Fundraising Strategies: Don't Fear Change, Embrace It.
Change is hard, right?
We’re comfortable. We know the way. Why fix what’s working? We’ve got the formula: rinse and repeat.
I’m not into change for change’s sake either. But I am into better, faster, smarter. Especially if it means fundraisers get to do more of what they do best: build relationships and raise money.
The catch? Adding efficiencies in fundraising isn’t always simple. Sometimes it’s personal (we’ve got a rhythm that feels familiar). Other times, it’s organizational. Maybe you’ve tried pitching an idea only to be met with blank stares or tight budgets.
Still, Kara and I believe it’s worth paying attention to what’s out there. There’s a lot of shiny stuff, sure, and we’re not here to chase every new gadget. But there are tools and practices that can make life easier. We think that’s worth exploring.
So, where do you start? Here are three practical, low-fuss ways to add efficiencies without losing your soul (or your sanity).
1. Use AI as your editor
Once upon a time, I was a sports editor. My job? Keep the writer’s voice while making their message clearer. That’s basically what AI can do as your editor on demand.
Use it to start a message. To be clear: I’m not saying let AI write your thank-yous or build your donor relationships. That’s yours. But when you're staring at a blank screen or trying to word something just right, AI can help you start. I’ve used it for everything from “how do I soften this awkward donor message?” to “how do I say this hard thing with kindness?”
Use it to edit a message/letter you have already drafted. Ask the bot if your message is clear or compelling. Sometimes just a new word or phrase can help you get more of what you intended.
Bonus: Make a list of prompts you reuse. Or take a quick course to help AI sound more like you. Think of it like hiring a very polite assistant who never sleeps and really “gets” you.
2. Let tech do the heavy lifting
Kara and I are all-in on relationship-based fundraising. We believe donors deserve a personal touch. But that doesn’t mean we handwrite every envelope or individually type every email.
Some things can be automated and still feel personal.
Use Outlook templates or mail merge for common emails
Skip the carpal tunnel. Work with companies that mimic real handwriting for cards and envelopes – and no, we’re not talking about type fonts, we mean robots writing the cards for you with real pens (yes, we have recs!)
Record one thank-you video and use a tool to personalize it for many donors
Use your iPhone to quickly send a video message. Doesn’t have to be fancy - just human
It’s about using tools to help you show up more consistently, not less personally.
3. Step away from the spreadsheet
Look, I love Excel. Love. I use it to plan vacations, organize my budget, probably too much. But when it comes to donor management? Your CRM should be your home base.
That’s where your team should be inputting and accessing info. And if it’s set up right, it should make your life easier—not harder. Dashboards, metrics, even AI tools can help you prioritize your day and track what matters. (Yes, we have recommendations on how you can use resources like PowerBi to export the data you need for relationship-based fundraising immediately).
Think of it like this: spreadsheets are great for lists. CRMs are great for relationships.
Bottom line: If there’s something you do more than three times (hello, impact touchpoint emails), it’s worth looking at it from a systems standpoint to see if you can make it simpler and more efficient. You don’t need to overhaul everything at once. Just start where it’s easiest.
Build a few good systems. Save some time. And get back to doing what really matters.
Like connecting with people. Or planning a color-coded vacation in Excel. (Just me? ... actually, scratch that. I’ve moved to having Chat plan my vacays!)
And, hey, we’re always looking for what helps fundraisers. Drop us a line and let us know what is helping you.
Lisa