Sapphire Speaks Blog
Do You Want To Learn To Be A Better Fundraiser?
Check out the blog posts to learn clear, practical fundraising tips for the established nonprofit professional who is ready to strengthen their donor relationships and make confident decisions about what comes next.
Click the sign up button to receive them directly in your inbox, and as a special bonus, you’ll receive a simple, ready-to-use Donor Stewardship Calendar to help you engage six key donor segments - so that you can increase your donor retention.
L’ador V’ador - From Generation to Generation
Seasons change.
So do the generations.
Who are the current five generations of donors and how should nonprofits be building relationships with them?
Just Go Talk To That Stranger
I get it, talking to people you don’t know can be hard. Nerve-wracking. Overwhelming.
But nonprofit friends – get over it.
Reimagine Tradition - Why Are You Doing Your Event?
Over the past three years, the fundraising events have returned, and nonprofits are again relying on them to bring in significant portions of their annual budget. But should they?
As we're now in event and gala season, let’s review a few items to keep in mind to make this your most successful event yet.
Gossiping In The Office or Information Gathering?
When I started working, I liked to think of myself as a sponge. I sat outside my boss’s office and near my colleagues in the planned giving department’s section.
And I would listen. But that was the pre-COVID times.
What to do now to gather information?
Fundraising & Nonprofit Boards : What ACTUALLY Works
What are the TWO questions I get asked more than anything else?
(1) How do I find more major donors?
And (2) Why isn't my board more responsive to me and more involved in fundraising?
Can you relate?
Let’s dive into question number 2.
How to Prevent a Wild West at a Nonprofit
Do you have a gift acceptance policy for your nonprofit organization?
While not always the most exciting of topics, it is SOOO important.
Check out this video about why it will help with your capital campaign (and also as you prepare for planned gifts!).
How to Navigate the Start of a Nonprofit Capital Campaign
There are times when nonprofits need to do something. Big. Transformative. And often that requires additional funds raised beyond what is typically brought in each year.
So what to do?
Often the answer for nonprofits – and nonprofit boards - is to launch a capital campaign.
Mastering the Essentials: 13 Fundraising Fundamentals for Nonprofits in the New Year
It’s the beginning of the year! Now (hopefully) you’ve had a moment to look back at your revenue numbers from last year.
You have hopefully exceeded your goals, brought in more donors and increased your retention numbers.
Oh and you have a plan for this year.
No?
Well, no worries, I got you. Here is where to start.
Looking Back to Look Forward
What is strategic planning all about? It is a process done to prepare – strategically – for the future. To have a guide for what’s next. To help prioritize where your organization should spend its time, talent and treasure.
But a plan is worthless if it isn’t actionable and achievable. And to start, you first have to look back.
Nonprofit Fundraising Motivations for End-Of-The-Year
You know when it is the end of the year. And you have a never-ending to-do list to finish out the year?
Watch my latest video that discusses this common feeling for fundraisers during end of the year.