Articles written by Molly Schar

Americans considering auto donations should look closely at the charity. Car donation programs vary. For some nonprofit donors, it can be a great option.

Jun 7, 2010 - Molly Schar

As nonprofits are changing over from traditional mailed fundraising campaigns to more cost-effective email fundraising appeals, they should employ a different approach.

Nov 16, 2009 - Molly Schar

3 ideas for skilled professionals seeking opportunities to help nonprofits: create a grant program, hook into an existing volunteer network or offer a pro bono marathon.

Nov 1, 2009 - Molly Schar

An important step in planning a capital campaign or endowment campaign is to undertake a fundraising feasibility study. Understand how campaign feasibility plans work.

Nov 1, 2009 - Molly Schar

While industry wisdom holds that third-party campaign feasibility studies are best, nonprofits can save money by doing the work of expensive capital campaign consultants.

Oct 16, 2009 - Molly Schar

An organization looking for new people to join its nonprofit board of directors should consider people who are already engaged in the organization or community.

Oct 11, 2009 - Molly Schar

Nonprofit organizations can use sample copy to make donor acknowledgment letters more personal and effective. Great opening sentences make donors feel special.

Oct 9, 2009 - Molly Schar

Learn how consultants help nonprofits, steps to creating a successful nonprofit project and tips for conducting a nonprofit consultant search.

Oct 3, 2009 - Molly Schar

When simple board training is insufficient to address the more complex issues holding a board back, a board retreat may be the answer. Learn how to plan for success.

Oct 1, 2009 - Molly Schar

Nonprofit organizations looking to improve the effectiveness of a new, growing or dysfunctional board should consider desired outcomes before choosing a board program.

Sep 29, 2009 - Molly Schar

In the statement of need (also known as problem statement or needs statement), nonprofits identify a problem and propose a solution. Learn what to include.

Sep 19, 2009 - Molly Schar

The final steps in writing a grant are to put together a powerful executive summary, create a grant proposal cover letter and professionally package it all together.

Sep 18, 2009 - Molly Schar

This Halloween, throw a dog-friendly party, complete with costumes for dogs and owners and lots of fun foods, drinks and treats. Make it an annual tradition!

Sep 17, 2009 - Molly Schar

Tips from online donor communications expert Hillary New Sinclair of Papilia show how technology can advance fundraising even in a challenging economy.

Sep 14, 2009 - Molly Schar

As many nonprofits are considering online marketing strategies to tap into existing social networks like Facebook, Ning offers organizations a chance to build their own.

Sep 13, 2009 - Molly Schar

Who will win the "best costume" award at the neighborhood Halloween party or parade? Owners of lucky dogs will dress their pets in creative and colorful costumes.

Sep 9, 2009 - Molly Schar

Nonprofit organizations can tap into the power of collective giving by forming giving circles for donor peer groups to engage with nonprofits and focus philanthropy.

Sep 9, 2009 - Molly Schar

Even in a recession, the elements of writing nonprofit grant proposals are consistent. Use this grantwriting formula to improve proposals for any nonprofit organization.

Sep 8, 2009 - Molly Schar

One of the most important aspects of nonprofit donor stewardship is reporting to a donor on the work done with her gift. A flexible stewardship kit is a powerful option.

Sep 6, 2009 - Molly Schar

Much attention is given to building good relationships with financial donors, but volunteers- those who donate their time and expertise- deserve similar stewardship.

Sep 3, 2009 - Molly Schar

Bobby Sager and his family have traveled around the world for nearly a decade, stepping in to help when they can. Sager's approach inspired "The Philanthropist" on NBC.

Aug 26, 2009 - Molly Schar

When nonprofits use many volunteers in different shifts, volunteer management software can help with scheduling and communication.

Aug 26, 2009 - Molly Schar

Many nonprofit donors write checks at the end of the year to take advantage of the tax deduction. But year-end fundraising requires significant planning and a big push.

Aug 23, 2009 - Molly Schar

When it comes to having a successful nonprofit website, content is king. For a nonprofit, a blog adds an entirely new dimension to its website and fosters new dialogue.

Aug 22, 2009 - Molly Schar

As an organization matures, the composition of the nonprofit board of directors can and should change. Today's board members must build the board of the future.

Aug 19, 2009 - Molly Schar

The effectiveness of event fundraising can be debated in light of all costs, but using nonprofit events as "friendraisers" can be very effective in long-term support.

Aug 17, 2009 - Molly Schar

When a for-profit corporation publicly associates itself with a nonprofit cause, the resulting cause-related marketing can benefit both parties.

Aug 15, 2009 - Molly Schar

Nonprofit organizations can freshen up acknowledgment letters with new ideas. These thank you letters are recognized as highly effective fundraising tools.

Aug 13, 2009 - Molly Schar

Cut through giant statistics and unwieldy industry speak to help nonprofit stakeholders understand an organization's programs and mission. Use storytelling for advocacy.

Aug 12, 2009 - Molly Schar

Transform nonprofit thank you letters into fundraising tools by following a few simple guidelines. Great acknowledgment letters lead to increased donations.

Aug 11, 2009 - Molly Schar

The nonprofit tagline -- also sometimes known as a nonprofit motto or organization's slogan -- is often overlooked. But it's really a marketing secret weapon.

Aug 9, 2009 - Molly Schar

Ready to start a nonprofit organization? A noble undertaking, individuals should consider alternatives and plan carefully before launching a not-for-profit organization.

Aug 9, 2009 - Molly Schar

Nonprofit organizations report fundraising is down, but planned giving offers an opportunity for donors to give now and pay later.

Jul 28, 2009 - Molly Schar

Nonprofits should have a crisis communication plan in place before a crisis happens. A nonprofit public relations plan is not complete without a crisis component.

Jul 28, 2009 - Molly Schar

To live aboard a boat in a marina can be an inexpensive and interesting alternative to urban living. It's a life full of compromise where space is a luxury.

Jul 28, 2009 - Molly Schar

The best appeal packages are not designed to educate or entertain nonprofit donors. They are designed to move donors to act with their financial contribution.

Jul 27, 2009 - Molly Schar

With the decline of traditional financial support in the current economy, change is inevitable. Best practices in change management smooth transitions.

Jul 27, 2009 - Molly Schar

Nonprofits may lack the resources and know-how to implement an organizational marketing strategy employing effective marketing tactics used by corporate counterparts.

Jul 26, 2009 - Molly Schar

Small association membership management depends on the right membership software. Nonprofits should consider what they need before they buy.

Jul 26, 2009 - Molly Schar

By understanding what motivates volunteers, nonprofit staff members can offer a more rewarding volunteer experience - on both sides.

Jul 24, 2009 - Molly Schar

With an effective stewardship program, nonprofit organizations can decrease donor attrition and increase fundraising revenues.

Jul 24, 2009 - Molly Schar

Whether a professional fundraiser, board member, executive director, or volunteer of a nonprofit organization, asking for a donation can be a nerve-wracking experience.

Jul 24, 2009 - Molly Schar

The nonprofit fundraising cycle begins with identification and cultivation of prospective donors.

Jul 24, 2009 - Molly Schar

The top reason why donors do not give to a specific organization is actually quite simple. They don't give because they weren't asked.

Jul 24, 2009 - Molly Schar

Every non-profit organization seeking funding from individuals, foundations or corporations needs a case statement. Raise more money with the right writing.

Jul 20, 2009 - Molly Schar