Give and Take

Childhood Cancer Awareness
Fundraising Strategy
Caitlin Fillmore

Sofia’s Hope Knows the Power of Volunteers

A simple social media post changed the trajectory of Miami nonprofit Sofia’s Hope forever. This nonprofit, supporting families navigating childhood cancer and investing in research for pediatric cardio-oncology, received an unexpected major gift. Marta Blanco, the founder who built the organization to honor her daughter’s legacy, credits building their social network and staying laser-focused on their cause with this enduring major gift support and the further giving it has inspired. For the last five years, this major gift partnership has blossomed into an enduring philanthropic partnership, opening big doors for this small nonprofit.

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Silhouette Children Cancer Center
Fundraising Strategy
Caitlin Fillmore

Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley

The Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley hosts thriving special events each year as the major engine of financial support for this small Pennsylvania organization. However with the changes brought by COVID, this nonprofit seeks to diversify its funding and build a major gifts program. Executive Director Michelle Zenie describes her exciting vision for this foundation, including a much-needed capital campaign and plans for board development.

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where does this fit in
Blended Gifts
Viken Mikaelian

Blended Gifts in a Capital Campaign. Where Do They Fit In? 

Blended gifts are growing in popularity. Development pros are beginning to understand how a blended gift can fulfill a donor’s aspirational giving, allowing them to make a much larger gift than they had imagined possible. The current economic climate has resulted in more cautious giving. Donors are taking their time making a large outright gift, which is why using blended gifts during a campaign can be a successful strategy.

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Three people show love heart shape
For Donors
Patrick O'Donnell

31 Quality Questions to Ask Planned Giving and Major Gifts donors and Prospects

Do you struggle to generate exceptional questions for donor interviews? Then struggle no more: This post will show you a guaranteed way to generate thought-provoking interview questions that generate comprehensive, high-quality answers. And the best part is, whether it’s an interview for a donor story, annual report, board report, newsletter story — even a job or candidate interview — all of these skills will translate. Plus, we’ve included 31 sample questions that you can adapt for your next donor interview.

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asking for money and money being handed over
Fundraising Consulting
Viken Mikaelian

The Art & Science of Asking for Money

There’s a difference between being a beggar and a fundraiser. Don’t conflate asking for money with groveling. You’re not demeaning yourself by asking for money. It’s actually a privilege.

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getting higher responses to newsletters
Fundraising Strategy
Viken Mikaelian

Low Response to Planned Giving Newsletters? Here’s What You’re Doing Wrong  

If you have been in the fundraising industry for a while, you probably remember a time when planned giving newsletters were a surefire way to connect with donors. While the majority of people still prefer direct mail as a form of communication over e-mail, the popularity of planned giving newsletters has dwindled. Planned giving newsletters still produce benefits and are an important tool in hitting donation targets, but they must be sent with a clear strategy and must target the correct people. 

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