Thought Leadership

BWF is a recognized and respected thought leader in the philanthropic sector. We are constantly assessing the fundraising landscape and providing timely guidance and insights.

BWF is a recognized and respected thought leader in the philanthropic sector. We are constantly assessing the fundraising landscape and providing timely guidance and insights.

Transactional to Impactful: Redefining the Donor Experience

Donor experience (DX) or sustainer experience (SX) is quickly growing among nonprofits as an opportunity to help retain donors. However, nonprofits often focus resources on curating experiences for donors at the very top of their pyramid and forget about bringing that magic to donors at all levels. Here are four ways to deepen experience.

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Mid-Level Donor Strategy: Steps to Engage and Build Trust

A mid-level donor strategy strengthens relationships with existing donors and helps recruit new supporters. Use these tips to build a comprehensive plan.

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Navigating CRM Transitions in Fundraising: Building a Future-Ready Tech Stack

In today’s nonprofit and higher education landscape, the decision to change your CRM system feels a bit like performing open-heart surgery while running a marathon. It’s complex, high-stakes, and you can’t afford to miss a beat. Yet too many organizations approach this transformation by focusing solely on immediate pain points rather than asking the deeper question: “Where do we want our fundraising operation to be in 2030?” 

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Optimizing the Planning Stage of a Campaign to Build Early Momentum

A successful campaign requires many factors, but one of the most critical is maintaining positive momentum from start to finish. In this article, we focus on laying the groundwork for building a strong foundation in the campaign planning stage and building momentum with invested staff, organizational leadership, board members, and key donors.

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Elevating Donor Walls: Using Recognition to Actively Engage Donors

Looking to refresh your approach to donor recognition? Donor relations experts from BWF and Presentation Design Group created a list of top tips for using recognition as an engagement tool. We hope these inspire you to think differently about recognition.

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Navigating Uncertainty: Leading in an Evolving Nonprofit Landscape

The week has been marked by flurries of questions as people—from nonprofit leaders to administration officials—sought clarity around the impact of this order on their funding and most importantly, their ability to serve their communities. What should leaders do to help their organizations navigate this rapidly evolving nonprofit landscape?

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2025 Resolutions for Annual Giving and Donor Engagement

As we dive into 2025, it’s clear that the nonprofit world is changing faster than ever. The ways we connected with donors a decade ago—or even a few years back—are being reshaped by new trends, shifting demographics, and cutting-edge technology. This article focuses on five resolutions to keep donor relationships strong and meaningful this year.

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How a Retreat Can Transform the Way Your Board Operates

A well-planned retreat can offer the reset your board needs. By stepping away from routine tasks, board members can reconnect with their purpose, realign their goals, and find new energy for their work. This article explains why a retreat can make such a difference and examines the common hurdles that boards often encounter.

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The Annual Fund: Expert Guide to Inspiring More Support

Building up your annual fund is critical to your ability to achieve your mission. Explore everything you need to know about annual funds in this guide.

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