Sharpe Blog

While it’s important to thank your donors for every gift, whether large or small, a special “thank you” can lead to the deepening of a relationship (and, perhaps, expanded giving). Here are a few suggestions from Sharpe consultants that you may not have thought of:   Kristin Croone: Universally, an “experience” far outweighs a tangible …Read More

An important relationship skill is the ability to see people as individuals rather than stereotyping them according to certain traits. This is also a valuable skill for fundraisers when working with individual donors. As a general marketing tactic, however, this can be impossible. It’s knowing general traits (i.e., the demographic makeup of your donor database) …Read More

Featuring compelling donor stories in your communications is one of the most critical strategies for engaging planned giving donors for your organization. These stories demonstrate your donors’ motivations for giving and show why your organization is so meaningful to their lives, thus inspiring others to say, “I can do that, too!”   As noted in …Read More

Even the most curmudgeonly among us can welcome and enjoy the thoughtfulness of a happy birthday message.  Why? A quick Google search tells me: Remembering someone’s birthday makes them feel recognized, seen and valued. Receiving birthday wishes reinforces social bonds and a sense of belonging whether it’s from family, friends or colleagues. Birthdays often trigger …Read More

When it comes to ensuring a nonprofit’s sustainability, striking the right balance between funding short-term needs and long-term viability hinges on combining annual giving, major giving and planned giving fundraising into a cohesive strategy. Annual giving provides a steady stream of immediate income, yet its reliance on recurring gifts can present challenges in meeting more …Read More

An RMD (required minimum distribution) is a mandatory withdrawal an IRA owner who is 73 or older must take. The RMD amount is based on the market value of the IRA account on the last day of the previous year. Because of the stock market high on 12.31.23 combined with further increases in the financial …Read More

I am often asked, “What is the secret to planned giving success?” My answer is always this (and it’s not a secret): “Targeted and consistent print communications.” Fundraisers have never been—nor will they ever be—able to control their donor’s timing. Globally, we can stay abreast of economic and social changes—tax laws, stock market rallies and …Read More

In the three decades I’ve spent as a marketing professional, I’ve seen many changes in how we communicate and consume information. Years ago, I worked for a local public broadcasting station during the time analog television was transitioning to digital. As P.R. director, I spent a lot of time on the phone helping viewers install …Read More

The landscape of planned giving is always changing, requiring a depth of knowledge, expertise and adaptability. In addition to being excellent relationship managers, gift planners must have knowledge of:   shifting demographics. changing tax laws. economic conditions. technological advancements. best practices, and more. When it comes to budgeting and a desire for a favorable return …Read More

Over our 60+ year history, Sharpe Group has worked with thousands of nonprofit organizations of all sizes and across a multitude of missions. One thing is constant: The Sharpe team is committed to making our world a better place through our work. It is often said there is strength in numbers, and we’ve found that …Read More