The Little Book of Gold by Erik Hanberg is filled with actionable advice tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities faced by small nonprofits. Here are five specific takeaways from The Little Book of Gold: Fundraising for Small (and Very Small) Nonprofits by Erik Hanberg:
The Power of a Handwritten Thank-You Note
Hanberg shares an example of a small nonprofit that saw increased donor retention simply by sending handwritten thank-you notes within 48 hours of receiving a gift. This personal touch made donors feel appreciated and connected to the organization.
“Mission Moments” at Board Meetings
To engage board members in fundraising, Hanberg suggests starting meetings with a short story about someone impacted by the nonprofit’s work. This inspires board members and reinforces their connection to the mission, making them more effective advocates and fundraisers.
The 80/20 Rule for Donors
Hanberg highlights the importance of focusing on the top 20% of donors who typically provide 80% of the funding. For example, one organization doubled its fundraising by prioritizing personal relationships and tailored outreach to its top donors.
Annual Fundraising Calendar
A specific recommendation is to create a simple, month-by-month fundraising calendar that includes key activities like appeals, events, and donor stewardship. This structure helps small nonprofits stay organized and consistent throughout the year.
Regular Donor Updates
Hanberg provides an example of a nonprofit that sends a quarterly one-page letter to donors, highlighting recent accomplishments and thanking them for their role in the organization’s success. This strategy helped maintain donor engagement and increased repeat giving.
These examples demonstrate how small, intentional actions can lead to significant improvements in fundraising outcomes for small nonprofits.
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