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The last five years have been full of uncertainty for nonprofits, to say the least. The pandemic caused most activities to grind to a halt, particularly affecting in-person fundraising events and the arts. Some organizations shut down permanently. Just as things were settling into a new normal, 2025 brought new challenges for many organizations with…
As you are having those last-minute conversations with donors for December giving, here are a few ideas to help them make the most of their 2025 charitable gifts. Gifts of cash are convenient and easy to complete, whether made by mailing a check or giving online using a credit card or electronic transfer. With the…
Sharpe Group has published many articles and blog posts over the years expressing the importance of and offering tips for thanking donors. It’s that important. Here are some do’s and don’ts that may help you in sharing your appreciation. Do acknowledge all gifts promptly. While gifts of larger amounts usually require a personal visit in addition…
In this digital age, email communication is convenient, quick and efficient. However, for most planned and major gift donors, there’s still something special about receiving a well-thought-out card, note or letter in the mail. Here are some tips for crafting the perfect correspondence. What’s in a name The appropriate salutation depends on how well you…
In addition to teaching the mechanics of gift planning, we are frequently asked about the best ways to thank donors who have made bequest commitments—especially when the notification comes from someone who does not have a long-term relationship with the charity. Here are some tips for thanking the donor you don’t know. Who should…
When you think about it, a person who makes a planned gift commitment is treating your organization like a dear friend or close family member, so they deserve to be treated as such. One way to show ongoing appreciation is by having a planned gift recognition society. This allows you to keep in touch with…
Though financial concerns that existed for several years appeared to accelerate during the first quarter of 2025, there are signs that several economic indicators are improving, and the last part of the year may be different, setting up some potential good news for year-end gifts. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, gross domestic product…
For those who (wisely) don’t ascribe to the theory that “print is dead” for planned giving marketing, it is important to design your materials for those 70 and above who are reading with older eyes. Following these guidelines will ensure that your materials are senior-friendly. Limit italics. Italic and script typefaces are difficult for…
If your existing planned giving program is flatlining, it may be time for a comprehensive review of your organization’s strengths and weaknesses. Sharpe’s Planned Giving Program Assessments are completely scalable and are designed to outline valuable insights to drive your current and future marketing and donor cultivation efforts. Some of the strategies include: Interviewing staff…
As a fundraiser, your most important asset is your donor data. Having complete and accurate data helps you gain valuable insights to better know your donors and understand their motivations for giving. Studies show that the information you have about your donors (age, wealth, contact information) changes by as much as 20% every year. Sharpe…