Ethan Cox, CFRE

Mid-level donors are fundraising's most overlooked goldmine. In my analysis of 75 nonprofit giving programs: • Mid-level donors ($1K-$10K) have the highest retention rate (72%) • They're 4x more likely to leave a bequest than general donors • Yet only 9% of organizations have a dedicated mid-level strategy One organization created a simple "Leadership Circle" with quarterly updates and one annual event. Result: 41% increase in mid-level revenue within 12 months. Are you treating your mid-level donors like major donors or small donors? The difference is worth thousands.

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In fundraising, data matters! Yesterday, the AFP - Greater AZ Chapter hosted Sasha R. Lewis, CFRE of Moves Management Consulting for an insightful session on donor data and how to use it to drive fundraising success. So much of the conversation about development focuses on relationship building, and for good reason. But too often, we overlook the vital role that good, clean data plays in: ⭐️ Understanding what matters to donors 👉👉👉 Results in stronger donor retention and better giving opportunities ⭐️ Determining which strategies and tactics are working 👉👉👉 Results in more effective and efficient practices ⭐️ Identifying giving behavior 👉👉👉 Results in better predictive analytics, financial reporting/forecasting, organizational strategy, and stakeholder communication In my 27 years in the development field, I’ve seen far too many organizations under-invest in their data, contributing to issues with fundraising strategy, staff burnout, and, ultimately, lost revenue. What mission-driven organizations truly need: ✅ Consistent, clean data entry and maintenance ✅ Strategic use of data to guide decisions ✅ The right people, tools, and training for good data entry and data management Interested in learning more? Check out Sasha’s webinar for Virtuous on why your organization needs good data entry and data management to maximize your fundraising capacity: https://lnkd.in/gRQ7tXeN. What are your biggest challenges with using data to drive fundraising success? I’m always happy to swap stories and strategies – leave a comment, and let’s brainstorm (or commiserate) as a community! #datadrivenfundraising #fundraisingstrategy #donordata

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Donors notice more than you think. When your fundraising staff constantly changes, it sends a signal about your organization: instability, inconsistency, and short-sightedness. More than anything, a revolving door of fundraisers suggests that your organization doesn't recognize the critical importance of hiring and supporting professional fundraisers. But when you invest in your team—through financial investment, support, training, and a healthy culture—you create continuity and deeper relationships. Donors will notice, and that leads to stronger, more loyal donor engagement. #FundraisingTips #NonprofitLeadership #DonorTrust #StaffRetention #SaveGiving #NonprofitSuccess #FundraiserSupport #MissionDriven

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At the ACSA Superintendents Symposium, our expert panel with Sr. Director of Policy & Government Relations Iván Carrillo, Executive VP Patti Herrera of School Service, and Kevin Gordon, President of Capitol Advisors, provided a deep dive into California’s financial outlook. Here are my takeaways: -Ethnic Studies is very likely to be funded so ok to start planning for it. -Education remains a bipartisan issue, which could help safeguard against radical federal policies. -Special Education and Career Tech continue to have strong bipartisan support. -Expect a tough 2026-27 budget year. -Governor’s COLA projection is 2.46%, but that could change so when it comes to COLA’s & negotiations, make sure you have all your data points. ACSA is grateful for our ongoing partnership with School Services of California and Capitol Advisors, whose expertise helps superintendents navigate a complex financial landscape.

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Bloomerang recently released the Engagement Amplified: A Modern Guide to Fundraising Events report, highlighting the key elements of an engaging and impactful fundraising event. The study, which surveyed more than 250 fundraisers and 1,000 donors, reveals a growing disconnect between how nonprofits are planning events and the engagement donors want. While many fundraisers continue to rely on gala events, donors are increasingly seeking unique and interactive experiences centered on connection, energy, and clear purpose. Check out Boomerang's report for additional key findings on fundraising events and attendee engagement. https://lnkd.in/e28t5T9v #fundraising #nonprofits

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The "If-Then" Truths of Fundraising Short-term, transactional and nonadaptive fundraising has consequences. We're quick to point to the modest successes yielded by transactional approaches but very slow to acknowledge the resulting damage, inlcuding the loss of donors and escalating donor attrition rates. The more shallow our approach, the more we turn off serious and substantive donors. When designing our fundraising plans, let's start putting an "if" in front of the tactic and starting acknowledging the "thens."

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For many community-based organizations, national funders represent the dream: larger grants, wider visibility, and new partnerships. Those goals can make sense. But for most, the better return on time and energy comes from deepening relationships with existing local funders rather than pursuing speculative support from national foundations with limited connection to their community. I often see organizations believe they have “covered” their local landscape when, in reality, they have only begun to scratch the surface. The next major opportunity often comes not from finding a new funder, but from cultivating a more intentional relationship with one that already understands their work. Local funders bring something unique. They have proximity, context, and a shared stake in the community’s success. They see the results firsthand, hear about the impact directly from neighbors, and tend to stay committed when others move on. For many organizations, the smartest growth strategy is not about reaching farther. It is about going deeper.

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