How to create donor events that inspire giving
Expert advice to help you design donor experiences that deepen connections with supporters and attract gifts.
Small events that win big gifts, no gala required
No black tie, no hard ask — just the mission and a room full of supporters. These intimate gatherings can turn newcomers into major donors.
By M.J. Prest
Senior Editor, Solutions
Giving USA Reports a Record High. But Here’s What It Misses.
Donations hit a high-water mark, but the donor base keeps shrinking: 'We're measuring vinyl in a Spotify world.'
By Michael Wasserman
Contributor
The New Gala Playbook: It’s All About the Vibe
The black-tie dinner has gotten a modern makeover. Three nonprofit leaders share the new rules for winning over major donors.
By M.J. Prest
Senior Editor, Solutions
5 Ways to Build Corporate Partnerships That Outlast Budget Cuts
Corporate giving is shrinking, but employee-engagement programs can help nonprofits build relationships that stick.
By Rasheeda Childress
Senior Editor, Fundraising
How St. Jude Raised $4.5 Billion in Bequests in a Decade
Leaders say trust, technology, and high-touch relationships are the keys to building a planned-giving powerhouse.
By M.J. Prest
Senior Editor, Solutions
Safe, Welcoming, and Within Budget: Planning Secure Events
Use these low-cost security tactics to protect your guests at galas, luncheons, and other donor-focused events.
By Libby Sander
Contributor
Searching for Fresh Leadership Ideas? 4 Insights From Inspirational Stories
Take a minute to recharge with this collection of uplifting content.
By M.J. Prest
Senior Editor, Solutions
How the Reeve Foundation Tripled Its Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Revenue
The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, started by the late Superman actor and his wife, raises more than $1 million a year by coaching volunteers to throw uplifting events on its behalf.
By M.J. Prest
Senior Editor, Solutions
How Feel-Good Fundraising Lifts Revenue and Spirits
Learn how an environmental group sustains a warm, wholesome online community — and raises blockbuster sums.
By M.J. Prest
Senior Editor, Solutions
How to Hold On to Prospective Donors When Fundraisers Leave: a Conference Debrief
Other hot topics at APRA’s annual meeting: the promise of A.I. and due diligence on donors to prevent reputational damage.
By Rasheeda Childress
Senior Editor, Fundraising
Savvy Ways to Land Corporate Support for a Fundraising Event — and Build Deeper Ties
Seasoned fundraisers and event-planning consultants share ways to stand out from the crowd and successfully navigate corporate support for events in 2023.
By Lisa Schohl
Director, Nonprofit Learning
Expensive Fundraising Conferences Perpetuate Inequity. It’s Time for a New Approach.
Small nonprofits, especially those that serve people of color, are routinely shut out of pricey fundraising events. As a result, they have fewer opportunities to learn new skills that would help their organizations grow.
By Armando Enrique Zumaya
Contributor
How to Manage Walk-athons and Similar Fundraising Events and Get Participants to Become Big Donors
Making sure the most valuable events get the attention they need, revitalizing or eliminating those not so successful, and considering ethics in storytelling were a few of the topics discussed at a recent Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum Conference.
By Rasheeda Childress
Senior Editor, Fundraising
Top 30 Walkathons and Similar Fundraising Events Raised More Than $1 Billion in 2022
They took a tumble during the worst of the pandemic, with steep decreases in the amounts raised, but they’re beginning to thrive again.
By Rasheeda Childress
Senior Editor, Fundraising
How to Work a Zoom Room: Engaging Donors at Online Events
Nonprofits that hold online events need to be intentional about creating opportunities for participants to get to know one another. “Mingling doesn’t just happen,” says one expert.
By Rasheeda Childress
Senior Editor, Fundraising