Today, AFP published something more concrete: a formal set of nonprofit-first considerations for platforms, reviewed by AFP’s ethics committee and endorsed by GivingTuesday and The Nonprofit Alliance. I’ve read it carefully. It deserves a specific response.

There’s a frustration I keep hearing from fundraising professionals who work on the front lines of this problem every day. Not frustration with the principles being proposed. Frustration with the gap between the principles and anything that could actually enforce them.

What actually happened

Last year, GoFundMe created 1.4 million donation pages for nonprofits. No consent. No notice. Pages timed to go live before year-end giving season, when donation volume is highest and competition for donor attention is fiercest. They pulled data from public IRS records, took a percentage of every donation, and let their pages rank above the organizations’ own websites.

Nonprofits found out by accident. A board member googling the organization. A donor asking a question. What they found was a page collecting money in their name, with no access to donor information, no way to thank anyone who gave, and no path to a relationship. To claim the page, they had to accept GoFundMe’s binding arbitration terms.

This was not a product launch that moved too aggressively. It was not an engineering team that didn’t think through the implications. It was a calculated decision to build a revenue stream on assets that belong to someone else. The identity. The mission. The donor trust that nonprofits spend years earning.

When I wrote about it at the time, I called it a full-frontal assault on donor trust. I’d use the same words today.

What AFP got right, and where the gap remains

AFP’s considerations document names the GoFundMe behavior directly. Consideration two says platforms may not proactively promote a nonprofit’s donation link in search results unless the nonprofit or a supporter has actively created a campaign. That is the GoFundMe problem, in plain language, called out as unacceptable. The sector has now said, in writing, that what happened was wrong.

The fee transparency provisions are right. The data portability provisions are right. Nonprofits should own their donor relationships. Donors should know what percentage of their gift actually arrives. These are the right principles.

My question is still the same one. What does a platform lose by ignoring them?

The endorsement language from GivingTuesday and The Nonprofit Alliance commits to “working alongside… to gather feedback, build alignment, and strengthen these ideas over time.” More process. More dialogue. No consequences.

Self-regulatory principles work when the parties involved have aligned incentives to follow them. Platforms and nonprofits don’t have aligned incentives. GoFundMe created unauthorized pages and captured year-end donations. It made money. The nonprofits those pages represented lost donor relationships. The principles proposed after the fact didn’t change that math. They didn’t cost GoFundMe anything.

That is the accountability problem. Not the content of the principles. The absence of consequences.

What real accountability requires

The organizations behind these efforts set the professional standards this sector runs on. AFP defines what ethical fundraising looks like for tens of thousands of professionals. GivingTuesday mobilizes millions of donors and nonprofits around the world every year. The Nonprofit Alliance advocates on behalf of organizations across the country.

Employers that run matching programs ask these organizations which platforms to use. Community foundations ask which platforms they should recommend. Major donors ask which platforms are trustworthy. Small nonprofits across the country look to these organizations for guidance on where to direct their supporters.

They don’t endorse platforms. But they define what acceptable behavior looks like. That’s real authority.

A public standard isn’t a product recommendation. It’s a line. When AFP says a practice is inconsistent with ethical fundraising, fundraising professionals pay attention. When GivingTuesday and The Nonprofit Alliance say the same, employers running matching programs pay attention. Foundations pay attention. The platforms themselves pay attention.

That influence is an asset. Right now it’s not being used like one.

Real accountability looks like this: sector organizations establish clear, public behavioral standards for giving platforms. Platforms that meet those standards earn endorsement. Platforms that don’t lose that endorsement. Publicly. With an explanation of why.

That removal has to matter enough that platforms change behavior to get it back. That’s what a consequence looks like.

On fee transparency specifically: the AFP considerations list it as a nonnegotiable. I agree. But we’ve been talking about fee transparency in this sector for years and donors still regularly don’t know what percentage of their gift actually arrives. If something is genuinely nonnegotiable, there has to be a cost for not doing it. Inclusion in a public scorecard. Loss of a certification. Something a platform’s leadership has to explain to its board.

The opt-in versus opt-out debate is a distraction from the more important question. It’s not about a default setting. It’s about whether a platform can use a nonprofit’s identity and donor relationships as raw material for a revenue model without that organization’s knowledge or agreement. The answer to that question should not be determined by a checkbox. It should be determined by whether the sector has decided this behavior is acceptable. Right now, the answer appears to be: acceptable enough.

What I’m asking for

I understand the nervousness about legislation. State attorneys general acting independently, mandatory opt-in rules written without sector input, legal frameworks that make no distinction between fundamentally different platforms. These are real risks. The organizations arguing against blunt legislative approaches are right to flag them.

But you can’t tell state regulators to stand down and then offer a principles document in return. That’s not a trade. State regulators are acting because someone has to. If sector organizations want to fill that role, they need to fill it with actual authority. Not aspirational standards.

AFP’s document calls these considerations “a baseline and a starting point.” The sector now has a shared, written definition of what good platform behavior looks like. The next step is deciding what it costs platforms to fall short of it.

Fundraising professionals at AFP ICON this week know exactly which organizations in their communities got hurt. They know about the small food bank that discovered a GoFundMe page collecting donations in its name and couldn’t do anything about it without a lawyer. The animal shelter that lost months of donor acquisition because a third-party page was outranking its own site. The youth arts program whose executive director spent a week trying to navigate a claims process designed to frustrate her.

These organizations don’t need a framework. They need the sector to treat protecting them as the actual job.

Principles are where accountability starts. Consequences are what make it real. The sector has the authority to create those consequences. The question is whether it’s willing to use it.

The post Accountability Means Consequences. It’s Time the Nonprofit Sector Acted Like It. appeared first on Bloomerang.

The issue isn’t effort. It’s hidden friction inside fundraising systems that quietly limit growth.

Many nonprofits face the same patterns: low first-time donor retention, stagnant gift sizes, underperforming recurring programs, and technology that slows teams down instead of accelerating results.

These aren’t isolated issues—they’re signals your fundraising system isn’t working as one.

The good news? These stalls are identifiable and fixable. In this guide, we’ll explore five common fundraising growth barriers, how to recognize them, and what steps can help your organization move forward.

The 5 revenue stalls for fundraising

1. The first-time donor “retention gap”

According to the Fundraising Effectiveness Project, first-time donor retention averages at just 14%.

This means that for every ten new donors your organization acquires, nearly nine of them will never give again. Without strong follow-up engagement, donor acquisition becomes a cycle that consumes time and resources without creating long-term growth. This doesn’t just impact retention—it also limits gift growth and recurring conversion. This not only harms donor retention but also restricts gift growth and the conversion of one-time gifts into recurring donations.

The hidden revenue gap

Ultimately, you’re missing out on a lot of money, and long term, those losses compound into a greater financial loss. For example, organizations using Bloomerang have reported first-time donor retention rates as high as 52%,¹ meaning you’re missing out on hundreds or even thousands of donors and potentially tens of thousands of dollars over 5 years.

Want to see how much you’re losing out on? Plug in your numbers with our ROI calculator!

2. The “median gift” stagnation trap

The 2025 M+R Benchmarks report found the average one-time gift to be $126.

If your median gift size isn’t growing, your donation experience could be limiting generosity. Unoptimized donation forms, lengthy checkout flows, or static ask amounts can unintentionally cap giving potential.

The hidden revenue gap

If your standard gift size is plateauing, you’re losing out on potential income. Bloomerang customers see an average one-time gift of $166—and up to $191 for larger organizations,² and those dollars you’re missing add up to some major revenue loss for your mission.

3. The recurring giving “value leak”

According to the 2025 M+R Benchmarks report, the average monthly donation is $24.

Recurring donors are a source of sustainable support you can cultivate. However, many platforms unintentionally limit monthly gift size through default donation levels or unclear giving options.

The hidden revenue gap

Having recurring donors is great—but missing out on revenue can prevent your nonprofit from growing. For instance, Bloomerang customers report an average of $38 per monthly gift.³ What could you do with 58% more each month from your recurring donors?

4. The “legacy tech” growth tax

The Fundraising Effectiveness Project report found that mid-sized nonprofits ($250K–$1M revenue) experienced −0.5% median revenue growth.

Your software can be a big contributor to stunting your growth. Outdated fundraising systems often create hidden costs—requiring your staff to spend more time managing data, exporting reports, and fixing workflow issues instead of building donor relationships.

The hidden revenue gap

Spending more on software can cost your mission hundreds and thousands of funds every year. Similar nonprofits using the Bloomerang Giving Platform 9.5% annual growth⁴—highlighting a lot of revenue left on the table for other organizations.

5. The “fragmented platform” growth gap

Many nonprofits rely on a patchwork of tools: one system for CRM, another for donations, another for volunteer management. These disconnected systems prevent organizations from seeing the full donor journey—from volunteer activity to event participation to giving history.

Without that context, engagement strategies become fragmented and less effective as opportunities get lost between systems and data silos, resulting in a measurable decline in year-over-year revenue.

The hidden revenue gap

How much are data silos and unconnected tools costing your nonprofit? The answer may surprise you. For example, organizations leveraging the full Bloomerang platform see an grow around 1.5x the rate⁵ compared to customers using only two products of the platform. That’s thousands of dollars in potential income loss.

The answer isn’t five strategies—it’s one unified system

Each of these “revenue killers” may look like separate problems—but they all stem from the same root issue: disconnected systems and manual processes.

When donor data, giving experiences, and engagement workflows operate in silos:

• New donors aren’t followed up with consistently
• Gift amounts stay static
• Recurring programs underperform
• Staff spend time managing tools instead of building relationships

Fixing each issue individually can create incremental improvements—but it doesn’t eliminate the underlying friction. Sustainable growth requires a system that works as one.

A unified system doesn’t just fix individual problems—it systematically removes the friction causing them. The result: every part of the fundraising system reinforces the others—turning isolated improvements into compounding growth.

What is the long term impact? 

Over five years, this difference compounds significantly. Nonprofits using the full Bloomerang platform experience roughly 70% cumulative revenue growth, demonstrating how unified systems can accelerate fundraising momentum.

1. Transform your retention gap with lifecycle automation

With a unified platform like Bloomerang, every new donor triggers an automated journey:

• Immediate, personalized acknowledgment
• Timely impact follow-up
• Targeted second-gift ask

This ensures consistent stewardship without relying on manual intervention—directly improving retention rates.

2. From gift stagnation to dynamic giving optimization

Giving experiences adapt in real time when you use a unified giving platform:

• Suggested amounts adjust based on donor behavior
• Forms are simplified to reduce friction
• Express donation options reduce drop-off

This removes barriers to generosity and increases average gift size.

3. Transform your value leak into structured upgrade paths

Recurring giving is built into the system—not treated as an afterthought:

• Monthly giving is promoted as a primary option
• Annual impact is clearly communicated
• Donors are prompted to upgrade over time

This increases both participation and long-term donor value.

4. Move from legacy tech to workflow automation

With a unified system, manual processes are replaced with automation:

• Data flows seamlessly across tools
• Reporting is generated automatically
• Staff time shifts from administration to donor engagement

This reduces operational drag and improves team efficiency.

5. Replace fragmentation with a 360-degree donor view

One unified giving platform means all your engagement data lives in one place, including:

• Giving history
• Event participation
• Volunteer activity

This creates a complete picture of each donor, enabling more relevant and effective outreach.

Final thoughts

Fundraising growth rarely stalls for a single reason. It’s often the result of multiple small inefficiencies: low retention, flat gift sizes, underperforming recurring programs, and disconnected systems.

Fortunately, these obstacles can be overcome through a combination of effective strategy, strong stewardship, and appropriate technology. Genuine, sustainable growth isn’t about fixing individual issues in isolation—it comes from eliminating the disconnects and friction points between your fundraising efforts. When your fundraising functions as a unified system, every positive change amplifies the others, transforming modest improvements into sustained, long-term revenue momentum.

Additional resources

• A Complete Guide to Streamlining Your Systems. Explore how to cut the clutter in your tech stack and do more without adding more systems.
• How to Upgrade Nonprofit Donors Using Suggested Donations. Learn more about how suggested donations impact online fundraising.
• Donor Stewardship: Key Tips to Build Relationships. Discover effective strategies that ensure your donors feel seen and appreciated.

Data Validation

¹ Organizations using Bloomerang have reported first-time donor retention rates as high as 52% for nonprofits under $100K in revenue, and around 45% for organizations in the $1M–$10M range, demonstrating the impact of strong donor relationship management.

² Bloomerang customers report an average one-time gift of $166. For larger organizations ($1M–$10M in revenue), average gifts rise to $191, significantly exceeding industry averages.

³ Bloomerang data shows nonprofit customers between $100K and $10M in revenue averaging $38 per monthly gift, approximately 58% higher than the industry average.

⁴ Organizations in the same mid-sized revenue segment using the Bloomerang Giving Platform report 9.5% annual growth, outperforming the industry. Nonprofits switching from other platforms see even greater growth with Blackbaud eTapestry users switching to Bloomerang have reported average revenue growth of 98% in their first year.

⁵ Nonprofits using the full Bloomerang Giving Platform experience an average yearly revenue increase of 11.14% compared to those using only a single product. This means organizations using the complete platform grow 1.5× faster than those using only two products.

The post The 5 Silent “Revenue Killers” Stalling Your Mission—And How to Fix Them appeared first on Bloomerang.

I’ve been working in annual giving and have recently been asked to help us diversify our funding by applying for grants. We have a handful of foundation funders currently. I need to reach out to them for renewed or increased support, and also find us at least as many new supporters. I’m starting to research funders, but am really not sure what a realistic ask amount might be for any of them. I could use a few pointers!

— Feeling at Sea

Dear Feeling at Sea,

It’s definitely scary when you’re dumped in the deep end without having first been given swim lessons! So, let’s go back to the shallow end for a minute and start at the beginning.

What to consider when asking for a nonprofit grant

The realistic ask amount depends on a number of factors, including the prospective funder’s mission, giving history, current giving focus and capacity, and your own organization’s relationships and past history with grant seeking and reporting.

Your organization’s grant history

If you have a history of receiving grants, and a reputation for excellent reporting and follow-through, you’ll be in a position to ask for more than if you’re a newbie.

Why? Because the foundation of grantmaking, and all philanthropic relationships, is trust. Foundations talk to one another. If you submit a proposal to Foundation C, and they see you’ve been funded in the past by Foundations A and B, they’re likely to contact A and B to find out a bit about their experience with you.

Your current funders can serve as “social proof” that you’re a good investment.

But what if you have little grant history?

Your organization’s community relationships

Your lay leaders can also offer social proof and put in a good word for you.

That’s why it’s useful to send a list of funders to whom you’d like to apply, complete with names of foundation staff leadership and trustees, to all your board members. Ask them to indicate if they know anyone on the list–and whether they’d be willing to reach out on your behalf.

Fruitful fundraising relies heavily on relationships and, when you have one, you’ve got a stronger likelihood of success.

But you can’t capitalize on relationships unless you know they exist! So, make it your business to find out.

The cost of the project for which you’re applying

Begin with clarity on your needs.

Sit down with program staff and interview them about everything that will be required–direct and indirect costs. Management, line staff, administrative support, supplies, travel expenses, and marketing, rent, utilities, insurance–you name it. Always include a percentage for overhead. It makes no sense to ask for less than you realistically need.

Sit down with finance staff for help crafting a budget. The budget is a microcosm of the entire proposal. In fact, often, the budget is the first thing a funder will look at in evaluating your proposal.

Generally, budget line items should include:

• Your project’s direct and indirect expenses
• How much you’re asking from this funder
• How much you’re asking from other funders
• Where the balance, if any, will come from (e.g., fundraising from individuals; earned income)

NOTE: After you get the hang of this, you can develop a template budget (including all the usual categories that constitute line items for you)–obviating the need to sit down with finance staff every time.

A budget narrative can be helpful in explaining each line item.

It also helps you to make sure your numbers add up (nothing will destroy credibility faster than a sloppy budget). For example, for travel expenses, add a note describing specific travel needs and costs; for staff, show the FTE multiplied by the hourly wage and hours worked. Besides checking and double-checking your math, you’ll also want to include a paragraph explaining how you’ll sustain this project once you no longer have foundation funding.

Your alignment with the funder’s mission and priorities

Most funders are quite explicit in their guidelines about what they’ll fund and won’t fund. You can also take a look at funders’ Form 990-PFs which give complete lists of grants awarded, including recipient names and amounts. Don’t rely completely on the past however, as priorities change.

When you send a misaligned proposal (either purpose or size), you undermine your credibility – both now and for the future.

So, be careful. If you have any doubts, place a phone call to the funder so you can talk out whether or not there is a good match. Funders are, after all, just people. Many will appreciate the fact you’re doing your homework. [Just don’t call them if they plainly state “no phone calls.”]

Hopefully these tips will help get a handle on next steps, so you find your land legs!

–Charity Clairity

The post How To Make a Realistic, Successful Nonprofit Grant Request? appeared first on Bloomerang.

In 2026, a modern nonprofit website fuels everything from donor growth to volunteer recruitment to corporate partnerships. This guide walks through effective best practices for design, messaging, search engine optimization, accessibility, and fundraising flows built specifically for organizations like yours.

Why your nonprofit website matters more than ever

For many supporters, your fundraising website is their very first introduction to your work. Before they attend an event or speak with your team, they explore your digital home. In many ways, it’s as meaningful as your physical office because it’s where curiosity becomes connection.

A strong site supports multiple goals at once:

• Collecting gifts from one time donations to monthly giving
• Volunteer signups and engagement opportunities
• Event registrations and advocacy actions
• Educating your community about your cause

Grantmakers and corporate sponsors regularly review nonprofit websites while evaluating potential partners. Clear storytelling and transparency on your site can directly influence funding decisions. A modern, easy-to-navigate digital presence helps supporters feel confident saying yes.

With a platform like Bloomerang, website activity—forms, donations, event registrations—automatically flows into your donor database. That means your website becomes the heartbeat of your fundraising system, not just an online brochure.

Fundraising website essentials: what every site should include

Every effective nonprofit website includes a core set of pages and features. Here’s what to prioritize:

Each essential page should feature at least one clear call to action: donate, subscribe, volunteer, register, or download. Keep layouts clean and scannable, with strong headings and one or two compelling visuals per page.

Trust matters deeply to donors. Link your EIN, 501(c)(3) status confirmation, annual report, audited financials, and board list clearly from your footer and an “Accountability” or “Financials” page.

Most importantly, ensure every form—donation, volunteer, event, newsletter—connects directly to your donor management system, like Bloomerang. This keeps your data organized and gives you a complete, 360-degree view of every supporter journey.

Build a clear, consistent nonprofit brand online

Your website is your digital front door. Your logo, colors, fonts, imagery, and tone all work together to communicate who you are and why your mission matters.

Start with a simple brand kit:

• One primary logo (plus a simplified version for small spaces)
• A 2–3 color palette
• 1–2 web-safe typefaces
• A simple photo style guide (candid program photos, minimal filters, diverse representation)

Apply this consistently across every touchpoint. Your donate button should look the same on every page. Programs should use consistent iconography. Email templates should reflect your website’s design.

When organizations unify their visual identity across their website and communications, they often see measurable increases in online revenue and donor engagement within 6–12 months.

Bloomerang supports this consistency with branded donation pages and emails that mirror your website’s look and feel. When supporters move from your homepage to your donation form, the experience feels seamless, building confidence and momentum.

Design a homepage that answers “who, what, why, and how” in 5 seconds

Your homepage is prime real estate. Visitors quickly decide whether to explore further. A well-structured homepage answers four questions immediately: Who are you? What do you do? Why does it matter? How can I help?

Hero section

• Clear headline stating your nonprofit’s mission
• Subheadline with a brief value proposition
• Primary CTA button (typically “Donate Now”) in a contrasting color
• One powerful image or short background video from real programs (not stock photos)

Below the fold

• Short “Who we are” block (2–3 sentences)
• Quick impact snapshot with current data (e.g., “In 2025, we provided 12,300 meals in Denver”)
• 2–3 pathways: donate, get help, get involved

Research shows donation buttons in hero banners convert up to 30% higher than buried links. Make your button bold, clear, and visible in the navigation bar on every page.

Try the “5-second rule.” Show your homepage to someone new for five seconds, then ask: What does this organization do? How could you get involved? Refine your messaging until the answers are crystal clear.

Write donor-centered, action-driven copy

Your content should highlight the donor’s role and the beneficiary’s experience. Keep language clear and welcoming and provide context for any specialized terms.

Practical tips for website copywriting

• Use “you” language to speak directly to supporters
• Keep sentences short and paragraphs easy to scan
• Include specific examples (“$50 supplies one month of tutoring for a high school student in Chicago”)
• Lead with benefits
• Trim extra words

Every nonprofit website needs three foundational copy assets:

• One-sentence mission statement: Clear, memorable, and action-oriented
• 2–3 sentence elevator pitch: For the homepage hero section
• At least one short, emotional story: On the impact or programs page

Align your tone across your fundraising website, emails, and donation receipts. Friendly, hopeful consistency builds emotional connection.

Bloomerang’s email and landing page tools allow you to reuse your strongest website messaging for campaigns and stewardship—reinforcing your voice across every channel.

Turn stories into credible impact proof

Powerful impact stories blend heart and evidence. Begin with a human moment, then anchor it with data:

“Maria came to our food pantry last November, uncertain how she’d feed her three children through the holidays. Thanks to donors like you, she left with two weeks of groceries and connections to job training. In 2024, 287 families received similar support through our hunger relief program.”

This approach gives supporters both emotional connection and credible proof.

Feature at least one story prominently on your homepage or impact page. Refresh stories quarterly to keep your content dynamic and inspiring.

Bloomerang’s reporting can help you identify which programs and stories resonate most so you can spotlight what drives generosity.

Include third-party validation when possible: media coverage, charity watchdog ratings, or partner testimonials. These signals reinforce trust, especially for first-time donors.

Design for user-friendly navigation and accessibility

User experience (UX) comes down to this: how easily can visitors find what they need and take action?

Keep your primary navigation simple—5–7 top-level items:

• About
• Programs
• Impact
• Get Involved
• Events
• Blog
• Donate

Make “Donate” a visually distinct button in your brand color.

Test your site with a “three-click” rule. Can someone reach your donation page, program details, or contact information within three clicks? Streamlined navigation keeps energy focused on impact.

Accessibility fundamentals matter:

• Add descriptive alt text to all images
• Ensure sufficient color contrast (WCAG 2.1 guidelines)
• Enable keyboard navigation
• Use descriptive link text
• Test across browsers

Accessible design benefits every visitor and expands your reach to more potential supporters.

Make your fundraising website responsive and fast on mobile

More than 60% of nonprofit traffic now comes from smartphones. A mobile-responsive site invites supporters to give and engage wherever they are.

Strong mobile design includes:

• Single-column layouts
• Large tap targets (at least 44×44 pixels)
• Legible fonts without zooming
• Simple, mobile-friendly forms
• Adequate white space

Site speed matters, too. Pages that load within three seconds keep visitors engaged. To improve performance:

• Compress images
• Limit unnecessary scripts and plugins
• Use reliable hosting
• Test with tools like Google PageSpeed Insights

Complete your donation process on your own phone. Notice every moment of friction—and smooth it out.

Bloomerang’s online giving pages are mobile responsive by design, helping you improve usability and performance with ease.

Optimize for search (SEO), content, and discoverability

Search engine optimization (SEO) helps supporters find you when they search for terms like “food pantry near me” or “STEM nonprofit in Boston.”

Five foundational steps

• Use unique page titles and meta descriptions (under 60 characters)
• Include location and cause-related keywords
• Create descriptive URLs (/volunteer-opportunities)
• Give each page a clear topic
• Add descriptive alt text with relevant keywords

Examples of high-intent keywords

• “Volunteer opportunities in Dallas”
• “Donate to refugee relief 2026”
• “Animal shelter near Austin Texas”
• “Climate nonprofit taking donations”

Integrate keywords naturally into headings and body copy. Aim to publish at least one new blog post or update per month, and share it through email and social media.

Pair web analytics with Bloomerang’s reporting to see which content inspires donations and signups so you can invest your energy where it matters most.

Use a blog and resource hub to educate and attract supporters

A blog strengthens search visibility and gives supporters meaningful updates between campaigns.

Content ideas

• Beneficiary success stories
• Program updates with outcomes
• Behind-the-scenes team features
• FAQs about your cause
• Event recaps with photos and results

A sustainable cadence for small teams is 1–2 posts per month. Consistency builds momentum.

Include 1–2 tailored calls to action per post:

• After a story: “Help us create more moments like this—donate today.”
• After a policy update: “Sign up for advocacy alerts.”
• After an event recap: “Register for our next gathering.”

Repurpose newsletters, annual reports, and campaign updates into blog content to extend their reach.

Tagged and organized content can power segmented journeys in Bloomerang—turning your blog into an active stewardship tool.

Turn your nonprofit website into a fundraising engine

Your website should make giving simple, meaningful, and rewarding.

Design a standout donation page

The best donation pages focus attention on completing the gift:

• Minimal navigation
• 3–4 suggested giving amounts with impact labels
• Clear security indicators and tax-deductibility statement
• Mobile-friendly layout
• Prominent mission reminder

Impact labels bring generosity to life:

Streamline your donation form

Include essential fields:

• Name
• Email
• Donation amount
• Payment information
• Optional tribute fields

Follow up later for additional information through surveys or stewardship emails.

Prioritize recurring giving

Monthly donors fuel sustainable growth. They give consistently, stay engaged, and provide predictable revenue.

Best practices:

• Make “Make this a monthly gift” clearly visible
• Share why monthly support matters
• Suggest at least one monthly amount with impact language
• Offer a thoughtful incentive if appropriate

Progress bars and urgency elements can increase gifts by 11%. Invite donors into shared momentum.

Bloomerang unites giving pages, recurring tools, and integrated email acknowledgments—so you can launch campaigns and steward donors from one place.

Integrate events, peer-to-peer, and other ways to give

Event pages should clearly include:

• Date, time, and location
• Ticket options and pricing
• Event schedule
• “Add to calendar” links
• Donate CTA for supporters who can’t attend

Create a comprehensive “Ways to Give” page featuring:

• Employer matching gifts
• Stock and securities gifts
• Donor-advised funds
• Legacy and planned giving
• Workplace giving programs

Provide toolkits for peer-to-peer fundraisers, including sample emails and graphics.

When all giving channels integrate into a CRM like Bloomerang, every interaction lives in one unified record, empowering smarter stewardship.

Connect your website to donor management and data

A nonprofit website is most powerful when every form, donation, and signup automatically updates your donor records. No more spreadsheets. No more lost data. No more duplicate entries.

Fundraising website forms should feed into a centralized donor database like Bloomerang, capturing:

• Source (homepage, campaign, event)
• Gift type
• Communication preferences
• Program interests
• Entry point

Use tracking tools like UTM parameters and analytics goals to see which pages drive the most engagement. Then:

• Refine CTAs
• Invest in top-performing content
• Build segmented email journeys
• Personalize follow-up

Insight changes everything.

Security, compliance, and trust signals

Website security supports confident giving.

Security essentials include:

• SSL certificate (HTTPS)
• Secure, PCI-compliant payment processing
• Regular updates
• Strong passwords
• Regular backups

Cyberattacks and data breaches have affected nonprofits in recent years, with incidents rising approximately 22% annually. Online donors are increasingly sensitive to data privacy—and one breach can destroy years of trust-building.

Clear privacy policies written in plain language reinforce trust. Visual signals supporters recognize include:

• Lock icon in browser bar
• Payment processor logos
• Charity watchdog badges
• Testimonials
• Up-to-date financial information

Using a trusted platform like Bloomerang for donation processing adds reassurance. You can note on your donation page: “Your gift is processed securely through Bloomerang, a trusted nonprofit giving platform.”

Putting it all together: a 90-day nonprofit website improvement plan

Meaningful progress happens step by step. Here’s a focused 90-day roadmap:

Days 1–30: Quick wins

• Clarify homepage copy
• Add or strengthen donate buttons
• Fix broken links
• Update photos
• Connect all forms to your donor database
• Add EIN and 501(c)(3) confirmation to footer
• Test mobile donation flow

Days 31–60: Deep work

• Simplify navigation
• Redesign donation page
• Launch or refresh blog
• Standardize branding
• Add impact stories with data
• Update “Ways to Give” page
• Improve accessibility

Days 61–90: Optimization and measurement

• Review analytics
• A/B test CTAs and headlines
• Publish new content
• Set tracking goals
• Create maintenance schedule
• Document wins

Metrics to track

Pair your website improvements with Bloomerang optimization to ensure every new visitor becomes part of a stronger retention and fundraising strategy.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Final thoughts

Your website can become your most dedicated team member—sharing your story, inviting generosity, and turning curiosity into commitment. Start with one section this week, track your progress, and watch your online fundraising grow.

Ready to connect your website to a donor management platform that helps you raise more and retain more supporters? Explore how Bloomerang can help.

The post Nonprofit Fundraising Website Best Practices appeared first on Bloomerang.

Here’s the bright side: with a little planning and a lot of intention, your next conference can become a catalyst that drives your mission upward. This guide walks through practical, role-specific strategies for nonprofit professionals at every level. Whether you’re a development director gathering donor engagement ideas, an operations manager exploring better systems, or a board member sharpening governance instincts, you’ll find concrete steps to help you earn a strong return.

Let’s turn conference attendance from a line item into a mission multiplier.

Set clear goals before you leave the office

Conferences like AFP ICON, GiveCon, or the Nonprofit Technology Conference pack dozens of sessions, hundreds of vendors, and thousands of attendees into a few intense days. Goals are what help you turn all that energy into outcomes you can bring back home.

The move is simple—turn broad intentions (“learn about fundraising”) into specific targets you can measure and apply. Here’s how different roles can approach goal-setting:

Role-specific goals to consider

• Development director: Come home with 3 new major donor cultivation ideas, identify 2 potential partners for corporate partnerships, and book 5 one-on-one meetings with fundraising professionals running capital campaigns.
• Operations manager: Evaluate 2 tech tools that streamline reporting for finance teams, gather 3 process improvement ideas from other organizations, and compare data privacy practices with peers.
• Volunteer coordinator: Learn 3 new volunteer onboarding tactics, collect 2 recognition program templates from volunteer leaders, and connect with 4 organizations facing the same challenges with retention.
• Database admin: Assess 2–3 CRM integrations that reduce manual data entry, discuss data hygiene best practices with 3 peers, and identify 1 tool that improves donor segmentation.
• Board members: Clarify governance best practices from 2 interactive sessions, consult with other board members on board-staff dynamics, and gain insights on nonprofit leadership trends.

Pre-conference planning checklist

• 2 to 6 months out: Secure budget approval and register early for best rates
• 1 to 4 months out: Book travel and lodging, block your calendar
• 2 weeks out: Review the full agenda, select sessions, and set 3 learning objectives
• 1 week out: Reach out to 3–5 people you’d like to meet, prepare your 15-second mission intro
• Day before: Finalize your printed schedule, charge devices, and pack business cards

When you define success in advance, you can spot it in real time, and you’ll have a clear framework for measuring ROI once you’re back.

Build a smart agenda, not a packed schedule

Session FOMO is real. When you’re scrolling through agendas for events, every title seems designed to grab you. A smart schedule makes room for learning and for the conversations and connections where so much value lives.

Curate your agenda around outcomes. Review the program early and tag sessions by theme: fundraising, tech, leadership, operations, or volunteer management. Then choose with purpose.

How to prioritize your picks

• Select 1–2 keynote speakers whose topics directly match your organization’s priorities this year
• Choose 3–5 breakout sessions that map to your pre-defined goals
• Add 1–2 “wild card” sessions outside your usual lane for fresh perspective and bold ideas
• Leave open blocks for hallway conversations, vendor hall visits, and networking breaks

Role-specific agenda priorities

• Development directors should favor major gifts, donor retention, and stewardship tracks—look for sessions with case studies from organizations similar in size to yours
• Operations managers lean into finance, reporting, data privacy, and industry trends around hybrid event tech
• Volunteer coordinators seek engagement, recognition, and retention sessions—especially those with interactive sessions and peer sharing
• Database admins prioritize sessions on CRM optimization, data security, and latest trends in automation
• Board members focus on governance, strategic planning, and nonprofit leadership development

Make space for downtime too. Many conferences run from 7 AM breakfasts through 9 PM receptions. Building in 15–20 minutes between clusters helps you process what you’re learning, recharge, and show up fully for the moments that matter.

Network with intention (even if you’re introverted)

At conferences, the coffee line and hallway can be just as powerful as the keynote stage. A five-minute conversation with someone tackling a similar challenge can spark an idea that shapes your entire year.

You don’t need dozens of new connections. Aim for 5–10 meaningful conversations with clear follow-up potential.

Networking goals by role

• Development director: Meet 5 peers running capital campaigns or major gift programs, and connect with 2 potential partners for collaborative fundraising
• Operations manager: Talk to 3 organizations about their tech stack and vendor relationships
• Volunteer coordinator: Swap ideas with 4 organizations about volunteer appreciation and retention strategies
• Database admin: Compare data hygiene practices and CRM workflows with 3 peers
• Board member: Consult 2 fellow board members on governance challenges and board-staff dynamics

Practical networking tips

• Prepare a 15-second intro about your mission that invites conversation, not a monologue
• Bring 2–3 thoughtful questions: “What’s one change your org made after last year’s event?” or “What’s the biggest opportunity you’re focused on this year?”
• Use social media—especially LinkedIn and the official event hashtag—to identify people you want to meet, engage with their posts, and set up coffee chats in advance
• Attend at least one or two social events, even briefly. Informal settings often lead to the most memorable conversations

Capture contacts in real time

Log every new contact the same day. Record: name, role, organization size, topics covered, and any promised follow-ups. Following up within 48 hours converts more leads into meaningful conversations. Let your follow-up be as timely as your connection.

Practical tips for following up after the conference

The difference between a quick chat and a lasting partnership is what happens within 3–5 business days after you return. Follow-up is where conference energy becomes real organizational progress.

Simple follow-up workflow

• Within 24 hours: Send a brief LinkedIn connection request with a personalized note referencing your conversation
• Within 3–5 days: Email new contacts with a specific callback to what you discussed—“Loved hearing about your volunteer appreciation program. Here’s the template I mentioned.”
• Within 2 weeks: Schedule 15–30 minute virtual coffee chats with your most promising connections

Role-specific follow-up ideas

• Development director: Share a relevant case study or impact report that continues the conversation about donor engagement
• Operations manager: Request a sample policy or process document you discussed and offer one of your own
• Volunteer coordinator: Swap volunteer handbook templates or onboarding checklists
• Database admin: Propose a short virtual show-and-tell comparing data cleanup processes
• Board member: Invite peers to a future governance roundtable or share insights from the conference

Example email subject lines

• “Great meeting you at NTC—here’s that resource I promised”
• “Following up from AFP ICON: Quick question on your donor retention approach”
• “Connecting after GiveCon—coffee chat next week?”

Use Bloomerang to tag every new contact with the conference name and year (e.g., “AFP ICON 2025”). Build a segment for these contacts so you can share resources, send quarterly check-ins, and keep those connections warm over time.

Make sessions actionable: notes, debriefs, and next steps

Inspiration feels amazing. Implementation is what moves your mission. The difference is how you capture what you learn and translate it into next steps.

Use a consistent note-taking format for every session

• 3 key takeaways (what did you learn?)
• 3 possible actions (what could your organization try?)
• 1 follow-up resource or person (who/what helps you go deeper?)

Handwritten notes can stick, and digital backups keep them searchable. Each evening, snap photos or move your top insights into a shared doc.

End-of-day debrief routine

• Review your notes from the day
• Star your top 5 ideas across sessions
• Identify 1 quick win to test within 30 days of returning
• Note any attendees or speakers you want to reconnect with

Role-specific focus areas

• Operations managers and database admins: flag process, data systems, and reporting workflow ideas
• Development directors and volunteer coordinators: prioritize tactics that elevate donor and volunteer experience
• Board members: focus on governance insights, strategic direction, and leadership best practices

Organize notes by session so you return home with a clear, searchable library of ideas.

Bring the conference back to your team

Sharing insights is how you turn personal learning into team-wide progress—and how you make future conference investment an easy yes.

Aim to share within the first week back.

Structure your internal recap

• Prepare a 1-page summary for quick circulation
• Schedule a 30–45 minute meeting to walk through highlights (tailor for staff vs. board)
• Prioritize 3 initiatives to implement in the next 90 days, assign owners, and set simple success metrics

Role-specific debrief approaches

• Development director: Run a mini session on new stewardship ideas and donor engagement tactics
• Operations manager: Share a short deck on process improvements or tech recommendations, including vendor comparisons
• Volunteer coordinator: Present an updated engagement plan incorporating new ideas
• Database admin: Propose 1–2 data-quality or workflow improvements based on learnings
• Board member: Debrief governance takeaways at the next board meeting and connect them to strategic priorities

Measuring impact with Bloomerang

Decide how you’ll measure results. If you adopt a new donor stewardship approach, use Bloomerang’s reporting to compare donor retention rates before and after. Segment, track engagement, and review dashboards quarterly to see what’s moving.

Get value from the expo hall and vendors (without getting overwhelmed)

Expo halls can feel like a whirlwind: crowded booths, fast pitches, and plenty of swag. They can also save you months of research on tools for donor management, online giving, volunteer scheduling, and reporting.

Prepare before you arrive

• Pre-select 5–10 booths aligned with your current pain points
• Focus on role-relevant categories: giving platforms like Bloomerang, email marketing tools, volunteer management software, grant tracking solutions, or data visualization tools
• Review vendor websites in advance so you can ask sharper questions

Approach vendor conversations strategically

Bring 3–4 specific questions:

• “How does your platform integrate with our current systems?”
• “What’s pricing like for small to mid-sized nonprofit organizations?”
• “What does implementation look like, and what training or support is included?”
• “What’s your edge over [competitor] in reducing manual reporting?”

Role-specific vendor priorities

• Development directors: donor engagement features, online giving, and stewardship automation
• Operations managers and database admins: reporting, data integrity, integrations, and ease of migration
• Volunteer coordinators: communication tools, scheduling, and volunteer portal functionality
• Board members: governance dashboards, transparency, and stakeholder reporting

Capture your impressions immediately

After each booth visit, note: vendor name, fit (yes/maybe/no), follow-up needed, and who should be involved in evaluation. Log it in a shared doc or project tool so your post-conference shortlist is ready to use.

Take care of yourself so you can show up fully

Early breakfasts, late receptions, and full days of learning take real energy. When you protect your bandwidth, you get more out of every session and conversation.

Practical self-care tips

• Wear comfortable, professional shoes. You’ll walk more than you expect.
• Bring a refillable water bottle and healthy snacks
• Schedule 10–15 minute breaks between session blocks to process notes
• Choose one restorative activity during multi-day events: a morning walk, an early night, or a quiet meal

Know your limits

• Introverts might choose one-on-one coffees and quieter meals
• Extroverts might schedule dedicated “download time” to capture insights
• Everyone benefits from skipping at least one optional evening event to recharge

The goal is to return energized and ready to implement, with ideas that have room to grow.

Use your tools to track impact and close the loop

A conference earns its keep when it leads to measurable change in fundraising, operations, or engagement within 3–12 months. Tracking helps you see what worked and makes future decisions easier.

How to track conference ROI

• Count new partnerships, collaborations, or donor prospects that came from conference connections
• Track process improvements, system changes, or volunteer program updates inspired by sessions
• Compare before-and-after metrics: donor retention rates, volunteer turnout, report turnaround times, email open rates

Use Bloomerang to close the loop

• Create campaigns inspired by conference ideas and track performance
• Use dashboards to compare pre-conference and post-conference engagement
• Set reminders to review results at 30, 90, and 180 days

Example timeline

Let your data guide your next conference choice. If donor retention is a big opportunity, prioritize stewardship-focused events. If volunteer engagement is your focus, choose conferences with strong recognition and retention tracks. When metrics lead, your investment follows impact.

Final thoughts

A nonprofit conference is more than a few days on your calendar. It’s a spark. A place where fresh ideas meet real-world experience. Where hallway conversations turn into partnerships. Where one insight can unlock new energy for your entire team.

When you set clear goals, show up with intention, and follow through with purpose, you multiply impact. You return with sharper strategies, stronger relationships, and a renewed sense of what’s possible for your mission.

Ready to turn new connections into lasting generosity? Bloomerang’s donor management software helps you track, segment, and nurture every relationship you build, so momentum doesn’t fade when the conference ends. And if you’re looking for your next inspiring experience, consider joining GiveCon, a leading nonprofit conference designed to equip you with practical tools and bold ideas to keep pushing purpose higher.

Make your next conference count. Capture the insight. Strengthen the connection. Raise the bar on what your organization can achieve.

FAQ

The post How to Make the Most of a Nonprofit Conference appeared first on Bloomerang.

New tools are emerging at a rapid pace. Vendors are making ambitious promises. Boards are asking about AI strategy. And nonprofit leaders are left sorting through a mix of excitement, pressure, and uncertainty about what to do next.

It is easy to get swept up in the energy. But nonprofit organizations do not need more hype. They need clarity.

In fundraising, the central question is not whether AI is powerful. The real question is whether it is trustworthy. Because in a sector built on relationships, stewardship, and accountability, trust is the foundation that determines whether innovation strengthens a mission or quietly undermines it.

As AI becomes more embedded in nonprofit operations, leaders should know what to look for and what to avoid.

The AI red flags nonprofit leaders should not ignore

Not all AI is created equal. As adoption accelerates, certain patterns are beginning to surface in the nonprofit sector. These red flags are not technical nuances. They are signals about whether a solution was built with nonprofit stewardship in mind.

1. “Our AI can do everything.”

When a vendor claims their AI can do everything, nonprofit leaders should dig deeper.

Fundraising is not a single discipline. Major gift strategy requires a different level of nuance than donor retention modeling. Campaign planning draws from different expertise than data hygiene or reporting. If a model claims to excel at every task, it is fair to ask how that expertise was actually developed.

At a technical level, AI systems are probabilistic—they identify patterns and generate responses based on what is most likely to be helpful. That makes them strong at surfacing insights, drafting communications, and suggesting next steps. But fundraising operations also require deterministic systems—processes where the same inputs must produce the same outputs every time, especially in donor records, financial reporting, receipting, permissions, and compliance.

If an AI tool claims universal mastery, leaders should ask:  What real nonprofit engagements informed this system? What proven fundraising playbooks shaped its recommendations? And how has it been intentionally designed to remain deterministic for questions that require answers grounded in more than probabilities?

2. Answers that sound impressive but feel generic

Many AI tools generate responses that appear polished at first glance. But if the guidance could apply to any organization, it is not truly contextual.

Generic outputs are not grounded in your donor history, your campaign performance, or your unique fundraising metrics. Because this advice is generic, it’s inherently limited and cannot account for unique instances within your nonprofit. 

Fundraising depends on personalization and precision. Advice that lacks context can lead teams to make decisions that feel directionally right but are disconnected from the realities of their own data. Over time, that disconnect erodes confidence in both the tool and the strategy behind it.

3. AI bolted onto disconnected systems

Architecture matters more than many leaders realize.

AI can only provide advice based on the information it has access to. If donor records live in one system, volunteer activity in another, event engagement somewhere else, and the most recent donation history in yet another platform,  AI never sees the full picture.

Fundraising expertise is built on patterns across the full donor journey. Without unified data, AI cannot recognize those patterns with depth or accuracy.

Instead of layering AI on top of disconnected tools, look for solutions built on a unified data foundation. When donor history, engagement activity, campaign performance, and fundraising metrics live in one platform, AI can provide recommendations grounded in the full context of your organization. That is when insight becomes meaningful rather than partial.

4. No clear explanation of where answers come from

If an AI tool cannot explain why it generated a recommendation, nonprofit leaders are being asked to trust a black box.

That is not a position most organizations can afford to take. Boards require transparency. Donors expect responsible stewardship. Staff members need confidence that the tools they rely on are aligned with proven fundraising practices.

Explainable answers are more than a technical feature. It is a governance requirement. Leaders should be able to understand what data informed a recommendation, what logic was applied, and how that guidance connects to established best practices.

Instead of accepting opaque outputs, look for AI solutions that clearly explain their reasoning and make recommendations traceable and auditable. Transparency builds confidence and supports responsible decision making.

5. A focus on novelty instead of outcomes

Some AI tools prioritize what looks innovative over what drives measurable results.

A conversational interface may be engaging. A creative draft may feel impressive. But nonprofit leaders should continually return to a more grounded question: does this help us build stronger donor relationships and increase sustainable revenue?

AI should not exist to entertain us. It should help us act.

For example, can it help build a targeted campaign strategy that identifies which donors are most likely to respond — and why? Can it recommend meaningful segmentation that increases outreach activity and personalizes communication at scale? Can it surface at-risk donors early enough for a fundraiser to intervene, or identify upgrade opportunities that lead to more qualified major gift conversations?

An AI tool that can answer those questions will drive meaningful outcomes for your organization. You will be able to move past using generative AI for small tasks and instead utilize AI as a strategic partner, unlocking significant wins for your organization.

How we think about this at Bloomerang

When we built Penny, our AI fundraising partner, we approached the work with these principles in mind.

Penny is not a generic AI agent layered on top of a CRM. She is a strategic partner built directly into the Bloomerang Giving Platform, operating within a secure and unified environment. Her intelligence is informed by proven fundraising playbooks, thousands of real world engagements, decades of nonprofit expertise, and unified platform data .

Rather than attempting to do everything, Penny focuses on a small number of high value jobs. She identifies at-risk donors early, surfaces high potential opportunities, improves data quality, prepares fundraisers for meetings, and clearly explains why she makes a recommendation.

She is designed to drive action, not just generate answers. And she operates within a closed ecosystem built for nonprofit stewardship.

This is what purpose built AI looks like.

Final thoughts

AI will continue to evolve, and the nonprofit sector will continue to adapt alongside it. The goal is not to move fast. It is to move thoughtfully.

When you understand the signals to watch for, the red flags to avoid, and the principles that matter most, you can evaluate new technology with confidence. Secure architecture, real nonprofit expertise, unified data, and explainable recommendations are not luxuries. They are the foundation of responsible AI in fundraising.

When those elements are in place, AI becomes what it should be: a trusted partner that strengthens stewardship, supports your team, and helps you focus on what matters most — building meaningful donor relationships.

Trust remains the foundation. Technology should honor that, not compete with it.

The post Beyond the AI Hype: What Nonprofit Leaders Should Actually Pay Attention To appeared first on Bloomerang.

This blog is about the latter.

At Bloomerang, we’ve spent years building toward a simple but demanding promise: one platform that allows nonprofit staff to focus on what truly matters. Serving their causes. Sharing their stories. Building real relationships with the people who believe in their mission.

The promise of the Giving Platform is not more features or more time spent in software. It’s the opposite. It’s about giving nonprofit teams clarity faster, helping them uncover insights they never had access to before, and enabling them to act with confidence—while spending the least possible time inside the system to do it.

That promise has guided every hard decision we’ve made along the way. In 2026, our focus is clear: delivering fully on that promise—not in theory, but in the daily lived experience of nonprofit teams.

If there has ever been a time to be excited about making complex problems work simply, this is it.

The hard work we did first

For nonprofits, fundraising has never lacked heart. It has lacked infrastructure that respects time, context, and continuity.

Most nonprofits move from one fundraising moment to the next—events, appeals, campaigns—without the benefit of momentum compounding behind the scenes. Each effort generates insight, engagement, and signals from supporters, but too often those signals are trapped in disconnected tools so teams feel like they’re from scratch with each new initiative.

That feeling is understandable—but it’s also deeply misleading. Opportunity never resets. The system and tools you trust just fail to carry that opportunity forward.

That’s the problem we set out to solve first.

In 2025, we made a deliberate choice to do the hard work of unifying the core of nonprofit operations. Not slapping logos on acquired tools. Not loosely integrating data. Not bolting separate systems together and calling it a day. But building a single Giving Platform where donor activity, fundraising performance, volunteer engagement, and payments live together and reinforce one another.

That foundation is now real—and it’s already delivering measurable impact.

Nonprofits using the complete Bloomerang Giving Platform grow 1.5x faster than those relying on disconnected tools. They see an average 22% increase in the number of monthly recurring donations, and those recurring gifts are 58% larger than the industry average. Organizations using the full platform also achieve meaningfully higher donor retention year over year.

These results don’t come from working harder or adding complexity. They come from clarity. When systems are unified, insight compounds. Decisions improve. And teams stop losing ground between fundraising moments.

That was the work that had to come first.

Deepening the Giving Platform—so the work feels seamless

With that foundation in place, the question for 2026 is not whether the Giving Platform works. It does.

The question is how far we can take it.

Nonprofits using the full platform can already see how donors, volunteers, and prospective supporters behave across moments that used to live in isolation. Engagement is no longer fragmented. Patterns are visible. Momentum carries forward instead of resetting after every campaign.

In 2026, our focus is on deepening that experience—making the platform feel seamless in daily work, not just conceptually unified. This is the year we remove even more friction so insight surfaces faster, actions feel more confident, and nonprofit teams spend less time navigating systems and more time advancing their mission.

That focus centers on three deliberate areas:

First, deepening the platform itself.
We are strengthening the connective tissue across fundraising activity, constituent data, volunteer engagement, and payments so every interaction contributes to a single, continuous story. The goal is to eliminate the sense of “starting over” and allow learning, relationships, and results to compound naturally over time.

Second, delivering AI that works for fundraisers.
This is not AI layered onto disconnected data providing generic answers. Let’s be honest, you could just use Chat GPT for that. Bloomerang’s AI fundraising partner, Penny, is grounded in your data stored securely within the Giving Platform and informed by real nonprofit best practice–over 2,000 consulting wins to be exact. Its role is to surface what matters, explain why it matters, and help teams know where to focus next—without replacing judgment or human connection. AI should remove analytical friction, not add cognitive load.

Third, continuing fundraising innovation where performance matters most.
From checkout optimization to continuously improving conversion, we are taking responsibility for the mechanics of giving. Nonprofit teams shouldn’t have to become experts in optimization just to raise more. High performance should be built in, not bolted on. In 2026 all our customers will benefit from a dedicated team that will continually optimize the giving performance for free!

The promise we’re ready to deliver

Across all three areas, the principle is the same. Technology should expand human capacity, not compete with it. It should make insight easier to reach, decisions easier to trust, and action easier to take—while demanding as little time as possible in return.

That is how we deliver on the promise of the Giving Platform.

Less time managing systems.
More time serving causes.
More space to share stories that inspire generosity.

The post Bloomerang’s Vision for 2026: Living the Promise of One Platform appeared first on Bloomerang.

We’re revamping our giving levels and rethinking the “perks” donors receive at different tiers—beyond a name on the website or in the program guide.

Here’s where I’m getting stuck (at least in my head): how do we handle tax deductibility when benefits get more experiential?

For example, we’re considering things like a 15% discount on festival and year-round ticketing (with an obviously unknown value), or a set number of free tickets (when ticket prices vary). I know the old rule of thumb used to be that benefits under $75 could be ignored—but it looks like the rules have changed.

Most of our giving levels would start at $1,000. Could offering a 15% discount on tickets throughout the year fall under the “insubstantial benefit” rule?

— Tax Deduction Confused

Dear Tax Deduction Confused,

You’re asking exactly the right questions. As nonprofits get more thoughtful (and creative!) about donor experiences, tax deductibility can feel like a maze.

Let’s break it down—starting with the basics, then getting into how tickets and discounts fit into the picture.

Quid pro quo rules: the basics

If a donor receives anything of value in return for their contribution—event tickets, discounts, gifts—the fair market value (FMV) of those benefits must be subtracted from the donation to determine the tax-deductible portion.

• The donor must be told the FMV of the benefits they receive.
• The nonprofit must disclose this information in the solicitation or acknowledgment.

Typically, this looks like: “Your donation of $X is tax-deductible to the extent it exceeds the fair market value of the benefits received, which we estimate at $Y.”

Where the $75 rule really fits

This is one of the most misunderstood parts of the tax code.

The $75 rule doesn’t mean benefits under $75 can be ignored. Instead, it means that if a donor gives more than $75 and receives something in return, the nonprofit is required to provide a disclosure statement showing:

• The value of the benefit
• The deductible portion of the gift

In other words, it triggers a disclosure requirement—it doesn’t eliminate the need to value benefits.

The de minimis (token exception) rule

There is a separate token exception for benefits of insubstantial value (IRS Rev. Proc. 90-12).

Under current IRS guidance, a benefit may be considered insubstantial—and the full gift deductible—if:

• The value of the benefit is the lesser of 2% of the donation or $125, and
• The cost of the benefit to the organization is less than $12.50

This typically applies to logo items (mugs, totes, calendars) or front-end premiums like address labels—not tickets or discounts, which usually have a measurable market value.

Special cases: tickets, discounts, and variable value

This is where things get more nuanced.

1. Free Tickets (with varying prices)

You’ll need to assign a reasonable FMV, even if prices fluctuate. Many organizations use the average ticket price or the highest general admission price.

If a giving level includes “two free tickets,” that value must be subtracted from the donation total—unless the donor waives the benefit in writing.

2. Percentage Discounts (like 15% off tickets)

Discounts are tricky because the value isn’t fixed. You’ll need to estimate the maximum reasonable benefit a donor could receive.

For example:

• Four $25 tickets = $100
• 15% discount = $15 benefit
• Multiply by how often the discount could reasonably be used in a year

You can be conservative—but you must be reasonable.

How to stay donor-friendly (and IRS-friendly)

1. Keep benefits within “insubstantial” limits

For a $1,000 gift, 2% equals $20. If the estimated FMV of a discount exceeds that amount, the gift is not fully deductible.

Discounts also scale quickly. For example, if tickets are $25 and a donor buys six tickets in a year, a 15% discount equals $22.50—already over the 2% threshold.

And remember: discounts are not token gifts. They represent real, recurring financial value.

2. Limit the scope of discounts

A year-round 15% discount will almost always exceed de minimis limits unless tightly restricted.

Instead, consider options like:

• “Up to four discounted tickets annually”
• “Valid for one festival event”
• “One-time 15% discount code”

This preserves the feeling of a perk while keeping the FMV manageable.

3. Allow donors to waive benefits

If donors can waive benefits in writing, their gift may remain fully deductible. Be sure this option is clearly communicated—otherwise, the IRS assumes the donor received value simply by having access to the benefit.

4. Separate perks from donations through membership

Many museums and zoos use a membership model. Under IRS rules, certain recurring benefits may be considered insubstantial if:

• The annual payment is $75 or less, and
• The benefits include things like discounted admission, gift shop discounts, or member-only events, with per-person costs within token limits

This approach can offer flexibility while keeping compliance clear.

And if this still feels confusing (you’re not alone), it’s always wise to consult a nonprofit-savvy attorney or CPA.

— Charity Clairity

The post Are Fundraising Ticket Perks Tax Deductible? appeared first on Bloomerang.

When a donor sees a cause as part of their identity, giving becomes transformational. It’s no longer just about solving a problem—it’s about expressing who they are and what they stand for.

This idea is central to Meaningful Philanthropy by Jen Shang and Adrian Sargeant, whose research shows deeper gifts are rooted not in data, but in identity, ownership, and belonging. Shang, a philanthropic psychologist, and Sargeant, one of the world’s leading experts on donor behavior, argue that when giving is tied to a donor’s identity — who they believe themselves to be — it becomes far more powerful and long-lasting.

Let’s explore how to tap into this psychology and reframe fundraising around what truly drives lasting generosity.

Rethinking why major donors give

Ask most fundraisers why major donors give, and you’ll likely hear a confident answer: “They want to see impact.” It’s a tidy, logical explanation. Yet it assumes these donors are primarily numbers-driven. Show them the cost per meal, the ROI of your programs, the percentage increase in lives changed, and the money will follow. Right?

Not always.

In truth, many major donors are driven more by meaning than metrics. Their giving isn’t just about fixing a problem; it’s about expressing who they are. Giving is a reflection of identity, values, and purpose. In fact, research shows high-net-worth donors often pursue philanthropy as a path to greater personal fulfillment. A way to feel their lives matter in ways beyond business success or wealth accumulation.

If you’re leading with data and outcomes alone, you may be missing the deeper motivator. It’s not just about solving presented problems, but about reinforcing the kind of person they believe they are or aspire to become. And they believe, because of their connections and resources, they’re able to achieve goals for the community the community can’t achieve on their own.

Heady, potent stuff.

Identity and ownership in giving

So, what does it mean for a donor to own a problem? It’s not about financial control or decision-making power. It’s about emotional investment. Ownership happens when a donor feels a deep, personal connection to the cause. When they stop seeing the mission as your work and start seeing it as their work too. It’s no longer just a problem to be solved—it becomes their problem to solve.

This shift is fundamentally about identity and, per Shang and Sargeant, many high-net-worth donors see themselves as entrepreneurial spirits.

When they enter into the domain of complex social problems, they’re eager to apply their curiosity, intelligence, and skills in ways that affirm their self-image. As they do this, they begin to internalize the mission. They start to see themselves not just as helpers or contributors, but as embodiments of the values your organization represents.

A donor who supports environmental conservation doesn’t just want cleaner rivers; they see themselves as a protector of the planet. A donor funding education for girls doesn’t just want higher graduation rates; they identify as someone who believes in equality, self-esteem, and opportunity.

When a donor sees their gift as an extension of who they are, giving becomes self-expression.

The limits of impact

For years, fundraisers have been coached to lean hard on outcomes: show donors exactly what their gift will accomplish, quantify the results, and prove effectiveness. And yes, that’s important. But focusing solely on impact metrics can flatten the donor experience. It risks turning giving into a transactional financial exchange for a measurable result.

What gets lost in the metrics-forward approach is meaning.

Research in philanthropic psychology shows meaning drives behavior more deeply and durably than data. And this is particularly true when meaning is tied to a donor’s identity. Jen Shang and her colleagues found that when donors were addressed using identity-affirming language (e.g., “you are generous”  vs. “please donate”), they gave significantly more.

The power of meaning

The key insight from Shang and Seargent’s research is that donors are motivated not just by what their gift accomplishes, but by what their giving says about who they are. Consider these two messages:

• “Your $10,000 gift helped build 5 wells, serving 2,500 people.”

• “Your gift shows you are the kind of person who brings life and dignity to communities others have forgotten.”

Both are true. But only one speaks to who the donor is. 

It’s not just what the donor’s gift does; it’s what their gift says about them. And when donors feel that emotional and identity-level resonance, they give more, and they stay longer.

Your job is to help donors feel their importance. Transformational fundraisers say: “Your gift is a reflection of who you are. Together, we’re shaping the world — and your legacy.”

The philanthropy facilitator’s role

I often exhort fundraisers to remember they’re in the happiness delivery business, citing MRI studies showing people get a “warm glow” jolt of dopamine when they even contemplate giving, but the dopamine rush fades quickly.

Philanthropy facilitators who want deeper gifts, and deeper loyalty, must make a shift. They must engage with donors in a manner that centers on purpose, identity, and belonging.

Shang and Sargeant emphasize transformational giving is not driven by the size of the donation, but by the meaning behind it. When a donor feels seen, known, and affirmed through their giving, they move from participant to partner.

From giving to feel good to giving because it’s part of who they are.

Infuse meaning into your fundraising

The good news is, you don’t need a psychology degree to infuse meaning into your fundraising. But you do need to shift from one-way “asking for money” monologues to two-way dialogues inviting donors to share their deepest worries, hopes, and dreams — all so you can create a meaningful match between their values and the values your organization enacts.

Giving becomes most transformational when donors feel a shared identity—not just with the cause, but with a community of like-minded people who are working together to make a difference. This sense of communal belonging is immensely powerful. It says: You’re one of us. This is what we stand for. This is what we do together.

A major source of meaning for donors comes from feeling they belong to something larger than themselves. 

Top 5 ways to build meaning

1. Ask identity-based questions

Instead of simply asking for support, ask donors:

• “What part of our mission speaks to you most deeply?”

• “What values guide your giving?”

These questions don’t just gather intel; they invite the donor to reflect on who they are, and how their identity connects to your work.

2. Use language that affirms who they are

Identity-affirming language can significantly increase giving. Try using phrasing like:

• “You are the kind of person who…”

• “As someone who believes in justice…”

Rather than describing what their gift does, describe what their giving says about them.

3. Tell stories they can see themselves in

Don’t just tell stories of impact; tell stories of identity. Highlight individuals (donors, volunteers, beneficiaries) whose values reflect those of your audience. The goal is for donors to say, “That’s me. That’s what I believe in too!”

4. Create a sense of belonging

Invite donors into a community, not just a campaign. This can take many forms:

• Name giving circles that reflect shared values (e.g., “The Welcome the Stranger Circle,” “The Justice Society,” “The No Child Left Behind Society”).
• Share stories from other donors—not just their gifts, but their why (e.g., I used to run a regular newsletter feature highlighting one donor per issue: “Why I Care, Why I Give.”)
• Use newsletters or events to showcase collective impact and language like “together,” “our shared mission,” “as a community.”

When donors feel they’re part of a values-driven movement they stay engaged longer and give more.

5. Frame results through purpose, not just performance

Yes, share metrics, but tie them back to meaning. Instead of:

• “We reached 1,000 students this year.”
  Try:
• “Together, we stood up for the belief that every child deserves the chance to learn.”

Numbers are important, but they’re most powerful when they reflect shared ideals.

A call to meaningful fundraising

Donors, especially major donors, aren’t just investing in what you do. They’re investing in who they are through you. When donors feel that their giving reflects their core beliefs, when they see themselves as part of a community with shared purpose, their support deepens.

So, here’s your challenge: Shift the conversation. Move beyond metrics alone. Ask questions that invite reflection. Use language that affirms identity. Create spaces, real or digital, where donors feel they belong. Not as outsiders funding your mission, but as insiders shaping it.

Deeper meaning really does lead to deeper pockets. More importantly, it leads to deeper relationships, deeper trust, deeper connections, and deeper change. And isn’t that what philanthropy facilitation is really about?

The post Deeper Meaning Equals Deeper Pockets: When People Own Problems, They Want To Solve Them appeared first on Bloomerang.

Dear Charity Clairity,

My son and I want to start a fundraiser for two cancer-related charities. We tried to have an actual fundraiser event but sadly it did not work out. I’d like to now just do an online donation drive. Ideally I’d like to use an app or service to hold the money until we’re ready to donate it directly to the organizations. How can we best achieve this?

— In the Dark

Dear In the Dark

There are several ways to go about this. Your choice somewhat depends upon (1) whether your donors want tax deductions and individual tax receipts, or (2) whether they’re content to simply give regardless of tax deductibility. Let’s look at the pros, cons, compliance considerations, and practical steps for setting up your fundraiser under both scenarios.

1. If your donors care about tax deductions

When donors want or expect tax-deductible receipts, you must route their contributions through a bona fide 501(c)(3) organization, and not through your personal bank account, PayPal, Venmo, or any pooled holding account — unless that account is legally owned by a charity. U.S. law is very specific:

• Only the organization that legally receives the donation can issue the receipt.
• Donations made to individuals are not tax-deductible, even if you later give the money to charity.

You have two strong options here: fiscal sponsorship or charity-hosted fundraising pages.

(1) Fiscal sponsorship: The easiest way to pool tax-deductible donations

If you want to collect donations in one place, tally a total, hold the funds temporarily, and then distribute them to two cancer nonprofits, fiscal sponsorship is the cleanest and most professional approach.

What is fiscal sponsorship?

A fiscal sponsor is an established 501(c)(3) that agrees to accept donations on behalf of a project (in this case, yours). They legally own the funds until they grant them to your chosen nonprofits. Many people think of fiscal sponsors as “nonprofit umbrellas” that extend their tax-exempt status to projects aligned with their mission.

How it works in practice

1. You apply to a sponsor or set up a simple agreement (Memorandum of Understanding).

2. The sponsor creates either:

• A dedicated project account, or
• A simple donation page for your fundraiser.

3. Donors give directly to the sponsor.

4. The sponsor handles receipts, accounting, and holding the funds.

5. When you’re ready, the sponsor grants the pooled funds to the two cancer organizations you’ve selected.

Why fiscal sponsorship works so well for multi-charity fundraisers

• Donors receive tax-deductible receipts right away, with no ambiguity.
• No funds pass through you personally, which avoids tax complications and builds trust.
• You can pool everything and present a unified fundraising total, something donors may appreciate.
• Sponsors are experienced at managing donor-designated gifts, reporting, and compliance.
• Your fundraiser appears more official, which can increase giving.

What it costs

Most fiscal sponsors charge a 5–10% administrative fee. This covers accounting, monitoring, and processing donations. The fee should be part of your written agreement.

Who offers fiscal sponsorship?

• Community foundations
• Nonprofits focused on health or social impact
• Organizations listed in the National Network of Fiscal Sponsors or the Fiscal Sponsor Directory

If you have a nonprofit you already support who you think may fit the bill, it’s a good idea to approach them first and see if they’d be amenable to serving as your sponsor. If you’re already a donor or volunteer there, they may agree to a minimum fee.

(2) Charity-hosted fundraising pages: A simple, direct, low-effort option

If your two chosen cancer-related nonprofits already use modern fundraising platforms, they may create peer-to-peer or team pages for you.

How this works

• Each nonprofit creates a special fundraising page for your campaign.
• You share the links with your community.
• Donors click the page corresponding to the charity they wish to support.
• The charity receives donations directly.
• The charity issues receipts automatically.

Pros

• No admin work for you beyond promotion.
• Donors get automatic receipts.
• You’re not handling money at all, eliminating compliance risks.
• Easy to set up if the nonprofit supports peer-to-peer campaigns.
• Automatic tracking of total raised per page — the platform shows the running total and progress toward goals.

Cons

• You cannot combine totals across two separate fundraising pages automatically; this must be done manually.
• The nonprofits must agree to create the pages—and not all will.

2. If your donors don’t care about tax deductions

If your donor base is small, personal, informal, or simply unconcerned about deductibility, you can gather contributions into a single shared account and later donate the total to the charities of your choice. Transparency is essential to protect trust. Donors must understand their gift is not tax-deductible because they are giving to you, not a charity. You, in turn, pledge to donate the pooled funds to charity.

Saving the pooled funds in a segregated account

Alas, there are no good apps of which I’m aware that will accomplish this for you. A start-up called Braid looked promising, but dissolved in 2023. GoFundMe is an option if you’re raising for a single charity, but will not work if you have multiple beneficiaries.

The only truly compliant option is a segregated personal bank account (or sub-account) dedicated to this purpose. This works for bookkeeping, but the responsibility and risk fall on you. This approach works when:

• Donors personally know and trust you.
• The campaign is small and informal.
• No one expects a tax receipt.
• You are transparent that the money flows through you.

Directly encourage donors to give to the charities on their own

Another low-complexity path is simply to encourage donors to give directly to each charity via each of their official websites.

• You provide donors with the two official donation links.
• Donors receive receipts directly from each organization.
• There are no administrative fees

The only downside is you cannot pool the donations into one gift. And if you care about reporting back to donors regarding how much you collectively raised, the only way to accomplish this is to ask donors to self-report the size of their donation so you can track total giving. Realistically, a lot of your donors will want to keep the size of their donations anonymous.

Which path should you take? A simple guide

If donors want tax deductions:

Best choice: Fiscal sponsorship

• Pools funds
• Keeps everything compliant
• Sponsor issues receipts
• Most professional-looking
• Slight administrative fee

Good Alternative: Charity-hosted fundraising pages

If a charity uses a P2P platform, and you create a personal fundraising page under their umbrella:

• All donations are made directly to the charity
• Donors receive their own tax receipts from the charity
• You get a visible tally of total money raised
• You never touch the funds
• You can easily show your progress toward a goal

If donors don’t need or care about tax deductions:

Best choice: Set up your own segregated bank account.

• Easy to set up
• Lets you pool collected funds so you can report back on the total to your donors
• No tax deduction (true either for donors or you personally, as money collected from others, ethically, is not your charitable gift

Final thoughts

Whether your donors prioritize tax deductions or simply want to support a meaningful cause with no fuss, you can choose a structure that fits the scale, tone, and goals of your fundraiser.

• If your priority is pooling the money and presenting a unified gift, fiscal sponsorship is the most flexible, credible, and compliant option.
• If your priority is simplicity, charity-hosted pages or a segregated bank account may work best.

Hopefully I’ve been able to shine a bit of a light so you’re no longer in the dark.

— Charity Clairity (Please use a pseudonym if you prefer to be anonymous when you submit your own question, like “In the Dark” did.)

Have you run an online fundraiser for multiple charities? Let us know in the comments.

The post What’s The Best Way To Run An Online Fundraiser For Multiple Charities? appeared first on Bloomerang.