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.

Most professional and volunteer nonprofit leaders immediately pounce on the wealth factor. It shouldn’t be overlooked that the two other components of the system are essential as well.

Just because someone has a lot of money doesn’t mean they’re going to be interested in supporting your cause. And even if there is such interest, you will be challenged to scale walls and clear obstacles to make an appeal as directly as possible, preferably face-to-face, an uber daunting task.

Successful nonprofits of all different sizes, missions, and parts of the country embrace data-driven strategy and tactics. In that spirit, we enjoyed and enormously benefited from deep diving into Bank of America and Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy’s 2025 Bank of America Study of Philanthropy: Charitable Giving by Affluent Households — their 10th study in our biennial series examining the philanthropic behaviors of affluent households in the U.S.

It is rich with findings, timely updates, and insights on those at the higher levels of the American wealth totem pole.

For perspective, the 2025 study is based on a nationally representative sample of 1,514 U.S. households with a net worth of more than $1 million (excluding primary residence) and/or annual household income of $200,000 or more. Respondents reported an average net worth of $24.2 million (median $2 million) and an average income of $571,876 (median $350,000). While they lead extraordinarily comfortable lives they shouldn’t be confused with the mega-billionaires who grab all the headlines for making mega-gifts.

The group studied provides a much more realistic prospect pool that your organization may be able to reach and avoid the traffic jams surrounding the wagons of multi-billionaires. Based on many of the study conclusions and our experiences in the field, here are 10 recommendations for developing effective approaches for discovery, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of this elite circle of high wealth individuals.

1. The wealthy are more philanthropic: In 2024, 81% of affluent households made charitable contributions, with donors giving an average of $33,219 to charity — more than 10 times the level of the general population. Needless to say, this is directly related to their ability to do so. It’s also significant that 73% of affluent families with wealth under $1 million made charitable contributions compared to less than half of the general population.
2. Personal values are the strongest motivator for charitable giving: 68% of affluent donors are guided by their personal values or beliefs, while 57% are motivated by their interest in specific issue areas. This deep personal connection to giving help explains why 87% of donors report finding their charitable giving personally fulfilling.
3. The top three causes supported are basic needs (43%) and religious services/development (38%), with health care or medical research supported by 24% of donors: In terms of dollars, 39% of total giving went to religious organizations, followed by 16% to basic needs, and 14% to higher education.
4. They welcome volunteering: 43% of affluent individuals volunteer their time and talents to charitable organizations, contributing an average of 120 hours during the year — compared to about 30% of the general population. This opens huge doors of opportunity to engage, enlighten, and showcase the impact of the mission. Volunteers are more likely to give to charity than non-volunteers and make significantly larger gifts, with volunteers giving on average two and a half times more than non-volunteers. We always like to point out that time is more precious than money because it can never be replaced.
5. Couples make decisions jointly: 46% of affluent households make all charitable decisions jointly with their partner/spouse, with another 11% making some but not all giving decisions together. However, relatively few donors (13%) involve their children, grandchildren, or other younger relatives in charitable decision-making. This represents a significant opportunity, especially as affluent respondents plan to leave 75% of their estates to children and grandchildren during the unprecedented $84 trillion wealth transfer projected to take place by 2045.
6. Affluent donors make 18% of their charitable gifts through tax friendly giving vehicles such as family foundations, and donor advised funds (DAFs), up from 11% nine years earlier: Twenty-four percent of affluent households now have a giving vehicle, with 48% of households worth $5 million to $20 million having or planning to establish one within three years.
7. Affluent Americans in so many ways are like the rest of us: For sure, they live in better homes, drive more expensive cars and enjoy fancier lifestyles. But their lives aren’t immune from primal fears such as physical and mental health challenges, family friction, and even running short of funds to cope with catastrophic medical crises.
8. Multiple causes are supported: On average, affluent donor households give to five organizations. This motivates nonprofits to work hard and work smart in acknowledging donors throughout the year and letting them know the impact of gift dollars, going beyond facts and figures and sharing compelling personal testimonials of beneficiaries. They also take advantage of every opportunity to seek advice and counsel on key strategic matters.
9. Waste and excessive spending doesn’t go unnoticed: The use of overly elaborate marketing materials and opulent special events creates lasting negative impressions on the use of gift dollars that can help those in need.
10. Introduce them to your world: Affluent donors don’t need to be wined and dined at the finest restaurants and clubs. They easily get enough of that on their own. Working for institutions of higher education, I was astounded by how much wealthy donors enjoyed just eating in cafeterias along with students. Take your mother’s advice and be yourself. As with any donor, the goal is friendship, and to whatever extent possible avoid acting intimidated and overly subservient. There is so much that everyone enjoys talking about such as favorite foods, sports teams, books, and movies.

None of this is to suggest that we should assign less value to those from other socio-economic backgrounds. It is not unusual for people from modest circumstances to contribute larger percentages of their wealth as the result of affinity for the nonprofit. But those who have more can certainly do more and provide much-needed philanthropic leadership that unlocks exciting opportunities and elevates impact and outreach.

The post Fundraising from the affluent appeared first on Bloomerang.

Apply the following 10 tactics to get your first donor meeting right and the odds of landing a second meeting (and ultimately a donation) jump to more than 70%. Not bad for the cost of a latte and scone.

1. Choose a setting that matches the donor’s style

No one-size-fits-all here. Meet donors where they’re most comfortable: their office, the golf course, a corner café, the top of a ski lift—yes, it’s happened.

Let the donor choose. But if they hesitate, suggest a couple options that are stylish, not showy. Avoid noisy and crowded cafes and restaurants. Think casual, quiet, comfortable. And think about logistics. Pick a place that is convenient for them to travel to. You don’t want a donor traveling through downtown Los Angeles at noon to meet you 10 miles away for lunch.

Want to make a good impression? Quietly pick up the tab. Arrive early. Hand your card to the server. At the end of the meal, have them bring the check, already paid. This tactic will go over as smooth as buttery jazz.

2. Be the captain of the meeting

You’re not there to dominate, but you are there to guide. Steer the tone, pace, and flow of the conversation. Keep it genuine. Keep it two-way. If the donor launches into a story about their pet raccoon, listen. Nod. Smile. And when the moment’s right, guide things gently back to discussion about your organization’s work, impact, and vision.

3. Get to know them

Start light, then dig deeper. Ask about hobbies, history, family, and what lights their philanthropic fire. Listen. Really listen. If they’re not talking 60% of the time, you’re monologuing, which can distract the donor and cause them to lose interest in you and the organization.

Example questions:

“Sarah, how did you meet our board chair, John?”

“What did you enjoy most about working at the embassy in Switzerland?”

“You mentioned you’ve had a long-time interest in helping abused children; why this issue?”

4. Have them get to know you

Donors give to people they like and trust. In fact, after four years, one of the top reasons donors continue to give to an organization, isn’t because of the mission, it’s because of the relationship the donor has with the person asking them for money.

But what if they don’t ask about you? Then sprinkle in your backstory casually. Be humble, but confident. Two minutes or less. Think ‘heartfelt bio’ not ‘résumé recital.’ Let them feel your passion, hear your energy, and see your sincerity. And be sure to toss in some personal data about a favorite hobby, interest, or how you got involved with the organization.

5. Seek alignment as you share stories

This is the heart of your meeting. Share stories that show your nonprofit is the rocket fuel for their philanthropic dreams. Align values. Meaning, look for ways to align the issues and things they care about with issues and things your organization is addressing. Share impact in a way that’s meaningful and easy to understand.

Be sure not to overwhelm the donor by tossing out too many stats. Combine logic with emotion. Know your budget numbers. Know your milestones. Know your history.

And above all, be a storyteller. Tell personal stories about how your program has changed the lives of your beneficiaries. Share stories of a staff member or volunteer, or of the organization’s vision. Powerful and emotional stories stir hearts and emotions, and we all know that what moves hearts, loosens wallets.

6. Don’t ask for money, but be prepared

If you were wise, you told the donor you wouldn’t be asking for money at the first meeting. A classy move. And if you made that promise, keep it by reinforcing it up front. Say something like:

“Jessie, I want to start this meeting by saying that I have no intention of asking you for money today. My purpose is to get to know you, for you to get to know me, and for you to learn more about the vital work we’re doing to help veterans.”

But what if the donor offers to donate? Well, that’s different. In that case, be gracious, smile, and thank them for offering. Then either accept the gift with humility, or encourage a delay until they’ve seen your programming firsthand—because a personal tour of your facility or programming could double the gift.

7. Set up a second meeting

The goal is the next meeting. So ask for it! And make it personal—invite them to a program visit, tour, or lunch with your founder. Bring your calendar. Lock in a date. If they can’t commit, follow up in two days. Keep the momentum going. Try this:

“I understand you need to check with your assistant. I’ll send an email on Tuesday to see what day is best during the first week of June. Will that work?”

8. Stop before the end time

Respect their time like it’s sacred. Watch body language. Ask, “Are we okay on time?” with 15 minutes left. Ending early earns respect. Ending late risks resentment. And no donor ever said, “Wow, I loved how they dragged that meeting on for an additional 35 minutes.”

9. Express gratitude when saying goodbye

Say thank you. Shake hands. Recap next steps. Mention something you enjoyed. Example:

“Oh, and thank you for sharing that wild story of how you survived five days in the Alaska tundra after your plane had an emergency landing. It was fascinating! And, as we discussed, I’ll send you the requested proposal by this Friday. Have a great day! Goodbye.”

10. Follow up immediately after the meeting

When you get back to the office, update your notes and log everything. If they asked for additional documents, send them. Promptly. Like superhero fast.

If they asked for something that will take time to assemble, like a proposal, and it’s going to take more than three days to create, email them on Day 2 to let them know you’re working on it. Don’t leave them hanging. Don’t be tardy. Overdeliver every time.

Summary

A great first donor meeting isn’t about razzle-dazzle—it’s about connection, curiosity, and timely follow-through. Be human. Be prepared. Be present. Nail the ten tactics above and you won’t need a magic wand to win a donor’s heart and a gift, just a good latte and a listening ear.

The post Don’t pitch, connect: 10 smart moves for first donor meetings appeared first on Bloomerang.

If your nonprofit has been considering hopping on the bandwagon or even just dipping your toe into the expansive world of AI, you’re in the right place! Consider this guide your one-stop shop for everything you need to know about AI for nonprofits.

Why AI is especially important for nonprofits

While every organization, no matter its sector, has its challenges, nonprofits carry a unique burden: when they’re buried in the day-to-day logistics, their ability to focus on their mission takes a backseat. And that mission is the whole point. From tracking donor engagement and identifying new prospects to drafting grant proposals and creating content, AI can take on many of the tasks that can typically drain a staff’s time and capacity.

What are the different types of AI?

Before diving into specific AI tools, let’s break down two of the most widely used types of artificial intelligence in the nonprofit space: generative AI and predictive AI. Knowing the difference between these models will help your organization better match the right tools to the right tasks. Whether you’re hoping to use AI for fundraising, to streamline internal processes, or improve donor outreach, understanding how these two types of AI work will give you the context you need to use them effectively and responsibly.

Generative AI solutions for nonprofits

As the name plainly states, generative AI generates content. With the rise of chatbots like Google Gemini and ChatGPT, generative AI has been a hot topic for a while now, but how exactly does it work? In a nutshell, generative AI identifies patterns based on the massive data set it’s trained on to then create new content.

If your nonprofit is looking for help with social media content, marketing emails, or grant proposals, generative AI can be a great tool. To put it simply, if content creation is a pain point for your organization, generative AI may just be your new best friend.

Predictive AI tools for nonprofits

Unlike generative AI, Predictive AI is trained on more targeted information. It’s all about delving into past data sets to forecast future outcomes. So, if your nonprofit needs assistance with engagement analytics or donor prospecting, predictive AI is a great asset to have in your toolbelt.

While generative AI is about creating, predictive AI is about anticipating. In an ideal world, your nonprofit would utilize both models in tandem, with predictive AI helping to inform your efforts and generative AI assisting in the execution of your strategy.

Now that’s all well and good, but finding these nifty predictive and generative tools (especially the right ones) can be an overwhelming experience. A quick Google search will populate countless services proclaiming their artificial intelligence is the one you need in your organization, making the entire process of finding the software that’s right for you incredibly tedious and time consuming. So, instead of spending countless hours scouring through different websites and giving yourself a headache, let’s cut through the noise and simplify what the best AI tools for nonprofits are.

What are the best AI tools for nonprofits?

Free AI tools for nonprofits

Google Gemini – Seamlessly works within Google Workspace

One of the biggest perks of Gemini is how naturally it integrates into Google Workspace. So, if you’re using Google Docs, Gmail, or Sheets, Gemini is easy to use and requires minimal (if any) training. The free version can help streamline content creation and daily tasks.

What we like about it:

• Auto-generate email responses or internal updates without leaving Gmail
• Brainstorm campaign ideas or newsletter drafts directly in Docs
• Summarize long documents like grant guidelines or meeting notes

Chat GPT – A go-to for quick content drafting and idea generation

Like Gemini, the free version of ChatGPT is great for drafting content, brainstorming ideas, writing email templates, or answering research questions. It’s intuitive, fast, and easy to use, even for non-technical users.

What we like about it:

• Draft newsletters, social media posts, and blog content
• Get help with idea generation for campaigns or programs
• Simplify complex topics for donors or community members

Buffer – Great for scheduling posts and basic social media analytics

Buffer’s free plan simplifies social media management by suggesting content and scheduling posts. It also offers social media analytics so your team can better understand how your content strategy is performing.

What we like about it:

• AI-generated copy tailored for each platform
• Manage up to 3 social media accounts and schedule 10 posts
• Offers 30-day engagement data on individual posts

Canva – Intuitive graphic design

Canva offers their premium features at no cost for nonprofit organizations. Their Magic Studio suite includes AI tools that assist with graphic design, social media content, and cohesive branding.

What we like about it:

• Easily create social media graphics, presentations, and flyers
• Use AI tools for photo editing, layout design, and copy suggestions
• Collaborate with your team using branded templates

Grammarly – Polishes writing for any task

Grammarly’s free plan corrects grammar and spelling, and its AI writing prompts can help staff create clearer, more professional copy. It’s the perfect tool if you feel your writing needs that little extra boost.

What we like about it:

• Fixes grammar errors in newsletters, emails, or reports
• Offers clarity and tone suggestions tailored to your medium
• Supplies 100+ writing prompts to help you get started

AI fundraising & donor management for nonprofits

Bloomerang AI Content Assistant – Perfect for personal donor communication and an ideal AI tool for growing nonprofits

This AI assistant helps nonprofits craft donor-centric communications and fundraising appeals, streamlining outreach and saving staff time. It’s also embedded within Bloomerang’s CRM, so if you’re already using our platform, you’re good to go!

What we like about it:

• Suggests language for thank-you notes and fundraising emails
• Saves time for small teams by reducing manual writing and complicated customization
• Keeps messages aligned with fundraising best practices

Gravyty – Finds the right donors and suggests the best approach

Raise, Gravyty’s AI tool, helps nonprofits engage with donors more effectively by identifying the best outreach opportunities and generating tailored messaging automatically. It’s also a great platform for building up your donor community.

What we like about it:

• Flags high-potential donors and prioritizes them by donation likelihood
• Suggests outreach timing and email content
• Integrates with your CRM for smooth tracking

What to look out for:

• Not ideal for those looking for a total Giving Platform 

DonorSearch AI – Turns your data into a simplified donor strategy

DonorSearch AI uses predictive analytics to highlight who is most likely to give to your nonprofit and the best way to engage them within a 12-month timeframe. If you’re looking for high-level insights into prospective donors, ensuring your outreach efforts are not only efficient but effective, this could be the tool for you.

What we like about it:

• Scores and segments donors using predictive modeling
• Tailors asks based on funder’s giving potential
• Helps plan major gift strategies with data-driven confidence

Fundraise Up – Optimizes the donor experience to boost giving

Fundraise Up’s AI uses behavioral data to adjust ask amounts and craft personalized touch points across the donation experience to increase recurring donors and reduce cancellations. Bonus points for determining whether or not a donor is likely to cover transaction costs.

What we like about it:

• Suggests donation amounts based on user behavior
• Offers real-time messaging throughout the donation process
• Improves donor conversion and recurring gift rates

AI grant writing & application tools

Grantable – Excellent for tailored grant writing

Grantable uses AI to simplify the grant writing process by helping you draft responses, organize proposals, and reuse content efficiently. Great for busy teams applying for multiple grants that are feeling overwhelmed and/or disorganized.

What we like about it:

• Generates suggestions based on past successful proposals
• Helps structure compelling and consistent responses in minutes
• Checks if you’re meeting grant requirements in real time

Instrumentl – Finds funders that truly fit your organization

While primarily a grant research platform, Instrumentl’s AI tools can assist with crafting stronger, faster, and more successful applications by pulling on its insights from nearly 1,000 funders. It also offers ready-made application forms and builds out any they may be missing.

What we like about it:

• Matches your nonprofit with relevant funders
• Offers smart templates and suggestions for proposals
• Tracks progress, deadlines, and submissions

FreeWill – Customizes grant proposals to your nonprofit

FreeWill’s Grant Assistant streamlines the entire grant proposal process by crafting proposals tailored specifically to your organization. It essentially becomes an expert on your organization, its cause, and the category’s funding opportunities.

What we like about it:

• Generates polished proposals aligned with funder expectations while maintaining your nonprofit’s voice and values
• Conducts automatic compliance checks
• Simplifies the overall grant workflow

ChatGPT Plus – Powerful research tool, perfect for breaking down RFPs

With the paid version of ChatGPT, you’ll gain access to faster performance and advanced capabilities (unlimited use of ChatGPT-4o, higher limits on file uploads, etc). If you’re wanting a more specialized approach to your grant proposals, it may be worth upgrading.

What we like about it:

• Summarizes RFPs and identifies key requirements
• Helps translate ideas into grant-ready language
• Assists in brainstorming project outcomes and ideal budgets

Grammarly Pro – Tailors proposal writing to your audience

While the free version of Grammarly is amazing all on its own, Grammarly’s Pro plan is a great step up if you’re wanting some extra help. With tone and clarity enhancements, Grammarly ensures you’re getting your exact point across. This can be a great tool when refining grant applications and ensuring they’re easy to read.

What we like about it:

• Adjusts tone to match your intended writing style (persuasive, warm, assertive, etc.)
• Offers vocabulary enhancement suggestions
• Helps avoid awkward phrasing or ambiguity in your proposals

Nonprofit AI marketing & social media

Buffer – Saves time by automating social media content

Buffer’s AI features help your nonprofit stay visible in the vast social media landscape by generating ideas for your posting schedule and optimizing your content for each social media platform. Like Grammarly, it can also tailor your writing to fit a specific tone.

What we like about it:

• Suggests optimal publishing time for the highest engagement
• Helps craft captions and hashtags
• Repackages top content for reuse

Lately – Ideal for repurposing content in new ways

Lately uses AI to turn long-form content (like blog posts or videos) into dozens of short-form social posts, helping nonprofits maintain consistent online visibility. Like some of the other tools on this list, it’s also capable of crafting personalized copy for your target audience.

What we like about it:

• Pulls quotes and key takeaways from past content to create social posts
• Maintains brand voice across multiple channels
• Reduces the time needed to maintain an online presence

Jasper – Perfect for marketing-heavy efforts

Jasper is a marketing-focused AI writing tool that automates workflows across all marketing channels. It can be especially useful for fundraising drives and events. From generating copy for websites to blog posts to ads, it’s a versatile tool that every marketer can use.

What we like about it:

• Offers campaign templates for events and giving days
• Built-in guardrails to ensure your brand voice is always at the forefront
• Helps establish a content strategy around your targeted audience

Canva Magic Studio – Simplifies content creation for everyone

Canva’s Magic Studio generates images, animations, and captions for social media, while their design interface offers pre-made templates for easy graphic creation. It’s a must-have tool for those of us without a background in graphic design.

What we like about it:

• Creates animations, videos, or static posts in minutes
• Easily adapts one design across multiple platforms
• Customize templates with your nonprofit branding

Gemini Advanced – Helpful for graphics and planning across the board

Gemini Advanced stands out for helping with both visual content and campaign strategy in tools like Google Slides and Sheets. With Gemini Advanced in your toolbelt, you can look forward to more impactful campaigns, streamlined workflows, and a more collaborative creative process.

What we like about it:

• Generates custom images for social posts and presentations
• Creates marketing plans and budgets with the help of AI
• Plans campaign timelines and content calendars efficiently

AI data analysis

Microsoft Power BI Copilot – Great for understanding complex data

Power BI’s Copilot helps nonprofits gain deeper insight from their data, all without the need of a data analyst. With Copilot, nonprofits can translate overwhelming amounts of data into bite-sized, easily digestible pieces, allowing them to make more informed decisions.

What we like about it:

• Automatically builds charts and dashboards
• Answers plain-language questions about your data
• Helps evaluate donor trends and campaign outcomes

Salesforce Einstein AI – Simplifies CRM insights to improve stewardship

Integrated into the Salesforce CRM, Einstein AI uses predictive insights taken from your donor data to identify at-risk donors and personalize engagement with them. It’s also great for pinpointing the most promising giving opportunities and forecasting future donation trends.

What we like about it:

• Identifies giving trends and high-value donors
• Suggests personalized outreach actions
• Integrates seamlessly with donor records and reports

AI operations & automation

Otter – Perfect for clear note taking and instant transcriptions

Otter.ai provides real-time transcriptions and AI-generated meeting summaries, ideal for nonprofit board meetings, trainings, or interviews. With Otter working for you, you’ll not only save time, but you’ll also ensure everyone in your nonprofit is up-to-date on the information that pertains to them.

What we like about it:

• Transcribes live or recorded conversations and saves them for easy sharing
• Summarizes meetings with action items
• Syncs notes with video or audio playback

Zapier – Takes care of repetitive tasks for you

Zapier uses AI to connect disparate applications like CRMs, online forms, and email, allowing for automatically updating data entries and facilitating timely follow up interactions. It’s a central hub for all your tools to interact with one another, essentially nixing the middle man so you can focus on more important tasks.

What we like about it:

• Automatically sends thank-you emails after donations
• Updates your chosen CRM with new contacts taken from form submissions
• Saves hours by reducing manual admin work

Notion AI – Great for keeping internal knowledge bases organized within one platform

Notion’s AI assistant is a perfect solution for nonprofits wanting to enhance their internal productivity and streamline operations. Whether you need to draft notes, summarize project plans, or automate knowledge management, Notion AI is a powerful internal productivity tool.

What we like about it:

• Helps write project plans and to-do lists
• Summarizes lengthy documents and identifies key takeaways
• Allows for easy team collaboration within knowledge bases

How to choose the AI tool for your nonprofit

Now that we’ve covered some of the best tools on the market, it’s time to get really clear on the pain points your organization is facing. If you have grant proposals down to a science, you probably don’t need to invest in a program like Grantable. But if your social media is all over the place (or nonexistent) it might be time to check out something like Buffer. Clarifying your pain points will be your guiding star in selecting what category of AI is for you.

Once you’ve done that, now comes the fun of looking at what your organization can afford. As made clear in our list, there are plenty of free tools that are worth getting started with, especially if you’re brand new to using AI. However, free tools are limited in their capabilities, and if you feel you’ve reached the limit of what they can offer, it’s probably time to invest.

Thankfully, many of the tools listed above have special promotions for nonprofits! Here are the services that offer discounts for organizations like yours.

• Google Gemini
  Eligible nonprofits can register to test Gemini for no-cost as part of Google Workspace for Nonprofits. Google also offers discounts for more advanced AI features.
• Open AI Chat GPT
  Nonprofit organizations can access ChatGPT Team at a discounted rate of 20% off monthly or annual plans, and large nonprofits can save 25% by contacting OpenAI’s sales team.
• Buffer
  Buffer offers a 50% discount on all their products and plans for nonprofits.
• Canva
  Canva offers nonprofits free access to all of its premium features.
• Jasper
  Jasper offers a 20% discount to nonprofits after they complete their free trial.
• Microsoft Copilot
  Eligible nonprofits can receive a 15% discount on Copilot.
• Salesforce Einstein AI
  Salesforce offers a wide range of discounts and special pricing options for nonprofits.
• Otter
  In conjunction with TechSoup, Otter offers a discounted rate off their annual business plan for nonprofits.
• Zapier
  Nonprofits can receive a 15% discount on a single Zapier plan.
• Notion
  Notion offers 50% off their Plus Plan for nonprofits.

Now that you know what tool works best for your organization from both a pain point and financial perspective, it’s best to narrow down your options by taking a look at what easily integrates with your existing tools. For example, if you’re already using Bloomerang as your CRM, it would probably make the most sense to make use of its AI Content Assistant rather than learning an entirely new system for your fundraising needs.

Finally, it’s time to take your new tool for a test drive! See how it feels, take the time to learn all the bells and whistles, and then, when you’re ready, scale it to your needs.

How nonprofits can use AI responsibly

We’ve covered a lot in this guide already, but there’s one thing that we cannot forget to discuss—using AI in a responsible and ethical manner. The world of artificial intelligence is evolving rapidly, and while all the tools we’ve discussed are exciting and no doubt beneficial, AI isn’t without its risks. If used improperly, AI can put your organization at risk for data breaches, legal noncompliance, and the spread of misinformation and unintentional biases.

As intense as all that sounds, as long as your nonprofit takes the steps necessary to responsibly use AI, there’s nothing to worry about. But, what exactly does that look like?

For one, proper training is key. Before rolling out the red carpet for your new savvy tool and letting staff run loose, be sure everyone who will be using your tool of choice understands that, while AI supports tasks, it should not be used blindly. Without oversight, AI can lead to sharing incorrect or harmful messaging—two things that could be detrimental to your mission. It’s vital to remember that AI is not a substitute for human judgment, empathy, or context.

It’s also important to conduct regular security checks. Without proper guardrails in place, sensitive donor information may be susceptible to cyberattacks or data breaches. This is also where it’s crucial to thoroughly vet whatever vendor you choose to work with. You’ll want to make sure their platforms are secure.

And don’t forget, transparency is everything! Stakeholders should understand how you’re using AI, and be sure to give donors the opportunity to consent to their data being used in an AI system. Don’t shy away from informing them of how you’ll keep their data private and secure.

Final thoughts

While AI Tools for Nonprofits came on the scene fast, they are here to stay. Although relatively new in the grand scheme of technology, it’s already become a vital tool for organizations trying to do more with less. So, whether you’re looking to use AI for fundraising campaigns, improve donor engagement, automate internal processes, or finally tackle that mountain of data, there’s a solution that fits both your goals and your budget. With so many options on the market today, nonprofits of all sizes can start small, scale smart, and make a real impact with the help of artificial intelligence.

The post AI Tools for Nonprofits: A Complete Guide in 2026 appeared first on Bloomerang.

We were among the many that were surprised by the conclusion reached according to those surveyed in Langley Innovations’ and Donor Participation Project’s State of the Development Profession Survey. It is “getting the first donor meeting.” No other challenge comes close to it. This finding is all the more mysterious because the majority of those surveyed expressed confidence in their ability and overall level of training, felt as if their fundraising materials were effective, and thought their performance metrics were fair.

We were expecting to hear that it was asking for the gift, especially face to face.

But common sense reminds us that without the first donor meeting nothing else is possible in forging new friendships for nonprofits, sharing crucial data and stories on mission impact, and ultimately earning gifts of time, talent, and treasure.

So, let’s share experience, lessons learned, and personal insights on principles, strategies, and best practices for securing the all-important initial meetings with donor prospects. Our favorite format is “lists of 10,” so here are our 10 stratagems acquired over a long career in the advancement profession.

1. Turn up the temperature: They are referred to as “cold calls” with good reason. The donor prospect doesn’t know you or have any reason to trust you. That’s why we always emphasize that all staff, board members, volunteers, and other members of the nonprofit family can contribute hugely to resource development success without ever having to ask for gifts themselves. This starts with breaking the ice and introducing contacts within their professional, personal, and civic networks to the mission of the nonprofit. So, when you reach out by telephone, email, or text, it can be a much more desirable “warm call.”
2. Money is the last thing on your agenda: The top priority is discovering everything possible about the donor prospect’s background, motivations, values, and priorities. Your purpose is simply to learn their stories, and most people love sharing their stories.
3. Schedule at their convenience: We’re all different and are all on different schedules. Find out their sweet spots. Just as important, find out their preference for communication — phone, email, text, or hopefully in person. On the topic of in-person meetings, we consistently find that neutral site coffees in midmorning or midafternoon are much easier to schedule than lunches.
4. Ask for their opinions: The old adage remains true as ever — ask for money and you get advice, but ask for opinions and the door opens to gifts down the road.
5. Listen more than talk: We like the formula suggested by our good friend and mentor, Laura Fredricks, CEO and Founder of THE ASK©, who defines a productive meeting as one in which the donor speaks 75% of the time and the nonprofit representative 25%. Be disciplined in delaying the temptation to share the mission, vision, and values of your organization.
6. Play show and tell: It’s one thing to talk about your nonprofit, but there’s no substitute for having donor prospects see facilities and observe the impact of programs and services for themselves. Especially powerful is putting faces to beneficiaries and those served by the mission.
7. Set a specific objective: Go into each and every meeting with one measurable takeaway in mind. This could be as basic as learning what’s important to the donor prospect and initiating a new friendship.
8. Be fanatical about follow-up: If you are fortunate enough to enjoy a productive first meeting, consider that your work has just begun. Keep momentum building by following up via the other party’s preferred method of communication. If you are asked questions you can’t answer, be sure to research it and relay that information as swiftly as possible. We call sending handwritten notes through snail mail the secret sauce of stewardship. How many do you receive each day? This will definitely set you apart and above others.
9. Enter notes into your donor CRM: Typically, we call these “contact reports” that address the highlights of what was learned during the meeting and next steps in advancing the friendship.
10. Strategically plan the next “move:” The ultimate goal is obtaining gifts of time, talent, and treasure. The greater the target amount, especially for major gifts, requires more time and distinct activities aligning the values, priorities, and needs of donor prospects with the mission of your nonprofit.

Consider the first meeting as the equivalent of a first date. You’re on your best behavior. You want a second, third, and successive dates that culminate in an authentic bond that grows closer and closer over time and a partnership that benefits everyone involved.

The post Securing the first donor meeting appeared first on Bloomerang.

Dear Charity Clairity,

“I’ve had several promising conversations with major donor prospects. They’re engaged, curious, and even emotional when we talk about our work. But then… nothing. No follow-up gift. No next steps. It feels like failure. I’m wondering—am I missing something in the ask? How do I artfully turn good conversations into real commitments?”

— Meetings, but No Movement

Dear Meetings, but No Movement,

First, the good news. You’re doing something many fundraisers never quite master: creating genuine, meaningful conversations with your donors. That emotional engagement is gold. It’s not even close to failure. It’s foundation.

It means your cause is landing in their hearts. But it can be frustrating – to both of you! — when those moments don’t lead anywhere tangible.

You’re not alone. This is one of the most common—and human—challenges in major gift fundraising. The reality is many donors won’t move forward unless they’re specifically invited to. They might walk away from a conversation inspired, but without clarity on what you want from them — and when. If you walk out thinking, “That went great,” but don’t end with a defined ask or next action, they may leave thinking, “That was lovely… maybe someday.”

You need to offer a clear, confident next step.

Here are three ways to shift from connection + confusion (around next steps) to concern = commitment (to a specific amount for a specific purpose):

1. Don’t “save” the ask—trust the relationship you’re building.

It’s easy to wait, to keep building rapport, to want “just one more meeting” before asking. But here’s the truth: when you don’t ask, you leave your donor in limbo. They may wonder “What was the point of that conversation?” Or they may wonder if they were supposed to take the lead and offer to make a gift (even though they weren’t sure how much and when) – and, since they didn’t, maybe now you don’t like them?

It’s completely natural to hesitate when it comes time to make the ask—especially when a conversation is flowing, emotional, and human. You don’t want to disrupt the connection with a financial request. You’ve created a comfortable rapport. The ask seems uncomfortable. Even disruptive.

Yet, when done with care, inviting someone to give doesn’t disrupt the relationship—if anything, it deepens it. You’re saying: I see your values, I hear what matters to you — and I believe you’re the kind of person who wants to make a meaningful difference.

Many donors are waiting for your invitation. They won’t ask you—because they think you’ll come to them when it’s time. So instead of “circling back later,” try something like:

“I can tell this issue matters to you in a deep way. Would you be open to a conversation about what being part of this work might look like for you?”

OR TRY

“I can see how much this work resonates with you. We’re looking for a handful of leaders to help us launch this next phase—and I’d love to explore how you might play a meaningful role.”

This approach keeps the emotional rapport flowing while offering a clear path forward. It honors the donor’s heart and their agency. It’s not transactional—it’s personal and purposeful.

2. Make the “why now” clear.

Many donors intend to give eventually. What helps them act now is a sense of purpose—not pressure. That purpose could be timing (“We’re launching this program next month”), momentum (“We’ve secured the first half and need a final push”), or even meaning (“This is a pivotal year for the artists we serve”).

You don’t need urgency in flashing lights. You just need to help them feel their action matters now—not someday.

3. Give them a role, not just a number.

Major donors often want to know they’re more than a wallet to you. They want to feel needed in a way that’s personal and reflective of who they are. Try framing the opportunity as a role they could authentically step into:

“With your passion for the theater, I think you’d be a powerful advocate for this next chapter. We’d love to explore what that could look like with you.”

OR TRY

“A gift at this level could underwrite an entire new work, and we’d be honored to recognize you as a champion for emerging artists. Is that something you’d be open to talking more about?”

When a donor sees their gift as part of their identity — not just a number—they’re far more likely to act, and to stay engaged long after the gift is made.

Your conversations are already the beginning of commitment

Perfect moments don’t always present themselves. You have to make them happen. And it’s most magical when you and your donor create that moment together.

The hard part—earning emotional trust—is already happening. The shift you’re looking for doesn’t require pressure or perfection. It just takes a little more clarity, a little more courage, and the belief that asking is part of honoring the relationship—not risking it.

When you invite someone to take action on something they care about, you’re giving them a chance to become the person they want to be. That’s a beautiful thing. Keep showing up with heart, and keep asking with intention. The gifts will come.

You’ve got this,

— Charity Clairity (Please use a pseudonym if you prefer to be anonymous when you submit your own question, like “Meetings, but No Movement” did.)

The post [ASK AN EXPERT] Why Aren’t My Donor Meetings Turning Into Gifts? appeared first on Bloomerang.

As an essential and integral part of your fundraising strategy, your major donors should feel valued by your organization. It’s a general rule of thumb that 80% of donations come from 20% of donors, but some studies have found those numbers to be even more lopsided. Bloomerang research found that 88% of donations come from just 12% of donors!

This guide provides key insights about finding major donors and determining the right ways to engage them to solicit major gifts. We’ll cover the following:

• Major donor FAQs
• How to identify major donor prospects
• Qualifying and ranking major donors
• Tips for cultivating major donor relationships

Identifying, stewarding, and soliciting major donors takes time and effort, but it’s ultimately worth it when your organization can rely on a solid major giving foundation.

Wrapping up

While all supporters are important, don’t fall into the trap of “treating everyone like a major donor.” Cultivating your major donors takes time and dedicated relationship-building strategies, so give them the attention they deserve.

If you’re interested in learning more about major donors and your major gift strategy, check out these additional resources:

• Major Gifts 101: What You Need to Know to Raise More. Learn more about how to develop your major gift program to have the most productive conversations with your major donors.
• The Ultimate Donor Engagement Guide + Top Strategies. Major donors are highly engaged with your organization. Use this guide to develop a strategy that provides plenty of engagement opportunities.
• Donor Stewardship: Expert Tips To Build Strong Relationships. Stewardship strategies help your team develop relationships with your major donors. Review these top tips to steward your supporters.

The post How to find and engage major donors: the ultimate guide appeared first on Bloomerang.

1. Show that overhead costs are covered

Many donors hesitate to give because they worry about overhead. How much of my donation actually goes to the cause? That’s a question every fundraiser has encountered. If you can assure donors that a major benefactor or foundation has already covered administrative costs, you remove a major mental barrier to giving. People love the idea that 100% of their gift will go directly to programs. Transparency in this area can transform cautious supporters into generous backers.

2. Ask for donations in face-to-face settings

Most nonprofits drastically underutilize face-to-face solicitations, even though they are the most effective way to secure major gifts. In fact, nearly 80 percent of all money donated to charities comes from people, and nearly 80 percent of this money comes from face-to-face giving.

While emails, phone calls, and letters have their place, nothing replaces a direct, in-person ask. Sitting down with a donor allows you to build trust, share your passion, and create a personal connection. Most importantly, it creates a dynamic asking environment where the donor can ask questions and the fundraiser can nurture a relationship.

And many donors are willing to give more than they initially planned, simply because of the emotional engagement that happens in these meetings. If you’re not spending at least 20-30% of your time on direct donor interactions, you’re leaving money, big money, on the table. Pick up the phone and take a donor to coffee, or better yet, invite them to see your programming in action.

3. Focus on passionate donors, not just wealthy ones

Some of the biggest gifts in nonprofit history have come from donors who started small. It’s easy to chase after millionaires, but the truth is, commitment matters more than capacity. The loyal donor who gives $100 a year, year-after-year, could one day leave a $1 million bequest. Stewarding and nurturing relationships with people who genuinely care about your mission can yield long-term rewards. More than 200 of Harvard’s million-dollar donors started with contributions of less than $100. It’s not always about who has the most money—it’s about who has the deepest connection to your cause.

4. Leverage the power of major gifts to inspire others

Donors often look to their peers for validation before deciding to give. When they see that a high-net-worth individual or well-known foundation has stepped up with a substantial gift, they begin to believe in the worthiness of your cause.

This is especially true for capital campaigns, program expansions, and during gala fundraisers. A well-publicized lead gift creates momentum and credibility. People naturally think, If someone of that caliber believes in this, then it must be a great investment. Highlighting major contributions in newsletters, at events, or through PR campaigns can create a ripple effect that motivates first-time donors or encourages existing supporters to increase their giving.

5. Establish matching gift opportunities

Matching gifts are one of the most powerful tools to encourage larger donations. Studies show that 40 percent of donors would make a larger gift if a match was applied to their gift. When people know that their $1,000 donation will be doubled or even tripled thanks to a generous match from a major donor or foundation, they feel like their contribution has exponentially more impact.

Donors want their money to go as far as possible, and a well-structured matching program taps into that desire. Not only does it encourage giving, but it also adds an element of urgency—people don’t want to miss out on the chance to maximize their gift. Smart nonprofits make matching gifts a cornerstone of their fundraising strategy, particularly for year-end appeals, capital campaigns, and special initiatives.

6. Ask donors for advice

Major donors are often business leaders, entrepreneurs, and seasoned philanthropists who have been involved with numerous nonprofits and giving campaigns. Instead of treating them as cash machines, invite them into the strategy process. If you’re struggling to close the final gap in a capital campaign, ask a major donor how they would approach the challenge. People love sharing their expertise, and when they feel invested in the solution, they are far more likely to contribute at a higher level. This approach transforms donors from passive funders into active partners in your success.

7. Use big names to lend credibility

When a well-known celebrity, high-profile individual, industry leader, or respected public official in the community supports your nonprofit, it signals trust and legitimacy to potential donors. People feel safer making social investments in organizations that have been vetted or endorsed by those they respect.

It’s not just about wealth; it’s about reputation. Whether it’s through testimonials, endorsements, or advisory board participation, big names provide a psychological “stamp of approval” that can move hesitant people to give, and usually to give more.

8. Give donors their moment in the spotlight

Let’s be honest, people love recognition. Many donors won’t say it outright, but deep down, some, not all, appreciate being valued publicly. Recognition doesn’t have to be grandiose. A simple shout-out in a newsletter, a profile in an annual report, or a moment of gratitude at an event can go a long way.

Some of the most effective donor engagement happens when nonprofits highlight community influencers, those who may not be wealthy but who have significant social capital. Think about the impact of acknowledging a beloved local pastor, a café owner who supports youth programs, or a retired teacher who’s been a loyal supporter for years. When people see individuals like these being recognized, they feel encouraged to give.

9. Demonstrate the impact of giving

Donors want to see the return on their social investment. It’s not enough to tell them their gift is helping—you need to show them. Impact stories, progress reports, and real-life testimonials go a long way in proving that their contribution is making a difference. Instead of vague statements like, Your support helps children in need, try something more concrete: Because of you, 300 at-risk students received free tutoring and meals this year. When donors see tangible outcomes, they are more likely to deepen their commitment and increase their giving.

10. Inform donors of needs instead of directly asking for money

Sometimes, the best way to secure a donation is not to ask for one at all. Instead of saying, We need $50,000 to expand our literacy program, try something more engaging: We have 500 children on a waiting list for our literacy program, and we need more books and tutors to serve them. This approach shifts the conversation from a financial transaction to a shared mission. People want to solve problems, not just write checks. By framing the need in a compelling way, you allow donors to see themselves as part of the solution.

Conclusion

Motivating donors to give more isn’t about manipulation or high-pressure tactics—it’s about inspiration, connection, and trust. By leveraging major gifts, creating matching opportunities, highlighting credibility, recognizing donors, demonstrating impact, and engaging them personally, nonprofits can cultivate lasting relationships that lead to increased generosity.

The key is to make donors feel like true partners in the mission. When they see the impact of their giving and feel genuinely appreciated, they won’t just give more—they’ll give for years to come. Unlock generosity and loyalty by treating donors with the respect, appreciation, and engagement they deserve.

How do you unlock generosity without pressure? Let us know in the comments. 

The post Motivate Your Donors To Give More Without Pressure appeared first on Bloomerang.

Because major gifts are so large, cultivating and acquiring more of these donations requires time and dedication. In this guide, we’ll cover the need-to-know information and steps to create a major gift fundraising strategy, including:

• Major gifts: FAQs
• The primary types of major gifts
• 7 steps to start a major gift program
• Major gift fundraising tools

Let’s start by reviewing the basics of these key donations.

Prospect research plays a key role in identifying potential donors—individuals who have the capacity, interest, and propensity to give to your organization. Identified prospects are those recognized through prospect research as having fundraising potential before moving on to qualification or cultivation efforts. High potential prospects are individuals identified through data analysis and predictive modeling as being most likely to make significant donations.

Qualified prospects are those who meet specific criteria based on giving history, engagement patterns, and other relevant data points, ensuring your outreach is targeted and effective. It’s also important to understand each prospect’s interests so you can tailor your communication and proposals to what matters most to them.

Wrapping up

A strong major giving program will serve your nonprofit for years to come. Taking the time now to build relationships with major donors will be worth it in the long run when you retain their support and encourage them to spread the word about your organization, bringing new supporters on board.

Want to learn more about how Bloomerang can support your major donor cultivation efforts? Watch this short video and contact our team today to chat about your goals.

Frequently asked questions about major gifts

Additional major gift fundraising resources

If you’re looking for additional support for soliciting major gifts, check out these resources:

• Major donors: who are they and where do you find them? Identifying potential major donors is critical to maintaining a healthy major giving program. Use the tips in this guide to find more prospective major donors.
• Nonprofit CRM software: explore 20+ solutions for 2025. Major donor relationships are built on data, and your CRM is where you store this information. Check out this buyer’s guide.
• Effective donor management: 7 best practices for nonprofits. Earning recurring support from major donors relies on your ability to manage major donor relationships. Review these seven best practices to manage major donors effectively.

The post Best Practices for Major Gift Fundraising: What You Need to Know to Raise More appeared first on Bloomerang.

I have a one-word response to that sentiment: Poppycock! It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy that dooms nonprofits to failure in the same spirit of not having the conviction, courage, and commitment to step up and ask for gifts of time, talent, and treasure in the first place.

In many tangible ways, unrestricted cashflow is the most valuable gift any organization can receive. In fact, a cogent case can be made that one unrestricted dollar is worth several restricted dollars.

Why are unrestricted gifts beneficial?

Unrestricted gifts are still certainly not the most popular or best understood. It is up to all of us involved in philanthropy to tell their story and explain the indispensable role of unrestricted giving in advancing the missions, objectives, and dreams of our causes.

Nonprofits continue to be challenged to do more with less. Leaders knew how to stretch nickels into dimes and now are being challenged to stretch them into quarters.

Unrestricted gifts represent immediately expendable resources that help meet current operational expenses. They go to work immediately to support and/or enhance core programs, pay for scholarships, new technology, salaries, books, upkeep of facilities, and much more.

That’s the inherent beauty. They can be used in countless essential ways.

Unrestricted money is a nonprofit elixir. Funds flow to the areas where the need is most timely and compelling. Plus, they empower an organization to be able to respond to unanticipated needs and opportunities, such as the crises that emerged from the pandemic.

People might enjoy designating their donation for a certain area/project and benefiting a specific program, but restricted gifts have finite utility. By not restricting contributions for a specific program or area, donors enable the organization to allocate its resources more efficiently and apply them where the needs are most pressing.

Leading advancement of three institutions of higher education, I can tell you that scholarships with very narrow awarding criteria drove us crazy. Specifying majors and home towns closed the doors for many deserving students. Frankly, too many donors were driven by the desire to mirror themselves or their experience.

Why is there resistance to unrestricted giving?

Some donors worry that their gifts will be wasted or used inefficiently. Those donors should pause and reflect on why they’re giving to the organization in the first place.

They obviously care about the mission, and through the organization, want to touch, improve, and save more lives, especially those who are struggling. Likely, they’ve done research and have confidence in the organization to reach the stage of having a relationship with them.

Unfortunately, too many nonprofit leaders have convinced themselves that donors won’t support such gifts and have been reluctant to ask for them. When you don’t ask, you don’t get.

Donors have every right to expect benchmarks and reports on the impact of their gifts. Donors making unrestricted gifts should receive the facts on the organization’s cost-effectiveness and the difference it is making in advancing its mission.

An effective best practice is establishing a recognition society to salute donors who make an annual commitment to unrestricted giving. This often constitutes a loyal inner circle of contributors who can be counted on during times of challenges and opportunities.

Think about investments in the private sector. When people invest in corporations and purchase shares of stock, they don’t restrict their money to specific areas such as research and development, marketing, and others. They expect the corporations to know how to best use their dollars and then prudently report on the return on investment.

Do stockholders instruct management how their money is to be directed? Of course not. They expect management to exercise good judgment and achieve the strongest possible return on their investment. If they’re not pleased with the return, they pull their investment. Why should the nonprofit sector be any different? Nonprofit leaders deserve the same level of respect.

Want to achieve stronger impact? Give your chosen nonprofit organizations latitude in spending your gift. The upside is huge — expediting stability, momentum, innovation, and growth.

Fortunately, at the highest levels we are seeing recognition of the power of trust-based philanthropy. MacKenzie Scott has blazed an amazing leadership trail in this direction, awarding more than $19 billion to more than 2,450 nonprofits and proudly and humbly proclaiming that they — more than she — know how best to spend those dollars to touch, improve, and save more lives. She isn’t alone. The Ford and Rockefeller Foundations and other major funders stepped up in awarding grants with maximum flexibility for recipients during the pandemic. In the foundation world, these are typically known as grants for general operating support.

In conclusion: Don’t overlook unrestricted giving

Nonprofit leaders should cogently and unabashedly make the case and ask for unrestricted gifts.

This is about unlocking potential and enabling the nonprofit to get down to the business of doing what it does best.

Trust is the most precious commodity in philanthropy, and by earning it, nonprofits and worthy causes can achieve amazing results. And donors, by placing their trust wisely in flexible funds, become dynamic partners in championing good works and empowering nonprofits to address the constantly changing areas of greatest need.

Does your nonprofit make the case and ask for unrestricted gifts? Let us know in the comments. 

The post Unrestricted: The Gifts That Keep On Giving appeared first on Bloomerang.