Lisa Schohl

3 weeks ago | philanthropy.com | Lisa Schohl

When you hear the term “capital campaign,” you may picture a university, hospital, or other major institution working toward an ambitious fundraising goal over a number of years. But nowadays, smaller nonprofits are running multiyear drives, too, though often with more modest revenue goals. A 2024 study by the consultancy Capital Campaign Pro found that groups with annual budgets of less than $1 million raised $3.3 million to $9.5 million, on average, from these efforts.

1 month ago | philanthropy.com | Lisa Schohl

As economic worries grow amid federal funding cuts and threats of a potential recession, monthly giving can provide stability for your nonprofit by creating a predictable and dependable revenue stream. Among the many ways these programs pay off for charities, monthly donors tend to be easier — and cost less — to hang on to than other supporters. One study found that the retention rate for sustainers typically is around 90 percent, compared with an average rate of about 45 percent for all donors.

1 month ago | philanthropy.com | Lisa Schohl

Monthly donors are some of the most valuable supporters for nonprofits: They provide a reliable and steady source of income, often stay with an organization for multiple years, and have the potential to give bigger sums or even become legacy donors if treated well. Plus, at a time when many nonprofits are seeing an ongoing drop in small-dollar supporters amid increasing economic uncertainty, monthly giving is a smart way to bolster your group’s ability to weather turbulent financial times.

Mar 23, 2025 | philanthropy.com | Lisa Schohl

Plus, join our Thursday webinar on understanding DAF donors

Feb 25, 2025 | philanthropy.com | Lisa Schohl |Lisa Schohl writes

Taking your career to the next level is challenging in any industry, but nonprofit professionals often face an even steeper climb. Many charities — especially small ones — don’t have structured job hierarchies or clear paths for growth. Plus, nonprofit workers are busy. “I always feel as though nonprofits have to do everything,” says Sara Cole, CEO of the Duluth Area Family YMCA. “It’s like the Ginger Rogers [and] Fred Astaire joke about women, right?