Running a multi-channel fundraising campaign is a lot like baking the perfect cake—you need the right mix of ingredients, careful planning, and just the right timing. Last week, we talked about ingredients. This week, let’s break down the steps to whip up a successful campaign, with a sprinkle of baking puns along the way!

When it comes to your year-end fundraising campaign, selecting the right channels is like choosing ingredients for your favorite holiday bake. Each one brings something unique to the table, but not all are a perfect fit for every recipe. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of some popular fundraising channels to help you whip up the right mix for a successful campaign!

You know that friend who hits you up for money or favors all the time, and then disappears into the ether until they need something else? Don’t be that friend. Make sure your donors know the impact they’ve had on your organization this year BEFORE you ask them for their year-end contribution.

Picking a solicitation method to use for your fundraising without considering your audience and how you engage them is like letting the tail wag the dog. (And I don't know about your dog, but my dog can't do that.) Let's talk about the right way to decide how to fundraise.

Imagine meeting someone for the first time and immediately asking them for a favor. Chances are you wouldn't do that. So why do you do that with donors...asking for money before you've had a proper conversation. Donor cultivation is about building trust, showcasing the value of your work, and making the donor feel connected to the mission before asking them for a financial commitment.

Knowing your audience gets rid of the problems and complications that I know so many nonprofit leaders struggle with. If you want to find your donors, you have to think first about your ABCs. Who do you have Access to that Believes in what you do, and what is that person’s Capacity?

Matching gifts are a great way to rocket up the value of gifts given to any campaign, but they sometimes feel out of reach for small nonprofits. Let’s fix that.