At Wise Resource Development, we generate out-of-the-box ideas. Many of our ideas are funneled to over 20 of our clients daily, but we also value generous thought collaboration. On our blog, you will find new and timeless Wise ideas worth sharing.
Did you know that your financial reports tell an important story about the sustainability, efficiency and effectiveness of your organization? You heard it right! When funders are reviewing your organizational budget, balance sheet, statement of activities, IRS Form 990 and financial audit, they’re on a mission to uncover critical information about your nonprofit.
Read MoreAs you step into the new year, are you ready to hit the ground running toward your fundraising goal? Set yourself up for success by checking the structural integrity of your nonprofit’s three-legged stool.
Read MoreAmericans have always been known for their generosity. Just as in other difficult times, Americans stepped up giving during the pandemic. Now, upon reviewing the Giving USA 2023 report – the social sector’s annual report – we saw trends that, not unexpectedly, showed declines as the economy shifts and need is not as acute.
Read MoreMany development team members took on tasks they don't typically handle after the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Maybe because of a revenue downturn, there were layoffs at your organization. Maybe there's a volunteer shortage since you’ve moved to a hybrid or virtual working environment. Maybe the need for your services is greater than ever and you’re in an all-hands-on-deck situation.
Read MoreValentine’s Day is just around the corner. While it is commonplace to celebrate your loved ones on this day, more social sector organization are using this day to celebrate supporters and employees. For some inspiration, my friends and fellow consultants, Suzanne Smith of Social Impact Architects and Aimee Sheahan of Sheahan Communications, and I share our ideas and best practices on how to “show love” to these VIPs. For an added layer of fun, we have used The 5 Love Languages as a guide.
Read MoreA successful annual campaign will bring in sustainable, unrestricted revenue and build long-term donor relationships.
Read MoreCrowdfunding is a great way to build brand awareness, and it has become a popular way to fundraise by nonprofits, for-profits and even individuals. Thanks to social media, many of these efforts have gone viral like RAICES and the Ice Bucket Challenge. In fact, the crowdfunding industry has grown to generate $17.2 billion a year in North America alone. Still, this is not simply a “build it and they will come” approach. Success does not happen without a thoughtful campaign strategy.
Read MoreEach year since 1956, the sector anxiously awaits the results of the Giving USA Report. This annual report looks at the past year and releases key data and trends. In partnership with Suzanne Smith, Founder and CEO of Social Impact Architects, we are sharing some thoughts and ideas on today’s giving trends and what the future may hold.
Read MoreHow has nonprofit life changed since the COVID-19 pandemic started? What should change forever? What should be reconsidered? Now that we are close to herd immunity, many nonprofits are tackling big and small questions across all aspects of their organization about how to reopen safely. But, we are also tackling cultural questions – how do we come back together as a team? How do we reemerge even stronger?
Read MoreWhen getting started writing grants, the whole idea can seem very overwhelming. There’s all kinds of coded language, weird requests, and (sometimes) a standoffish feeling from funders. Asking for money is not something that comes naturally to everyone. Luckily, there’s a few key tips that will get any grant writer off on the right foot.
Read MoreOur nonprofit professional friends are often overworked and under-resourced, creating a recipe for low self-care. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, you may have fallen off track when it comes to healthy habits. The New Year brings an opportunity to set new goals and concentrate on looking and feeling your best, despite the obstacles you might be facing.
Read MoreThe benefits of going virtual are worth your efforts. An event that is streamed online extends your reach beyond your usual donor base and traditional service area to a host of new supporters. Capacity is no longer an issue because the size of your audience is not limited by the constraints of a physical venue. Virtual productions may also be less expensive, allowing you to realize a greater net profit and help you fill funding gaps from other revenue streams.
Read MoreIt can be hard to know how to communicate with donors when you are experiencing an organizational crisis, and even harder when the world is experiencing a global pandemic. We partnered with the marketing and communications experts at Sheahan Communications to develop some sample communications you can customize for your organization.
Read MoreA corporation’s motivations for giving are different than those of other donors, such as individuals and foundations. Now would be a wise time for companies to align themselves with nonprofits that their customers perceive as making the biggest impact on the community.
Read MoreThe federal government is encouraging charitable giving through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, and it’s time to be proactive about getting your share of those donations. So, how do you leverage this giving for your mission? Craft a fundraising appeal based on the following tips.
Read MoreWhile no guidebook exists on how to raise funds during a pandemic, our team spent the last week discussing strategy with our clients and gathering research and tips from some of the most acclaimed fundraising experts in the world about how to fundraise during times of crisis and recession.
Read MoreWe are using this page to share crisis funding opportunities and resources that are open to the public and directly linked to the current COVID-19 crisis. Check back here frequently as we will continue to add opportunities as we become aware of them.
Read MoreWhen my son was about seven years old, he asked me how long I was in college. When I told him eight years, he was astonished. “I can’t believe you went to college for eight years to be a volunteer!”
I was working at Volunteers of America at the time, and I got a great chuckle at his confusion. He didn’t understand that I got paid to do a job. But this interaction highlights a real conflict in the world of nonprofit – the undervaluing of nonprofit staff. Following are the biggest mistakes that nonprofits make when determining pay for employees:
Read MoreWe often hear that working with event committees is too much work and they don’t really do much to support the event anyway. This frustration, while common, is usually a result of not knowing how to fully maximize the potential of a volunteer committee. Here are some tips that will help you be more successful in working with committees.
Read MoreI started my career as a special event fundraiser and I have a very firm belief that fundraising events serve a valuable role in the world of fundraising, but only if implemented WISEly. Many nonprofit professionals hate fundraising events and it is usually because of one or more of these reasons…
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