Amy Sample Ward

Bloomerang recently released the Engagement Amplified: A Modern Guide to Fundraising Events report, highlighting the key elements of an engaging and impactful fundraising event. The study, which surveyed more than 250 fundraisers and 1,000 donors, reveals a growing disconnect between how nonprofits are planning events and the engagement donors want. While many fundraisers continue to rely on gala events, donors are increasingly seeking unique and interactive experiences centered on connection, energy, and clear purpose. Check out Boomerang's report for additional key findings on fundraising events and attendee engagement. https://lnkd.in/e28t5T9v #fundraising #nonprofits

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Is "Free" Fundraising Sabotaging Your Donor Trust? 🤯 Platforms promoting 0% fees often rely on hidden tipping models and can restrict your donor data. This lack of transparency damages vital relationships. Discover the crucial ethical questions nonprofits must ask before choosing a platform, and why prioritizing data control and transparency is key to sustainable growth. Learn how to protect your mission on our blog: ~ https://lnkd.in/gJAkqNxK #NonprofitCRM #FundraisingPlatforms #DonorData #Transparency #AhaApps #CRM #AhaImpact

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Introducing “Burning Questions” — a new Philanthropy 451 feature! In this bi-monthly feature, Lisa tackles burning questions from across the nonprofit world — from donors seeking clarity, to fundraisers facing tough choices, to board members striving for greater impact. Each column offers practical, candid insights to help everyone in the philanthropic ecosystem better understand one another — and do more good, together. This Month’s Questions: Q1: What’s the difference between a one-time donor and a recurring donor? Q2: How can I encourage recurring gifts? Head to the Philanthropy 451 Substack now to read the answers.

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What stands out to me most in this report is how more nonprofits signal they are cutting programs than are cutting payroll. How? Perhaps the answer lies in the high percentage of nonprofits using their reserves to make up for funding cuts. This isn’t sustainable. At the same time, it has to be because the needs nonprofits serve, throughout Oregon, will only grow in 2026 and 2027. This is true for social services, family services, education, health care, etc. etc. The NAO report lists solutions. There isn’t a lot of time for triage. Cash flow is cash flow. Let’s work together to innovate and create new enterprises for the future so that our missions continue to flourish for the benefit of communities that rely on us.

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Reinventing the Cycle: Adapting Relationship Fundraising for Donors Who Use DAFs examines how donor advised funds impact relationship-based fundraising. Drawing on interviews with 46 professional fundraisers, the report offers practical strategies for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding DAF donors by introducing a DAF-specific fundraising cycle, highlighting challenges and opportunities for each part of the cycle. The report also explores the roles that fundraisers play in the DAF giving process and provides actionable insights and recommendations for professional fundraisers working with donors who use DAFs. Access the full report: https://lnkd.in/gFQb-U5A #DonorAdvisedFunds #DAFResearch #DAFInsights #Fundraising #DAFFundraising

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How do Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) influence relationship-based fundraising and what can you do about it? DAF Research Collaborative just released a new report that dives into that question, drawing on interviews with 46 professional fundraisers. It introduces a DAF-specific fundraising cycle and outlines practical strategies for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding DAF donors. The research also highlights the unique challenges and opportunities DAFs present and how fundraisers can more effectively support donors using them. Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/gFQb-U5A

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Nonprofits are constantly balancing the need for expert fundraising support with the realities of limited budgets. Hiring a full-time development director or fundraising team can be expensive, and not every organization has the resources to do so. This is where fractional fundraisers come in—a flexible, cost-effective solution that makes strategic sense for many nonprofits. Learn more about fractional gift officers and how they can help grow your organization's mission: https://lnkd.in/gjPdwqnB

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💡New week, a few new resources for philanthropy to partner in ways that matter. 📍Report: Nonprofit Finance Fund's "The Heart of the Sector" research and guide for funders shows how nonprofits approach worker well-being, from flexible work to robust benefits, and what is needed to realize these practices. Thank you to Jennifer Wei for sharing! ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eYNZniqe 📍Guide: “Safeguarding when funding Lived Experience-Led Organisations" by the Funder Safeguarding Collaborative ➡️https://lnkd.in/eiTeTauh 📍Pledge: Starting March 2nd, Donor-Advised Fund holders who commit to #HalfMyDAF by October 8th will have the chance to win matching grants of up to $25,000. Thanks to Susan D. for sharing! ➡️https://lnkd.in/e9NR2KF5 📅 March 11: The Safe Childhoods Initiative is hosting its first webinar, "Unlocking More Philanthropic Funding to End Childhood Sexual Violence," to explore how to strengthen and expand philanthropic support for the global field of amazing organizations working to prevent and end all forms of sexual violence against children. The webinar is open to funders, NGOs, and philanthropic advisors. ➡️https://lnkd.in/edcGGsQ4 What other resources have you seen? Drop in the comments below. ⬇️ ✨Explore 100+ resources on the growing map to reimagine the sector: https://lnkd.in/eT8nA9m5. #philanthropy #grantmaking #globaldevelopment

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💰 Grants are more than funding—they’re partnerships. To maximize grant revenue, nonprofits need smart strategy, transparent reporting, and strong stewardship. Here’s how to make every grant count 👇 ✨ 1. Apply Smarter, Not More     🎯 Focus on mission-fit over volume    📋 Align proposals with funder priorities & your capacity ✨ 2. Craft Proposals That Inspire Confidence    🖊️ Define clear need, solution & measurable outcomes    📊 Present transparent, line-item budgets funders trust ✨ 3. Manage Funds with Precision    🔎 Track budget vs. actuals in real time    🚨 Automate compliance & overspend alerts    🔄 Sync program + finance teams seamlessly ✨ 4. Nurture Renewals Through Stewardship    📢 Share regular updates, not just closeout reports    🏆 Be transparent about wins and challenges    🤝 Prove alignment with funder’s long-term goals Read more: https://lnkd.in/gYRwc2nj 🚀 With Pebble Impact, your grant journey is integrated end-to-end—applications, budgets, compliance, and reports—all powered by real-time metrics. That means more efficiency, accountability, and stronger funder trust. #GrantManagement #NonprofitFinance #FundraisingTips #NonprofitLeadership #ImpactMeasurement #Stewardship #PebbleImpact #SocialImpact

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Here's why donors are more confident investing in your projects... Donors aren't just looking for impact, they're looking for trust through transparency. When development agencies implement a smart, secure grievance redress mechanism, funding flows more easily. Why? Because transparent grievance tracking proves your commitment to accountability. It reassures donors that their investment is protected by real oversight and community feedback mechanisms. Stronger donor relationships. Increased project funding. Sustainable growth. Stop losing funding opportunities because of trust gaps. Make grievance resolution your competitive advantage. 👉 Request your Demo (Link in comment). See how transparent GRM secures more funding. #GrievanceRedress #DevelopmentFinance #DonorTrust #Accountability #SustainableDevelopment #TransparentGovernance IFC - International Finance Corporation The World Bank Group Treasury (IBRD•IDA•IFC) African Development Bank Group East African Development Bank Asian Development Bank (ADB) Banque centrale européenne Banque Ouest Africaine de Développement Jesus Ekie

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Communities Lead Communities Thrive (CLCT) will continue to lead advocacy efforts urging the State of Colorado to build a permanent, centralized public grants system that ensures all nonprofits—regardless of size or connections—have a fair shot at funding. As a proud member of the CLCT Steering Committee, Black Resilience in Colorado Fund is pleased to stand alongside this effort. We’re proud to have stepped up together to create a shared solution. Nonprofits can access the database by visiting: www.coclct.org/stategrants

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