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I don’t know about you. But after another pandemic year, I’m ready for a fresh start.
Rather than looking back on the past year, it’s been helpful for me to look forward. In the new year, I’m hoping for brighter days, rescheduled trips, and more carefree time with my friends and family.
I love that our blog is a source of inspiration and actionable resources for nonprofit folks. But I also want to acknowledge: It’s been hard to work in the nonprofit sector during a pandemic. It’s been hard to be a development leader or fundraiser. Folks are feeling overburdened, overwhelmed with screen time, and struggling to balance their personal lives and work lives.
We don’t always have the capacity to implement the latest tips or revamp our acknowledgement letter or start planning for next Decmeber’s year-end giving. Sometimes, we’re just surviving. And that’s OK!
I think we could all use a dose of “fresh start” in our personal lives and our work lives. What do you love about fundraising? What projects excite you? What vision do you have for your nonprofit and your career in the years to come?
That’s why I wanted to round up some of my favorite fundraising resources from the past year, in case you missed them or want to revisit. I hope these resources solve a pain point, jog your creativity, or just get you excited about your fundraising plan for 2022.
All Things Planning
We are big fans of fundraising planning here at Evolve. A strong plan helps us see clearly what our top priorities are and ensure the path to achieving these goals is manageable. Check out How Fundraising Planning is an Act of Self-Care to learn more about the benefits of a fundraising plan and download a freebie on setting boundaries at work so you can focus on what matters most.
How do you get off the hamster wheel and cut down on that endless to-do list? Check out How to Assess What’s Working in Your Fundraising Program–and What’s Not for tips on where you can find more time and freedom through identifying your true priorities and room for improvement.
Preparing for Year-End
Wondering how to stand out during the busy year-end appeals season? Don’t miss this fantastic blog by guest writer Lis Martin, Head of Content at Statement Communications: 5 Tips for Better Storytelling in Your Year-End Appeal.
This year, we encourage you to lead with stewardship in your year-end giving strategy. Why? Find out in 5 Ways to Improve Your Stewardship & Achieve Your Best Year-End Yet.
Our Top Tips on Board Fundraising
We know our board members want to help support and invest in your organization. So, why is it so difficult to ask them for a gift? Read our top tips on how to make an ask of your board members: It’s Time to Ask Your Board for a Gift.
Fundraising 101: Back to the Basics
How do you make your acknowledgement letter stand out from the crowd – and why does it matter so much? Read It’s Time to Update Your Acknowledgement Letter to hear our thoughts and download an acknowledgement letter template that will make your life easier.
Volunteers are an essential part of our fundraising program. What do we do when they’re not performing the way we hoped? Read HELP! My Volunteers Aren’t Doing Anything to learn how to empower your volunteers to best support your work.
