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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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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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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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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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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An endowment is one of the most powerful tools a church, school or nonprofit can build to ensure long-term sustainability for the organization. Unlike typical annual fundraising gifts, an endowment is a sum of invested funds where the principal remains intact, while dividends provide an expected stream of funding for programs and operations. A healthy endowment signals commitment to mission, stability during annual fluctuations and gives donors a sense that their contributions will impact the mission into the future. For organizational leadership, strategic planning before attempting to build an endowment is essential. The endeavor requires assessing organizational readiness for endowment…
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By Matt Vuorela / Chief Executive Officer of Steier Group The first step in a capital campaign should always be a feasibility study. In fact, at Steier Group, we call them campaign planning studies for a reason – a well-run study will acquire the right information to allow us to customize a capital campaign plan to best achieve fundraising success. During a capital campaign feasibility study, your entire donor database is invited to participate and voice their opinions about the goals of a capital campaign. You will learn important information about the goals most important to your community and the…
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“For the grateful person knows that God is good, not by hearsay but by experience. And that is what makes all the difference.” -Thomas Merton Dust to dust. The season of Lent begins with a reminder that our physical bodies and material worldly resources are temporal. It can be defeating if we allow it to be. It can also be an invitation, however, to allow our souls to be enlivened and awakened to do the most good with the brief time we have. I am dust, but for my brief earthly experience, I can recognize that the spirit of God…
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As fundraisers and development professionals, we all must work toward the Big Ask. Without asking donors for gifts, it is unlikely you will receive the support needed to achieve your goals. But most appeals and solicitations are the final step of a long journey. The steps you take before are equally important. Stewarding relationships in a meaningful way must, must, must be a priority before you ask for anything. Think of it this way: when donors see a letter or email from your organization, what do you want their reaction to be? Hopefully, it’s one of joy, anticipation and curiosity.…
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Today, it can be easy to fall into the trap of wanting to move along at lightspeed. We hold an entire world of knowledge in the palm of our hands, so patience can be a lost art. Even in fundraising, donations arrive faster now with text-to-give and online giving portals. Gone are the days of a donor only having the option of giving cash or writing a check. At the Steier Group, we occasionally hear from a church, diocese or school eager to begin a capital campaign that they would rather not take the time to complete a feasibility study.…
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