenth of that house.”

Beyond that, just because a person seems to have wealth does not mean they also give to nonprofits.

Early in my career, I tried to get really scientific about asking. And you know what? Donors responded warily. I’d often hear, “Where did you get that number from?” My research methods were not the conversation I wanted to have. I wanted to talk about the impact they could have in the project.

So how is a fundraiser to ask?

The only way to raise money is to ask for it. Specifically.

And the good news is: you don’t have to know exactly what a donor can give.

One of my favorite lines for asking is: “I have no idea if this is even in the ballpark, but would you consider a gift of $100,000?”

Of course, not all asks are for $100,000. But you do need to put an exact dollar amount in the ask.

“I have no idea if this is even in the ballpark, but would you consider a gift of $100,000?”

I love this line because it’s grounded in honesty. You really don’t know. So say so.

This ask also allows them to talk about the amount and the project, not about how you came to that amount.

In my fundraising trainings, I say, “Honesty and integrity are the best fundraising tools.”

I may start adding “curiosity.” Because being curious, allows you to ask great questions. Questions you do not know the answer too.

And those kinds of questions lead to far more engaging conversations.

And to great donations too.

Here’s what to do: look at the list of the next 10 asks you need to make. And figure out where you’d like to see their giving at. Then, in your conversation with them, tell them you don’t know if this is possible, but you were wondering if they’d consider a gift of . Then be quiet. And see what they say.

Remember: Fundraisers raise funds. And asking is the only way to raise those funds.

The post How do I know how much money to ask the donor to give? appeared first on FundraisingCoach.com.

Making a good first impression matters. Your volunteer recruitment strategy can inspire someone to become a dedicated, recurring volunteer, or it can discourage would-be volunteers from applying at all. 

Effective recruitment nourishes a healthy volunteer management lifecycle, and as your volunteer program scales over time, it influences your organization’s sustainability. By creating a strong support base you can rely on, you ensure your organization can access the manpower and skills it needs when it’s most critical for your mission.

In this guide, we’ll explore the dos and don’ts of volunteer recruitment so you’re aware of the most valuable strategies to implement and common mistakes to avoid as you develop your approach.

Do: Write Clear, Compelling Role Descriptions

Volunteer recruitment starts with creating role descriptions that compel supporters to take the next step in their involvement with your organization. Think of these descriptions like job listings—a good description makes the role seem broadly desirable while also catering to your ideal candidate. 

Better Impact’s guide to volunteer recruitment outlines some must-have features of your role descriptions, including:

A role titlePurpose of the roleKey responsibilitiesLocation and logisticsTime commitmentSupport and training providedQualificationsBenefits to the volunteer

Here is an example role description for an animal shelter that incorporates these details:

Volunteer Dog Walker

Are you looking for a meaningful way to improve the lives of dogs living in shelters? Wagging Tails U.S.A. is looking for dog walkers to aid our mission to provide rescue animals with safety and support on their way to a forever home.

Our dog walkers provide one-on-one attention for our dogs and take them on walks around the shelter grounds. These walks give dogs the chance to exercise, socialize with new people, and experience life outside of the shelter, ultimately making them more adoptable. Both 30-minute and one-hour shifts are available, and volunteering at least once a month is strongly encouraged.

Before your first shift, a staff member will provide you with a 15-minute training session on how to safely and effectively handle a dog on a leash. All volunteers should have prior experience interacting with dogs. 

Walking a shelter dog is a great opportunity to get some exercise, relieve stress, and build confidence in your animal-handling skills, all while meaningfully impacting an animal’s life.

This role description clearly defines the volunteer’s responsibilities, necessary qualifications, and how it makes an impact. Providing these details in advance promotes accountability and attracts volunteers most likely to be successful in the role.

Don’t: Overcomplicate Volunteer Applications

One surefire way to dissuade would-be volunteers is to make the application process too long or too complex. Instead of overwhelming applicants with endless paperwork, try streamlining the process using these tips:

Only include necessary form fields. While certain fields like contact information, role preferences, and availability are essential, random or superfluous fields can make your application process a slog and give the impression that your organization lacks focus. Break long forms into shorter, paginated steps. Providing a visual break gives volunteers an easy way to continue their progress if they can’t complete the application in one sitting and ensures they don’t feel overwhelmed when they see your form.Save detailed questions for follow-up interviews. If you need information you didn’t get from the initial application, a conversation in person or over the phone can relieve some of the burden on the applicant.

To help ensure every applicant fully completes the application, use your volunteer management platform to track progress so that you and your volunteers can catch any issues regarding paperwork. Remember to also include your organization’s logo, color scheme, and other brand elements on your forms to create a unified and professional look.

Do: Promote Volunteer Opportunities Across Multiple Channels

Multichannel marketing should be a core piece of your team’s communication strategy. Think about how many communication channels your supporters use in a given day. They probably send and receive several texts a day, look at their email inbox at least once, maybe surf a few websites, and check their mailbox. Reaching out to your supporters using every channel available to you ensures that your organization sticks out in people’s minds. 

Here are some communication methods that your organization can use to promote its volunteer opportunities:

Email Word-of-mouthSocial mediaText messagingPaid advertisingFlyersDirect mail

Tailor your message to each platform. For example, texting is best for short messages that require immediate action. If you’re short on volunteers for a particular event, sending a text can prompt people to sign up quickly. On the other hand, if you’re looking for volunteers for a recurring program, email might be a better option as you have more space to explain why that program matters. 

Regardless of which channel you use, remember to always include a link to your registration form and contact information for staff. Providing these resources allows volunteers to quickly take action and to form meaningful relationships with staff members, ultimately boosting engagement.

Don’t: Pigeonhole Supporters Based on Past Involvement

It’s easy to think of your donors, volunteers, event attendees, and advocates as separate groups in your database. In reality, though, people often move between these categories, and it’s much easier to recruit existing supporters to try a new engagement method than it is to find new supporters altogether.

Someone who has stopped donating due to financial reasons, for example, might jump at the chance to give their time instead. Inviting donors to support your organization in unique ways also shows that you view them as more than a source of revenue, thereby increasing engagement and remedying donor fatigue.

Likewise, a passionate volunteer might be inspired to donate after engaging more deeply with your mission. Their hands-on experience contributing to your cause might also make them strong advocates for your work. You’ll never know if you don’t make the effort to reach out!

Leveraging your organization’s CRM alongside your volunteer management tools can help you connect with supporters by providing a 360-degree view of your constituents. Seeing every way that stakeholders engage with your mission shows how broad the foundation of your support is and allows you to use supporters’ passion to your advantage.

Do: Leverage Community Partnerships

Your organization doesn’t have to recruit volunteers alone. Strategic partnerships can help you access new audiences and add credibility to your outreach.

According to Double the Donation’s volunteer statistics report, 60% of companies offer paid time off for employees to volunteer and 80% of companies offer volunteer grants worth $8-$15 per hour volunteered. Take advantage of those perks by encouraging your volunteers to look into their employers’ programs, as well as reaching out to local businesses focused on volunteerism to establish company volunteer days or group service opportunities.

Other great sources of volunteers include: 

High schools with community service requirements for graduationSororities, fraternities, or other service-oriented college campus groupsFellow nonprofits with overlapping missions

Emphasize the mutual benefits of these partnerships; while your organization accesses enthusiastic volunteers, your partners build goodwill, gain exposure, and obtain a new way to impact their communities.

Volunteer recruitment is a continuous, evolving effort. Your organization should adjust its strategy over time to align with volunteer preferences and your program’s needs. By implementing the tips above, you’ll help your organization to grow a resilient, motivated volunteer base that fuels your mission for years to come.

About the Author

Timothy Sarazen
President, Better Impact

Timothy Sarazen is the President of Better Impact, a global software company dedicated to enhancing the experiences of nonprofits and volunteer-driven organizations in the healthcare and government sectors. With extensive expertise in product-led software solutions, Timothy thrives on turning complex challenges into simple, effective solutions that make customers’ lives easier through the smart use of technology.

Based in Winston Salem, North Carolina, with his wife and three children, Timothy works to bridge the divide between nonprofit executives and volunteer department strategies. His team empowers organizations to align their efforts, improve decision-making, and showcase the measurable value of volunteer contributions.

The post 5 Dos & Don’ts of Effective Volunteer Recruitment appeared first on FundraisingCoach.com.

Fundraising effectively requires communicating clearly.

And we can learn from all sorts of different sectors to communicate clearly.

Today I was listening to a podcast on local civic engagement. And a note on communicating clearly struck me as helpful for fundraising too. The host, Katy Smith summed up the conversation with this:

The biggest thing is that you are engaging in a form of strategic communication. You are calling to action people who either have not given thought to your issue or who may not agree with you whose minds you are trying to change. And so I often see people talking about a thing in language that makes sense to them rather than language that’s going to resonate and make sense to the people whose minds they are trying to change.

And so I think it is wise, if you can, to avoid using jargon that may not resonate with people.
From Simple Civics: Greenville County: How to Speak at a Public Meeting

Is Jargon Confusing Your Donor?

While jargon sometimes has its place, look at the words and acronyms you use as you talk about your nonprofit.

Do your donors know what it means? Your communication may be clear to you, but is it clear to them?

If not, they’ll may be confused. And confused donors do not give.

Give your fundraising a jargon audit. Like weeding a garden, you may find weeding out jargon may allow your ask to grow.

The post Is jargon getting in the way of your ask? appeared first on FundraisingCoach.com.

Gen Z is no longer the future of philanthropy—they’re the present. Their values, digital fluency, and desire for impact make them a uniquely powerful force in today’s giving landscape. 

Yet even though over 80% of Gen Z have supported charitable causes, nonprofits tend to focus outreach on older donors, often due to outdated assumptions about Gen Z’s giving capacity and uncertainty around how to connect with them meaningfully.

If your campaigns aren’t resonating with Gen Z supporters, you’re not alone. But there are practical ways to realign your outreach. Let’s explore how to build connections and trust with Gen Z so they can translate passion into action and build philanthropic habits that last a lifetime.

What Gen Z Looks For in Campaigns

If your campaigns aren’t resonating with Gen Z, there’s likely a reason—and it’s not just about format or platform. This generation approaches giving differently than its predecessors, and you need to tailor your messaging accordingly. Ensure these characteristics are reflected in your outreach to Gen Z:

Values-driven giving. Gen Z brings a strong sense of personal identity and purpose to their giving. They’re drawn to causes that reflect their own values. When campaigns make that alignment clear, Gen Z is more likely to take action and become long-term supporters.Preference for transparency. This generation grew up with access to more information than ever before. As a result, they appreciate organizations that communicate openly, sharing impact metrics, behind-the-scenes updates, and stories that feel real rather than overly polished.Desire for authentic alignment. Gen Z looks for consistency between what an organization says and what it does. They’re energized by nonprofits that not only talk about values, but also reflect those commitments in leadership, operations, and partnerships. Flexibility. Many first-time donors can face barriers to giving when first starting out, such as tighter budgets. Nonprofits that meet Gen Z where they are are more likely to win their support, even in different, nonmonetary ways, like volunteering.

As you develop your next campaign, choose one of these characteristics and audit your current messaging through that lens. Where can you be clearer? Where can you show more? Where can you build trust? Start there, and invite feedback as you go.

How to Tailor Campaigns to Gen Z Audiences1. Meet them where they are.

Gen Z came of age with smartphones in their hands and a world of information at their fingertips. They’re constantly absorbing content, often across multiple platforms at once. But even in a noisy online world, they engage deeply when something catches their attention—especially if it feels relevant and real.

To keep up, your campaign materials must reflect how Gen Z consumes content and where they spend their time by: 

Using short-form video. TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts are essential platforms for reaching Gen Z. Highlight impact moments, staff introductions, or supporter stories in quick, visually engaging formats that fit with the platform.Optimizing for mobile. From emails to donation pages, Qgiv by Bloomerang recommends making the supporter experience mobile-friendly, with quick load times and responsive design.Making experiences social. Given Gen Z’s social media usage, user-driven content spreads faster and feels more authentic. Encourage resource sharing and storytelling with easy-to-use templates, branded filters, or hashtag campaigns.

The digital world is constantly changing, so ensure you stay on top of new trends and capitalize on them. For instance, if a new TikTok challenge or sound is going around, consider how you can leverage it for your marketing efforts.

2. Use inclusive language.

Welcoming younger supporters into your philanthropic community starts with inclusive messaging. Clear, thoughtful language helps Gen Z feel genuinely invited—and more likely to stay engaged over time. Ensure a welcoming atmosphere when speaking to Gen Z by:

Refining your tone. Gen Z is likely newer to the nonprofit world than other donors, so avoid jargon when explaining your cause. Also, treat Gen Z with the same consideration you give other donors—their age doesn’t make them any less deserving of thoughtful and respectful communication.Showing appreciation for all types of engagement. Whether a new supporter donates $10 or 10 hours of volunteer time, they deserve the same welcoming treatment. Show gratitude and highlight that any and all contributions matter. In fact, Bloomerang explains that by “showing [volunteers] gratitude and explaining the impact of their volunteer work,” you can steward these relationships and more effectively reach out with small donation asks later on.Using accepting language. Prioritize language that is free of bias or exclusion, whether related to race, religion, gender, ability, or other factors. Inclusive messaging shows that your organization values the identities and experiences of everyone in your community.

Ensure your entire team understands the standards for inclusive messaging and how to speak with different generations. You can stay up to date by reviewing reputable sources like Nonprofit Resources’ Inclusive Language Guide, attending professional workshops, and collecting feedback from members of Gen Z. 

3. Build authentic relationships.

If your campaign strategy relies solely on bottom-funnel announcements, general email newsletters, and appeals, you’re likely missing opportunities to meaningfully engage Gen Z supporters. Since they’re relative newcomers to the philanthropy space, it’s important to communicate with them openly and authentically to help them feel comfortable and understand opportunities on the horizon. Here are some tips for doing just that:

Share informal updates between campaigns. A quick note about what’s happening behind the scenes helps newer supporters understand the typical campaign process and stay connected.Be transparent about supporter impact and organizational challenges. Transparency builds trust and genuine relationships with your cause. Share real stories alongside donor data, and be honest when things don’t go as planned. Invite input through low-barrier interactions. Social media polls, quick update emails, and Q&As let supporters shape the conversation and feel seen without requiring major time commitments.Send meaningful follow-ups. Instead of just thanking someone for a gift, show them what their support made possible, and offer ways to stay involved beyond donating.Hold new donor social events. A social event aimed at Gen Z, like a barbecue or a happy hour, can help these supporters learn about your cause and find community with your organization, which is essential for engaging new supporters.

Remember that you can use these touchpoints as your relationships develop further. Just ensure that you use updated information to personalize these experiences, show that you’re actively listening to donors, and demonstrate your care for these connections. Gather this information by using prospect research tools, checking social media, and reaching out for casual meetings that aren’t connected to a campaign.

Connecting with Gen Z requires more than a savvy use of social media and inclusive events. You should ensure your tech stack appeals to Gen Z’s preferences as well, whether it’s by choosing an online fundraising platform that supports novel mobile giving channels (like Venmo and Apple Pay) or by using peer-to-peer fundraising tools that easily integrate with social media and email. As long as you understand Gen Z’s preferences and reflect them through your outreach and tech stack, you can build a strong base of potential supporters.

About the AuthorDiana Otero

Senior Product Marketing Manager at Bloomerang

As Senior Product Marketing Manager at Bloomerang, Diana leverages her expertise in nonprofit CRM to help organizations strengthen donor relationships. She is passionate about showcasing solutions that empower For Purpose organizations to move beyond data tracking and foster genuine connections. With over a decade at Bloomerang, Diana excels at translating product capabilities into strategies that save time, fuel growth, and allow nonprofits to focus on what matters most: their mission. Her work is informed by her experience as a former nonprofit board member and ongoing volunteer work with various organizations, giving her unique insight into the challenges nonprofits face. Connect with her on LinkedIn.

The post Why Gen Z Ignores Your Campaigns (and How to Fix It) appeared first on FundraisingCoach.com.

Last week during our monthly Nonprofit Academy call, I found myself in a conversation that felt both familiar and frustrating. The topic? How tariffs and rescissions are creating confusion among donors and nonprofit boards—and making fundraising feel nearly impossible.

Sound familiar?

Donors appear hesitant. Board members are second-guessing more than ever. Major gift conversations were getting stalled as donors try to figure out how to lead their businesses.

The silver lining in this conversation?

One of the members made a simple observation: “It comes down to this: We need to stick to the basics. Directly communicating with our donors and sharing stories that connect them to the work.”

I felt a shift in my emotions. When the world feels chaotic and distracted by the latest news cycle, that’s exactly when you need to get back to what actually works in fundraising.

The Ask Without Fear Basics Still Work

What I’ve noticed in the last two decades of fundraising is that while the challenges change, human beings remain very consistent. We’ve been asking people to support causes for millenia. The tools we use to communicate change. But the fundamentals don’t change just because the headlines do.

Whether we’re facing a recession, a pandemic, political upheaval, or any other crisis, the basics still deliver results:

Research your donors’ passions and capacityEngage them with authentic relationshipsAsk them directly and confidentlyLove them through genuine appreciation

These aren’t complex strategies. It’s easy to overcomplicate the process, but you don’t need to. These just require you to remember that fundraising is about people connecting them with causes they care about.

When uncertainty strikes, donors gain confidence from being able to take action on something. When their world feels out of control, they feel relief from tangible impact their donation makes. They need you to share stories that remind them why they got involved in the first place. They need you to help them see through the noise to what really makes a difference.

Two Ways to Reconnect with The Basics

If you’re feeling stuck on the basics or if you need a refresher on how to implement them, here are two ways to bring clarity. The first is the Do It Yourself Fundraising guide. It’s a distillation of my book Ask Without Fear!® and designed to walk you through the R.E.A.L. approach step by step. Working through this will help you identify practical steps to act on immediately.

The second resource is something newer: I’ve been beta-testing FRC GPT at fundraisingcoach.com/frcgpt/. This AI tool is loaded with 20 years of my fundraising writings and training content. Think of it as having a thought partner available 24/7 to help you work through specific challenges, craft better donor communications, or just remind you of the fundamentals when you’re feeling overwhelmed.

It’s still in beta, so you might encounter some quirks. But during trying times like these, having a resource that can help you think through donor conversations or craft compelling case statements might be exactly what you need.

The Bottom Line

Stephen Covey taught us about the difference between our Circle of Concern and our Circle of Influence. The Circle of Concern is full of legitimate things to be concerned about—tariffs, rescission, economic uncertainty. But dwelling on those concerns without focusing on what we can actually influence is a recipe for paralysis.

Your Circle of Influence contains the things you can really act on. In this circle are things like treating donors like real people with real passions, telling authentic stories about your impact, and asking directly for support.

The world might feel chaotic, but your mission is still vital. Your donors still care. And you still have the tools to connect those two realities.

So take a deep breath, get back to basics, and remember—the best fundraisers aren’t the ones who time the market perfectly. They’re the ones who stay focused on what matters most, day in and day out, no matter what’s happening in the headlines.

Your cause needs champions now more than ever. Time to get R.E.A.L. about making that happen.

#nonprofitleadership #nonprofitfundraising #askwithoutfear #fundraisingbasics #nonprofitacademy

The post When Uncertainty Hits: Getting Back to Fundraising Basics appeared first on FundraisingCoach.com.

I’m honored to share a recent conversation I had with Kristin Steele and Samantha Swaim on The Fundraising Elevator podcast.

With Kristin and Samantha, conversations go deep QUICKLY. We went into possible roots for burnout experienced by nonprofit leaders. And then looked at what leaders can do to retain the joy in this important work.

I think you’ll find the conversation both timely and encouraging.

In this episode, we explored:What it means to lead in a time of upheavalHow historical systems still shape today’s nonprofit sectorThe surprising roots of common tools like Gantt chartsWhy burnout is often by design – and what leaders can do about itHow doubt can actually be a signal that you’re on the right path

We also dug into how leaders can build momentum even when the system isn’t built for thriving—and why learning to say “I don’t know” might be the bravest leadership move you can make right now.

🎙️ Where to Listen:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-84-compassionate-leadership-with-marc-a-pitman/id1707588091?i=1000715402566Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/1ChQsgRGw6CqrrcTdcohod?si=jtl7VfzVTk-dgq5P4PaFUwYouTube https://youtu.be/G6gU-l9Qgt4?si=LKagb9z8zOlA6j6d

Or on your favorite podcast app.

If you’re feeling like you’re making it up as you go along, you’re in good company—and you’re not alone.

I’d love to hear what resonates with you.

If you want more, check out our coaching skills for leaders certification. We teach you how to employ coaching skills to get your team to think for themselves. And how you can use all the experience you’ve earned as a possible coaching income stream. https://concordleadershipgroup.com/coaching-certification/

The post 🎧 Leadership, Doubt, and the Future of Our Nonprofit Sector – Podcast Episode with Marc A. Pitman appeared first on FundraisingCoach.com.