Tag: fundraising

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Future-Proofing Nonprofit Fundraising: Thriving in a Changing Landscape

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

At Event Strategies For Success, we are always exploring forward-thinking approaches to nonprofit development. Today, we’re sharing an article by Lynette Battle, who is also one of our esteemed consulting blog contributors, offering insights into “Future-Proofing Nonprofit Fundraising: Thriving in a Changing Landscape.” As we continue to navigate shifts in the sector, we welcome diverse perspectives on these important topics.

In the wake of recent federal directives dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, nonprofits serving historically excluded communities face unprecedented challenges in fundraising and development. This shift while adding new complexities to fundraising, grantmaking, and development efforts offers a new opportunity.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is not dead—it’s just evolving. As funding landscapes shift and legal scrutiny increases, nonprofits must adapt, strategize, and build resilience to continue their critical work.

Below are seven actionable steps your nonprofit can take to navigate fundraising and development in this new era.

1. Reaffirm Your Commitment to DEI

Now more than ever, it’s crucial to stand firm in your mission. Even as external pressures attempt to dilute DEI efforts, your organization must embed inclusivity into your DNA.

🔹 Reevaluate your mission statement to ensure it reflects your ongoing commitment.
🔹 Train staff and board members to communicate DEI principles effectively.
🔹 Develop messaging that underscores the universal benefits of diversity and equity.

With increased scrutiny on race-conscious programs, nonprofits must proactively ensure legal compliance in fundraising and grantmaking.

✅ Review funding criteria—if race-based, consider shifting to broader economic or geographic qualifiers.
✅ Engage legal counsel to assess potential risks and refine fundraising strategies.
✅ Explore alternative impact metrics to demonstrate your organization’s commitment to serving marginalized communities.

3. Diversify Your Funding Sources

Relying on a single funding stream is risky. With government and foundation grants under potential threat, your organization should build a well-rounded funding portfolio.

💡 Expand fundraising efforts to include:
✔️ Individual donors and major gifts programs
✔️ Corporate sponsorships with DEI-aligned brands
✔️ Community-driven fundraising campaigns

A diversified funding strategy enhances stability and reduces vulnerability to political and legal shifts.

4. Shift Focus to Socioeconomic Factors

If race-based initiatives are under legal challenge, consider addressing economic disparities instead. Many historically excluded communities face systemic barriers tied to income, education, and geography.

🎯 Funders may be more willing to support programs designed around:
✔️ Low-income status
✔️ First-generation college students
✔️ Small business owners from under-resourced communities

By broadening your criteria, your nonprofit can continue serving its core audience while staying legally compliant.

5. Strengthen Community Engagement

The most powerful asset in fundraising isn’t just money—it’s people. When communities feel truly engaged, they become ambassadors, advocates, and donors.

🚀 Ways to deepen community ties:
✔️ Host listening sessions to understand evolving community needs.
✔️ Encourage storytelling—real impact stories inspire donors.
✔️ Launch a peer-to-peer fundraising campaign where supporters can raise money within their networks.

Community engagement builds trust and attracts sustainable funding.

6. Advocate for Inclusive Policies

Nonprofits can’t afford to be silent in the face of shifting policies. While adapting to legal constraints, continue pushing for systemic change.

✔️ Join coalitions that advocate for inclusive funding policies.
✔️ Educate policymakers on the importance of DEI funding.
✔️ Leverage research to show the economic benefits of investing in historically excluded communities.

Your advocacy efforts can help shape a more equitable philanthropic landscape.

7. Educate Donors and Stakeholders

Many funders do not fully grasp the impact of affirmative action rollbacks. Your nonprofit must lead the conversation and ensure supporters understand the stakes.

💡 How to educate your donor base:
✔️ Host webinars on how legal changes affect funding for underrepresented groups.
✔️ Share impact reports showing how your work fosters economic mobility.
✔️ Provide clear donation options tied to specific outcomes.

When donors see the urgency and impact of their support, they are more likely to remain committed.

The legal and political landscape may be shifting, but your mission is still vital. By staying proactive, diversifying funding, and deepening community engagement, your nonprofit can turn challenges into opportunities.

💡 Fundraising in the post-affirmative action era isn’t about retreating—it’s about evolving.

What strategies has your organization adopted to navigate these changes? Share your insights! 👇🏾

References

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Empowering Brooklyn: My Journey with the Brooklyn Org Community Advisory Council

A view of Brooklyn, NY from the waterfront

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

For the second year in a row, it has been my privilege to serve as a member of Brooklyn Org’s Community Advisory Council. This year’s council is comprised of 12 passionate and committed Brooklyn residents, each of us bringing our unique backgrounds and professional insights to our work. Together, we play an integral role in reviewing funding applications from Brooklyn nonprofits. A highlight of our work is visiting local organizations and helping to ensure that funding is directed where it is most needed.

Courtesy Brooklyn Org

Serving Brooklyn Through Community Leadership

The organizations we have had the honor of supporting span diverse sectors, with a focus on critical areas like healthcare, housing, education, and economic development. Every site visit reinforces the essential work these community-based organizations in Brooklyn are doing, and it’s incredibly fulfilling to be part of a process that amplifies their efforts across the borough.

As the team at Brooklyn Org so eloquently puts it, “Their role extends beyond simple advisory duties—they become advocates for the nonprofits we fund, offering their diverse perspectives to ensure that each grant meets the needs of Brooklyn’s most under-served communities.” This statement rings true, and I couldn’t be prouder of our work collectively. Our combined efforts are making a tangible difference in the lives of thousands of Brooklyn residents, and I’m honored to contribute to that impact.

Participatory Grantmaking: A Community-Centered Approach

Through our participatory grantmaking in Brooklyn, we are able to ensure that the voices of the community are at the center of our decision-making. Brooklyn Org is doing incredible work, and its impact can be seen and felt throughout the borough. I am proud to contribute to this important mission through my work with the Community Advisory Council. If you are a nonprofit leader or supporter, click the link below to learn how Brooklyn Org can support your mission.

Why Brooklyn Inspires Me

When asked what impresses me most about Brooklyn, here is what I shared:
“Brooklyn’s charm lies in its diverse community and the lively tapestry of its sights and sounds. Our differences not only define us but also bring us together, fostering a united spirit that strengthens our borough and makes it a wonderful place to call home.”

Here’s to your success!

Monique

Don’t forget to reach out to Brooklyn Org! Brooklyn Org’s Nonprofit Resources.

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Maximize Your Nonprofit’s Reach with High-Impact Events

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

In the ever-evolving landscape of nonprofit work, finding ways to keep our mission at the forefront of every initiative can be both a challenge and an opportunity. Today, I want to explore a powerful tool that can help us navigate this landscape with purpose and clarity: high-profile nonprofit events that foster impact and build legacy.

From where I stand, these transformational nonprofit events are more than just gatherings; they are strategic tools that foster vital conversations about your organization’s mission and long-term goals, creating visibility and momentum for your cause.

Given the current push for greater awareness and social impact among nonprofits and corporations, these events spark discussions that guarantee every project, partnership, and initiative aligns with your mission, propelling your organization ahead. Hosting thought leadership events for nonprofits is key in aligning strategy with mission in today’s nonprofit landscape..

Consider a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing affordable healthcare services in underserved communities. Over time, this organization might expand its programs to include education and policy advocacy. While these expansions are impressive, it is vital to ensure this growth continues to align with the nonprofit’s overarching mission.

By hosting an annual nonprofit stakeholder engagement event, like a community health summit, the organization creates a platform to engage stakeholders—including board members, healthcare professionals, donors, and community leaders—in strategic conversations. This agenda could feature exclusive nonprofit round-tables, panel discussions, and workshops that focus on emerging healthcare challenges and the organization’s evolving role in responding to them.

How can an organization make informed decisions that truly tackle the evolving needs of the communities it serves?

Through these legacy-building fundraising events, the organization can focus on initiatives, assign resources more effectively, and even reframe its strategic plan to stay aligned with its mission. These events guarantee that, amid growth and change, the organization remains both mission-focused and impact-driven.

Level Up Your Nonprofit: Aligning Strategy with Action

At Event Strategies For Success, we understand the transformative power of nonprofit fundraising strategy. That’s why we’re excited to host our first workshop of the Fall 2024 season, “Level Up Your Nonprofit: Fundraising & Event Strategies for Success,” on Wednesday, October 2nd, at the Elmont Public Library. This workshop is specifically designed for nonprofit leaders, particularly those serving low-to-moderate-income (LMI) communities and under-served populations. Our goal is to offer actionable strategies that will help your organization stay aligned with its mission while driving a more significant impact through strategic fundraising and event planning.

Here are some of the benefits you will get:

  • Expert insights on diversifying your fundraising efforts beyond government grants
  • Collaboration strategies to grow your network and amplify your impact
  • Event planning secrets to enhance your nonprofit’s visibility and success
  • Networking opportunities with community-focused leaders who share your commitment to making a difference

This workshop exemplifies the high-impact event principles we’ve discussed. It’s not just an opportunity to learn; it’s a strategic forum where nonprofit leaders can engage in meaningful conversations about their missions, share insights, and explore collaborative opportunities that align with their organizational goals.

This workshop exemplifies the high-impact event principles we’ve discussed. It’s not just an opportunity to learn; it’s a strategic forum where nonprofit leaders can engage in meaningful conversations about their missions, share insights, and explore collaborative opportunities that align with their organizational goals.

Our partnership with Highlighting Success, the Urban League of Long Island, Inc., and LIAACC Chamber of Commerce has made this event possible, ensuring that a diverse group of leaders can exchange valuable information and drive collective impact.

We believe that by fostering these strategic, mission-focused conversations, we can empower nonprofit organizations to level up their efforts and make sure that every initiative they undertake is mission-aligned and strategically designed to create lasting change.

Please register for the workshop here to join us and take the next step in aligning your strategies with your mission.

Fondly,

Monique

Register Today!

The image is a glowing North Star, to embody the sense of direction and alignment dicussed in the blog post.

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Keep the Magic Alive: Turning Event Success into Ongoing Impact

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Special events are a powerful tool in nonprofit fundraising. Whether it’s an intimate nonprofit leadership dinner or a grand gala, these high-profile nonprofit fundraising events are invaluable in building a cohesive strategy that truly resonates with stakeholders. For organizations that may lack a robust donor base, well-crafted events provide a unique opportunity to connect with and engage audiences in meaningful ways.

Over the years, we at Event Strategies For Success have partnered with diverse and influential organizations on both the national and global stage, each committed to making a significant impact in their respective fields. To learn more about these venerable organizations, please click here.

Done right, events generate excitement and momentum, much like a captivating work of art. However, without careful follow-up and planning, this energy can quickly dissipate. To ensure your events leave a lasting impact, here are six strategies to prevent them from fading away.


√ Integrate Events into a Larger Fundraising Ecosystem
To maximize impact, nonprofit fundraising events should be part of a larger, cohesive strategy with defined goals that reflect and elevate your mission. Events must be seamlessly woven into the broader fundraising vision, not as stand-alone activities, but as essential components that advance your organization’s executive leadership nonprofit consulting objectives.


√ Capitalize on Post-Event Engagement
When the event concludes, a new phase of engagement begins. It’s an ideal time to cultivate relationships and deepen connections with your supporters. Through personalized follow-ups, sharing transformational nonprofit event highlights, and inviting attendees to take on a more active role, you transform the event’s impact into ongoing support for your mission.

√ Leverage the Event as a Storytelling Platform
Your event should go beyond raising funds; it should be an engaging platform for storytelling. Whether a thought leadership event for nonprofits or a nonprofit stakeholder engagement event, these occasions provide a space to share your organization’s vision, showcase success stories, and highlight the change being driven. This emotional connection helps attendees see the value of their support and encourages their continued involvement.

√ Create Tangible Takeaways
Ensure that attendees leave with memorable, tangible takeaways. Consider impactful visuals, a compelling video, or a small memento that serves as a lasting reminder of the cause. These elements enhance nonprofit brand visibility through events and help foster ongoing commitment.

√ Analyze and Adapt
The conclusion of an event is a time for reflection and growth. Assess what worked and identify areas for improvement, using these insights to refine future events. Adapting based on experience ensures that your fundraising events remain dynamic and continuously effective.

√ Build Long-Term Relationships
Events are more than one-off opportunities; they are touchpoints that can build long-term, meaningful relationships. With a strong stewardship plan, you can keep donors engaged and informed year-round. Regular updates and exclusive nonprofit roundtable invitations allow supporters to feel valued and remain actively connected, ensuring the momentum generated doesn’t fade but strengthens over time.

Parting Thoughts

At Event Strategies For Success, we have a rich history of partnering with influential organizations committed to expanding access to critical services and driving impactful change. From local initiatives to transformational nonprofit events on the national and global stage, our nonprofit consulting approach helps amplify our clients’ missions. We provide 5 ways to work with mission-driven leaders, of established nonprofit organizations, who do the work even when no one else is watching. We are committed to your success.

Fondly,

Monique

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Building Strong Partnerships: Leveraging Volunteerism for Nonprofit Growth

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

In today’s challenging landscape, nonprofit organizations face financial constraints, limited resources, and heightened competition for donor support. As a nonprofit leader, you must constantly seek innovative ways to expand your reach and impact. One effective method is fostering meaningful collaborations with other organizations, amplifying resources, and broadening influence. Yet, forming these valuable partnerships begins with establishing impactful relationships, requiring time and dedication.

Recently, I came across an inspiring article, “Strengthen Your Business By Putting Your Values Into Action,” written by Kendra Davenport, President and CEO of Easterseals, and published by Forbes Nonprofit Council. This article resonated with me profoundly, as it aligns with my belief in the importance of volunteerism and its potential to foster meaningful collaborations within the nonprofit community.

I am excited to share some key takeaways from Davenport’s insightful piece and offer my thoughts on how smaller nonprofits can leverage volunteerism to build strong, collaborative relationships. I hope this post inspires you to explore new ways to connect and collaborate within your community.

Identify Shared Values and Mission Alignment

Start by identifying other organizations that share similar values and missions. This alignment is crucial, as it lays the foundation for a sustainable partnership.  Meaningful collaborations thrive when both organizations are driven by a shared purpose and vision for impact.

Example: A small nonprofit dedicated to after-school tutoring could collaborate with a local community center that offers recreational activities for children. By volunteering at each other’s events, both organizations can support one another while expanding their reach and resources.

Organize Joint Volunteer Initiatives

Initiating joint volunteer projects where members from both organizations work together towards a common goal fosters camaraderie and strengthens collaborative efforts. These initiatives allow both parties to understand each other’s operations, challenges, and strengths, building a foundation for meaningful collaborations.

Example: Partner with a local food bank to organize a community food drive. Volunteers from both organizations can work together to collect, sort, and distribute food items. Such initiatives offer an excellent opportunity for team building and mutual support.

Create Volunteer Exchange Programs

Developing a volunteer exchange program where employees from your organization can spend time volunteering with a partner organization can lead to a deeper understanding of each other’s work and pave the way for future thoughtful collaborations.

Example: A nonprofit focused on environmental conservation can arrange for its staff to volunteer at a local animal shelter, while staff from the shelter join in environmental clean-up activities. This exchange not only builds relationships but also broadens the volunteers’ skills and perspectives.

Leverage Volunteer Events for Networking

Volunteer events can also serve as powerful networking opportunities. Encourage your staff to engage with volunteers from other organizations, share experiences, and explore potential areas for collaboration. These informal interactions often lead to meaningful partnerships and collaborative relationships.

Example: Host a community clean-up day and invite volunteers from various local nonprofits. During the event, create spaces for networking, such as a lunch break or a post-event gathering, where participants can discuss their work and explore collaboration possibilities.

Parting Thoughts

At Event Strategies For Success, we believe in the power of community volunteering and take pride in our proven track record of fostering meaningful collaborations. For small and emerging nonprofits, leveraging volunteerism as a pathway to collaboration is not just an additional task but a strategic initiative that can drive growth and success.

By fostering connections through shared values and joint efforts, you can create a robust network of support and amplify your impact on the communities you serve.

Here’s to your success!

Monique

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Overcoming Common Challenges in Event Fundraising

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Event fundraising is one of the most powerful tools nonprofits can use to raise vital funds, engage donors, and secure critical funding. Yet it is essential to note that events can be challenging and expose weaknesses in your infrastructure. 

Today, we will explore some of the more common hurdles and practical solutions you can use to overcome them.  Whether you are a nonprofit leader, board member, or dedicated volunteer, these insights can enhance your fundraising efforts and amplify your impact.

BUDGET CONSTRAINTS

Limited budgets sometimes interrupt plans to execute high-impact events that attract and engage donors.  But it doesn’t have to be that way.  Here are some possible solutions to add to your toolkit when confronting this all-to-familiar challenge:

  • Strategic Planning: Prioritize and plan strategically without rushing through the process. Start by agreeing upon your goals for the event and identifying the tools and resources you need to achieve them.
  • Partnerships and Sponsorships: Consider partnerships or sponsorships to manage your expenses. Will you have to share the spotlight? Yes, but the relationship could prove invaluable and bring other enhanced benefits such as co-marketing efforts, aligning around shared values, and introducing the potential to engage an entirely new audience who could become members of your donor community.

Example: A notable example of event partnerships is the collaboration between District 20-K1 Lions, which operates under the auspices of Lions Club International, and the American Cancer Society. These organizations have worked together on various events, leveraging each other’s strengths to raise funds and awareness for cancer research and support services.

DONOR FATIGUE

Sending out ill-timed, haphazardly crafted, or lackluster ticket or table solicitations can lead to donor fatigue. To be totally transparent, within the past few weeks I have been completely overwhelmed with the amount of solicitations I have been receiving. Can you guess what happens as a result? I have not been able to respond to any effectively. Here ae some ways to ensure that your appeals don’t alienate your donors:

  • Diversify Fundraising Strategies: Keep donors engaged by diversifying your fundraising strategies. As you begin your event fundraising campaign, think of other ways donors can support beyond the tried-and-true click, purchase, and check out.
  • Peer-to-Peer Campaigns: Launch a peer-to-peer fundraising campaign if your Board is up to it.
  • Beneficiary Involvement: Are your beneficiaries readily accessible? If so, have them lead your fundraising campaign. Allow them to tell their story briefly and appeal for support from prospective event participants.
  • Exclusive Experiences: Depending on your event, offer an exclusive behind-the-scenes look or conversation with a previous donor or honoree.

VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT

Coordinating and retaining volunteers for events can be challenging, impacting the overall success of your guest experience. To ensure a pleasant experience for your event attendees and volunteers, here are a few suggestions that have worked wonders for me during past events:

  • Build a Strong Team: Prioritize building a solid volunteer team that will be honored to support your event agenda.
  • Define Roles and Training: Clearly define roles and responsibilities and provide thorough training to ensure volunteers feel prepared and valued.
  • Recognition and Community: Regularly recognize and reward volunteers’ contributions. Foster a sense of community by creating opportunities for volunteers to connect and for you to recognize and reward them for their service.

Example: Habitat for Humanity excels in volunteer management by providing clear roles, comprehensive training, and regular recognition, which keeps its volunteers engaged and committed.

MARKETING AND PROMOTION

Reaching and attracting a broad event audience can take time and effort, especially for small or emerging nonprofits with limited marketing resources. There is no magic wand to wave that will bring donors to your door, but with some creativity and persistence, your efforts will pay off. Here are some suggestions to add to your toolkit:

  • Multi-Channel Marketing: To maximize your reach, utilize a multi-channel marketing approach. Combine traditional direct mail and print advertising with digital strategies like social media, email marketing, and online advertising.
  • Compelling Content: Create compelling content that tells your organization’s story and highlights the unique aspects of your event.
  • Leverage Partnerships: Partner with local businesses and media outlets to expand your promotional efforts.
  • Engaging Visuals: Enhance your marketing campaigns with engaging visuals and video content. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach, so don’t be afraid to mix things up to see what works.

Example: The Girl Scouts of the USA NYC Region effectively use multi-channel marketing by combining social media campaigns with traditional methods like community events and engaging ambassadors across the country, successfully expanding their reach and engagement.

PARTING THOUGHTS

By addressing these common challenges with thoughtful strategies and a proactive approach, nonprofit organizations can enhance their event fundraising efforts and achieve tremendous success. 

Remember, strategic planning, effective communication, and continuous evaluation are the keys to overcoming these hurdles. Doing the hard work in advance can ensure that your events meet your fundraising goals and inspire and engage your community, driving meaningful change and amplifying your impact.

If you want to improve the effectiveness of your event, click here to learn more about our services.

Here’s to your success.

Monique

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Transforming Vision into Impact: Key Fundraising Strategies for Nonprofits

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Aspiring nonprofit leaders and heads of newly incorporated nonprofit organizations often start with boundless energy, unwavering hope, and great expectations.

As a special event fundraising consultant, I have supported leaders of emerging organizations for more than 30 years. During this time, I have learned some valuable tips and strategies that I would like to share with you.

Picture this: You and your team have spent countless hours refining your mission and creating programs and services to support those you have pledged to serve. You are eager to secure the funding to bring your vision to life. So, you identify potential funders, create a compelling pitch deck, write what you believe is the perfect introductory letter, and make your first case for support.

Resonate with the Funder’s Mission

However, in your excitement, you may have overlooked a crucial step: aligning your idea with your prospective funder’s mission.

Consider stepping into your funder’s shoes. Beneath the seemingly calm demeanor is a funder who might be inundated with proposals, emails, phone calls, and requests for status reports from their higher-ups. They are impressed with many of the proposals vying for their attention. And in comes yours.

The question is, what sets your idea apart from the rest? It’s not just the brilliance of your idea or the polished presentation but how well your program resonates with their mission. When your goals align with the funders, you have successfully created a compelling case for support and truly resonated with the heart of their mission.

Craft Your Story

Now, let’s talk about storytelling. You’ve made it past the gatekeepers and successfully landed an interview with a potential funder or multiple funders, depending on the organization’s approach to grant-making. After pleasantries and introductions, you share your organization’s journey, weaving a narrative highlighting your triumphs, challenges, and impact. Your words paint vivid images of lives transformed, communities uplifted, and futures brightened.

But then comes the question: Can you share examples of how you plan to accomplish your mission? Do you have willing collaborators within the community? How many lives will your work transform? And, most importantly, how will you measure your impact?

If you still need to craft your story, now is the time. Remember, your job is to go beyond the pitch deck. Your narrative should serve as the bridge between your vision and the hearts of your potential supporters.

Foster Collaboration and Ensure Sustainability

Collaboration and sustainability are critical to achieving lasting impact. When starting, you may not have all the pieces in place, but if you allow your commitment to building a sustainable model to guide you, you will develop your programs and services with prospective partners in mind.

Always remember that as your organization’s leader, you are building a structure that others will want to be part of. I have worked in both roles, as a fund-seeker and as a participatory grant maker, and one question always arises regardless of the role: Who will help you achieve your goals?

Before you say “no one,” remember that a lone wolf approach is generally a non-starter. Funders want to know more about collaborative efforts and partnerships that amplify impact. No one can sustain meaningful change alone, and recognizing this is critical to unlocking new opportunities.

Many nonprofit creators and thought leaders have encouraged me. I’m pleased to share this dynamic TED Talk by Lori Butterworth on Sustaining Compassion: A Nonprofit Story with you.

Face Rejection with Resilience

As you already know, rejection is part of this journey and a tough pill to swallow. Like all of us, you will grow weary of hearing “no,” as each can feel like a personal failure. It’s easy to internalize these rejections and let them erode your confidence and determination.

But here’s a crucial insight: You are not fundraising for yourself. You have a sacred trust and must find new ways to be of service. Adopting a defeatist attitude or withdrawing after rejection can halt your progress, but try not to stay in that space too long. Each rejection is a learning opportunity, a stepping stone toward refinement and eventual success. Remember, you are the steward of a mission that transcends individual setbacks.

Parting Words

The journey of nonprofit fundraising is one of perseverance, adaptability, and unwavering commitment. You can navigate this journey with confidence and clarity by aligning your mission, crafting compelling stories, focusing on collaboration and sustainability, and facing rejection with resilience. As Lori Butterworth’s story illustrates, you can handle anything if you don’t have to handle it alone.

If you are interested in learning about the work we do at Event Strategies For Succes, please click here. If you have more questions, please fill out this form.

Lastly, we would love to hear from you. Please share your feedback with us on the form in the link above.

With kind regards,

Monique

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