Soapbox Engage Blog

Issue 288

Happy Tuesday, Fundraisers!

February is here, and with it comes a good moment to zoom out and take stock. This week’s roundup invites a strategic lens: what needs to be reinforced, what risks need attention, and where small shifts can create lasting stability.

Scroll down for perspectives on donor trust and retention, guidance on making monthly giving a true priority, and practical considerations for financial risk, DAF giving, and board engagement. We’re also looking ahead at how tools like auction software and generative AI are shaping the future of nonprofit operations.

Enjoy!

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Great Fundraising Posts

Best Nonprofit Auction Software: What to Look For in 2026

Soapbox Engage (Soapbox Engage)

As nonprofit fundraising evolves, so do the expectations supporters bring to events. Whether organizations are moving away from spreadsheets and paper bid sheets or simply trying to raise more with less effort, choosing the right auction software can make all the difference. This blog post shares what to look for when you’re evaluating nonprofit auction software, and how to ensure the solution you choose helps you raise more, delight bidders, and streamline your entire event workflow.

8 Donor Retention Mistakes Nonprofits Should Avoid

Richard Perry (NonProfitPRO)

Most donor retention problems don’t stem from bad intent. They come from everyday behaviors that quietly erode trust, weaken relationships, and make donors feel disconnected from the mission. Left unaddressed, these missteps compound over time, causing loyal donors to drift away. This blog post shares the eight most common donor retention mistakes nonprofits should avoid this year.

3 Steps for Being More Strategic with Your Board

Marc A. Pitman (The Fundraising Coach)

A board of directors can be a great asset to your nonprofit organization. But only when utilized correctly. In this blog post, Marc shares three steps to be more strategic with your board and improve their ability to support your mission.

Financial Risks Every Nonprofit Should Prepare to Mitigate

Jon Osterburg (Greater Giving)

The nonprofit sector is constantly evolving due to shifts in technology, donor expectations, and tight budgets. These challenges introduce an array of financial risks that can threaten an organization’s hard-earned reputation and sustainability. Proactive risk management in nonprofit operations involves identifying, evaluating, and mitigating potential threats before they disrupt your work. This blog post explores some common nonprofit risks and how you can implement strong internal controls to navigate them effectively.

A Strong Foundation

Steven Screen (The Better Fundraising Co.)

Your fundraising system may be pretty complex. But ultimately, it should have evolved from a strong, simple foundation. In this blog post, Steven identifies the strong foundation that all fundraising should be rooted in.

4 Ways to Keep up with DAF Giving

Jeff Brooks (Future Fundraising Now)

Donations from DAFs (Donor Advised Funds) are growing fast. If you haven’t already begun utilizing DAFs in your fundraising strategy, you need to be. In this blog post, Jeff offers four ways to keep up with DAF giving.

Navigating the Future: A Nonprofit Finance Leader’s Guide to Generative AI Adoption

Paul Preziotti (The ENGAGE Blog)

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a practical tool that can revolutionize efficiency, capacity, and impact of nonprofit organizations. However, successful AI integration requires more than just selecting a tool. It demands a comprehensive strategy covering utility, data, and organizational culture and governance to ensure adoption is ethical, effective, and sustainable. This blog post outlines four critical pillars for nonprofit finance leaders looking to responsibly and effectively adopt generative AI.

Why You Need to Make Monthly Giving a Priority

Ann Green (Ann Green’s Nonprofit Blog)

Does your nonprofit organization have a monthly giving program? If you don’t, or if you have one but aren’t giving it a lot of attention, you’re making a mistake. In this blog post, Ann shares why monthly giving is important for your nonprofit, how to start or grow your program, and how to nurture it going forward.

The Trust Gap Between Nonprofits and Donors and What Fundraisers Can Do About It

Melanie Green (True Sense)

According to the Health of the U.S. Nonprofit Sector report from Independent Sector, 57% of respondents trust nonprofit institutions. This is an alarming statistic, considering you can not raise funds without trust. This blog post features tips on how to build and reinforce donor trust via direct response.