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5 Specific Takeaways from The Smart Nonprofit by Beth Kanter and Allison H. Fine

The Smart Nonprofit by Beth Kanter and Allison H. Fine provides a roadmap for nonprofits to integrate technology in ways that enhance their mission while staying true to their human-centered values. Here are five specific takeaways from this excellent book which can be purchased here on Amazon:

1) Automating Routine Tasks to Free Up Staff

The authors share an example of a nonprofit that used a chatbot to answer frequently asked questions from volunteers, saving staff time. This allowed team members to focus on building deeper relationships with volunteers and improving program quality.

2) Using Predictive Analytics for Fundraising

Kanter and Fine highlight a nonprofit that implemented predictive analytics to identify donors most likely to upgrade their giving. This approach increased efficiency and allowed fundraisers to prioritize high-value prospects while maintaining personalized engagement.

3) Addressing Bias in AI Tools

The book discusses a nonprofit that implemented AI-driven hiring software but discovered biases against candidates from underrepresented groups. By auditing and adjusting the algorithms, the organization ensured fairer hiring practices and a more inclusive approach.

4) Creating Ethical Data Policies

One example involves a nonprofit that developed a clear data-use policy, outlining how donor and beneficiary data would be collected, stored, and shared. This transparency built trust with stakeholders and set a precedent for ethical data management in the sector.

5) Human Oversight of Automated Decision-Making

The authors describe a nonprofit that used AI to recommend beneficiaries for specific programs but required human staff to review and approve all decisions. This ensured that the technology supported, rather than replaced, nuanced and empathetic decision-making.

These examples illustrate how nonprofits can adopt technology responsibly while keeping human connection and ethical practices at the forefront. Again, we highly recommend this excellent book!

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Navigating Politics in Major Gift Fundraising Meetings

When engaging with a major gift prospect, the focus should be on building relationships, not on political affiliations. Yet, politics may occasionally come up in your meetings. Knowing how to navigate these moments with professionalism can make the difference between a successful meeting and a awkward one. Below are strategies to avoid political discussions and tips on responding if politics come up unexpectedly.

Strategies to Avoid Politics in Major Gift Fundraising Meetings

Set the Tone Early: Start the meeting by establishing a positive atmosphere. Opening with remarks about the organization’s recent successes can help keep the focus on common ground. Example: “Thank you for meeting with me today. I’m excited to share some updates on how your support has been making an impact.”
Focus on Shared Interests: Identify areas of mutual interest that align with the organization’s goals. Whether it’s education, healthcare, or the arts, keep the conversation centered on the cause and its positive outcomes. Example: “I’d love to hear what inspired your interest in supporting scholarships for first-generation students.”
Be Prepared with an Agenda: Plan an agenda that includes questions and topics relevant to the donor’s philanthropic interests. Having a plan reduces the chances of veering into unrelated topics.
Use Neutral Language: Avoid statements that might inadvertently touch on politically issues. Instead, frame your language around universally appealing themes such as opportunity, innovation, or community impact.
Redirect Skillfully: If a conversation starts heading toward politics, gently steer it back to the purpose of the meeting. Use phrases that acknowledge the topic without diving into it. Example: “That’s an interesting perspective. It reminds me of a story about how our students have been using their education to address complex challenges.”

Responding When Politics Are Brought Up

Despite best efforts, a prospect may bring up politics during the meeting. Here’s how to handle such moments with poise:

Listen Without Reacting: Allow the prospect to express themselves without interrupting or showing visible discomfort. Active listening shows respect and helps you assess how to proceed.
Acknowledge and Transition: Recognize their viewpoint without taking a stance or extending the discussion. Then guide the conversation back to the shared purpose. Example: “I understand how deeply you feel about this. It’s clear you’re passionate about creating change, which is something we also strive for in our work at [organization].”
Stay Nonpartisan: If directly asked for your opinion, emphasize the organization’s neutral position and focus on its mission. Example: “Our goal is to bring people together to solve [issue] regardless of their political beliefs. We’ve seen incredible things happen when we focus on common goals.”
Know When to Pivot: If the discussion becomes too heated or divisive, politely suggest moving on.Example: “I value our conversation, and I’d love to focus on how we can make a meaningful impact together.”

By skillfully avoiding politics and responding thoughtfully when they arise, you can maintain positive relationships and keep the focus on advancing your mission. With preparation and a clear communication strategy, you can navigate even the most unexpected conversations.

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5 Specific Takeaways from The Little Book of Gold by Erik Hanberg

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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5 Specific Takeaways from It’s NOT JUST About the Money

It’s NOT JUST About the Money by Richard Perry and Jeff Schreifels is a must-read for major gift fundraisers. The book covers essential topics, from adopting a donor-centric approach to measuring impact and celebrating success. Here are five specific takeaways and we highly recommend buying the book to take in all this actionable information.

1) Personalized Thank-You Calls

The authors share an example of a nonprofit leader who personally called donors to thank them for their gifts, without asking for anything in return. This simple act of gratitude significantly strengthened donor relationships and led to increased giving over time.

2) Using Storytelling to Inspire Giving

A fundraiser successfully connected with a donor by sharing the story of a specific individual whose life had been transformed by the organization’s work. The emotional resonance of this story led the donor to make a larger, more committed gift.

3) Donor Portfolio Management

The book emphasizes organizing and prioritizing donor portfolios, with a specific example of a nonprofit creating a 1:1 donor-to-staff engagement plan. This allowed fundraisers to focus on cultivating meaningful relationships with top donors rather than spreading themselves too thin.

4) Focus on the Why” Conversations

One example involved a fundraiser asking a donor why they were passionate about the cause, rather than simply discussing the organization’s needs. This approach uncovered the donor’s personal connection to the mission, which deepened their engagement and increased their contributions.

5) Showing Impact Through Reports and Updates

The authors describe a nonprofit that sent donors detailed updates, including photos and progress reports on projects they funded. This transparent communication helped reassure donors that their gifts were making a difference, leading to repeat and larger gifts.

These examples highlight the book’s core themes of gratitude, emotional engagement, and transparency in donor relations.

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5 Specific Takeaways from The Essential Fundraiser’s Handbook by Lisa Greer

Lisa Greer’s The Essential Fundraiser’s Handbook is an excellent book that highlights the importance of building authentic relationships with donors, embracing diverse donor engagements, and fostering a culture of philanthropy within organizations. Below are five actionable takeaways from the book, with number five being a particular standout. We highly recommend purchasing the book, found here on Amazon.

1) Avoid the “Gala Trap”

Greer critiques the overemphasis on expensive fundraising galas that often yield minimal returns. She advocates for reallocating resources to personalized donor engagement, which can have a greater impact than one-time events.

2) The Power of Listening

Greer emphasizes the importance of asking donors why they give and what they want to achieve with their philanthropy. For example, rather than pushing predetermined projects, fundraisers should explore donor passions to align their goals with the organization’s needs.

3) Be Transparent About Financials

A specific example Greer shares is the frustration donors feel when they don’t understand where their money is going. She suggests providing clear, detailed updates on the impact of donations and breaking down budgets to ensure transparency.

4) Offer Ways to Engage Beyond Giving

Greer highlights the effectiveness of involving donors in non-monetary ways, such as inviting them to volunteer, serve on advisory boards, or mentor beneficiaries of the organization’s work. This deepens their connection and long-term commitment.

5) Communicate Early and Often

Greer underscores the value of proactive communication, such as sending donors updates on projects before they ask. For instance, one of her examples involves a donor receiving a personal email with progress photos from a project they supported, which reinforced their trust in the organization.

These examples demonstrate how prioritizing transparency, authenticity, and donor-centric approaches can significantly improve fundraising outcomes.

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