Tax-Deductible Limits on Estate & Bequest Gifts: A Refresher

2026-10-28T10:25:51-04:00

The federal estate tax exclusion rose to $15 million per person for 2026, and it adjusts for inflation beginning in 2027. That figure determines which donors face estate tax and how a charitable bequest changes the outcome for their heirs. Planned giving leaders who understand the mechanics of this exclusion can hold more productive conversations with donors and their advisors and prepare their organizations to receive larger gifts. In this refresher, we’ll cover the 2026 exclusion and rate, the code sections that govern charitable deductions, the conditions a bequest must meet, the operational groundwork behind planned gift fundraising, and the treatment [...]

Tax-Deductible Limits on Estate & Bequest Gifts: A Refresher2026-10-28T10:25:51-04:00

How to Safely Use AI Tools for Donor Outreach: 4 Tips

2026-09-30T16:03:50-04:00

Despite its potential, many nonprofits hesitate to adopt AI systems due to valid concerns surrounding privacy and data security. While Virtuous reports that 92% of nonprofits use AI in their process, only 7% have an effective plan to use it to successfully improve their mission. Additionally, AI use poses a real risk of data leaks, especially for nonprofit organizations that often hold a large amount of sensitive donor data without a strong IT infrastructure.  While these concerns are valid, AI provides a valuable tool for nonprofit organizations to support their staff’s administrative workflows and increase their operational capacity.  This article explores [...]

How to Safely Use AI Tools for Donor Outreach: 4 Tips2026-09-30T16:03:50-04:00

5 Tips for Recruiting Volunteers for Product Fundraisers

2026-09-24T09:52:20-04:00

Whether you’re selling popcorn, flower bulbs, cookie dough, candles, or another exciting item, a product fundraiser is a great way to engage your supporters and earn money for your cause. Since donors receive something in exchange for their donations, they’ll be more inclined to contribute—creating a win-win situation for all. A strong team of volunteers can help you plan and run these campaigns effectively. In this guide, we’ll provide tips for how you can create a comprehensive volunteer recruitment strategy to make your product fundraiser a success. 1. Clearly define volunteer roles. To encourage potential applicants to sign up for volunteer [...]

5 Tips for Recruiting Volunteers for Product Fundraisers2026-09-24T09:52:20-04:00

Collaborating Across Missions: Joint Fundraisers That Work

2026-08-25T17:18:21-04:00

Picture this scenario: your nonprofit has mapped out a series of upcoming fundraising activities. Perhaps you’re planning a mix of casual virtual fundraisers and commitment-heavy events, like galas or silent auctions. But no matter how good your fundraisers sound or how dedicated your supporters are, there’s one problem: your annual budget is already at its limit. This is a familiar hurdle for many nonprofits that want to scale their impact without overextending their internal resources or overwhelming their current audiences. Thankfully, there’s a solution to this: hosting a joint fundraiser with another mission-aligned organization! By joining forces with another organization, your [...]

Collaborating Across Missions: Joint Fundraisers That Work2026-08-25T17:18:21-04:00

How to Strengthen Grant Applications With Volunteer Impact

2026-10-09T16:04:25-04:00

Along with filling gaps in service delivery, volunteer programs signal that your community is deeply invested in your nonprofit’s mission. When you capture and share that volunteer impact, it can become one of the strongest assets in your next grant proposal. Grant applications filled with volunteer impact data and stories reassure funders that their dollars will be leveraged—not duplicated—by existing local commitment. To get there, thoughtful reporting in every stage of the volunteer lifecycle, from recruitment to retention, sets you up for long-term grant success. In this post, you’ll learn how to convert volunteer data into meaningful metrics and compelling narratives, [...]

How to Strengthen Grant Applications With Volunteer Impact2026-10-09T16:04:25-04:00

Payroll Giving Eligibility: A Guide to Recurring Revenue

2025-12-12T10:24:03-05:00

For any nonprofit development director, the ultimate goal is not just raising money—it is raising predictable money. While galas and end-of-year appeals bring in vital spikes of cash, they are resource-intensive and volatile. The true financial bedrock of a resilient nonprofit is recurring revenue. Enter payroll giving. Payroll giving (also known as workplace giving) is the most efficient, sustainable fundraising channel available. It allows employees to pledge a portion of their paycheck to your nonprofit automatically. It acts as a "set it and forget it" mechanism that turns a one-time donor into a lifetime supporter, often with a higher lifetime value [...]

Payroll Giving Eligibility: A Guide to Recurring Revenue2025-12-12T10:24:03-05:00

Corporate Sponsorship Eligibility: A Guide for Nonprofits

2026-10-13T16:09:36-04:00

Securing a corporate sponsor can feel like a watershed moment for a nonprofit organization. It is more than just a check; it is a stamp of approval from the business world that brings funding, credibility, and access to entirely new audiences. A single partnership can fund a program for a year, provide the technology needed to scale operations, or lend the marketing muscle required to turn a local campaign into a national movement. But for every successful partnership, there are dozens—sometimes hundreds—of proposals that end up in the recycling bin. Why? It usually isn’t because the mission wasn’t noble or the [...]

Corporate Sponsorship Eligibility: A Guide for Nonprofits2026-10-13T16:09:36-04:00

Top Fundraising Strategies for Donors Without Employer Matches

2025-12-05T17:28:35-05:00

Unfortunately, not all donors are going to qualify for employee matching gift programs, which is a key means of tapping into corporate giving revenue. This ineligibility may include some retirees, freelancers, self-employed individuals, and employees at organizations without matching gifts. Rather than focus solely on what employers won’t do, we recommend that nonprofits like yours take proactive steps to engage these “unmatchable” supporters through creative alternatives.Strengthening your donor engagement strategy to serve every donor, regardless of their employer’s policies, cultivates deeper donor relationships, unlocks new revenue streams, and builds resilience into your annual fundraising, ultimately fueling your mission for the long term. [...]

Top Fundraising Strategies for Donors Without Employer Matches2025-12-05T17:28:35-05:00

5 Elements of a Successful and Fun School Fundraiser

2025-09-17T17:08:33-04:00

So you have a great idea for your next student program—an exciting field trip, a new extracurricular you just know the kids will love, or maybe you’re finally replacing that old basketball hoop. Whatever your goal, a school fundraiser is a great way to raise the money you need while getting students excited about giving back to their community. However, hosting a school fundraiser can be stressful. You want to please parents and kids and keep track of donor information, all while actually raising the money you need to be successful. To help you stay on task, here are some key [...]

5 Elements of a Successful and Fun School Fundraiser2025-09-17T17:08:33-04:00

Maximizing Impact on a Budget: 6 Event Hacks for Nonprofits

2026-08-26T14:27:45-04:00

Planning a nonprofit event on a limited budget can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategy, meaningful impact doesn’t require endless funds. With the right approach, your team can create experiences that engage supporters, attract new donors, and build community, all while staying resourceful.  Focusing on smart planning, creative partnerships (including in-kind donations!), and simple but effective tools can help you stretch every dollar without sacrificing quality. Let’s explore practical event hacks that help your nonprofit deliver big results, even with a limited budget. 1. Optimize your event plan. Every successful event starts with a plan that aligns with your mission [...]

Maximizing Impact on a Budget: 6 Event Hacks for Nonprofits2026-08-26T14:27:45-04:00

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