This is my last bit of advice before January 1: make sure you’re dating year-end gifts correctly. Checks, credit cards, DAFs, stock, and QCDs all play by different IRS rules, and getting them right protects donor trust. I put together a quick guide to make this easier as you close out the year.

There’s a deceptively small detail in fundraising that can make or break a relationship: a name. One wrong prefix, a lowercase first name, a duplicate record that turns “Dr. Lopez” into “Mr. Lopez”… and suddenly what should feel personal feels careless. Donors don’t always say when it bothers them — but when they do, it’s unforgettable. I’m digging into why this happens, how it snowballs, and why getting a name right builds lasting trust.

If your days feel endlessly full, you're not imagining it. Nonprofit work is generous—and relentless. Tasks that would make life easier get pushed to “later.” But this Monday, Nov 25, the Black Friday Bundle for Nonprofits drops. Chock full with 32 resources (worth $3,100) for just $97—tools that clear clutter, sharpen communication, and make stewardship effortless. When you’re supported, you don’t just keep up—you lead.

If your fundraising appeal could go out any day of the year, it’s probably not urgent enough. Urgency is what turns that’s nice into I should give right now. It’s not panic or pressure—it’s focus. Donors want to know why their gift matters today, not someday. Here’s what works: keep your appeals time-bound, spell out what’s at stake if someone waits, and give supporters a clear next step. Because when donors understand why now, they act—every time.

Donor-Advised Funds are one of the fastest-growing ways people give—but too often, nonprofits forget to mention them. ✨ That’s why I put together a quick guide to make giving via DAF embarrassingly easy: say it out loud, say it proud, celebrate it, and invite their story.

Year-end fundraising can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re a one-person shop juggling all the hats. 🎩 That’s why I pulled together a quick, one-hour checklist that helps small teams (and solo fundraisers) cut through the chaos and breathe easier. It’s not about perfection—it’s about readiness. Take an hour now, and your December self will thank you.

Not every nonprofit should lean into Halloween — or any holiday. 🎃 For some (think pet rescues or children’s programs), it’s a perfect fit. But for others, it can feel off or even alienating, especially when secular agencies spotlight one belief system while ignoring the rest. The rule of thumb? Holidays only work when they authentically reflect your mission and community.

Before year‑end giving heats up, the smartest move isn’t another appeal — it’s gratitude. Saying “thank you” is the single best way to inspire your next gift, and it doesn’t need to be perfect. Authentic always beats polished. Want to spark generosity this season? Start with the warm fuzzies. ✨

Even if you think you aren’t… you probably are. And if you’re not acknowledging properly or promoting them, you’re likely out of compliance and leaving money on the table. With RMDs due by December 31, now is the time to put this amazing giving tool to work for your mission.