Fridays 4 Fundraising

Kelly McLaughlin
  • 5.0 (5)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Fresh fundraising recipes delivered every Friday! Join Kelly McLaughlin of From Scratch Fundraising for bite-sized assignments that help nonprofits raise more dough without burning out. No half-baked strategies—just proven ingredients for sustainable success. One thing you can learn in 5 minutes and do in one hour or less to move your individual giving program forward.

  1. 1D AGO

    New year, new gratitude campaigns

    Episode Summary Summary In this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly chats about the importance of conducting post-year-end gratitude campaigns to build donor loyalty. She discusses how organizations often bombard donors with requests for money without following up on the impact of their contributions. By effectively communicating the outcomes of donations and treating donors as partners, nonprofits can foster stronger relationships and encourage continued support. Get Support Note: We only support U.S.-based nonprofit organizations that are IRS designated 501(c)(3) organizations or that are fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) organization. Sustain & Thrive: Engaging, Supportive Group Learning: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thrive Nurture & Grow: Your Individual Giving Program Launch: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/nurture-grow Not sure what you need? Request a Consultation: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/schedule   Takeaways Put equal effort into thanking donors as you do in asking for money.Donors want to know what happened after they donated.Treat donors as partners in your mission, not just sources of funds.Donors are passionate about the causes they support; acknowledge that passion.Creating a sustainable fundraising strategy is essential for long-term success. Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Fridays 4 Fundraising 00:48 This Week's Focus: Gratitude After Year End 03:14 How to Do Gratitude Campaigns 05:32 This Week's Assignment: Find a Way to Partner with Your Donors 06:15 Fundraising Resource You can Afford Keywords fundraising, donor loyalty, gratitude campaigns, nonprofit, communication, donor engagement, fundraising strategy, donor partnership, nonprofit management, fundraising success

    8 min

  2. JAN 23

    Kick off Stewardship with a Tax Letter

    Episode Summary Summary In this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly emphasizes the importance of sending tax letters to donors as a way to enhance donor appreciation and loyalty. She discusses the key elements of crafting effective tax letters, including the timing, content, and legal language to use. Additionally, she highlights the need for a solid fundraising infrastructure to support organizations in their fundraising efforts. Get Support Note: We only support U.S.-based nonprofit organizations that are IRS designated 501(c)(3) organizations or that are fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) organization. Sustain & Thrive: Engaging, Supportive Group Learning: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thrive Nurture & Grow: Your Individual Giving Program Launch: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/nurture-grow Not sure what you need? Request a Consultation: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/schedule   Takeaways Sending tax letters is a best practice for donor relations.Send letters when donors receive other tax documents.Include a summary of accomplishments in the tax letter.Use clear language about tax deductibility to avoid legal issues.Creating tax letters should be a straightforward processRegular communication fosters a sense of partnership with donors.  Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Tax Letters for Donors 03:37 Crafting Effective Tax Letters 05:16 Building Sustainable Fundraising Strategies Keywords tax letters, donor appreciation, fundraising, nonprofit, donor loyalty, charitable deductions, communication, impact letters, fundraising infrastructure, donor relations

    8 min

  3. JAN 16

    Year End Work isn't Over Until You Say Thanks

    Episode Summary Summary In this episode of Fridays for Fundraising, Kelly emphasizes the importance of donor stewardship after year-end fundraising. She discusses how autoresponders are insufficient for expressing gratitude and suggests personalized approaches to thank donors, such as thank you calls and personal emails. Kelly encourages small nonprofits to leverage their ability to connect with donors on a personal level, fostering loyalty and engagement.   Takeaways Fundraising success requires warm connections, not just autoresponders.Personalized thank yous can significantly impact donor loyalty.Small nonprofits have an advantage in donor engagement in being able to personalize relationships with donors.Thank you call-a-thons can be fun and effective.Building relationships with donors is crucial for retention.Creative thank you strategies can enhance donor experience.  Get Support Note: We only support U.S.-based nonprofit organizations that are IRS designated 501(c)(3) organizations or that are fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) organization. Sustain & Thrive: Engaging, Supportive Group Learning: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thrive Nurture & Grow: Your Individual Giving Program Launch: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/nurture-grow Not sure what you need? Request a Consultation: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/schedule Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Fundraising Success 00:53 The Importance of Donor Stewardship 05:01 Creative Ways to Thank Donors 08:12 Conclusion and Next Steps Keywords fundraising, nonprofit, donor stewardship, thank you calls, donor loyalty, small nonprofits, fundraising strategies, donor engagement, nonprofit success, fundraising tips

    9 min

  4. 12/22/2025

    Year End Campaign: Final Pitch on Dec 31

    Summary In this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly emphasizes the importance of concise messaging, effective use of visuals, and engaging donors beyond just fundraising campaigns to make a compelling pitch for donations on December 31. With practical tips and a focus on simplicity, Kelly aims to help nonprofits drive donations and build lasting relationships with their supporters.   Join Sustain & Thrive: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thrive   Join the Recipe for Relief Workshop Waitlist: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/2026-relief   Takeaways Nobody is reading a long email on December 31st.How short can you make a case for support?A picture is worth a thousand words.Simple is actually a real winner.  Chapters 00:00 Kickstarting Your Fundraising Journey 00:43 Maximizing Year-End Campaigns 04:20 Engaging Donors Effectively 05:51 Planning for Future Success   Keywords fundraising, nonprofit, year-end campaigns, donor engagement, email marketing, short messaging, video content, fundraising strategies, donor stewardship, sustainable fundraising

    10 min

  5. 12/12/2025

    Year End Campaign: Simple Ways to Amplify Results

    Summary In this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly shares actionable strategies for small nonprofits to enhance their year-end fundraising campaigns by making small adjustments rather than drastic changes, engaging donors through personal outreach, and effectively communicating the impact of donations. Kelly also discusses the role of board members in fundraising efforts and introduces the concept of peer-to-peer connection as a way to boost campaign performance. The episode concludes with a preview of upcoming workshops and programs designed to support nonprofit leaders in their fundraising efforts.     Join Sustain & Thrive: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thrive   Download the Year End Campaign Planner: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/yearend   Get on the waitlist for the 2026 Recipe for Relief Workshop: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/2026-relief   Takeaways Don't make massive changes, just tweak.Calling your donors can be a great way to connect.Bring in the board to activate your campaign.State the need in a positive way.Add a peer-to-peer campaign element to your campaign.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Fundraising Success 00:52 Year-End Campaign Strategies 02:02 Course Correction Techniques 06:43 Engaging Donors Effectively 09:12 Communicating Impact and Need 11:54 Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Strategies 14:29 Looking Ahead: Future Workshops and Programs   Keywords fundraising, nonprofit, year-end campaign, donor engagement, fundraising strategies, peer-to-peer fundraising, impact communication, course correction, board engagement, fundraising success

    15 min

  6. 12/05/2025

    Year End Campaigns: Track & Assess Progress

    Summary In this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly emphasizes the importance of setting clear goals, tracking progress, and maintaining donor engagement without overwhelming them. The episode also previews future workshops aimed at building sustainable fundraising strategies for 2026.   Join Sustain & Thrive: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thrive   Download the Year End Campaign Planner: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/yearend     Get on the wait list for the 2026 Recipe For Relief Fundraising Planning Workshop: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/2026-relief   Takeaways Assess your progress regularly during your year-end campaign.Divide your overall fundraising goal into manageable weekly targets.Pace your campaign to account for slower starts and bigger finishes.Avoid making massive changes to your fundraising plan mid-campaign.Use positive messaging to engage donors effectively.Consider a call campaign to reconnect with past donors.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Fridays 4 Fundraising 01:17 Year-End Campaign Strategies 02:13 Setting and Tracking Fundraising Goals 06:19 Maintaining Donor Engagement 08:19 Looking Ahead: Future Fundraising Plans   Keywords fundraising, nonprofit, year-end campaign, donor engagement, fundraising goals, small nonprofit, fundraising strategies, donor stewardship, fundraising success, fundraising planning

    12 min

  7. 11/28/2025

    Thank YOU! A Love Letter to Fundraisers

    Summary This is not a regular episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising. This is Kelly's love letter to the fundraisers of the world—whether they consider themselves professional fundraisers or "because I have to" fundraisers. We talk about the importance of making the work sustainable so you're in it for the long haul, and the resources From Scratch Fundraising offers to make that more possible for overworked, under-resourced, tired nonprofit pros.   Join Sustain & Thrive: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thrive   Get on the wait list for the Recipe for Relief: 2026 Fundraising Planning Workshop: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/2026-relief   Takeaways Fundraisers are passionate about their mission and play a crucial role.It's important to take breaks and find joy in the work.Sustainable practices lead to a bigger impact over time.Burnout prevention is essential for long-term success.Fundraising is a year-round effort, not just at year-end.  Chapters 00:00 Thank You for Being the Heart of Fundraising 02:15 Surviving Year End is More Important Than the Money 04:06 Connect with From Scratch Fundraising's Resources   Keywords fundraising, nonprofit, sustainable practices, donor development, community impact, fundraising resources, burnout prevention, individual giving, fundraising strategies, nonprofit sector

    7 min

  8. 11/21/2025

    Year End Campaigns: Complete These Final Checks

    Summary In this episode of Fridays 4 Fundraising, Kelly shares some rapid fire tips for double checking your campaign for optimum success before you launch. From testing links and proofreading to ensuring mobile optimization and having a backup plan, Kelly provides actionable steps to enhance donor engagement and campaign effectiveness.   Join Sustain & Thrive: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/sustain-thrive   Download the Year End Campaign Planner: https://www.fromscratchfundraising.com/yearend   Takeaways These final touches might seem small and nit-picky, but they enhance the smooth operation of your year-end campaign.Test every link on your donation page.Proofread one last time.Check image file sizes.Make sure everything looks nice on a small screen.A timely thank you is the icing on the cake.Have a backup plan if things go wrong!   Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Fridays 4 Fundraising 00:44 Year End Campaigns: What to Do This Week 01:45 Final Checks: How to Do It 07:47 Templates & Tools for Fundraising Success 08:16 Getting More Fundraising Support 10:52 This Week's Assignment: Final Checks   Keywords fundraising, nonprofit, year-end campaigns, fundraising strategies, donor engagement, fundraising success, campaign planning, nonprofit resources, fundraising tips, sustainable fundraising

    12 min
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About

Fresh fundraising recipes delivered every Friday! Join Kelly McLaughlin of From Scratch Fundraising for bite-sized assignments that help nonprofits raise more dough without burning out. No half-baked strategies—just proven ingredients for sustainable success. One thing you can learn in 5 minutes and do in one hour or less to move your individual giving program forward.

Information

  • Creator
    Kelly McLaughlin
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Kelly McLaughlin
  • Show Website
    Fridays 4 Fundraising