Soapbox Engage Blog

Issue 286

Happy Tuesday, Fundraisers!

As we settle into the rhythm of the new year, this week’s newsletter is a reminder that momentum is built through thoughtful, consistent action. From why there’s no such thing as “later” for individual donors to smart ways to stay in touch, remove friction, and deepen relationships, these pieces focus on doing the right things early (and well!).

You’ll also find insights on identifying hidden major donors, turning year-end supporters into second-time givers, and the habits that can set you up for stronger results in 2026. Let us know what you think!

You can receive the Fundraising Weekly newsletter each Tuesday by subscribing today!

Great Fundraising Posts

For Individual Donors, There Is No ‘Later’

Steven Screen (The Better Fundraising Co.)

When an individual receives a fundraising appeal from your organization, they don’t set it aside to review in a few months. They decide if they want to donate right then, or not at all. Steven explains how to harness this urgency in your fundraising.

Stay In Touch With Your Donors By Creating a Communications Calendar

Ann Green (Ann Green’s Nonprofit Blog)

You may have fallen into the trap of only communicating with your donors when asking for money. But in order to raise more money and better fulfill your mission, you should be communicating with your donors all year round. In this blog post, Ann explains how a communications calendar will help you stay in touch.

How To Identify Hidden Major Donors Your Wealth Screening and Prospect Research Will Never Find

Greg Warner (Market Smart)

When trying to identify major donors, you are likely reviewing your existing donors and seeing who has the capacity to give more. But have you considered looking for major donors amongst your supporters that have never donated? In this blog post, Greg explains how looking to this group can help you find hidden major donors.

5 Strategies to Turn End-of-Year Donors Into Second-Time Givers

Joe Frye (NonProfitPro)

Giving season is now over! Hopefully, you came away from the recent giving season having reached your goals, with many new first-time donors to your cause. In this blog post, Joe offers tips on how to encourage those year-end donors to give a second gift.

What 2026 Is Already Asking of Major Gift Fundraisers

Gail Perry (Gail Perry Group)

We’re a few weeks into the new year, meaning you are likely beginning to assess what the year holds for you and your organization. Do you know what you will need to do this year, as a major gift fundraiser? This blog post offers three observations on how major gift fundraising is shifting and what it will mean for you in 2026.

Fundraising Software Must-Haves: From Manual Messaging to Automated Corporate Giving Outreach

fundraisingIP (fundraisingIP)

In the world of nonprofit development, you may often feel like you’re facing “resource scarcity.” And that doesn’t only refer to scarcity of funds, but also of the time and capacity of your employees. With that scarcity in mind, it’s important to do what you can to lighten the load of your fundraisers. This blog post covers software must-haves that can bring some ease to your fundraising strategies.

Are You Making it Hard to Give?

Mary Cahalane (Hands On Fundraising)

As a fundraising professional, it’s your job to make it as easy as possible for a supporter to give to your organization. But it’s possible that you may actually be getting in the way! In this blog post, Mary identifies things you may be doing that makes it hard for donors to give, and what you can do instead.

The Two Fundraising Debates That Keep Missing the Point

Kevin Schulman (The Agitator)

There is a lot of advice about fundraising floating around. And some of it can be conflicting! It can be easy to get lost in a binary when trying to figure out what to do. In this blog post, Kevin identifies two common fundraising debates that are missing the point.

Want Better Results This Year? Start With These Four Habits

brightspot. (brightspot.)

Three weeks into the year, how are you faring on your new year resolutions? Are you achieving your goals or have they already fallen to the wayside? No matter your answer, it’s not too late to get back on track or decide to try something new. This blog post offers four new habits to start that will give you better fundraising results in 2026.