Every organisation wants to design digital solutions with a rich user experience. To do this, they need a thorough understanding of how people interact with technology and experience these solutions. As humans we are hardwired to spot certain patterns and responses in our surroundings. We use these responses and patterns when we are solving problems … Continue reading How to design kick-ass pages and products by simply asking some questions
Most public sector messages are not direct marketing
The ICO says public sector organisations can send ‘promotional’ messages which would not be classed as direct marketing, if they are necessary for a public task or function. This is significant. ‘Promotional’ messages have always been considered as ‘direct marketing’ before, regardless of whether they are sent by commercial companies, not-for-profits or the public sector. It … Continue reading Most public sector messages are not direct marketing
Data doesn’t speak for itself: Why data storytelling is important
Almost all data is a recording of past events - what has happened before. People have to explore and analyze it to find historical truth, in the hopes it can reveal trends, inform the next direction to take, and act as a guide for the actions necessary to improve the future. For analysts in an … Continue reading Data doesn’t speak for itself: Why data storytelling is important
Philanthropy and Cyber-Security
With more than a trillion dollars flowing in 2017 from donors and government agencies to grantees in the United States alone, online thieves have discovered fertile hunting ground. Cyberattacks have only gotten more clever, and the stakes higher. To thwart hackers, organizations in the philanthropy space need to focus on both common security practices and … Continue reading Philanthropy and Cyber-Security
Does Your Nonprofit Need a New Donor Retention Strategy?
Donor retention was 45.5% at the end of 2017, which is not an inspiring number. So, why should my organization be focused on donor retention? One major reason is financial – it costs less to motivate an existing donor to donate again, versus attracting new donors. In addition, you already know that they believe in … Continue reading Does Your Nonprofit Need a New Donor Retention Strategy?
Leadership and the art of plate spinning
It is often difficult to find similarities between philanthropy and the commercial world (asking for a donation is not the same thing as sales). One area where commonality can be found is the drive for change. The impact of fundraising drives change within your organisation, your community and maybe even the world. Driving change is … Continue reading Leadership and the art of plate spinning
Is your nonprofit missing out on a huge crypto-tunity?
Want to know who’s cooler at using technology to raise money than your average well-funded university or nonprofit? Malala, that’s who. Also, the United Way. The Count Basie Center for the Arts, Wake Forest University, Cushing Academy, and 200+ other nonprofits that have signed up with The Giving Block to accept cryptocurrencies. “Oh, cryptocurrency. Pfft!” you might be thinking. … Continue reading Is your nonprofit missing out on a huge crypto-tunity?
Five Emerging Nonprofit Trends In 2021
Last year, most nonprofits successfully pivoted to virtual engagement, increased services to meet demands and grappled with fundraising declines. In 2021, these emerging trends and others will have critical implications that extend well beyond fundraising and stewardship. Equity And InclusionVirtual Employee EngagementCollective Displacement: Remote WorkMental Health And WellbeingFlexibility And 'Futureproofing' While we've come a long … Continue reading Five Emerging Nonprofit Trends In 2021
5 Ways to Make the Case for the Back Office in Fundraising
Why is it so hard to secure investment for non-frontline roles? Perhaps the easiest answer is to acknowledge that leadership rarely has a fundraising background. But leaders are more likely to interact with the frontline officers. Their experience with fundraising is seeing and perhaps participating only in the cultivation and asking process. Their line of … Continue reading 5 Ways to Make the Case for the Back Office in Fundraising
How to Develop Effective KPIs
Of course Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are important. But, when push comes to shove, KPIs are only really useful if you identify the right ones for your cause. They will only deliver mission-critical data if you use the KPIs and analyse what they tell you on a regular basis to inform your decision making. In … Continue reading How to Develop Effective KPIs