Imagine reading this: The Identifiable Victim Effect “500,000 people in your state lack access to clean drinking water.” Now compare it to this: “Maria, age 10, walks three miles every day to fetch water for her younger brother. Some days, the water makes them sick. Last week, she missed two days of school.” Which one do you feel more drawn to? If you said Maria — you’re not alone. Researchers.
Whether you’re a brand-new nonprofit founder, a volunteer turned fundraiser, or someone who just got handed the job of “bringing in money” — welcome! Fundraising can feel intimidating, but it’s also one of the most energizing, purpose-driven roles in the nonprofit world. The good news? You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Here are 10 practical tips that every new fundraiser should know —.
How to Write Winning Grant Proposals for Nonprofits Writing a grant proposal can feel intimidating for beginners, but understanding what funders want and following a clear structure will greatly improve your chances of success. Grantmakers typically look for proposals that align with their own mission and address a clear community need, presented in a well-organized, compelling manner. In.
Reaching out to potential donors “cold” (without prior interaction) is a common tactic for nonprofits, whether you’re contacting individual donors or local businesses. Cold fundraising emails can help you expand your supporter base in a cost-effective way – if they’re done thoughtfully. In the U.S., 26% of donors say that nonprofit emails inspire them to give, so a well-crafted email can make a.
You might wonder, why would a business (big or small) give away money or resources to nonprofits? Isn’t that counter to their profit motive? In reality, philanthropy and grantmaking can benefit companies in many ways, making it a win-win situation. In the United States, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and charitable giving have become mainstream in the business world – not just for Fortune.
Fundraising is the heartbeat of every nonprofit — and also one of the hardest parts of the job. If you've ever felt overwhelmed trying to raise money for your organization, you're far from alone. In fact, a recent survey found that nearly all fundraisers feel anxious about constantly finding new donors . From unclear strategies to lack of support, many nonprofit professionals are facing similar.
Fundraising isn’t just about persuasion — it’s about connection. When donors say yes, it’s not because your appeal had the best stats or a slick layout. It’s because something in your message sparked emotion. Something resonated. Science backs that up. Donors are moved by meaning, trust, ease, urgency — and most of all, by feeling like their gift will make a difference. Yet too many fundraising.
Every shift counts—bottles included. You don’t need a sommelier on staff to drive wine sales—just smarter strategies grounded in data and best practices.
If you’re ready to turn your love of wine into a professional asset—or just want to learn how to speak about wine with confidence—earning a wine certification is a great place to start. But with several respected programs out there, how do you know which one is right for you? In this post, we’ll break down the three most popular entry-level certifications, who they’re best for, and how to choose.
Preparing for your first sommelier tasting exam? You’re not alone if you feel equal parts excited — and totally overwhelmed. Whether you’re aiming for WSET, Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS), or the Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW), the tasting portion can feel intimidating if you don’t know what to expect. Here’s what every first-timer should know—plus how the OSU Wine Workshop can help you.
