A growing generational divide in giving has been underway for decades, but some charitable organizations still struggle to address this phenomenon. Bridging the generational divide in fundraising is crucial for sustaining support and adapting to changing donor demographics. Here are some strategies to effectively engage both older and younger generations in fundraising efforts: Understand generational preferences: Recognize that different generations have distinct preferences in how they engage with nonprofits. Baby Boomers, for instance, often prefer direct mail and phone calls, valuing personal connections and tangible impacts. Millennials and Gen Z, on the other hand, gravitate towards digital platforms, social media,…
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At the Steier Group, we define a capital campaign as an extraordinary fundraising initiative that requires giving beyond a donor’s annual support. Capital campaigns require large gift requests, requests that can sometimes elicit a collective gulp on both sides of the table. However, there are ways to lay the groundwork for a big ask that make it a rewarding experience for all. Well before a capital campaign begins, it’s important for organizations to find ways to engage non-donors and encourage regular donors to increase their giving. Consistent donors and those whose giving has steadily increased are demonstrating their loyalty to…
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It’s a new year, and while the basic formula for fundraising may seem the same, in many ways the landscape for organizations that rely on generous donations is new terrain. Though the latest news for inflation is more hopeful, there is still some uncertainty about whether that will hold steady or if it is a short relief. New technology is also something fundraisers will need to know more about as new capital campaigns are considered by many organizations. These factors and others contribute to fundraising trends in 2024: Establishing donor trust: Between inflation and greater pressure for charitable organizations to…
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Team Catholic. It is a simple idea. Every member of the community working in unity to support the Catholic Church. But, in the Steier Group’s work across North America, we’ve found that’s often not the case. You may recognize some of these issues: A pastor unwilling to participate in a diocesan campaign. A development director focused on the bishop’s annual appeal but not parish offertory. A school principal ignoring the value of its supportive parish. Some of this is human nature. We focus on what’s right in front of us. Seeing the bigger picture isn’t always possible. But working together…
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After five years serving as the firm’s president, the Steier Group has promoted Matt Vuorela to Chief Executive Officer. “This is an acknowledgement of the work that Matt is already doing,” Steier said. “He’s serving the Steier Group in such an important capacity. I think it is only right to acknowledge the tremendous work he is doing in leading the firm.” Steier will continue his duties as the founder of the Steier Group. Now with the new title of Chairman of the Board. “I’m all in for the Steier Group,” Vuorela said. “I’m excited to keep growing the work that…
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Every successful capital campaign needs a strong case for support. But writing the perfect case statement can seem daunting, especially if your task isn’t an obviously big draw like building a new church or adding a school wing. A case statement is the core communication for a successful capital campaign. It is an organization’s prime opportunity to toot its horn about successes and positive impacts. It is also an open door to demonstrate the need for the organization and explain its current plan to strengthen its mission-based work. Capital improvements, increased funding, new programs and enhanced services all deserve donor…
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The Steier Group is proud to present our new 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…
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Getting your message across is paramount in fundraising. But there’s a communication paradox before us: On the one hand, there are now more means to share your fundraising needs than ever before. On the other hand, getting your message across to your donor base is harder than it’s ever been. Every day we encounter a deluge of information, and our brain is very selective. It takes in, filters and readily disposes of information it doesn’t need. But, along the way, key pieces of information do get stored and cemented. How can you get your message through the brain’s filtering process?…
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In his book “A Spirituality of Fundraising,” renowned author and philosopher Henri Nouwen described fundraising as “proclaiming what we believe in such a way that we offer other people an opportunity to participate with us in our vision and mission.” But how do we get people to give to something we believe in? And what keeps people supporting this in the future? These five keys to successful fundraising can be used for any fundraising effort – a church, school or local nonprofit. We are confident that if you apply these tips, your fundraising effort will be a success. Be authentic:…
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The Steier Group is proud to debut our new 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…
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