Category: Stewardship and Relationships

Personalization in planned giving isn’t just thoughtful—it’s essential. Donors want to feel seen, heard, and valued. They’re not giving to a logo; they’re giving to a person they trust. From using real photos to remembering birthdays, every personal touch deepens the connection. This blog explores how small, intentional actions—like phone warmth, handwritten notes, and tailored messaging—can transform your outreach. Personalization builds trust, and trust builds legacy. It’s time to retire the grey flannel suit and put people first.

Looking for fundraising inspiration? Meet William John Cameron—barefoot pioneer, entrepreneur, and big game hunter who offers timeless wisdom for nonprofits. “Money never starts an idea; it is the idea that starts the money,” he reminds us. Stop waiting for perfect conditions or budgets before taking action. And remember, “Thanksgiving is a word of action”—gratitude isn’t just seasonal, it’s strategic. Cameron’s life teaches us that great fundraising requires only two things: a compelling idea and the courage to act.RetryClaude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses.

Most planned giving seminars fail to attract an audience because donors don’t prioritize giving in their daily lives. Instead of focusing solely on charitable gifts, nonprofits should offer educational estate planning presentations that provide real value. Our turnkey estate and legacy planning seminar engages donors by addressing their financial well-being while seamlessly introducing planned giving. No dull lectures, no snoozefests—just engaging, high-value content that keeps donors interested and fosters long-term relationships.

People who frequently say “no” value safety and predictability. Nothing wrong with that. But their growth will be slow, and their success will be limited. People who say “yes” value adventure and new experiences. Their growth will be faster and their success, over the long term, will be higher.

Maybe you’re stuck drafting a new appeal. Or perhaps your website looks a little flat. It may be that your social media is lacking engagement. When you’re unsure what to do next with your nonprofit messaging, the answer is usually: try a story. Nonprofit storytelling using a testimonial leaves an impression on donors.

Post-pandemic donors are responding to email at greater rate than ever before. Savvy fundraisers can use this digital momentum to capture an emerging source of tremendous potential: planned giving donors.

For many nonprofits, the fundraising appeal provides the backbone for year-end, fiscal year-end, and annual campaigns. The appeal, often a direct mail letter or e-blast, frames the most important concepts surrounding your nonprofit and encourages donors to join the cause. Because an appeal is so essential, fundraisers must begin with a solid foundation for this fundraising strategy. Follow these five elements of effective fundraising appeals as a useful template for all of your upcoming appeals.