Blog

In honor of Earth Month, we spoke with Nora Cullinen, Director of Major Gifts at Greenbelt Alliance, to share helpful tips for environmental fundraising. Her advice includes building long-term relationships with donors, expanding the environmental message, aligning fundraising practices with values and using Earth Month to reconnect with supporters.

Fundraising expert Marcella Brawley shares five essential tips for navigating major gift fundraising during challenging times. From following a clear plan and building strong donor relationships to segmenting messaging and recruiting support, Marcella offers practical strategies to help fundraisers stay focused and mission-driven.

In our first edition of Trailblazers, we shine a light on our members making moves in the fundraising world! Meet Patricia Dalao, Dr. Renee Rubin Ross, Stephanie Shaterian, and Dena Vongchanh, and learn how they’re shaping the future of philanthropy.

Dr. Renee Rubin Ross reflects on the emotional impact of recent layoffs at the Federal Department of Education and the removal of critical educational data, emphasizing the collective grief and challenges faced by the nonprofit sector. She encourages leaders to prioritize self-care, foster a supportive organizational culture, and actively communicate their mission to counteract uncertainty and ...

Social media can help nonprofits attract new donors! You don’t need a big team, huge budget, or advanced tech skills in order to succeed. Here are 7 essential steps to grow your donor base through social media.

Patricia “Pat” Dalao, Institutional Giving Manager at Students Rising Above, has five years of nonprofit experience, specializing in grants and corporate fundraising. She manages over $1M in grants, builds donor relationships, and has streamlined processes using Salesforce.

Eleanor Smith talks about fostering a positive work culture by creating supportive environments where staff feel valued and motivated. From mental health days to establishing clear boundaries, these strategies help prevent burnout and strengthen your team's wellbeing.

Huong Cheng
Donor Relations Manager, Yu Ming Charter School

The Golden Gate Chapter announced a new President, Chapter Officers, and new Board Members.

Each November, the Association of Fundraising Professionals Golden Gate Chapter honors exceptional contributors to philanthropy, with awards like the Outstanding Fundraising Volunteer Award, which in 2024 was awarded to Alan Beckstead. Beckstead's journey began in 1991 when he took on a leadership role in fundraising for the St. Louis Effort for AIDS during a financial crisis. With no prior ...