If you’ve found your way here, chances are you’re as passionate as I am about making a real difference in the world through your nonprofit. But let’s face it, navigating fundraising can sometimes feel like a rollercoaster ride with unexpected twists and turns. Nonprofits often find themselves chasing any available funding, instead of focusing on fundraising that will lead to long-term financial sustainability.

As you step into the new year, are you ready to hit the ground running toward your fundraising goal? Set yourself up for success by checking the structural integrity of your nonprofit’s three-legged stool.

All fundraisers know the importance of stewarding relationships with their donors, but many feel they are falling short. Many of our clients experience feeling over-worked and under-resourced. When that happens, essential activities, like donor stewardship, can often fall through the cracks.

A successful annual campaign will bring in sustainable, unrestricted revenue and build long-term donor relationships.

Crowdfunding is a great way to build brand awareness, and it has become a popular way to fundraise by nonprofits, for-profits and even individuals. Thanks to social media, many of these efforts have gone viral like RAICES and the Ice Bucket Challenge. In fact, the crowdfunding industry has grown to generate $17.2 billion a year in North America alone. Still, this is not simply a “build it and they will come” approach. Success does not happen without a thoughtful campaign strategy.

“I Can’t Ask My Friends to Give” Have you said this before? Me, too.

Sometimes it sounds more like, “I am protective of my friendships.” Or, “If I ask my friends to give, then they will do the same and we’ll just be swapping donations.” [Insert other excuses about why you can’t introduce your giving opportunity to your friends here.]