Blogs

Gamification: Turning Donor Engagement Into a Competition Everyone Wins
Tirrah Switzer and Kate McGinn

We have seen firsthand how healthy competition can transform fundraising results. So, what does it look like to gamify for good?

The Nonprofit AI Revolution: Why the Human Touch Matters More Than Ever
Paul D'Alessandro

Artificial intelligence is changing fundraising fast, but human connection still drives impact. Here’s how to thrive in this moment.

How Are You Thanking Your Donors?
Jeff Schreifels

Nonprofits are missing an easy and meaningful opportunity to deepen donor relationships: a real thank-you. Here’s how to fix that.

Other Staff Bloggers
Development
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Gamification: Turning Donor Engagement Into a Competition Everyone Wins
Tirrah Switzer and Kate McGinn

We have seen firsthand how healthy competition can transform fundraising results. So, what does it look like to gamify for good?

How Are You Thanking Your Donors?
Jeff Schreifels

Nonprofits are missing an easy and meaningful opportunity to deepen donor relationships: a real thank-you. Here’s how to fix that.

Transformational Fundraising: How Building Community Drives Long-Term Giving
Ben Vorspan

Fundraising is too often transactional. Here’s how community fuels better fundraising — plus three questions to get you started.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)
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The Nonprofit AI Revolution: Why the Human Touch Matters More Than Ever
Paul D'Alessandro

Artificial intelligence is changing fundraising fast, but human connection still drives impact. Here’s how to thrive in this moment.

Have You Met the Twins Helping Nonprofits Transform Fundraising?
Joe Frye

Digital twins are one way nonprofits can use AI to elevate their fundraising. Here’s how to get started, plus some practical use cases.

4 Ways Agentic AI Can Help Nonprofits Focus on Their Mission
Ben Miller

Here’s how agentic AI can help nonprofits trade in spreadsheets and bottlenecks for a greater capacity to focus on what matters most.

E-Philanthropy
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10 Simple Tips to Boost Your Nonprofit Website’s SEO
Rachel Kribbs

SEO helps people find your website. Use these 10 simple tips to boost your nonprofit’s visibility on search engines like Google.

6 Common Hurdles Nonprofits Must Overcome to Launch Texting
Mike Snusz

For nonprofits looking to launch a texting program, here are six common internal hurdles — and strategies to overcome them.

3 Tips to Make Your Nonprofit’s Website Redesign More Efficient
Andrea Fleisher and Jane Kramer

Here’s how to cut back on the costs and time needed for your nonprofit’s website refresh while still accomplishing what you want.

Leadership Management
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The Risk of Board Complacency Under Charismatic Leadership — And How to Prevent It
Mike Burns

Charismatic leaders can inadvertently breed board complacency. Here are five tips to keep your board engaged and fulfilling its duties.

Reduce Your Nonprofit’s Workload and Get More Done With These Tips
Andrea Fleisher

Looking to get more done faster? Here’s how the tech you already have can help you work more efficiently.

Be Strategic About Your Nonprofit’s Strategic Planning
Jayme Dingler

Your approach to strategic planning could make the difference between failure and success. Move toward success with these tips.

Direct Marketing
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How 2 Nonprofits Are Using Direct Mail to Get Donors Fired Up to Take Action
George Crankovic

Here’s a look at the direct mail strategy two nonprofits are using to get donors fired up and mobilized.

How Nonprofits Can Use Summer Slump to Build Relationships, Maximize Year-End Giving
Jena Lynch

Summer presents an opportunity for nonprofits adopt a strategic approach. Here’s how to use the slump to jumpstart year-end giving.

How Busy Fundraisers Can Overcome Email Writer’s Block
Joann Buckley Collins

Push past writer's block and get your email message flowing, so you can inspire donors and attract new supporters.

Data Management
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Embrace Agility in Nonprofit Strategic Planning for 2025
Tracy Vanderneck

The best thing nonprofits can do in uncertain times is to be as strategic and nimble as possible. Yes, it is possible to be both strategic and nimble.

How Donor Attributes Contribute to a Solicitation Strategy
Duke Haddad, Ed.D.

Nonprofits must understand how to communicate with different people. Studying donor attributes can help determine the appropriate strategies. 

A Blueprint for Nonprofit Sustainability Amid Funding Challenges in 2025
Bo Kemp

American nonprofits are in the midst of an existential crisis, specifically regarding funding and mission viability.

Sectors
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Is Your Philanthropic Support Going to the Dogs?
Duke Haddad, Ed.D.

I was recently with a donor who is also an important volunteer to our organization. This donor is an excellent representative for our organization. My boss and I asked him to consider giving his philanthropic support to our upcoming campaign. He mentioned that our organization was at the top of his list of charities to support, but also noted when he passes away he was going to leave funds to the Humane Society for unwanted senior dog care...

Mission of the Month: CLASSY Awards Animal Advocacy Winners
Joe Boland

Last month, StayClassy announced the winners of its fourth Annual CLASSY Awards. Coinciding with our October Mission of the Month, Animal Welfare, 4 Paws for Ability was named the Midwest Charity of the Year. Further, the CLASSY Awards included an Animal Advocacy and Services category.

 
Mission of the Month: Animal Welfare Fundraising Case Studies
Joe Boland

To help kick of our new monthly Mission of the Month feature, here are some the most recent case studies we've conducted at FS over the past 20 months on animal welfare organizations.