New Industry Requirements on Bulk Emails

As of February 1, 2024, major email hosting providers such as Google and Yahoo are rolling out enhanced security measures to improve deliverability and combat spam. These changes signify a significant shift in how bulk emails are handled and emphasize the importance of email authentication.

What's Changing, You Ask?

Moving forward, any emails sent from unauthenticated email addresses will be blocked from reaching recipients' mailboxes. This means that if you're accustomed to using generic email addresses like @gmail.com for mass marketing emails, it's time to reconsider your approach.

For instance, if you're using a Gmail address for your marketing campaigns, it's highly recommended that you switch to an email address that aligns with your website domain. While certain email marketing platforms like Constant Contact will continue to support send-to addresses from Google or Yahoo (e.g., @gmail.com), others like Mailchimp will not.

Implementing Custom Domain Authentication

For businesses with their own domains, complying with these new requirements entails implementing custom domain authentication and publishing a DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) record. This is particularly crucial for entities sending more than 5,000 emails to Gmail or Yahoo addresses within a 24-hour period.

Fortunately, popular email marketing tools such as Constant Contact and Mailchimp have provided clear guidelines for navigating these changes. Users can refer to the following resources for detailed instructions:

• Mailchimp
• Constant Contact

By following these steps and ensuring compliance with the new industry standards, businesses can maintain their email marketing effectiveness while also enhancing security and deliverability for their recipients.

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Have you ever felt a pang of awkwardness when reaching out to a donor after a long silence? You're not alone. But what if I told you a simple "hello" could have a bigger impact than you think?

A recent study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology explored the power of casual check-ins. Researchers found that even brief interactions – a phone call, a quick email, a thoughtful text – can significantly strengthen connections.

This might seem counterintuitive, especially with donors you haven't spoken to in a while. But the study revealed an interesting twist: the more unexpected the outreach, the greater the positive impact. So, that donor you haven't heard from in years? They might be pleasantly surprised to hear from you!

Why does this work? Remember, humans are social creatures who crave connection. Peggy Liu, the study's lead author, points out that initiating contact, even after a gap, can feel daunting because we worry about how it will be received. But the research suggests our fears are often unfounded. In most cases, people appreciate being remembered and reached out to.

So, how can you apply this to your donor relationships? Here are a few tips:

• Personalize your message: Go beyond a generic template. Mention something specific about their past support or interests.
• Keep it brief and informal: A quick email or text expressing your appreciation and curiosity about their well-being is enough.
• Focus on connection, not just fundraising: While you can mention your organization's current initiatives, prioritize rekindling the relationship.

By reaching out with genuine warmth and interest, you can remind your donors why they connected with your cause in the first place. And who knows, they might just surprise you with their renewed engagement!

Remember, every donor is worth the effort. Don't be afraid to break the silence and build bridges of understanding. You might just discover that a simple connection can pave the way for future support and lasting relationships.

There can be no doubt that creating social media posts and other types of communications for your nonprofits can be time-consuming. You know you need to do it, but it’s hard to find the time, and it can be stressful to come up with designs. Finding better ways to manage your organization's daily design requirements is essential to fulfilling tasks on schedule. We also understand that not everyone has professional design software or the resources to hire a graphic designer. So we're happy to share tools you can use for your nonprofit to save time and help you progress much further, much faster. Say hello to Canva! This fantastic online tool is like a magic wand for creating eye-catching visual content for your social media, print materials, presentations, videos, merchandise, and beyond. The best part? You don't need to be a design guru to work wonders with it!

Having been avid Canva users ourselves for years, we can confidently say that it's a versatile, user-friendly, and incredibly effective companion for nonprofits. Ready to dive into a world where design meets delight? Here's why Canva is about to become your nonprofit's new best friend:

CANVA IS AN EASY-TO-USE  TIME-SAVING RESOURCE WITH LIMITLESS POSSIBILITIES

Canva provides you with drag-and-drop templates that are easy to customize and share across your nonprofit’s social media channels and various other platforms. You can customize font combinations, colors, upload your images, create charts, insert animated gifs, and so much more. Using their search feature, with over 250,000 templates to choose from, you are sure to find a design to suit your needs.

The best part about Canva is the cost. It's FREE! You can use high-quality stock photos and videos in your designs without needing to upgrade to a Canva Pro account. Even better, qualified nonprofits can join Canva’s Nonprofit Program and get all of the features of a Pro account for free!

‍Who qualifies? Registered nonprofits, Social impact organizations with a mission consistent with a public or community benefit, Public health organizations, and government entities assisting with public health qualify for Canva’s Nonprofit Program. Find out more information:

ANYONE CAN USE CANVA

Whether you're familiar with pro design software, such as Photoshop, or aren't the slightest bit tech-savvy, Canva is a solid tool that anyone can use. While you can dive into the platform and self-learn (it's that easy!), they offer two-minute video tutorials in the Canva Design School to help you get started.

IT'S ALL IN THE CLOUD

Canva is a cloud-based software that utilizes the power of collaboration and synchronicity. If you're not at your desk or need to finish your work at home, Canva is accessible on mobile devices, and each design syncs across your logins, so you won't ever lose material. Have a team? You can invite others to collaborate on designs, making the entire process streamlined.

CANVA BOOSTS ENGAGEMENT

Nonprofit storytelling is a powerful engagement strategy, and Canva can help you tell your organization's story, increase awareness, and encourage audiences to interact with your posts. No more drab timelines! With a few taps of your finger, you can use Canva to design social media posts and newsletters that will resonate with supporters. Whether it's in a presentation for your board members, an infographic for an annual giving campaign, or invitations for a fundraising event – the result is polished, professional visual content that converts!

ARE YOU FEELING CREATIVE YET?

Canva is a game-changing resource that has helped some business owners see a 1000% increase in traffic and conversions. This is why Canva is our go-to platform of choice in helping nonprofits reach their goals.

GET STARTED WITH CANVA TODAY WITH PERFECTLY CURATED TEMPLATES!

Even the savviest designer won't always have time to comb through free templates. The best time-cruncher won't always be able to organize creative thoughts or implement them. And the most creative minds may still find it challenging to stand out when there are so many others in the same space.

After much research, we found few available resources that catered to nonprofits. We're all about making your life easier, so we put together bundled template packs specifically for your organization. You could tinker with Canva yourself, or you could:

• Get noticed on social media instantly with templates tailored to your nonprofit.
• Use clear messaging with our prefilled templates and never run out of ideas or things to say.
• Look the part with professional graphic design that leaves a positive impression.
• Grow your donor base and finally start seeing the results you've envisioned.

We've already done all the work for you so you can get back to changing the world. Grab a year's worth of content and catapult your organization to new heights!

You're passionate, driven, and fueled by a desire to make a difference. You've got a big vision for your nonprofit, but translating that into a concrete plan can feel overwhelming. Enter the nonprofit business plan: your roadmap to success.

Whether your nonprofit is just starting out, facing challenges, or thriving with years of success, crafting a nonprofit business plan is an absolute must! Why, you ask?

By developing a nonprofit business plan, you're not just creating a document; you're igniting the dynamic roadmap for your organization's journey. It defines the who, what, and how of your nonprofit's operations, assigning responsibilities and charting the exhilarating course towards your ambitious goals!

With your nonprofit business plan, your team is crystal clear on your goals, challenges, and path forward. It sets achievable targets for the next few years, keeping you focused and accountable. It's also your touchstone, revisited throughout the year to ensure your actions align with your vision. No more drifting off course, unsure if you're making a real difference. This plan reminds you and your donors what you're about and, more importantly, what you're not.

Your nonprofit organization also needs a business plan to best secure support of any kind, this is true whether you are seeking monetary donations, in-kind donations, recruiting volunteers, etc. 

Why a nonprofit business plan is your secret weapon:

Unlike for-profits targeting investors, nonprofits appeal to a diverse audience: donors, volunteers, foundations, and clients - all with a vested interest in your "why" and "how." You need to understand how to speak to each of them, and building your plan will help you do that.‍

Ready to write your nonprofit business plan? Here's your 7-step guide:

1. Mind your audience: Avoid jargon and acronyms. Write for everyone, not just experts.

2. Outline your plan: Know what information you need to gather before you start writing.

3. Keep it simple: 12-point font, Times New Roman, readable margins, and white space are your friends.

4. Divide and conquer: Use clear headings and separate pages for each section.

5. Data with pizazz: Charts and graphs make your facts sing.

6. Proofread like a pro: Even the best writers need an editor.

7. Stay positive: Highlight your solutions, not just the problems you tackle.

Now, let's dissect the sections:

Executive Summary: This is your elevator pitch, the most read section. Tell your story of change, mission, vision and goals.

Products, programs, and services: Dive deep into what you offer. Detail the need you address and your unique approach. Highlight your impact on your community, both now and in the future.

Operations: This is where you showcase your organizational muscle. Mention your nonprofit's areas of focus, your team, and how you're structured for success. Don't forget your location(s) and past accomplishments if you're established.

Marketing: It's not just about good deeds. Tell everyone about them! Explain your branding, online reach (website, social media, SEO), and how you plan to get noticed.

Operational plan: Daily duties meet long-term dreams. Show your practical side and your big-picture vision. Include daily operations, costs, expansion plans, and how you'll get there.

Finances: Be transparent. Lay out your funding projections and expected expenses. Use tables for easy reading.

Appendix: This is your catch-all for anything extra: board member bios, research papers, or anything relevant that doesn't fit elsewhere.

Remember, your plan is a living document. Use it, update it, and let it guide you towards the impact you were born to make.

Feeling inspired? Join the Success For Nonprofits Membership Program for a nonprofit business plan template and start writing! Your community is counting on your impact and success!

When it comes to nonprofit fundraising, every dollar counts. But what if you could double the impact of every donation your organization receives? That's the magic of matching donations, a powerful strategy that can propel your fundraising efforts to new heights.

Why Matching Donations Work:

• Psychology of giving: Studies show that people are 84% more likely to donate when their contribution is matched. This taps into social proof, reciprocity, and a sense of urgency, making donors feel like their contribution is truly making a difference.
• Bigger impact: Turning a $20 donation into $40 or a $100 gift into $200 empowers donors and makes them feel like they're driving real change.

Finding Matching Donors:

• Corporate partnerships: Look for local businesses or corporations aligned with your mission. Many have matching gift programs for employees.
• Major donors: Approach your most generous supporters about matching funds for specific campaigns or events.
• Online platforms: Crowdfunding sites and social media can connect you with matching donors. Platforms like RallyUp even have built-in features.

Entice Potential Contributors:

• Be transparent: Clearly explain the matching process and the potential impact of their gift.
• Use visuals: Progress bars, graphs, and impact stories can motivate donors and show them the finish line.
• Tell compelling stories: Connect donors emotionally to your cause through powerful narratives.
• Offer brand recognition: Partnering corporations love seeing their logo on your social media, website, and event materials.

Building Lasting Relationships:

• Thank your donors: Personalized notes or recognition events show sincere appreciation.
• Provide regular updates: Keep donors informed about your progress and the impact they're helping create.
• Engage on social media: Respond, share, and make them feel like part of your community.

Matching donations are more than just a strategy; they're a game-changer. By understanding the psychology behind them, finding generous partners, and building strong relationships, you can unlock a world of possibilities and double your impact for your nonprofit.

So, go forth, double your impact, and watch your mission soar!

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