In today’s AI-driven world, some ask: “Why do we still need relationship-building in fund-raising? Can’t AI just do the work?”

The truth is, AI is a powerful tool — it can analyze donor data, suggest strategies, and free up time by automating tasks…

As a retired head of a small school, I remember well that my administrative plate was full of various tasks with very little help or support staff.  The possibility of having a director of development would be a luxury that our budget did not allow.  Our strategic plans were full of ideas, needs and dreams but no funds to implement. The school really did need additional classrooms, but living day by day and year by year on tuition and event fund-raising was the norm, and classroom space was only a dream.  We had hit a wall with nowhere to go…

Character can be measured by the level of a person’s skills, knowledge, values and aspirations. Developing our character gives us an edge in the game of life. This does not mean we will not suffer setbacks along the way, but the likelihood of success, including the ability to perform at a higher level, is more likely. If we learn from both the positive and negative experiences of life, we will achieve success…

When we set out to launch a fundraising campaign to expand NIL opportunities for Auburn University student-athletes, we knew it had to be bold, strategic, and built for long-term impact…

In November 2024, Bloomerang conducted a survey of 380 fund-raisers and 1,000 donors to examine the factors that drive donor retention. The findings revealed key insights into the challenges fund-raisers face and how nonprofits can improve their relationships with donors…

I was in the field of education for a long time. There has been, through the decades, lots of research about best practices in education. What tends to work best in teaching reading, phonics or sight words? Does a strong principal (head of school) really matter in student academic achievement? …

Infrastructure within an organization is as important as the foundation on a home. If it is not strong, one will, at this point, experience problems. In the J.F. Smith Group, a strong process-based infrastructure emphasizes process, efficiency and effectiveness, which drives a successful capital campaign…

In the world of fund-raising, the written word plays a crucial role in conveying a nonprofit's mission, inspiring action, and building lasting relationships with donors. Whether through letters, emails, grant proposals, or social media posts, written communication serves as a bridge between organizations and their supporters…