Nonprofit Answers: Nonprofit Fundraising, Marketing, Monthly Giving

The blank page is one of the most expensive problems in a nonprofit communications shop. Every appeal that goes out late, every grant narrative written in a panic the night before it's due, every newsletter that gets skipped because nobody had time — that's mission capacity sitting on the floor. AI doesn't solve the blank page problem by replacing the writer. It solves it by giving you a starting point that's faster and less painful than staring at a cursor. The discipline is in what comes next. In this episode, Jeremy walks through the human-in-the-loop workflow he uses for every significant piece of AI-assisted content: what you load in at the front, where you check in during the middle, and why a human review at the end is non-negotiable. He covers newsletters, social media, grant narratives, impact reports, and board communications — with specific workflows for each, not just general principles. He also introduces one of the most underused strategies for small nonprofits: the content library. Loading your best past appeals, impact stories, and voice examples into your AI tool as standing context changes the quality of everything it produces. Instead of generic nonprofit language, you get something that actually sounds like your organization. Jeremy shares how he built this at Serving Orphans Worldwide and what it made possible. The episode also addresses the concern communications staff hear most often — what if AI makes us all sound the same? The answer isn't to avoid it. It's to give it strong enough signals that it can't. Part of the AI for Nonprofits series. Download the free companion workbook at https://nonprofitfundraising.com/ai Want to learn more? My new book may have the answers for you! The Christian Leader's Guide to AI: https://amzn.to/3RvXyoA

You're busy. The question isn't whether AI can help with that ... it can. The question is which parts of your work should stay yours, and which parts are just getting in the way. In this episode, Jeremy Reis introduces the obstacle versus connection test: a simple, practical framework for deciding what to hand off to AI and what to protect. Some tasks are pure overhead, like formatting, reformatting, scheduling, and data entry. They consume time without connecting you to anything that matters. Others look like overhead but actually keep you attuned to your donors, your clients, and the details that make you good at your job. Hand those off and you get the output. You lose what the doing of them actually gives you. Jeremy shares how Serving Orphans Worldwide used this framework to go from four fundraising appeals a year to four emails a month plus a monthly mailed appeal — with zero new staff — and grow from 300 new donors in 2024 to 1,500 in 2025. The efficiency was real. But the gains came from what the reclaimed time made possible, not from the time saved itself. One framework. One question to ask before you automate anything. And a homework assignment that most people skip but shouldn't. Part of the AI for Nonprofits series. Download the free companion workbook at https://nonprofitfundraising.com/ai The Christian Leader's Guide to AI: https://amzn.to/3RvXyoA Virtuous Study: https://virtuous.org/blog/2026-nonprofit-ai-adoption-report/ BBS & Associates: https://servantheart.com

Most leaders ask the wrong question about AI. "Can I use this?" has a very short conversation these days ... the answer to almost everything is yes. The steward asks a different question: "Should I, and how?" That shift changes everything about how you approach technology decisions. In this episode, Jeremy introduces the steward's mindset for AI adoption, the framework that separates organizations that use AI wisely from those that drift into it reactively. He walks through four questions every steward asks before adopting any significant tool: What does it actually do? What does it do poorly? What happens to me when I use it regularly? And what happens to the people I serve? Then he introduces the four pillars of an AI-ready organization — Safety, Alignment, Transparency, and Flexibility — and shows what each one looks like in practice. This episode is where the series shifts from honest assessment to building something. By the end, you'll have a clear framework for evaluating any AI decision, and a first draft of the principles your organization needs to use AI well. Download the free companion workbook at https://nonprofitfundraising.com/ai The Christian Leader's Guide to AI: https://amzn.to/3RvXyoA Virtuous Study: https://virtuous.org/blog/2026-nonprofit-ai-adoption-report/ BBS & Associates: https://servantheart.com

Welcome to the Donor Retention: Secrets to Keeping Your Donors Engaged, for Nonprofit Fundraisers, Development Directors, and Nonprofit Leaders course! This special 20-episode course will teach you everything you need to know about donor retention, ensuring your donors keep giving and you're able to retain more monthly donors! 👉 Please download the free Donor Retention workbook at https://nonprofitfundraising.com/retention/ to get the most out of this course. In this episode, we’re diving into why donor retention is the one of the most important factors for nonprofit success. It’s not just about attracting new donors—it’s about keeping the ones you already have engaged and loyal. We break down how expensive it can be to constantly seek out new supporters, and why focusing on your existing donors is a more cost-effective strategy that fuels long-term growth. You’ll discover how building donor loyalty leads to consistent revenue and turns your supporters into long-term advocates for your cause. We also cover the potential risks of poor retention, including financial instability and a damaged reputation, and why nonprofits that prioritize retention are better positioned for success. If you’re ready to turn one-time donors into long-term partners for your charity, this course will give you the key strategies to boost donor retention and build a solid foundation for your nonprofit’s future.

Welcome to the Donor Retention: Secrets to Keeping Your Donors Engaged, for Nonprofit Fundraisers, Development Directors, and Nonprofit Leaders course! This special 20-episode course will teach you everything you need to know about donor retention, ensuring your donors keep giving and you're able to retain more monthly donors! If you're discovering this episode first, please start with episode 1, labeled [Donor Retention]. 👉 Please download the free Donor Retention workbook at https://nonprofitfundraising.com/retention/ to get the most out of this course. Special Offers Get more donors to give a second gift and stay longer with our Retain More Donors with Great First-Year Communications course! Learn more | Get $50 off Build a successful and growing monthly giving program with our Step-By-Step Training to Building a Successful Monthly Giving Program. Learn more | Get $50 off Get either course for $50 off with coupon code RETENTION. Episode 3: Crafting the Perfect Thank-You – How Thoughtful Gratitude Boosts Donor Retention What separates a simple thank-you from one that truly makes a difference? In this episode, we explore the art of crafting meaningful and timely thank-you messages that leave a lasting impact on your donors. Learn how personalized notes, heartfelt phone calls, and thoughtful messages can significantly boost donor retention and deepen relationships. We’ll share best practices to ensure your donors feel appreciated and valued. If you’re ready to elevate your gratitude game and keep donors engaged, this episode is a must-listen!

Welcome to the Donor Retention: Secrets to Keeping Your Donors Engaged, for Nonprofit Fundraisers, Development Directors, and Nonprofit Leaders course! This special 20-episode course will teach you everything you need to know about donor retention, ensuring your donors keep giving and you're able to retain more monthly donors! If you're discovering this episode first, please start with episode 1, labeled [Donor Retention]. 👉 Please download the free Donor Retention workbook at https://nonprofitfundraising.com/retention/ to get the most out of this course. Special Offers Get more donors to give a second gift and stay longer with our Retain More Donors with Great First-Year Communications course! Learn more | Get $50 off Build a successful and growing monthly giving program with our Step-By-Step Training to Building a Successful Monthly Giving Program. Learn more | Get $50 off Get either course for $50 off with coupon code RETENTION. Episode 5: Segmenting Donors & Creating a Warm Welcome – Personalizing Your Approach for Better Retention In this episode, we’re unlocking the power of donor segmentation—because not all donors are the same, and your communication shouldn’t be either. Learn how to effectively segment your donor base and create personalized engagement strategies that speak directly to each group. We’ll show you how segmenting donors can lead to stronger connections, higher retention, and more meaningful relationships. If you’re ready to stop sending one-size-fits-all messages and start creating targeted, personalized experiences that keep donors coming back, this episode is for you.

Welcome to the Donor Retention: Secrets to Keeping Your Donors Engaged, for Nonprofit Fundraisers, Development Directors, and Nonprofit Leaders course! This special 20-episode course will teach you everything you need to know about donor retention, ensuring your donors keep giving and you're able to retain more monthly donors! If you're discovering this episode first, please start with episode 1, labeled [Donor Retention]. 👉 Please download the free Donor Retention workbook at https://nonprofitfundraising.com/retention/ to get the most out of this course. Special Offers Get more donors to give a second gift and stay longer with our Retain More Donors with Great First-Year Communications course! Learn more | Get $50 off Build a successful and growing monthly giving program with our Step-By-Step Training to Building a Successful Monthly Giving Program. Learn more | Get $50 off Get either course for $50 off with coupon code RETENTION. Episode 7: Storytelling for Donor Retention – How to Use Stories to Keep Donors Engaged Ever wonder why some nonprofits have loyal donors year after year? The secret is in the stories they tell. In this episode, we dive into the powerful role that storytelling plays in donor retention. Learn how to craft and share stories that emotionally resonate with your donors, making them feel like integral parts of your mission. We’ll walk you through using the Hero’s Journey framework to position your donors as the heroes of your story. If you want to strengthen donor loyalty and deepen their connection to your cause, this episode is a must-listen! Tune in and discover how storytelling can transform your donor relationships.

Welcome to the Donor Retention: Secrets to Keeping Your Donors Engaged, for Nonprofit Fundraisers, Development Directors, and Nonprofit Leaders course! This special 20-episode course will teach you everything you need to know about donor retention, ensuring your donors keep giving and you're able to retain more monthly donors! If you're discovering this episode first, please start with episode 1, labeled [Donor Retention]. 👉 Please download the free Donor Retention workbook at https://nonprofitfundraising.com/retention/ to get the most out of this course. Special Offers Get more donors to give a second gift and stay longer with our Retain More Donors with Great First-Year Communications course! Learn more | Get $50 off Build a successful and growing monthly giving program with our Step-By-Step Training to Building a Successful Monthly Giving Program. Learn more | Get $50 off Get either course for $50 off with coupon code RETENTION. Episode 9: Creating ‘Wow’ Moments in the Donor Journey – Surprising Your Donors for Lasting Loyalty Want to know how to turn a regular donor interaction into something unforgettable? In this episode, we’re diving into the power of ‘Wow’ moments—those unexpected, thoughtful gestures that make your donors feel truly valued. We’ll show you how these moments can significantly enhance donor retention by strengthening emotional connections and deepening loyalty. From personalized thank-yous to surprise gifts, learn how to incorporate ‘Wow’ moments into your donor journey and keep supporters engaged for the long haul. Tune in and start creating experiences that donors won’t forget!

Welcome to the Donor Retention: Secrets to Keeping Your Donors Engaged, for Nonprofit Fundraisers, Development Directors, and Nonprofit Leaders course! This special 20-episode course will teach you everything you need to know about donor retention, ensuring your donors keep giving and you're able to retain more monthly donors! If you're discovering this episode first, please start with episode 1, labeled [Donor Retention]. 👉 Please download the free Donor Retention workbook at https://nonprofitfundraising.com/retention/ to get the most out of this course. Special Offers Get more donors to give a second gift and stay longer with our Retain More Donors with Great First-Year Communications course! Learn more | Get $50 off Build a successful and growing monthly giving program with our Step-By-Step Training to Building a Successful Monthly Giving Program. Learn more | Get $50 off Get either course for $50 off with coupon code RETENTION. Episode 11: Leveraging Data to Improve Retention – How to Use Donor Data for Stronger Engagement Ready to unlock the power of your donor data? In this episode, we dive into how nonprofits can use data analytics to boost donor retention. From personalizing communications to predicting donor churn, we’ll show you how to turn raw data into actionable insights that build stronger, lasting relationships. If you want to learn how to segment donors, spot patterns, and keep your supporters engaged with targeted strategies, this episode is packed with the tools you need. Tune in and discover how data can transform your retention efforts!

Welcome to the Donor Retention: Secrets to Keeping Your Donors Engaged, for Nonprofit Fundraisers, Development Directors, and Nonprofit Leaders course! This special 20-episode course will teach you everything you need to know about donor retention, ensuring your donors keep giving and you're able to retain more monthly donors! If you're discovering this episode first, please start with episode 1, labeled [Donor Retention]. 👉 Please download the free Donor Retention workbook at https://nonprofitfundraising.com/retention/ to get the most out of this course. Special Offers Get more donors to give a second gift and stay longer with our Retain More Donors with Great First-Year Communications course! Learn more | Get $50 off Build a successful and growing monthly giving program with our Step-By-Step Training to Building a Successful Monthly Giving Program. Learn more | Get $50 off Get either course for $50 off with coupon code RETENTION. Episode 13: The Psychology of Giving – Understanding What Drives Donor Loyalty What really motivates donors to stick around? In this episode, we dive deep into the psychology of giving and uncover the key factors that drive donor loyalty. From the power of gratitude to the importance of emotional connection and social recognition, we’ll explore the psychological triggers that keep donors engaged and committed. If you’re ready to unlock the secrets to turning one-time donors into long-term supporters, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Tune in and discover how to tap into donor motivations and build lasting relationships!

Welcome to the Donor Retention: Secrets to Keeping Your Donors Engaged, for Nonprofit Fundraisers, Development Directors, and Nonprofit Leaders course! This special 20-episode course will teach you everything you need to know about donor retention, ensuring your donors keep giving and you're able to retain more monthly donors! If you're discovering this episode first, please start with episode 1, labeled [Donor Retention]. 👉 Please download the free Donor Retention workbook at https://nonprofitfundraising.com/retention/ to get the most out of this course. Special Offers Get more donors to give a second gift and stay longer with our Retain More Donors with Great First-Year Communications course! Learn more | Get $50 off Build a successful and growing monthly giving program with our Step-By-Step Training to Building a Successful Monthly Giving Program. Learn more | Get $50 off Get either course for $50 off with coupon code RETENTION. Episode 15: How to Keep Mid-Level & Major Donors Engaged – Strategies for Nurturing Your Top Supporters Looking to strengthen relationships with your most important donors? In this episode, we’re diving into the best strategies for keeping mid-level and major donors engaged and committed to your cause. These donors are the backbone of your nonprofit, and maintaining their support requires intentional, personalized approaches. From one-on-one meetings to exclusive opportunities and tailored stewardship plans, we’ll show you how to nurture these key relationships. If you’re ready to take your donor engagement game to the next level and retain your top supporters, this episode is a must-listen!

Welcome to the Donor Retention: Secrets to Keeping Your Donors Engaged, for Nonprofit Fundraisers, Development Directors, and Nonprofit Leaders course! This special 20-episode course will teach you everything you need to know about donor retention, ensuring your donors keep giving and you're able to retain more monthly donors! If you're discovering this episode first, please start with episode 1, labeled [Donor Retention]. 👉 Please download the free Donor Retention workbook at https://nonprofitfundraising.com/retention/ to get the most out of this course. Special Offers Get more donors to give a second gift and stay longer with our Retain More Donors with Great First-Year Communications course! Learn more | Get $50 off Build a successful and growing monthly giving program with our Step-By-Step Training to Building a Successful Monthly Giving Program. Learn more | Get $50 off Get either course for $50 off with coupon code RETENTION. Episode 17: The Impact of Donor Recognition Programs – Boost Retention by Honoring Your Donors Want to know the secret to keeping your donors coming back year after year? In this episode, we’re unlocking the power of donor recognition programs and how they can significantly boost retention. From personalized thank-you notes to exclusive events and naming opportunities, we’ll break down the best ways to show your donors how much they matter. If you’re looking to strengthen relationships and make your supporters feel truly valued, this episode is packed with strategies you can start using today. Tune in and discover how thoughtful recognition can turn donors into lifelong champions of your cause!

Welcome to the Donor Retention: Secrets to Keeping Your Donors Engaged, for Nonprofit Fundraisers, Development Directors, and Nonprofit Leaders course! This special 20-episode course will teach you everything you need to know about donor retention, ensuring your donors keep giving and you're able to retain more monthly donors! 👉 Please download the free Donor Retention workbook at https://nonprofitfundraising.com/retention/ to get the most out of this course. Special Offers Get more donors to give a second gift and stay longer with our Retain More Donors with Great First-Year Communications course! Learn more | Get $50 off Build a successful and growing monthly giving program with our Step-By-Step Training to Building a Successful Monthly Giving Program. Learn more | Get $50 off Get either course for $50 off with coupon code RETENTION. Episode 19: Addressing Donor Attrition – Why Donors Leave and How to Stop It Ever wonder why donors stop giving, and more importantly, how to keep them around? In this episode, we’re tackling donor attrition head-on. We break down the most common reasons why donors walk away—lack of communication, feeling unappreciated, poor donor experience—and share actionable strategies to address these issues before it’s too late. If you're ready to turn donor drop-offs into long-term loyalty and keep your supporters engaged, this episode is packed with the insights you need to make it happen. Don't miss out—tune in and learn how to stop donor attrition in its tracks!