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Steier Tips

After nearly a quarter century of helping nonprofits plan, reach and exceed their fundraising goals, we’ve accomplished a lot – and learned a thing or two. Our Steier Tips page features the latest Steier Group fundraising advice from our team of experts, case studies and helpful insight to consider as you plan your next campaign.

Family Wealth and Philanthropy That Makes a Lasting Impact

By Steier Tips
By Matt Vuorela / Chief Executive Officer of Steier Group Money is a topic that many shy away from talking about openly. Not at The Steier Group. Our experience tells us that discussing finances and goals with others helps carry forth personal values and legacy. For families, this means teaching the next generation how to steward what they have been given. For churches and nonprofit organizations, it means recognizing that tomorrow’s donors are being formed today. No matter the amount there is to pass down, equipping the next generation to plan and give thoughtfully helps fuel mission-driven work for years…
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Thanksgiving and Gratitude in Partnership

By Steier Tips
The Steier Group is proud to present our podcast, Twelve Wicker Baskets with Christopher Beaudet. Subscribe now on your favorite podcast app. In the Gospel, Jesus fed 5,000 with only five loaves and two fish. After the crowd was satisfied, there were 12 wicker baskets left over. God provides the abundance. In each episode of this podcast, we will explore, with pastoral leaders and development professionals, all the many ways God meets the spiritual and temporal needs of our parish communities, our Catholic schools and the diocesan church. And not only meets those needs but provides in abundance. The 46th…
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Legacy Giving vs Planned Giving and How to Choose the Right Path

By Steier Tips
By Matt Vuorela / Chief Executive Officer of Steier Group In today’s philanthropic landscape, donors and organizations alike are thinking more intentionally about the future. They want to do more than write a check – they want to create a lasting impact. That’s where legacy giving and planned giving come in. These two terms are often used interchangeably, yet they carry distinct meanings and implications for both donors and nonprofits. Understanding those definitions and differences can help you give more meaningfully, plan more strategically and ultimately make a greater difference. In this article, we’ll clarify what legacy giving and planned…
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Fundraising speech examples that inspire generosity

By Steier Tips
By Matt Vuorela / Chief Executive Officer of Steier Group As you prepare for your next fundraising event, you likely have a mile-long to-do list. There’s the catering, RSVP list, donor expectations and so much more to think about. Understandably, preparing the fundraising speech may be far from your mind. But the right message is a powerful tool to endear attendees to your mission and inspire generosity. An effective fundraising speech builds trust and helps you serve your community.  Keep reading for practical tips and templates to get results from your next fundraising speech. The Importance of a Powerful Fundraising…
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Intentional Disciples with Katherine Coolidge

By podcast, Steier Tips
The Steier Group is proud to present our podcast, Twelve Wicker Baskets with Christopher Beaudet. Subscribe now on your favorite podcast app. In the Gospel, Jesus fed 5,000 with only five loaves and two fish. After the crowd was satisfied, there were 12 wicker baskets left over. God provides the abundance. In each episode of this podcast, we will explore, with pastoral leaders and development professionals, all the many ways God meets the spiritual and temporal needs of our parish communities, our Catholic schools and the diocesan church. And not only meets those needs but provides in abundance. The 45th…
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What every parish needs in a capital campaign manager

By Steier Tips
By Matt Vuorela / Chief Executive Officer of Steier Group When considering a professional fundraising and development firm to assist with or build a capital campaign for your church or organization, it is important to understand the role of a capital campaign manager. What does a capital campaign manager do? A capital campaign manager is the person who oversees all aspects of the church, school or organization’s extraordinary fundraising effort. From the earliest stages of planning to celebrating success, the campaign manager ensures that the campaign runs smoothly, maintains the agreed-upon timeline, meets benchmarks and goals, and remains faithful to…
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Supporting Higher Education with Fr. James Burns

By podcast, Steier Tips
The Steier Group is proud to present our podcast, Twelve Wicker Baskets with Christopher Beaudet. Subscribe now on your favorite podcast app. In the Gospel, Jesus fed 5,000 with only five loaves and two fish. After the crowd was satisfied, there were 12 wicker baskets left over. God provides the abundance. In each episode of this podcast, we will explore, with pastoral leaders and development professionals, all the many ways God meets the spiritual and temporal needs of our parish communities, our Catholic schools and the diocesan church. And not only meets those needs but provides in abundance. The 44th…
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How to engage alumni in a Catholic school campaign

By Steier Tips
At the Steier Group, we are often asked this question by school leaders: How do we get more alumni to give? It’s easy to think the answer to this question might be another big event – a volleyball tournament, golf scramble or downtown bar crawl. The photos look great. The energy is high. For a night, it feels like a win. But here’s the truth: unless those events are followed by personal connections, they’re just a moment, not a movement. Events alone rarely create lasting connection. Before you send out the “Register now!” emails, ask yourself: Do the same people…
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Stewardship, campaign success go hand in hand for Diocese of Wichita

By Steier Wire
The Diocese of Wichita has a reputation that stretches far beyond this rural Kansas diocese of 90 parishes. Across the country, it’s admired as the stewardship diocese – where giving is a way of life. For the past 40 years, Wichita’s parishes have embraced the call to give generously, sacrificially and proportionally. It’s a spiritual commitment that has allowed the diocese’s Catholic schools to thrive without tuition, kept second collections off the calendar, eliminated the need for a diocesan annual appeal and fueled thriving ministries. When the diocese decided to embark on the largest capital campaign in its history, it…
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Designing success: The power of graphic design in capital campaigns

By Steier Wire
In the world of capital campaigns, where extraordinary funding is at stake and long-term visions take shape, messaging is key. But even the most compelling messages can fall flat without the visual impact to match. That’s where graphic design becomes a silent yet powerful force, an essential ingredient in the success of any fundraising effort. At the Steier Group, graphic design is more than aesthetics. It’s strategic. Our in-house design team plays a pivotal role in transforming complex campaign goals into clear, engaging visuals that inspire support. The Visual Language of Philanthropy Capital campaigns are not just about raising funds,…
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