Read Some Fresh Insights

Over the years I have had a lot of validation for the handwritten notes I send to donors. “Sarah, I go to my mailbox and I have all the bills bills bills, then I get one of your thank you cards and it changes the whole day.” Here’s why they work… In today's digital age, where emails, social media, and online campaigns dominate communication channels, the art of handwritten notes may seem like a relic of the past. However, in the realm of nonprofit fundraising, embracing the personal touch of pen and paper can yield remarkable benefits. Handwritten notes offer a unique opportunity to connect with donors on a deeper level, fostering genuine relationships that can significantly impact fundraising efforts.

A few years ago, I was coaching a nonprofit Board in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Many of them were completely convinced they were not going to be “asking anyone for money.” After an hour or so, a few of them were beginning to get the picture, but most weren’t. In a moment of exasperation, I thought of my daughter’s Girl Scout Troop. They are like jackals. They show up at your door. They know your favorite cookie. You love selling the cookie because you buy them yourself. “Okay everyone. “ I had found the magic comparison…”What’s your favorite Girl Scout Cookie?” Fundraising can often bring up feelings of apprehension, especially for nonprofit boards who may not have extensive experience in asking for donations. However, reframing the concept of fundraising and comparing it to selling everyone's favorite Girl Scout cookie can help alleviate these fears. In this blog post, we will explore how the process of "selling" the nonprofit mission is similar to selling Girl Scout cookies, and provide valuable tips to help nonprofit boards overcome their fear of asking for money.

Nonprofit donor visits are crucial opportunities to connect with supporters, establish meaningful relationships, and secure vital funding for your organization. To make the most of these encounters, it's vital to approach donor visits with the right mindset and strategies. In this blog post, we will explore the four most important things to remember during nonprofit donor visits, ensuring a successful and impactful interaction.

Just ask for permission. And it does not have to be obvious. You are sitting with a donor. You have the folder with the proposal in it. They know you have it because they want to see it. Before you open the folder just ask, “Is it okay if I share this with you now.” You asked. They want to see the proposal. Now ask. 

According to a recent report by ANCOR.org, the crisis for caregivers serving adults with intellectual disabilities is a significant and pressing concern. The shortage of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) continues to escalate, leaving families and individuals with intellectual disabilities without the necessary support systems. This shortage puts immense strain on caregivers who are already overwhelmed with their caregiving responsibilities.

SOAR Partners recently sat down with Elijah Blankenship, Chief Operating Officer of the Gatesway Foundation, which serves adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). The above is a statement he had to make to an 80-year-old caregiver of her two adult children with developmental disabilities and their roommate.