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Nonprofit leaders,

We know you are tired.

Up to 75% of nonprofit donations come in the 4th quarter. This season creates a hectic season of the fullest schedules for nonprofits, often leaving leaders burnt out and exhausted. We encourage you to find rest. Below are some tips our team has found helpful after a full work season.

1. Find small things outside of work that bring you joy.

Dedicate time to be still and calm your mind from your massive to-do list and find things outside of your job that made you happy today. Instilling gratitude for the small things will run over into every part of your life including your nonprofit. Start a Gratitude Journal to write five things each day for which you are grateful. That small act lifts your spirits. Download Blessings Brokers gratitude journal here.

2. Schedule time to do what you love.

Leaders of nonprofits make countless sacrifices every day. The selfless spirit of leaders is something to admire, however, it is important for leaders to fill up their tanks. Whether it is kayaking, hiking, reading a book, or simply taking a nap, schedule time to do what you love!

3. Find a Balance.

Long hours, working during family time, and rarely resting are common traits in nonprofit leaders. When you are passionate about your mission and love what your nonprofit is doing, it’s hard to find time to stop and relax. Finding a balance between all parts of your life is essential.

We want to bless you! If you are looking for some time away, Blessings Brokers would love to offer you a stay at Mount Sinai Cabin for a discounted rate. Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, it is the perfect place for reflection.

This year, Giving Tuesday will be on November 29th, 2022. The global day of giving always takes place the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. The holiday encourages generosity to and support of nonprofits and ministries. It can be a huge opportunity for ministries to raise funds, build awareness, and gain supporters. According to National Today, one-quarter of Americans plan to participate in Giving Tuesday.

Are you ready for Giving Tuesday?

We recommend planning a Giving Tuesday campaign. Utilize social media and emails to start the buzz now for what your ministry will be doing for Giving Tuesday. Use clear language, strong photos, and graphics to communicate with donors.

Donors and committed friends of your ministry can be a powerful tool this Giving Tuesday. Each person has a sphere of influence. Provide donors with social media graphics and content to share on their own platforms.

Need help this Giving Tuesday?

Our team is preparing Giving Tuesday marketing kits for our clients. These kits contain the content for strong social media and email marketing for Giving Tuesday and beyond. To learn more about partnering with Blessings Brokers this Giving Tuesday, click here. 

What is your view of fundraising? Thankfully the Bible provides all the principles we need for fundraising. That is why our staff at Blessings Brokers uses the term, “faith-raising.”

There are many Biblical figures like Moses and Paul who were “faith-raisers”. Moses was the first to conduct a capital campaign. In Exodus 25, God tells Moses to “take an offering for me; from every person whose heart was willing.” The response was so great that Moses actually had to tell the people that they had enough. “So the people were restrained from bringing any more. Now the materials were more than enough for them to do all the work.” (Exodus 36:6-7)

We see Paul, in the New Testament, asking churches to fund his ministry. “With regard to the collection for the saints, please follow the directions that I gave to the churches of Galatia. On the first day of the week, each of you should set aside some income and save it to the extent that God has blessed you, so that a collection will not have to be made when I come. Then, when I arrive, I will send those whom you approve with letters of explanation to carry your gift to Jerusalem.” (1 Corinthians 16:1-3)

These key faith-raisers give us a guide for how we can incorporate Biblical principles in our own fundraising strategies.

1. God is the Provider. Our foundation for every transaction in a ministry must be that God is the Provider.
2. We must totally rely on God, and not our own understanding; however, we must be willing to ask God’s people for funds.
3. Christians are called to lives of stewardship. This is true for ministries and businesses too. The dollars are not our own to spend.
4. We must be prepared to report on how donations are being used.

In my years working as a “faith-raiser,” I have found that these principles are key for every ministry. When we submit our desires and wills to the Lord and trust the Provider, this is when the fruit of our labor is seen.

1. Start Preparing for End of Year

While it might seem early to start planning for your end year Annual Fund campaigns, it’s not! It’s never too early to start preparing.  The more groundwork your nonprofit lays for your end of the year, the smoother the big asks, campaigns, and challenges will be.

2. Send out an Annual Report 

It is recommended that annual reports are created/published within six months of the end of your fiscal year. So if your nonprofit’s year ends in December, before June, it is best practice for your annual report to be sent out to donors and available on your website for the rest of the year for transparency. What does a good Annual Report include? A letter from the President, some good metrics of success and impact for your ministry, impact testimonials, two pie charts of your income and expenses, and a page of your “Looking Forward” vision.

3. Send out Customized Impact Reports to your top donors 

Sending customized impact reports to your top donors is a great way to give them a sneak peek of your annual report. Major donors love to see how their donations are being used, reports are a good way to create a lasting relationship!  These reports are easy to create in a Google Doc with the Annual Report content, then customize their name on the first page. You can mail them out (optimally) or send them individually as a pdf.

4. Look at a Possible Matching Challenge 

The Mid-Year might be the perfect time to run a matching challenge! We recommend doing this between Mother’s Day and Memorial Day.  Some non-profits include a way to “honor your Mom” by giving to your non-profit, then include a downloadable Mother’s Day card to kick off the Matching Challenge.

The Mid-Year is the perfect time to check in with your fundraising goals. It can provide an excellent opportunity to raise funds for your Nonprofit!

As many nonprofits are in full swing of planning, thanking their donors well from 2020, and meeting their fundraising goals for 2021, it is important to let your donors know how their 2020 donations are being used wisely. How can you do this? Create an annual report or “Impact Report.”!

An annual report is a document that highlights the impact you had this year. An annual report is like a yearbook, it shows metrics or bullets of successes or progress in the last year, and a pie chart of your income and a separate pie chart of your expenses, and pulls on heartstrings with a testimonial of at least one life that has been impacted by your organization. Meet with your team and pick out some of your favorite impact stories! 

It is recommended that annual reports should be published within 6 months of the end of your fiscal year. This means that if your nonprofit’s year ends in December, before June an annual report should be sent out to donors and available on your website for the rest of the year for transparency. 

Showing your income and expenses will set you apart as a nonprofit! Donors like to see transparency. Donors like to see “up and to the right” growth. Consider including a chart of the last 3-5 years and the growth you have experienced. Including your financial metrics can show donors that donating to your organization is a wise investment.

A sample, good Annual Report includes a letter from the president opening the report, bullets of success and metrics, measurable indicators, and also could include a page about looking ahead and plans for the future. Looking ahead can get donors even excited for what your nonprofit is doing!

Annual reports build trust and confidence with donors and keep your donors giving year after year. A successful annual report can help your nonprofit achieve its fundraising goals for the next fiscal year and serves as a marketing brochure that your donors can share with friends. 

Up to 75% of non-profit donations come in the 4th quarter. This season creates a hectic season of the fullest schedules for nonprofits, often leaving leaders burnt out and exhausted. Being a nonprofit leader is not easy.

Self-care brings countless benefits and longevity. Unfortunately, for so many influential leaders, self-care gets pushed to the back of the list. For some, it might be the guilt of taking the time for yourself when you feel pulled to be serving others, for some it might seem like a waste of time, and for some there just are not enough hours in the day.

Below are some tips for non-profit leaders to slow down and take care of themselves.

Find small things outside of work that brings you joy

Dedicate time to be still and calm your mind from your massive to-do list/meetings and find things outside of your job that made you happy today. Instilling gratitude for the small things will run over into every part of your life including your Non-Profit. Start a Gratitude Journal to write five things each day you are grateful for. That small act lifts your spirits.

Schedule time to do what you love

Leaders of Nonprofits make countless sacrifices every day. The selfless spirit of leaders is something to admire, however it is important for leaders to fill up their tanks. Whether it is kayaking, hiking, reading a book, or simply taking a nap, schedule time to do what you love!

Finding a Balance

Long hours, working during family time, and rarely resting is a common trait in non-profit leaders. When you are passionate about your mission and love what your non-profit is doing, it’s hard to find time to stop and relax. Finding a balance between all parts of your life is essential.

God cares about his children’s needs. In 1st King 18:1-8, Elijah is exhausted and is facing despair and loneliness. God saw this and sent an angel to remind him to take care of himself. “The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God” (1st King 18:7-8 NIV)

Non-profit leaders, you are making a difference! Blessings Brokers is praying for you and the fruit of your hard labor. Take time to rest and take care of yourself. The best is yet to come!

Read more leadership tips from our founder, Danya Jordan here.

Non-Profit Meeting Guide

We know the frustrations of having a meeting not go as planned…..

Follow these steps to leave your clients, potential clients, or team impressed!

• The most important meeting is the meeting BEFORE the meeting. Meet internally first to go over objectives who will be part of your meeting.
• If the meeting is scheduled to be in person, ensure a calendar invite has been sent weeks prior to all parties and the meeting venue—conference room, restaurant reservations, or private room—has been reserved. If the meeting is scheduled to be via Zoom, set up the Zoom and send a calendar invite with the secure Zoom link embedded in the calendar invite. Ensure the settings are correct for the waiting room, screen sharing, etc.
• If a major donor ask is being presented, prepare and print the documents well ahead of time.  Prepare a copy for each one in the meeting.
  • Customize the cover letter with the ask amount
  • Case For Support
  • Customize the Commitment Form
  • Include the Stock Transfer Form
•  If the meeting is via Zoom, the first three documents listed can also be merged into one pdf to send to the donor after the meeting if you have shared your screen and presented the Case For Support and ask.
• If the meeting is in person, prepare the room’s Audio Visual at least 30 minutes ahead of time for microphone check, LCD projector and laptop. Set up refreshments, water, pens, pads, and determine where each person will sit ahead of time. I pray over the space also.
• If the meeting is via Zoom, plan to log into the Zoom as the host 10-15 minutes ahead of time to welcome your guests.
  • • (3 minutes)
    • President (10 minutes)
    • Program Director (5 minutes)
• Prepare an agenda and send it to the meeting participants at least 24 hours ahead of time. Time each item and list who is the lead to optimizing time
• Smile and thank your meeting donors/participants again for their valuable time. Let them know you look forward to following up on the day/time you mutually decided.
• Write a handwritten thank-you note or at least an email after each meeting to the participants. That small gesture sets you apart even more.

Congratulations on leading a successful, influential meeting. You are making a difference!