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• Thoroughly research prospects to identify high- and ultra-high-net-worth individuals whose philanthropic interests align with your mission and values.

• Leverage existing connections to identify potential major donors.
• Build personalized relationships and demonstrate the impact of their contributions through frequent,
  tailored communications.
• Provide opportunities for major donors to engage with the nonprofit’s mission. For example, consider offering them
  opportunities to attach their names to projects or programs in recognition of their significant contributions.
  

Overcoming Donor Fatigue

With a growing number of nonprofits competing for fewer gifts from the same funding pool, attracting new and retaining current donors can be difficult. This has led to donor fatigue, as people are less likely to give over time because they feel overwhelmed by constant requests for support.

Some steps to avoid donor fatigue include:

• Showing donors how their gifts make a difference and are appreciated. Send personalized thank-you notes, share stories of how their donations affected beneficiaries, and, with their permission, publicly acknowledge their contributions on social media or a donor wall.
• Building loyalty using legacy societies to make donors feel valued and help foster a sense of community among similarly situated donors.
• Helping supporters feel connected and appreciated by creating donor journeys describing the stages of giving, from first learning about the cause to becoming a regular donor.

Generating Nontraditional Gifts

Many individuals prefer donating illiquid assets because they may provide substantial tax benefits while enhancing or advancing a donor’s philanthropic goals. By helping donors align their philanthropic passions with strategic giving strategies, nonprofits can deepen relationships and maximize impact.

A nonprofit can convert complex assets into cash. Complex assets are noncash and non-publicly traded securities, including restricted and controlled stock, hedge fund interests, private equity, closely held business interests, real estate, fine art, collectibles, tangible personal property, and cryptocurrencies.

As more wealth is tied up in noncash assets, there are a few things a nonprofit can do to be more creative in generating significant gifts of complex assets.

• Communicate the tax benefits of such donations and provide detailed information on the donation process. Make the process as smooth and accessible as possible.
• Encourage the use of donor-advised funds (DAFs), which allow donors to make charitable contributions, generally receive an immediate tax deduction, and recommend grants from the fund over time. Donors can use DAFs to facilitate gifts of assets that the charity might not otherwise be able or willing to accept.
• Make sure your gift acceptance policy is up to date and that you include what types of assets you will or will not accept. For those types of assets that you cannot accept directly, make connections with other organizations that may be able to accept these assets on your behalf.
• Invest in technology platforms that support the trend toward complex gifts and accommodate them seamlessly.

Overcoming Staffing Shortages

Many nonprofits are experiencing a higher demand for their services even as they struggle to attract and retain skilled talent. Staff shortages, especially on development teams, can hamper fundraising efforts.

• Enhance automation to improve the efficiency of current staff members. Embracing technology and adopting new methods for program delivery and fundraising are essential for a nonprofit’s sustainability.
• Assess your current capacity to meet the nonprofit’s needs and priorities. Look for opportunities to consolidate roles.
• Provide development teams with the necessary resources and training.
• Engage volunteers, particularly an advisory board or council members, to extend capacity and increase impact.

The Value of an Experienced Partner

Fundraising is the lifeblood of nonprofits. Partnering with an experienced advisor can help amplify your voice with donors and demonstrate the thoughtful stewardship of the assets entrusted to you.

This material is provided solely for informational and/or educational purposes, does not provide any financial, investment, tax, legal, or other advice, and should not be construed as a recommendation to take any particular course of action. Information obtained from third-party sources is assumed to be reliable but may not be independently verified, and the accuracy thereof is not guaranteed. Any potential outcome discussed, including but not limited to performance, legislation, or tax consequence, ultimately may not occur. The information presented is current as of the date of publication and is subject to change. Readers should contact Glenmede or consult with a financial, investment, tax, legal, or other advisor if they have any questions about this material or want advice or more information.