Unlocking Fundraising Potential: Why Every Nonprofit Needs a Development Audit

Even the most mission-driven organizations can hit a plateau. You’ve invested in events, built loyal supporters, and have perhaps even launched a capital campaign. And, yet, growth feels harder to sustain. The challenge isn’t passion or effort; it’s clarity. Without a clear understanding of what’s working and where to focus next, your fundraising strategy risks running on instinct instead of insight. 

That’s where Inbloom’s Development Audit comes in. 

The Challenge: Complexity Without Clarity 

Nonprofit fundraising has never been more complex. From donor retention to digital storytelling, teams are juggling multiple priorities while chasing ambitious goals. But most organizations lack a unified way to assess how all these moving parts fit together. Too often, the data sits in silos, internal alignment falters, and opportunities for growth are missed. 

The Solution: A Roadmap for Smarter Fundraising 

Inbloom’s Development Audit provides a comprehensive, data-informed assessment that helps nonprofits strengthen their fundraising operations. Guided by our proprietary Maturity Model framework, the process meets your organization where it is today and delivers a clear, customized roadmap for growth. 

Our phased approach uncovers what’s working, what’s not, and what to do next: 

• Phase 1: Stakeholder Engagement + Fundraising Discovery — We engage your key stakeholders, conduct a Fundraising 360° Discovery Session, and deliver a Donor History Analysis to develop a curated Very Important Donors (VID) List. 

• Phase 2: Marketing & Digital Media Assessment — We evaluate your digital presence and donor communications through a fundraising lens, ensuring your message reaches and resonates with the right audiences. We deliver a strategic list of recommendations and implementation tactics.  

• Phase 3: Maturity Model Evaluation + Roadmap for Growth — You receive a scored Maturity Model assessment and our Prescription for Progress—a practical set of prioritized recommendations and KPIs to track your progress over time. 

The Insight: Progress Begins with Perspective 

A Development Audit doesn’t just diagnose challenges—it builds organizational confidence. By engaging your board, leadership, and staff in a unified process, you gain a shared understanding of your fundraising landscape and a concrete plan to move forward. 

Take the Next Step 

If your team is ready to move from fundraising guesswork to growth with purpose, let’s start the conversation. Schedule a consultation to see how an Inbloom Development Audit can help you uncover your organization’s next chapter of impact. 

Connect with Inbloom

Changemakers Corner: How Airtable Moved One Team From Chaos To Clarity

A Strategic Clean-Up Approach 

Inbloom was brought in to develop an Annual Giving Plan for a nonprofit client, and our Development Audit revealed that their donor data needed refinement before it could fully support new fundraising strategies. Records were missing details, historical patterns weren’t fully captured, and the team needed a system they could confidently rely on. Inbloom quickly recognized that before building a new plan, the foundation needed to be strengthened, starting with the data. 

Instead of jumping straight into planning, we introduced Airtable as a cleanup and transition tool.  

Airtable appears like a spreadsheet, but it functions as a database hybrid, making it a perfect bridge between chaotic spreadsheets and a full Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) system. For this nonprofit, Airtable played a pivotal role in cleaning up donor records, restoring confidence in their data, and laying the foundation for a strong Annual Giving Plan. It allowed the team to rebuild their data infrastructure while simultaneously improving the effectiveness of their day-to-day fundraising efforts. 

A Perfect Stepping Stone 

Starting with software like Airtable as an intermediary tool helped ease the transition to a more robust CRM. It was the right fit because of its similarity to a spreadsheet but offered far more power. 

Here’s why we like Airtable as a data management tool:  

• User Friendly: The interface and functionality are much like traditional spreadsheet software with a low learning curve and is easy to use. 

• Budget Friendly: No-cost entry point eliminates concerns about increased operational expenses. 

• Accessibility: Cloud-based functionality makes it accessible to team members whether they’re in the office, working from home, or an external vendor. 

• Centralized Storage: Allows for storing everything in one organized, searchable place, including attachments. 

• Dynamic Data Capabilities: Data updates automatically across all views and reports, eliminating version control issues. 

• Multiple Views: Creating different views of the same data while maintaining consistent structure and data integrity—perfect for team members who need different information on layouts.  

• Bonus Features: Project management, automated actions and reports, and an integrated dashboard builder provides CRM functionality.  

Right-Size Your Data 

Airtable can be a helpful organizational tool for nonprofits seeking to introduce more structure to their operations without committing to a comprehensive CRM immediately. Beyond donor data, it can support a range of day-to-day tasks, like tracking grant deadlines, organizing event logistics, or coordinating volunteer schedules. At Inbloom, we use Airtable to plan and execute our quarterly newsletter, manage content and ideas, assign writing tasks, track deadlines, and store final assets all in one shared space. For teams juggling multiple moving parts, having a centralized and flexible system can make collaboration more manageable.  

By starting with the right tools and a clear understanding of your goals, you can bring order to your data, streamline collaboration across teams, and create systems that truly support fundraising efforts. With a thoughtful approach, it's possible to turn disorganized information into a strategic asset that drives long-term success. 

And if you’re curious to dive deeper, reach out — we’ve got Airtable enthusiasts on our team who truly love nothing more than talking about managing your data!  

Contact Inbloom Consulting to learn how we can support your data management goals.

Fundraising & Donor Engagement: How to Know When It’s Time for a Case for Support Refresh

Your Case for Support isn’t a one-time project; it’s a living document that should evolve with your organization. When you keep it fresh and aligned with your current impact and vision, it energizes supporters and strengthens their connection to your mission. Neglect it, and you risk donors losing interest. Just like any important relationship, regular care and attention make all the difference. 

Natural Opportunities to Update Your Case  

The good news is there are plenty of natural moments to revisit and refresh your Case for Support. Think about the moments of pending change or growth in your organization, and how your mission may be impacted. 

• Launching a Campaign or Feasibility Study: Review your Case to confirm it reflects your most current priorities, anticipated impact, and future direction. Update language so it speaks directly to campaign goals.  

• Anniversaries and Milestones: Add a section celebrating progress to date and outline what’s next. Use stories and data to show growth over time.  

• Program Development: Incorporate new programs or services into your Case. Adjust your messaging so supporters see how these developments strengthen your mission delivery.  

• Strategic Planning: Align your Case with your updated organizational priorities. Cross-check language against your new strategic plan to ensure consistency. 

• Leadership Transitions: Revise your Case to highlight your leadership’s vision and reassure stakeholders of ongoing commitment. Use this moment to reinforce excitement about the future.  

Hidden Opportunities 

Some opportunities may be subtle but no less important.  

• Calendar Events and Trends: Staying attuned to these broader conversations and activities can help you identify moments when your Case could benefit from fresh context or updated statistics. 

• Sector and Landscape Changes: Add context showing you understand shifts in your field. Update your Case with data, insights, or examples of how your organization is adapting. 

• Economic Shifts: Your Case should acknowledge major economic changes. Adjust your Case to explain how you’re responding to challenges or leveraging opportunities. 

• Recognition and Awards: Incorporate recent awards, accreditations, or media coverage to add credibility and momentum to your Case.

Updating your Case for Support doesn’t need to be daunting, make it part of your regular rhythm.  Engage staff, board members, and trusted supporters to ensure it reflects what truly resonates. By keeping it fresh and responsive, your Case will continue to capture your mission’s power and inspire the support your work deserves.  

What if you don’t have a Case for Support? Or do you need help updating your story? If either situation sounds familiar, consider engaging experienced consultants, like Inbloom, who specialize in nonprofit storytelling and case development. The right partnership can make the difference between a case that works and one that truly transforms your fundraising efforts. Contact — Inbloom Consulting 

Submitted By: Kate Newsome | Inbloom Development Consultant | Connect w/ Kate on LinkedIn

Beyond the Ask: Building Donor Trust in a Cautious Climate

In uncertain times, fundraising success hinges less on how often you ask—and more on how deeply you connect. 

Donors today are navigating their own financial pressures and are becoming more selective about where they give. In this environment, the relationships you build between campaigns matter more than ever. At Inbloom, we’re seeing a consistent pattern among organizations navigating this cautious climate successfully: they lead with trust, not just transactions. 

  Here are four actionable ways to strengthen donor trust right now: 

1. Treat Stewardship as Strategy 

Donor relationships don’t begin or end with a gift. Thoughtful, consistent follow-up builds long-term loyalty. A well-timed thank-you, a short update, or a handwritten note reminds donors they’re part of your mission, not just funding it. 

2. Be Honest About the Challenges 

Donors don’t expect perfection; they expect transparency. Celebrate progress but also be open about what is hard. When you frame challenges as opportunities for impact, you invite donors into the problem-solving process rather than pushing them away. 

  3. Make It Personal (Without Overcomplicating It) 

You don’t need a major gifts team to create meaningful touchpoints. A segmented email, a personalized subject line, or a brief voicemail can go a long way. These small, intentional efforts, done consistently, build trust at scale. 

  4. Lead with Purpose and Story 

Now is the time to revisit your messaging. Are you speaking to what your donors care about most? Are your stories rooted in lived experience and real outcomes? Donors give to people and purpose, not just programs. 

  The Bottom Line: Relationships Over Campaigns 

Donor fatigue is real, but often, it’s the result of organizations talking at their donors instead of engaging them. A relational approach is what sets resilient fundraisers apart in today’s climate. At Inbloom, we believe trust is the most valuable currency in any donor relationship, and we’re here to help you build it. 

Submitted By: Mary Herzak | Inbloom COO & CMO | Connect w/ Mary

Need support with messaging, segmentation, or year-round stewardship strategies? 
Let’s talk. We’d love to hear what you’re working on. 

Big Picture: Finding Stability in Uncertainty: How Nonprofits Can Navigate Today's Fundraising Landscape

When the ground beneath us feels unsteady, that’s exactly when strong footing matters most. At Inbloom, like many of you, we’re closely watching the shifts taking place across the nonprofit sector. From sudden funding losses to rapid program pivots, we’ve seen the ripple effects firsthand, and we’re listening carefully to the concerns nonprofits are voicing across the country. 

Right now, systemic uncertainty is reshaping the way we work. Changes in federal priorities are cascading down to state and local levels. Donors are under pressure, individuals are more cautious, foundations are narrowing their focus, and corporate partners are scaling back. It’s a dynamic, often disorienting climate, especially as community needs continue to grow. Here’s the good news: Organizations that weather times like these successfully tend to share five key practices. 

1. Return to the Fundamentals  

A strong foundation matters. Revisit your core messaging. Make sure your case for support speaks to real, urgent community impact. Align your communications with your values and speak directly to what supporters care about most.  

2. Clarify Your Mission and Say It Out Loud  

In times of uncertainty, clarity is power. Your mission is a guiding light for your team and a rallying cry for your supporters. Whether you choose to lead with universal values or stand firm in your advocacy, sharpen your language and let your message cut through the noise.  

3. Be Transparent About the Challenges  

Supporters don’t expect perfection, they expect honesty. We’ve seen organizations deepen trust and unlock unexpected solutions by candidly sharing challenges with stakeholders. Your supporters want to know how they can help. Don’t hide hard truths—frame them as a call to action.  

4. Diversify Your Funding Sources  

The “fundraising pie” looks different for every organization, but a diversified approach enhances resilience. We understand completely replacing federal and state dollars with philanthropy can be tough, but shoring up other revenue streams can help sustain your work.   

Nonprofit Fundraising Strategy: Diversifying Your Funding Pie for Sustainability — Inbloom Consulting 

5. Collaborate & Stay Informed  

You’re not alone. Peer organizations, professional networks, and advocacy groups can be critical sources of strategy, support, and strength. Develop a system to track policy shifts that might impact your funding and regularly assess how those changes might affect your future.  

We recommend staying updated through:  

• BloomBox — Inbloom Consulting 

• Trends and Policy Issues | National Council of Nonprofits 

Finding Opportunity in Challenge 

While the road ahead may be uncertain, we’re also seeing inspiring innovation born out of necessity. Organizations are launching social enterprises, forming new alliances, and deepening community engagement. These aren’t just survival strategies, they are laying the groundwork for long-term resilience. 

At Inbloom, we’re here to walk alongside you. We’re alert, deliberate, and deeply committed to supporting nonprofits as they adapt and lead through this moment. 

Submitted By: Kate Newsome | Inbloom Development Consultant | Connect w/ Kate 

Ready to talk strategy? 
Reach out - we’d love to hear what you’re working on and how we can help. 

Where Should Nonprofits Show Up Online? A Data-Backed Guide to Showing Up Where It Counts

One thing remains clear in the changing world of digital platforms: for nonprofits, showing up with intention is essential. But with limited bandwidth, evolving algorithms, and donor attention spread across more content than ever, how do you decide where to invest your time, content, and ad dollars? We have gathered the latest benchmark data to provide an overview of the current state of social media for nonprofits, including performance statistics, strategic insights, and actionable tips to guide your digital growth this year.  

Facebook   

With 3.05 billion monthly active users and the highest return on investment (ROI) for nonprofit ad spending, Facebook remains a cornerstone for fundraising campaigns and donor engagement, even as organic reach declines. Nonprofits should use the platform intentionally, balancing consistent organic posting with paid advertising and community interaction to drive meaningful results. 

Facebook Statistics

• 3.05 billion monthly active users  

• 96% of nonprofits use Facebook Pages  

• For every 1,000 email addresses, nonprofits have an average of 1,041 Facebook fans  

• 97% of all Facebook fundraising revenue comes from Facebook Fundraisers  

  Sources - [Nonprofit Tech for Good Report, [M+R Benchmarks Report]  

Facebook Strategy

• Acknowledge low organic reach (approximately 1.4%) by mixing organic content with targeted paid ads for maximum exposure and engagement. 

• Utilize Facebook Fundraisers and donation tools, but pair them with personalized thank-you messages to maximize results.   

• Promote events and impact stories via boosted posts for low-cost reach. 

• Create a sense of community by sharing behind-the-scenes moments, staff spotlights, milestones, and real-time updates. 

• Implement UTM tracking codes on shared links to monitor traffic, conversions, and ROI from Facebook content and ads.  

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Instagram

Instagram remains the most visually engaging social media platform and a top channel for nonprofit influencer collaboration. It’s highly effective for increasing brand awareness and engaging younger donors, especially when organizations prioritize behind-the-scenes content and authentic storytelling. Instagram’s visual nature makes it ideal for showcasing impact, sharing real-time updates, and building emotional connections. 

Instagram Statistics  

• 2 billion monthly users, 500M daily  

• 73% of nonprofits use Instagram  

• 94% of nonprofit influencer campaigns happen on Instagram  

• 47% of social media ads spent by nonprofits go to Instagram  

• For every 1,000 email addresses, nonprofits have an average of 251 Instagram followers.   

  Sources - [Nonprofit Tech for Good Report, [M+R Benchmarks Report]  

Instagram Strategy

• Prioritize visual consistency and a cohesive brand aesthetic, and use a recognizable color palette, tone, and style in your posts. 

• Focus on video-first content, Stories, and Reels, which drive the most reach and engagement on the platform. 

• Share authentic, mission-driven stories through visual formats, highlighting audience journeys, team members, beneficiaries, or day-in-the-life content. 

• Leverage Reels to share quick tips, behind-the-scenes footage, or impact metrics in dynamic ways. 

• Collaborate with micro-influencers or mission-aligned creators to tap into niche audiences and add credibility. 

• Post consistently and use relevant hashtags to join trending conversations and improve discoverability. 

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LinkedIn  

LinkedIn is a powerful platform for reaching mid to high-value donors, cultivating community advocates, recruiting board members, and establishing organizational credibility. With the highest average engagement rate (1.91%) among all platforms for nonprofits, even minimal yet consistent posting (1–2 times per week) can drive measurable impact. 

LinkedIn Statistics  

• 1 billion users; 48% active monthly  

• There are 2.2 million nonprofits on LinkedIn and 22 million nonprofit professionals 

• 1.91% average engagement rate, the highest of any platform for nonprofits  

• For every 1,000 email addresses, nonprofits have an average of 58 LinkedIn followers   

• 44% of U.S. users earn over $75K/year  

• 42% of U.S. donors research nonprofits via LinkedIn  

  Sources - [LinkedIn], [M+R Benchmarks Report] 

LinkedIn Strategy

• Watch for: Infrequent posting = missed opportunities. Even 1–2 quality posts/week can drive results.  

• Sharing thought leadership from your executive director, board members, or program leads positions your team as experts. 

• Highlight your community impact, including success stories, grant announcements, awards, and policy wins. 

• Use posts to acknowledge corporate partnerships, showcase collaborations, or announce job openings. 

• Encourage your staff, board, and volunteers to engage with and reshare your posts to expand reach and credibility. 

• Use native documents and slide posts (annual reports and strategic plans) to boost visibility in the news feed. 

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TikTok

TikTok is fast becoming a powerful platform for grassroots storytelling, awareness campaigns, and reaching Gen Z donors. Though adoption is still growing among nonprofits, those investing in short-form video are seeing spikes in engagement, particularly when content is authentic, educational, or emotionally resonant.

TikTok Statistics

• Over 1.5 billion monthly active users

• Nonprofits using TikTok for storytelling have seen up to 18% engagement rates

• Donation stickers and LIVE gifting features support direct fundraising

TikTok Strategy

• Prioritize quick, raw, mission-driven videos over polished productions

• Highlight impact in action: frontline work, personal testimonials, behind-the-scenes

• Collaborate with creators passionate about your cause

• Repurpose Instagram Reels for cross-platform efficiency

What This Means for Your Nonprofit in 2025  

You don’t need to be everywhere; you need to be strategic about where and how you show up. Ask the questions: Do we have the capacity to maintain consistent, quality posting here? When in doubt, focus on 1-2 core channels and build from there.  The power of showing up authentically and impactfully applies online just as much as in community work. Whether entering a new market, reevaluating your digital presence, or launching your next campaign, let this data guide you with clarity and confidence. 

Want help auditing your current strategy or identifying where to grow next?  Reach out, we would love to support you on your digital journey. 

Fundraising & Donor Engagement: Approaching & Retaining Donors

“How do you ask people for money for a living?”  

This question is raised all the time—not just about fundraising, but about how I can do this work for a living. And the truth is: I love it. Because fundraising isn’t really about money. That’s the biggest misconception holding so many nonprofit leaders back from launching major gift programs in the first place. 

Fundraising is about purpose and people. 

In his book Start With Why, Simon Sinek reminds us that people don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it. The same is true for philanthropy. Donors don’t give just because they’re asked—they give because they believe in the impact of their contribution. They give because your mission aligns with their values, their experiences, and their vision for change. They give because you believe. People give to people.  

So, how do you approach fundraising, specifically individual or major gift fundraising, with this mindset? 

Start with gratitude 

Thank the person for their previous engagement, whether it is their prior donation, attending an event or a program, or simply making the time to meet with you. Stewarding previous or current engagement is a good way to begin a deeper conversation about what more can happen when you join forces. 

Explore their why

Connect with the person around their philanthropic goals. Find out what inspires them about your organization and give an update on those areas. How do they want to help move the mission forward? Do they want to volunteer in a program or sit on a committee or a board? Do they want to provide funding to jumpstart a new initiative? Connect their why to your organization’s mission. 

Share your why

Share why you – as a board member or a staff member – commit your time to the organization through your employment or volunteer efforts. You are activating your talent for the benefit of the nonprofit, no matter if you are on staff or on the board. Fundraising is about shared passion for the same cause. 

Extend an invitation 

Ask them to join you – it may be with their time, talent, or treasure– to make amazing things happen. Determine the next step, follow through on the plans, and continue to discuss the impact their support can have!  

These conversations don’t always happen quickly – although they can and they have been known to! – and it usually takes several meetings to get to a major gift solicitation. But when you lead with why, the right supporters will want to join you—and the “ask” becomes a natural next step. 

Submitted By: Megan Granson | Inbloom CEO & Founder | Connect w/ Megan

Changemakers Corner: Now More Than Ever, The Importance of the Funding Pie

Every year on March 14th, we celebrate Pi Day (3.14), a nod to the mathematical constant that never ends. But this year, think about a different kind of pie—the one that keeps your organization running— your funding pie. Successful nonprofit organizations rely on multiple fundraising streams to ensure financial stability and sustainable growth. Avoiding over-concentration in one area keeps your organization nimble when responding to changes in the fundraising landscape. Losing a major donor or corporate partnership would hurt—but it doesn’t have to be a crisis. 

Understanding Your Funding Pie - Revenue channels that every nonprofit should consider 

1. Annual Giving Programs: These programs typically combine regular donations from individuals, ranging from small to large contributions, and help establish a reliable base of support. Annual giving programs include recurring gifts, appeals (often tied to the time of year or significant date), events, and peer-to-peer giving. 

2. Major Gifts and Capital Campaigns: These focused fundraising efforts target high-capacity donors for significant contributions, often supporting specific initiatives like building projects or endowment funds. Capital campaigns typically have a set timeframe and specific financial goals associated with each part of a project. Major gifts can also include planned gifts. 

3. Corporate Partnerships and Sponsorships: These gifts take many forms, everything from matching gift programs where companies match their employees' donations to corporate grants for specific projects or general operations to in-kind donations of products or services. 

4. Foundations and Grants: Institutional funding sources can provide substantial support for specific programs or general operations. Long-term relationships with foundations and grants can provide unwavering support in difficult times.  

5. Planned Giving: Legacy gifts—such as wills, trusts, life insurance policies, or charitable gift annuities—allow donors to make long-term investments in your mission. Planned giving programs provide stability and future funding opportunities.  

6. Earned Income & Fee-for-Service Programs: Revenue generated by offering products or services related to their mission. Examples include: Membership fees (e.g., museums, professional associations), Tuition or program fees (e.g., educational workshops, training programs), Ticket sales for events or performances, Social enterprises, where nonprofits sell goods or services to support their cause  

Your Recipe for Success 

Just like a good pie crust is the foundation of a blue-ribbon pie, and made of very simple ingredients, fundraising is built on simple but important pillars. Remember that each funding stream requires different approaches and resources, but together they create a robust foundation for nonprofit sustainability. This Pi Day, take time to analyze your funding streams. Is your pie well-balanced? Are you overly reliant on one slice? Now is the time to explore new opportunities and secure your financial future. 

Submitted By: Kate Newsome | Inbloom Development Consultant | Connect w/ Kate 

The Future of Nonprofit Leadership: Balancing Mission & Sustainability – “Walking the Tightrope”

Leading a nonprofit often feels like walking a tightrope—balancing mission, funding, and the ever-changing landscape of donor expectations. So, what’s keeping you steady? 

"At Inbloom Consulting, we believe in Sustainable Positive Impact—the ability to fulfill your mission while ensuring long-term financial and organizational health. Nonprofit leaders must constantly balance purpose-driven impact with financial sustainability, as the passion to create meaningful change intersects with rising operational costs, shifting donor priorities, and increasing pressure for transparency and innovation." 

Keys to Sustainable Leadership 
To build a thriving organization that stays true to its mission, nonprofit leaders should FOCUS on: 

1. People-Centered Leadership: Investing in staff development, avoiding burnout, understanding your why, and fostering an inclusive culture. This is our personal favorite, as the people are the most important investment that will carry the organization’s mission forward!

• Are you investing in staff development & leadership growth within your team?  

2. Financial Resilience: Diversifying revenue streams, embracing earned-income models, and strengthening donor retention strategies.  

• Do you have a diversified mix of funding sources, or are you overly reliant on one type of revenue? (Hint: Read Inbloom’s Article on the “Funding Pi”.) 

3. Strategic Agility: Using data to drive decision-making and adapting quickly to sector changes while staying true to your mission and vision.  

• How open are you to exploring new partnerships or revenue models that could help strength your impact?  

4. Technology & Innovation: Leveraging digital tools to streamline operations, enhance fundraising, and expand outreach.  

• How are you using technology to measure and communicate your impact? (Hint: Check out Inbloom’s “Bloom Box” – A place that shares resources, templates, and actionable advice. Our newest post “Best Free & Low-Cost Tools for Nonprofits” can help you see where opportunity exists as it relates to technology and opportunity to maximize usage and output to help drive your outreach efforts.) 

Looking Forward 
The future of nonprofit leadership requires a shift from a scarcity mindset to one of strategic abundance. Successful organizations don’t just survive; they thrive by embracing innovation, financial sustainability, and adaptive leadership. As we enter this new year, how is your organization evolving to meet these challenges? If finding this “balance” is something you need help with, our team is ready to listen. 

Submitted By: Mary Herzak | Inbloom COO & CMO | Connect w/ Mary

Memories from Our 10 Year Anniversary Celebration

Celebrating 10 Years of Inbloom Consulting

Our Video Celebrating 10 Years of Impact

Inbloom Consulting’s Tenth Anniversary Celebration was an unforgettable milestone! Whether you celebrated with us in person or cheered us on from afar, we are so grateful for your support. Over the past decade, your partnership, trust, and friendship have made it possible for us to work alongside nonprofits, advancing their missions and creating lasting impact. To mark this special occasion, we’re thrilled to share our 10-Year Video, showcasing the inspiring work of the incredible organizations we’ve had the honor to support. We also captured many wonderful memories from the celebration, which you can view on our LinkedIn page. Thank you for being part of this journey and helping us reach this milestone. Here’s to the next chapter of growth and impact—together!

How to Position Your Nonprofit’s Appeal Message to Reach the Right Audience at the Right Time

In the crowded nonprofit landscape, making your appeal stand out is essential. At Inbloom Consulting, we believe that with the right strategies, your nonprofit can create a lasting impact. Here’s how to position your appeal message effectively.  1. Understand Audience Motivations  

1. Understand Audience Motivations  

Identify what drives your audience—personal impact, community engagement, or global causes. Tailor your messages to align with these motivations, ensuring your appeal speaks directly to their interests. Make it easy for donors to contribute by clearly outlining all options and emphasizing the call to action in a straightforward manner.  

 2. Optimize Timing with Data  

Use data from past campaigns and social media analytics to determine when and how your audience will most likely engage. Look for patterns and schedule your appeals for maximum visibility. A social media audit can help ensure you’re reaching the right people on the right platforms at the right time.  

 3. Showcase Impact  

Donors want to see the results of their contributions. Highlight how donations have made a difference, and follow up with stories and testimonials, images, or videos to reinforce their decision to give and encourage future support.  

4. Engage Across Multiple Touchpoints  

Remind potential donors of your mission through consistent messaging. Use your appeal as a foundation for a broader campaign, breaking down content into emails and social media posts. Always thank your supporters for their involvement.  

5. Test and Adapt  

Continuously test different marketingcampaign elements, such as headlines and Call To Actions (CTAs). Analyze results in real-time and adjust your strategy as needed to maximize impact.  

Download our Checklist here to help you remember these essential activities. Reaching your audience at the right time and with the right message is key. By understanding your audience, leveraging data, and being strategic, your nonprofit can create appeals that resonate deeply. At Inbloom Consulting, we’re here to help you refine your messaging for maximum impact.

Why a Development Audit Can Supercharge Your Fundraising

As nonprofit leaders, we all share the same burning question: Are we making a real difference?   

Fundraising can feel like a constant hustle, leaving you unsure if your efforts are truly paying off. That's where a development audit becomes your game-changer.  Think of it like a fitness tracker for your fundraising.  A development audit goes beyond simply seeing how much money comes in and goes out (like bank statements) and digs much deeper, analyzing your fundraising approach and identifying hidden potential and areas for strengthening your development strategy.  

  3 reasons why a development audit is more than just a numbers game and how it can supercharge your fundraising:  

• Bank statements tell you what happened, while a development audit tells you why it happened.   It takes a close look at your donor base, understanding how engaged they are and uncovering opportunities to build stronger relationships that lead to bigger gifts and loyal supporters.  

• Numbers might show a positive result, but a development audit reveals if your fundraising efforts are efficient.   Are you pouring resources into programs that aren't delivering? An audit helps you rethink your spending and focus on strategies with the best value, or bigger return for your organization.   

• Accounting shows debits and credits while a development audit analyzes donor history and uncovers gold mines you might be missing.  Imagine tapping into monthly giving programs, strategic partnerships, or cultivating major donors. These could unlock significant growth for your organization.  

Investing in a development audit is investing in the future of your organization, allowing you to refine your fundraising strategies to best leverage your resources and achieve long-term financial stability.  While it is an initial investment, skipping it can lead to bigger costs down the road. The biggest mistakes we see organization make by not investing in a development audit include:   

Fundraising Stall-Out: Without a clear picture of your strengths and weaknesses, your fundraising might get stuck, leaving you unable to fully serve your beneficiaries.  

Wasting Precious Resources: Funding valuable programs gets harder when you're pouring money into initiatives with low returns.  

Losing Valuable Donors: Neglecting your donors can lead to them feeling forgotten and less likely to continue supporting you. 

Missed Funding Opportunities: Weak grant applications due to lack of data can shut the door to crucial funding. 

Disengaged Board: Board members without a clear understanding of your fundraising goals might hesitate to jump in and help.  

With a more powerful fundraising engine, guided by a development audit, you'll be better equipped to fulfill your mission and make a lasting change in the world.  

Ready to break free from fundraising frustration and jumpstart your growth? Inbloom Consulting can share experience and best practices about our development audit process, and how it has helped clients transform their organization and be a launch pad for fundraising success.    

How City Club of Cleveland harnessed their deep understanding of their audience

The team at the City Club of Cleveland harnessed their deep understanding of their audience to successfully raise funds for relocating to a new home and boosting their endowment through the Guardians of Free Speech Campaign. This achievement was not just a product of time and history, but also a testament to their unwavering commitment to the mission and their passion for ensuring everyone grasped the vision. So, how did they mobilize these assets for the Campaign?

City Club of Cleveland Guardians of Free Speech Campaign

"We were always intent on honoring the past and bringing it forward to inform the vision for the future. Change can be hard for people, so we tried to always tell the story of what was happening as part of the 100-plus-year evolution of a treasured institution that, from its inception was constantly innovating to meet the changing needs of its community," says Dan Moulthrop, CEO of The City Club of Cleveland. 

• The City Club was intentional about recruiting co-chairs and a campaign committee that had insight into campaign funding, yes, but who also represented their audiences. They broadened their donor base by making it clear from the start of the campaign that the City Club of Cleveland and the Guardians campaign is for all people, now and for generations to come. 

• They kept their priority campaign prospects front and center for every staff and campaign committee meeting. Activating the partnership with Inbloom for recommendations and research, each campaign stage came with its own list of potential donors to engage at the appropriate giving levels. 

• Campaign messaging was complementary to organizational messaging and at the same time, its look, feel, narrative, and conveyed its level of urgency. 

The City Club activated these strategies through written and verbal delivery from the CEO, board, and campaign committee, and visually presented on their campaign website and video.  View the Campaign Website Home | Guardians of Free Speech Campaign

How Nonprofits Can Combat Need Fatigue in 2024

Fundraising in 2024 continues to bring a unique set of challenges for nonprofit organizations. We recently wrote about ways to lean into fundraising success during challenging and uncertain times, such as what organizations are experiencing right now. But there is another pressing challenge lurking beneath the surface: Need fatigue.  

Need fatigue occurs when donors become desensitized or overwhelmed by a constant stream of appeals, resulting in decreased engagement and fundraising.  

The reasons for need fatigue are varied and often different for individual donors versus corporate donors.  

For individual donors, the persistent exposure to need-focused narratives with ever increasing urgency makes donors feel inundated and often powerless to make a difference, no matter their level of giving.  

Corporate need fatigue is somewhat different, as its ties to giving are directly related to business development strategies. In an increasingly polarized society, corporate donors are finding that cause marketing carries the risk of alienating certain potential customers.  

Inbloom monitors trends nationally through our research and professional network while also having our “ear to the ground” with our client projects. With decades of experience in fundraising success, it has enabled us to forecast need fatigue and counsel clients on how to adapt faster.  

While our approach is customized to serve individual client needs, the checklist below are three key principles any nonprofit organization can explore to combat need fatigue in 2024:   

Marketing & Communications 

• Is your messaging strategically diverse? Are each of your target audiences in mind when you craft and distribute your messaging?  

• Are you balancing emotionally charged, need-focused appeals with success stories focused on donor impact?  

Tip: Your marketing should be well integrated with fundraising to ensure success.  

Fund Development 

• Have you identified your Very Important Donors, and do you have a plan to engage them in the organization's success moments that are made possible thanks to them? This links giving and donor gifts directly to positive results, increasing energy and decreasing fatigue. 

• How are you involving donors beyond monetary donations to create a feeling of shared ownership in mission success? Stakeholder activities focused on positive momentum can create buy-in for your mission because it is the opposite of focusing on need only.  

Tip: If you need to reconnect with your Very Important Donors, consider staging a stewardship interview project as a mini-feasibility study. The effort helps spur on new gift conversations by uncovering what your donors care about now. 

Strategic Planning 

• Is your strategic plan current and are you using it to engage donors in your mission with a compelling vision for the future? 

Tip: Develop a full brochure featuring your strategic plan and post it on your website.   

If your organization is experiencing less engagement from donors resulting in a decrease in support, it could be a symptom of need fatigue. Contact us for a consultation and to determine a course of action to return your organization to fundraising success.    

3 Ways to Lean Into Fundraising Success During Challenging and Uncertain Times

Historically, presidential election cycles, domestic economic uncertainty and international threats have a direct effect on the fundraising environment. As we fully shift into 2024, we are in the midst of these factors and expect to be for the next 12 – 18 months.  Inbloom supports leaders to thrive and move their mission forward. Our team is continually analyzing and advising how nonprofits, especially those considered “small” or “midsize”, can leverage best practices to drive fundraising success amid an environment of donor uncertainty.  Over the past decade we have observed nonprofits under stress often complicate their donor engagement and make reactive decisions to change their fundraising trajectory. And while change can be good, our guidance is often to lean into concrete, time-tested fundamentals that enable organizations to effectively connect with donors who are most likely to give.  

1. Know Your Donors

Donors today seek personalized and meaningful connections with the cause they support. Successful fundraising efforts in the coming year will revolve around tailoring campaigns to resonate with individual interest and values.  

This focus on knowledge is a hallmark of Inbloom’s approach to our Development Audit, which provides an assessment of an organization’s development efforts and its donor population coupled with recommendations for effectively leaning into gaps to connect with donors more effectively. 

One of the first things we do in a Development Audit is examine donor giving histories to define “very important donors” and identify who these donors are. This simple step is critical and empowers small teams to focus their efforts where they are most likely to see results.  

2. Communicate Effectively  

The presidential election and robust news cycle will result in information overload in the digital space. Additionally, the digital transformation – specifically AI – will impact donor perceptions. It is critical for organizations to cut through the noise and create clear and on-brand messaging that resonates with donors and invest in right-sized online platforms and leverage effective social media and marketing communications to succeed.  

3. Create Cohorts  

While acquiring new donors is essential, retaining existing supports is perhaps even more important. To be successful in 2024, organizations should emphasize donor stewardship, focusing on building long-term relationships through personalized communication, gratitude campaigns and regular updates on the impact of contributions.  

Because retained donors often become advocates of the mission, Inbloom recommends a cohort-based stewardship model. We work with our clients to analyze donor giving patterns and develop effective cohort-based engagement strategies to elevate fundraising now and create a foundation for meaningful engagement in the future.  

2024 Social Media Audit Trends: Optimizing Nonprofit Marketing Strategies

Download Our Social Media Optimization Checklist

It’s crucial to conduct a comprehensive social media audit quarterly, ensuring your marketing strategies are well-aligned with the evolving digital landscape. This audit isn't just a one-time routine; it's an ongoing process aimed at enhancing your social media presence throughout the year. Here are four key areas to focus on, along with additional insights, to refine your social media strategies. These steps will guide you in navigating the dynamic realm of social media marketing for a productive 2024. 

1. Content Effectiveness Assessment 
   Determine which posts have been most successful and analyze the elements contributing to their success. This analysis should guide your content strategy for 2024, helping you replicate these successes while reconsidering or improving less effective content. 

2. Balancing Informative and Promotional Content 
   Aim for a content mix where 80% is informative and tailored to your audience's interests and needs, while 20% promotes your business. Use tools to categorize and analyze your content ratio, adjusting your strategy based on audience response and engagement levels. 

3. Competitor Social Media Strategy Audit 
   Gain insights by evaluating industry leader's social media tactics. Identify effective content themes and strategies they use and determine how you can adapt or improve upon these in your own strategy. 

Insights

Timing Your Posts 
Leverage platform analytics to identify when your audience is most active. Experiment with different posting schedules to optimize reach and engagement.

Engagement Strategies 
Beyond just posting content, actively engage with your audience. Plan for more interactive and engaging content in 2024, including conversations and sharing useful content.

Conducting a thorough social media audit is essential for businesses and marketers aiming to excel in the digital world. By evaluating your performance, adapting to changes, and setting a clear direction, you can ensure that your social media strategy is primed to capitalize on the opportunities. 

Are you interested in having a comprehensive and detailed marketing audit performed for you, encompassing an in-depth analysis of your current strategies and offering tailored recommendations for improvement? Contact Inbloom Consulting.