• Annual Reports: Pick the Right Stories
    Feb 13 2026

    Summary

    In this episode, Kelly discusses the need to craft compelling narratives that resonate emotionally and intellectually with the audience. The conversation also touches on the various formats of annual reports and how they influence the storytelling approach, encouraging organizations to reflect on their most significant developments and how to present them effectively.

    Join Sustain & Thrive: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thrive

    Request a Discovery Call with Kelly: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/schedule

    Takeaways

    • The framework of annual reports is changing due to better donor communication.
    • Storytelling is crucial in annual reports to engage donors.
    • Crafting narratives involves making donors feel and think.
    • Different formats require different storytelling approaches.
    • Client stories are common, but institutional storytelling is also important.

    Chapters

    00:00 Welcome to Fridays 4 Fundraising

    00:48 This Week's Focus: Annual Reports & Storytelling

    01:34 How to Pick Stories for Your Annual Report

    04:42 Resources to Support You

    06:04 This Week's Assignment: Decide How to Tell a Story

    Keywords

    annual reports, storytelling, nonprofit communication, donor engagement, data presentation, narrative crafting, client stories, organizational growth, impact stories, communication strategies

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    7 mins
  • Annual Reports: Pick the Right Format
    Feb 6 2026

    Summary

    In this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly discusses how annual reports are evolving, emphasizing the need for innovative formats that engage donors effectively. She highlights the shift away from traditional, lengthy reports towards more dynamic and accessible options, such as short PDFs, videos, and community engagement events. The focus is on understanding donor preferences and creating meaningful connections through impactful communication.

    Join Sustain & Thrive: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thrive

    Request a Discovery Call with Kelly: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/schedule

    Takeaways

    • Annual reports are evolving; there's no one-size-fits-all format.
    • Donors are less interested in traditional printed reports.
    • Engagement with donors should be frequent and dynamic.
    • Consider your audience's preferences when creating reports. Shorter, more visual formats can be more effective.
    • Community-building events can replace traditional reports.
    • Focus on the impact of donations to retain donor interest.

    Chapters

    00:00 Welcome to Fridays 4 Fundraising

    00:48 This Week's Focus: Formats for Your Annual Report

    01:07 How To Pick the Right Format for Your Annual Report

    06:09 This Week's Assignment: Pick an Annual Report Format

    06:30 Resources to Get You Growing

    Keywords

    annual reports, donor engagement, nonprofit fundraising, impact reporting, communication strategies

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    8 mins
  • New year, new gratitude campaigns
    Jan 30 2026

    Episode Summary

    Summary

    In this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly chats about the importance of conducting post-year-end gratitude campaigns to build donor loyalty. She discusses how organizations often bombard donors with requests for money without following up on the impact of their contributions. By effectively communicating the outcomes of donations and treating donors as partners, nonprofits can foster stronger relationships and encourage continued support.

    Get Support

    Note: We only support U.S.-based nonprofit organizations that are IRS designated 501(c)(3) organizations or that are fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) organization.

    Sustain & Thrive: Engaging, Supportive Group Learning: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thrive

    Nurture & Grow: Your Individual Giving Program Launch: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/nurture-grow

    Not sure what you need? Request a Consultation: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/schedule

    Takeaways

    • Put equal effort into thanking donors as you do in asking for money.
    • Donors want to know what happened after they donated.
    • Treat donors as partners in your mission, not just sources of funds.
    • Donors are passionate about the causes they support; acknowledge that passion.
    • Creating a sustainable fundraising strategy is essential for long-term success.

    Chapters

    00:00 Welcome to Fridays 4 Fundraising

    00:48 This Week's Focus: Gratitude After Year End

    03:14 How to Do Gratitude Campaigns

    05:32 This Week's Assignment: Find a Way to Partner with Your Donors

    06:15 Fundraising Resource You can Afford

    Keywords

    fundraising, donor loyalty, gratitude campaigns, nonprofit, communication, donor engagement, fundraising strategy, donor partnership, nonprofit management, fundraising success

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    8 mins
  • Kick off Stewardship with a Tax Letter
    Jan 23 2026

    Episode Summary

    Summary

    In this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly emphasizes the importance of sending tax letters to donors as a way to enhance donor appreciation and loyalty. She discusses the key elements of crafting effective tax letters, including the timing, content, and legal language to use. Additionally, she highlights the need for a solid fundraising infrastructure to support organizations in their fundraising efforts.

    Get Support

    Note: We only support U.S.-based nonprofit organizations that are IRS designated 501(c)(3) organizations or that are fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) organization.

    Sustain & Thrive: Engaging, Supportive Group Learning: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thrive

    Nurture & Grow: Your Individual Giving Program Launch: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/nurture-grow

    Not sure what you need? Request a Consultation: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/schedule

    Takeaways

    • Sending tax letters is a best practice for donor relations.
    • Send letters when donors receive other tax documents.
    • Include a summary of accomplishments in the tax letter.
    • Use clear language about tax deductibility to avoid legal issues.
    • Creating tax letters should be a straightforward process
    • Regular communication fosters a sense of partnership with donors.

    Chapters

    00:00 The Importance of Tax Letters for Donors

    03:37 Crafting Effective Tax Letters

    05:16 Building Sustainable Fundraising Strategies

    Keywords

    tax letters, donor appreciation, fundraising, nonprofit, donor loyalty, charitable deductions, communication, impact letters, fundraising infrastructure, donor relations

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    8 mins
  • Year End Work isn't Over Until You Say Thanks
    Jan 16 2026

    Episode Summary

    Summary

    In this episode of Fridays for Fundraising, Kelly emphasizes the importance of donor stewardship after year-end fundraising. She discusses how autoresponders are insufficient for expressing gratitude and suggests personalized approaches to thank donors, such as thank you calls and personal emails. Kelly encourages small nonprofits to leverage their ability to connect with donors on a personal level, fostering loyalty and engagement.

    Takeaways

    • Fundraising success requires warm connections, not just autoresponders.
    • Personalized thank yous can significantly impact donor loyalty.
    • Small nonprofits have an advantage in donor engagement in being able to personalize relationships with donors.
    • Thank you call-a-thons can be fun and effective.
    • Building relationships with donors is crucial for retention.
    • Creative thank you strategies can enhance donor experience.

    Get Support

    Note: We only support U.S.-based nonprofit organizations that are IRS designated 501(c)(3) organizations or that are fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) organization.

    Sustain & Thrive: Engaging, Supportive Group Learning: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thrive

    Nurture & Grow: Your Individual Giving Program Launch: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/nurture-grow

    Not sure what you need? Request a Consultation: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/schedule

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Fundraising Success

    00:53 The Importance of Donor Stewardship

    05:01 Creative Ways to Thank Donors

    08:12 Conclusion and Next Steps

    Keywords

    fundraising, nonprofit, donor stewardship, thank you calls, donor loyalty, small nonprofits, fundraising strategies, donor engagement, nonprofit success, fundraising tips

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    9 mins
  • Year End Campaign: Final Pitch on Dec 31
    Dec 22 2025

    Summary

    In this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly emphasizes the importance of concise messaging, effective use of visuals, and engaging donors beyond just fundraising campaigns to make a compelling pitch for donations on December 31. With practical tips and a focus on simplicity, Kelly aims to help nonprofits drive donations and build lasting relationships with their supporters.

    Join Sustain & Thrive: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thrive

    Join the Recipe for Relief Workshop Waitlist: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/2026-relief

    Takeaways

    • Nobody is reading a long email on December 31st.
    • How short can you make a case for support?
    • A picture is worth a thousand words.
    • Simple is actually a real winner.

    Chapters

    00:00 Kickstarting Your Fundraising Journey

    00:43 Maximizing Year-End Campaigns

    04:20 Engaging Donors Effectively

    05:51 Planning for Future Success

    Keywords

    fundraising, nonprofit, year-end campaigns, donor engagement, email marketing, short messaging, video content, fundraising strategies, donor stewardship, sustainable fundraising

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    10 mins
  • Year End Campaign: Simple Ways to Amplify Results
    Dec 12 2025

    Summary

    In this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly shares actionable strategies for small nonprofits to enhance their year-end fundraising campaigns by making small adjustments rather than drastic changes, engaging donors through personal outreach, and effectively communicating the impact of donations. Kelly also discusses the role of board members in fundraising efforts and introduces the concept of peer-to-peer connection as a way to boost campaign performance. The episode concludes with a preview of upcoming workshops and programs designed to support nonprofit leaders in their fundraising efforts.

    Join Sustain & Thrive: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thrive

    Download the Year End Campaign Planner: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/yearend

    Get on the waitlist for the 2026 Recipe for Relief Workshop: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/2026-relief

    Takeaways

    • Don't make massive changes, just tweak.
    • Calling your donors can be a great way to connect.
    • Bring in the board to activate your campaign.
    • State the need in a positive way.
    • Add a peer-to-peer campaign element to your campaign.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Fundraising Success

    00:52 Year-End Campaign Strategies

    02:02 Course Correction Techniques

    06:43 Engaging Donors Effectively

    09:12 Communicating Impact and Need

    11:54 Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Strategies

    14:29 Looking Ahead: Future Workshops and Programs

    Keywords

    fundraising, nonprofit, year-end campaign, donor engagement, fundraising strategies, peer-to-peer fundraising, impact communication, course correction, board engagement, fundraising success

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    15 mins
  • Year End Campaigns: Track & Assess Progress
    Dec 5 2025

    Summary

    In this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly emphasizes the importance of setting clear goals, tracking progress, and maintaining donor engagement without overwhelming them. The episode also previews future workshops aimed at building sustainable fundraising strategies for 2026.

    Join Sustain & Thrive: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thrive

    Download the Year End Campaign Planner: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/yearend

    Get on the wait list for the 2026 Recipe For Relief Fundraising Planning Workshop: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/2026-relief

    Takeaways

    • Assess your progress regularly during your year-end campaign.
    • Divide your overall fundraising goal into manageable weekly targets.
    • Pace your campaign to account for slower starts and bigger finishes.
    • Avoid making massive changes to your fundraising plan mid-campaign.
    • Use positive messaging to engage donors effectively.
    • Consider a call campaign to reconnect with past donors.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Fridays 4 Fundraising

    01:17 Year-End Campaign Strategies

    02:13 Setting and Tracking Fundraising Goals

    06:19 Maintaining Donor Engagement

    08:19 Looking Ahead: Future Fundraising Plans

    Keywords

    fundraising, nonprofit, year-end campaign, donor engagement, fundraising goals, small nonprofit, fundraising strategies, donor stewardship, fundraising success, fundraising planning

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    12 mins