Glimmers of Hope Blog - Let's Build Hope, LLC

Stop Waiting For Donations To Walk In The Door. Go Get Them!

October 7, 2026October 1, 2026 Annual Planning & Strategies

Years ago, Let’s Build Hope CEO Linda Haley and I noticed that we tended to encounter two types of fundraising in our consulting business. Some were out actively pursuing their goals and crushing them. Others sat back at their office, grew frustrated, and couldn’t figure out why donations weren’t coming. When those frustrated fundraisers came to us, our counsel was always the same: Stop waiting for donations to walk in the door. Go get them!

Stop Waiting For Donations To Walk In The Door. Go Get Them!

How To Price Your Fundraising Event

September 23, 2026October 1, 2026 Events

Fall is gala season, which means my clients and nonprofits everywhere are talking about how to price a ticket for a signature fundraising event. These discussions might include statements like:

“Our hard costs will be $160 per person. We’ve set our ticket price at $150 because we want it to be financially accessible to all donors as well as our program participants.”

“We don’t want to price it too high because we want our staff to be able to afford a ticket. They feel like they are being left out.”

“We want everyone to be able to celebrate our anniversary, and we also need this to be a huge fundraiser for us!!”

You might notice some red flags here, but you also might really understand where these statements are coming from. How do you set the price for an event that you need to generate significant revenue while also staying true to your values?

Cultivation Versus Stewardship: What You Need To Know

September 9, 2026October 1, 2026 Donor Relationships

Strong donor relationships aren’t built through transactions—they’re built on trust, alignment, and meaningful human connection. Cultivation invites donors in. Stewardship makes them want to stay. Master both, and your donors will feel seen, valued, and inspired to keep giving.

Your donors are not ATMs. Even when you don’t intend it, rushed or generic outreach can feel transactional. Donors are people with passions that align with your mission. Treat cultivation and stewardship as the human side of fundraising—not a series of administrative tasks.

Cultivation Versus Stewardship: What You Need To Know

Clean Your Slate To Strengthen Your Nonprofit’s Culture

August 26, 2026August 25, 2026 Team Relationships

Culture has such a powerful impact on employees AND on those we serve in the nonprofit field. Providing an uplifting work environment increases retention of great employees and draws terrific new ones. It enhances the support of those you serve. It draws board members and donors who are hungry for a powerful, positive nonprofit experience. But culture is not always so easy to change, is it?

Clean Your Slate To Strengthen Your Nonprofit’s Culture

Your Fundraising Will Only Go As Far As Your Board’s Partnership

August 12, 2026August 26, 2026 Board and Leadership

Successful nonprofit fundraising is rarely the result of one person’s efforts. It is the product of a strong partnership between the development director, the executive director, and the board of directors, each understanding their role and working together toward a shared vision.

Your Fundraising Will Only Go As Far As Your Board’s Partnership

Big Impact, Bigger Giving: The Case for Major Gifts

July 29, 2026August 25, 2026 Annual Planning & Strategies

Investing in major gifts is one of the most powerful ways nonprofits can accelerate growth and deepen their impact. While annual giving provides essential support, a strong major gifts strategy creates the financial stability and meaningful donor partnerships that fuel transformational change.

Big Impact, Bigger Giving: The Case for Major Gifts

Why A Corporate Giving Policy Is Essential

July 15, 2026August 25, 2026 Operations

When I advise nonprofits about corporate giving, I recommend including a “corporate giving” section in their gift acceptance policy. It should note whether there are companies or even entire industries that your nonprofit wouldn’t want to partner with because they conflict with its mission.