During inflationary periods, congregations should avoid scarcity based appeals, frame budget increases around ministry impact rather than expenses, have leadership give first and announce their combined increase, and invite households to grow giving by a weekly dollar amount rather than a percentage or tithe.

The newest Giving USA report is out, and it has real implications for faith based nonprofits. From a shrinking share of the giving pie for religion to a critical window closing on 2021 donors, here is what the data means for your organization and what to do about it this week.

Congregation councils can lose focus fast, getting stuck in anxiety, distraction, and unproductive meetings. In this video, Paul Walters of GSB Fundraising shares ten practical commitments that help councils communicate honestly, manage anxiety, stay unified, and lead with generosity and openness to the Spirit.

Artificial intelligence is everywhere, and the church is not exempt from this conversation. In this month's GSB Roundtable, partner Nathan Swenson Reinhold offers a grounded, theologically informed framework for how ministry leaders can engage AI with maturity, clarity, and purpose. From what denominations are already saying to four practical levels of ministry use, this session is a starting point for the conversation every congregation needs to be having.

Capital campaigns don't start with a leaking roof. They start with vision. In this session, Pete Reuss walks through the full capital campaign process, from master site planning and feasibility studies to lead gift strategy, and explains why organizations that dream big are often the ones that inspire their most generous gifts ever.

Annual appeals are important, but they're only part of the picture. In this session, Pete Reuss walks through the ministry development steps that build a lasting giving culture, from compelling donor storytelling and major donor relationships to planned giving programs that create impact for generations.

Before any giving program can succeed, there's foundational work that has to happen first. In this session, Pete Reuss walks through the four steps every church and nonprofit needs in place before launching a generosity strategy, from board effectiveness and financial transparency to strategic planning that actually inspires people to get on board.

Volunteers can be a wonderful resource as you ask for gifts. In this video, we will discuss the importance of proper training and what to include in that training so that your volunteers have the best chance for success.

In this video, we will discuss proper training and orientation for new board members, including why it is so important and what to include.

Today it is harder to land new leadership volunteers than it is to land a major gift. In this roundtable we will provide the keys to recruiting the right people for your nonprofit’s board of directors.

Where do all those sponsors come from on the banners and t-shirts? How do you get companies to support your event? Why would they? Learn tips to support the work you are doing to make the world a better place. 

Learn how strong donor retention—and especially monthly giving—can dramatically increase long-term fundraising results. We will talk about why monthly giving matters, how to launch or strengthen a program, and who to invite to increase donor loyalty and grow giving in your organization.

Want a stronger finish to your annual fund this year? This quick, actionable video is packed with practical ideas you can implement immediately. GSB Managing Partner Mike Ward shares the top five strategies organizations are using right now to close the year with confidence and momentum.

With nearly a third of all charitable giving occurring in December, this is your opportunity to ensure your church or nonprofit is positioned for a successful year-end.

Real-world tactics—not theory—that will help you boost results in the final stretch, don’t miss this resource. Hit play and get inspired to finish strong.

This series of videos focuses on three critical ingredients to organizational health, incorporating learnings and observations from real-life nonprofit turnaround examples.

Want to look for foundation grants but don’t know where to start? Discover some expert tips for identifying funders who align with your organization’s work.  

In this video, Rev. Pete Reuss, CFRE, will lead conversations on how to steward your MID-LEVEL donors based on where they fall on your giving chart. Treat everyone well, but don’t treat everyone exactly the same.

In this video, Rev. Pete Reuss, CFRE, will lead conversations on how to steward your MID-LEVEL donors based on where they fall on your giving chart. Treat everyone well, but don’t treat everyone exactly the same.

Donor Stewardship is how you tend to relationships with donors after they give. Their gift is just the beginning of a longer process. You thank them. You tell stories of the impact of their giving. You engage them in your mission. You hear their passions and interests. 

We are often asked, “How do I get my board to help with fundraising?” Board members are donors and volunteers, and they need to be cultivated, trained, and encouraged. Learn how to do just that and get the best from your board members, specifically when it comes to supporting our annual fundraising plan.

What should you do next? How do you respond to an invitation or opportunity? How do you respond in a crisis? Knowing who you are and having a clear sense of identity and purpose makes responding far easier.

In system thinking, this is called self-differentiation. People who are not well self-differentiated tend to simply agree with the person in front of them. Trying to keep everyone happy all the time is a recipe for disaster.