The StratusLIVE Blog
Practical thinking on fundraising, nonprofit CRM, and AI capacity — written plainly, for the people doing the work.
FeaturedFundraising13 min read
Donor Retention Strategies: 2026 Step-by-Step Guide
A step-by-step playbook for keeping more of the donors you worked hard to win — how to measure retention, find the leaks, and build a program that compounds.
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Platform & CRM
Top 7 Nonprofit Giving and P2P Platforms for 2026
Seven nonprofit platforms for online giving and peer-to-peer fundraising compared: what makes each different, who they serve, and which features matter.
Platform & CRM
Workplace Giving vs. Traditional Fundraising
Compare workplace giving and traditional fundraising on cost, donor retention, and impact. Learn how nonprofits build a hybrid strategy to raise more in 2026.
Capacity & AI
Using AI-Enabled CRM to Predict Donor Giving Patterns
How predictive scoring inside a nonprofit CRM works — the signals behind giving-pattern models and how fundraisers put predictions to work.
Platform & CRM
SYNC 2026 Recap: Three Days in Virginia Beach
Explore highlights from the User Conference with insights on technology solutions for stronger human connections in nonprofits.
Fundraising
7 Best Workplace Giving Platforms for Employee Engagement
A comparison of seven workplace giving platforms: what each does well, where they differ, and how to pick the right fit for your employee giving program.
Platform & CRM
How to Write a Perfect Donation Request Letter in 2026
Master modern fundraising with our guide on writing a donation request letter that uses storytelling and transparency to boost donor engagement in 2026.
Platform & CRM
The Essential Nonprofit CRM Features Checklist
A working checklist of the CRM capabilities nonprofits actually use — constituent records, gift processing, reporting, integrations — and how to evaluate them.
Platform & CRM
How National FFA Consolidated 14 Systems, Grew Revenue 18%
Learn how National FFA Foundation replaced 14 disconnected systems with one nonprofit CRM and grew fundraising revenue 18% in a single year.
Platform & CRM
Salesforce vs. Dynamics: Which CRM Is Better for Nonprofits?
Compare Salesforce vs. Dynamics to discover which CRM offers the best donor tracking tools and nonprofit licensing discounts for your organization's mission.
Platform & CRM
Nonprofit Donor Data Security: The Complete Guide for 2026
What donor data security actually requires in 2026 — the risks nonprofits carry, the standards that apply, and the practices that protect donor trust.
Platform & CRM
What to Look for in a Nonprofit CRM in 2026
Evaluating nonprofit CRM software in 2026? Discover the essential features your organization needs and how StratusLIVE delivers them in one unified platform.
Platform & CRM
Turn Workplace Giving Donors into Lifelong Supporters
Workplace giving is an underutilized retention channel. Five strategies to turn employee donors into committed, long-term supporters of your mission.
Platform & CRM
Microsoft Fundraising and Engagement Is Retiring
Microsoft Fundraising & Engagement retires Dec 31, 2026. Learn your migration options, timeline, and why StratusLIVE 365 is the natural upgrade path.
Platform & CRM
Converting Alumni into Lifelong Donors
The 4-phase alumni lifecycle, five engagement strategies, and a 90-day plan to turn program alumni into lifelong donors for youth-serving nonprofits.
Fundraising
Donor Retention Strategies: 2026 Step-by-Step Guide
A step-by-step playbook for keeping more of the donors you worked hard to win — how to measure retention, find the leaks, and build a program that compounds.
Platform & CRM
Best Nonprofit CRM Systems in 2026
Explore the best nonprofit CRM systems that enhance operations and build lasting donor relationships effortlessly.
Platform & CRM
50+ Spring Fundraising Event Ideas for Nonprofits
Find inspiration for your spring fundraising event with creative ideas that highlight the joys of the season and support your cause.
Platform & CRM
United Way Fox Cities Selects StratusLIVE
United Way Fox Cities selects StratusLIVE to unify workplace giving, donor engagement, and real-time reporting on a single integrated platform.
Platform & CRM
Guide to Effective Volunteer Management
The five stages of the volunteer lifecycle, from recruitment to retention, plus the metrics and tools that keep a program from leaking people.
Platform & CRM
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Food Bank Management System
Optimize your hunger relief operations with a modern Food Bank Management System. Learn how to streamline inventory, donor tracking, and compliance in 2026.
Platform & CRM
Before Implementation: A 9 Step Guide for Nonprofits
Nine steps nonprofit fundraising teams should complete before a CRM implementation: goals, roles, data quality, workflows, timeline, and training.
Platform & CRM
The Role of a Donation Hub in Modern Fundraising Operations
How a donation hub centralizes giving, receipts, events, and volunteering data so fundraising teams work from one accurate, connected system.
Platform & CRM
Federated Nonprofits CRM Playbook (United Way Structures)
Explore the features of a federated nonprofit CRM that enhance donor relationships and improve outreach efforts for nonprofits.
Platform & CRM
The Future of Fundraising Software for Nonprofits
Discover how fundraising software designed for nonprofits unifies donor management, digital engagement, and analytics to drive mission success.
Platform & CRM
5 Mid-Campaign Adjustments to Boost Engagement
Enhance engagement in your United Way campaign with five strategic mid-campaign strategies to boost results and donor participation.
Platform & CRM
What Is a CRM Database? Nonprofit Comparisons
What a nonprofit CRM database does, the deployment types available, the features to prioritize, and how alternatives like spreadsheets compare.
Platform & CRM
Recurring Giving Flywheel: Grow Monthly Donors in 90 Days
Copy our recurring giving flywheel: UX checklist, 7-email nurture, and automations to grow monthly donors 30% in 90 days with StratusLIVE.
Platform & CRM
Finding the Best Nonprofit CRM for United Way
Explore the best CRM for United Way to enhance fundraising and donor engagement effectively for community support efforts.
Platform & CRM
A Nonprofit Leader's Guide to AI Agents
Find out how AI agents for nonprofits work autonomously to improve efficiency and address challenges in the sector.
Platform & CRM
Event Planning for Nonprofit Organizations
How to plan nonprofit events that advance the mission: strategic purpose, team roles, realistic budgets, integrated technology, and metrics that matter.
Sectors
Common Questions About United Way, Explained
How United Ways work — designations, workplace campaigns, the federated model — answered plainly for donors, companies, and nonprofit partners.
Platform & CRM
The 80/20 Rule for Nonprofits: The 2025 Playbook for Growth
How the 80/20 rule applies across fundraising, volunteering, marketing, and programs, and how to find and steward your nonprofit's vital few.
Comparisons
Fundraising Automation: StratusLIVE, Virtuous, Blackbaud
How fundraising automation compares across StratusLIVE, Virtuous, and Blackbaud — the workflows each supports and the differences that matter in practice.
Platform & CRM
Food Bank Financial Processing: Best Practices
Implement effective food bank financial reconciliation best practices to streamline operations and foster teamwork among staff.
Platform & CRM
What Is the 33 Percent Rule for Nonprofits?
The 33 percent rule explained: where the public-support test comes from, how the math works, and what it means for your nonprofit's funding mix.
Platform & CRM
Relationship Management Software for Nonprofits
Explore how relationship management software for nonprofits can streamline communication and enhance donor engagement effectively.
Platform & CRM
Constituent Relationship Management: 4-Step Guide
Best practices for constituent relationship management in nonprofits. Learn how to unify data, automate engagement, and boost donor retention by 20%.
Fundraising
What Is Donor Experience? The Overlooked Growth Lever
Discover how optimizing the donor experience can transform your nonprofit's engagement and fundraising results for the better.
Fundraising
How Nonprofits Can Revive Their Email Marketing Strategy
Email marketing for nonprofit organizations can transform your outreach. Discover how to nurture donors and improve engagement rates.
Platform & CRM
Choosing the Right CRM for Healthcare Nonprofits in 2025
Explore the essential role of healthcare nonprofit CRM systems for streamlined operations and enhanced donor engagement in 2025.
Platform & CRM
StratusLIVE Spring 2025 Feature Enhancements
Discover the latest StratusLIVE Spring 2025 feature enhancements designed to optimize event and volunteer management processes.
Sectors
Top 5 Nonprofit Leadership Lessons from Ted Lasso
Inspired by Ted Lasso's tenacity and zest for life, we compiled a list of five nonprofit leadership lessons.
Platform & CRM
How Nonprofits Use Email Marketing to Drive Real Engagement
Smart email strategy is the backbone of nonprofit donor communication. Learn how StratusLIVE and Dotdigital help organizations do it better.
Platform & CRM
Maximize your Nonprofit CRM in 2025
Nonprofit CRMs help organize donor data, increase staff productivity, and drive toward your fundraising goals. Learn how to maximize your usage.
Fundraising
How to Measure and Reduce Donor Churn
Learn why donor retention rate is crucial for your nonprofit's success. Discover effective strategies to reduce donor churn and increase donations.
Platform & CRM
Best Software Solutions for Food Banks
Discover essential software solutions food banks need, featuring StratusLIVE CRM to streamline donor management, volunteers, fundraising, and reporting.
Platform & CRM
5 Common Nonprofit Data Management Mistakes
Explore the importance of data management for nonprofits and learn to avoid common mistakes that hinder success.
Capacity & AI
Nonprofits Using AI in Fundraising See Bigger Donations
Learn about the advantages of nonprofit systems powered by AI. Automate tasks and gain insights to maximize your fundraising impact.
Platform & CRM
Empowering Volunteers: From Management to Activation
Understand the importance of volunteer activation. Shift from management to fostering passionate advocates in your nonprofit organization.
Fundraising
Elevating Donor Experiences in 2025: 5 Nonprofit Tactics
Five digital tactics for 2025: dynamic website personalization, AI and predictive analytics, and tailored communication to deepen donor engagement.
Fundraising
Creative Food Bank Fundraising Ideas
Make a difference in your community through food bank fundraising. Find tips, ideas, and success stories to inspire your fundraising efforts.
Platform & CRM
How to Build an Effective Stewardship Plan for Donors
Get practical insights on creating a donor stewardship plan. Learn how it can enhance donor relationships and retention rates.
Fundraising
The Problem with Fundraising Databases
Improve nonprofit success with a modern fundraising database solution. StratusLIVE 365 CRM provides a unified, data-rich platform to streamline operations.
Fundraising
Boosting Donor Engagement: Challenges and Solutions
Boost your nonprofit's success with effective donor engagement strategies. Learn how to cultivate meaningful relationships with your supporters.
Platform & CRM
StratusLIVE’s Vision for 2025: Empowering Nonprofits
Nonprofit technology trends for 2025: how StratusLIVE addresses workforce transitions, economic realities, and AI-driven tools to empower nonprofits.
Platform & CRM
Solving Common Challenges in Stewardship Fundraising
How StratusLIVE helps nonprofits address common stewardship fundraising challenges: engagement tracking, personalization, data security, and recognition.
Fundraising
5 Grant Writing Tips for Pivotal Ventures' $250M Open Call
Tips for securing a grant from Pivotal Ventures' $250M open call: mission alignment, a compelling narrative, clear goals, and financial sustainability.
Fundraising
Nurturing Generosity: The Data-Driven Donor Blueprint
How data-driven strategies transform nonprofit donor engagement, improve retention, and enhance fundraising success through personalized interactions.
Fundraising
How to Master Nonprofit Digital Donor Engagement
Make a real impact by engaging your supporters and building relationships through digital engagement. Here are the strategy and tools you need.
Platform & CRM
Making the Thriving United Way Framework Actionable
How United Ways can put the Thriving United Way Framework into practice with a unified platform for leadership, impact, fundraising, and operations.
Fundraising
A Guide to Creating Lasting Community Impact for Nonprofits
Learn how to assess your nonprofit's impact. Discover a model to track outputs and outcomes. Get tips on how to use technology to increase impact.
Fundraising
10 Ways to Motivate Donors to Run a Peer-to-Peer Campaign
It takes effort to encourage your donors to launch a peer-to-peer fundraising campaign. Here are ten ways to motivate them.
Fundraising
Checklist for an Optimized Online Donation Page
Online giving is a critical means to generate funding from individuals. Ensure your online donation pages are optimized properly with this checklist.
Fundraising
Engaging Individual Donors: 10 Innovative Strategies
Ten innovative strategies to maximize the impact of individual donors, from impact stories and peer-to-peer challenges to collective giving.
Fundraising
Maximizing Online Donations
Discover effective tactics to optimize online donation pages for increased conversions and sustainable revenue in your nonprofit.
Platform & CRM
StratusLIVE: Pioneering the Future of Nonprofit Technology
Explore how StratusLIVE leads in nonprofit tech with optimized donation pages, advanced analytics, AI integration, and a Fully Integrated Solution.
Finance & Ops
The Nonprofit Overhead Disconnect
Why the overhead ratio became the default measure of nonprofit worth, what the research says, and how to talk about real costs with funders and boards.
Capacity & AI
John Funari Joins Fundraising.AI Advisory Board
John Funari, Co-Founder and CTO of StratusLIVE, has joined the Fundraising.AI Advisory Board to promote responsible AI use in the nonprofit sector.
Sectors
Enhancing Your Nonprofit's Brand Identity
Going beyond just a logo or colors, the post provides insights into how branding elements contribute to a strong and recognizable brand.
Sectors
United Way Suncoast Implements StratusLIVE Cloud Solution
StratusLIVE announces United Way Suncoast successfully implemented StratusLIVE's Nonprofit Industry Cloud Solution.
Platform & CRM
A Beginner's Guide to CRM Software
Find the right CRM for your organization. Read our beginner's guide to learn how CRM software can keep your data organized and improve your fundraising!
Fundraising
Beyond Affinity Groups: Ways to Appeal to Younger Donors
How nonprofits can appeal to younger donors: flexible giving options, peer-to-peer sharing, volunteering, young leader groups, and social media.
Platform & CRM
The Essentials of Nonprofit CRM Reporting
Reporting is a tedious but necessary part of tracking your nonprofit's fundraising success. Find out how to set up your reporting for success in this post.
Fundraising
How to Write Successful Year End Fundraising Emails
A successful fundraising email can feel like a daunting task. Here are best practices for writing successful year end fundraising emails.
Platform & CRM
Thinking of leaving Luminate Online: What to consider
Many organizations have been saddled with outdated, proprietary legacy systems that deliver as many challenges as they do solutions.
Capacity & AI
Relational Fundraising: The Cornerstone of Recurring Giving
Fuel donor retention through relational fundraising and a recurring giving program.
Fundraising
Ten Fresh and Fun Ways to Engage Individual Givers
Nonprofits that foster individual giving reap long-term benefits. Here are ten fresh and fun campaign ideas to engage donors.
Comparisons
Autism Speaks Selects StratusLIVE Technology
New technology partnership with StratusLIVE supports the mission of Autism Speaks with its modern fundraising and donor management nonprofit CRM.
Fundraising
Integrating Your Donor Database and Fundraising Intelligence
A guest post from iWave on integrating your donor database with a fundraising intelligence solution to surface wealth and philanthropic insights.
Fundraising
Database Cleanup Tips
Tackle your database cleanup with these seven tips!
Fundraising
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative & Philanthropy
Analyze Chan Zuckerberg's philanthropic impact and strategies. Learn insights from their approach to giving and technology-driven social change.
Finance & Ops
Assessing Charity Navigator’s New Ranking System
Understand Charity Navigator's evaluation criteria and ranking methodology. Learn how to improve your nonprofit's rating and donor trust.
Platform & CRM
Microsoft Venture Expands Philanthropic Investment
Explore Microsoft's commitment to nonprofit causes. Learn about their philanthropic initiatives and technology solutions for social impact.
Fundraising
Direct Mail Fundraising Metrics: Nice vs. Need to Know
This post details the Nice to Know vs the Need to Know in regards to Direct Mail Fundraising Metrics and how these metrics help you achieve your mission.
Capacity & AI
Prescriptive Analytics: Using Data to Make Great Decisions
Harness prescriptive analytics for better decisions. Learn how data-driven insights can improve nonprofit strategy and impact.
Fundraising
Beyond RFM: Constituent Analytics
Advanced constituent analytics beyond RFM modeling. Learn how comprehensive data analysis can enhance donor understanding and improve fundraising outcomes.
Fundraising
A Guide to Donor Engagement Scoring
AFP recommends engagement scoring: measure what can be measured, assess the importance, and assign points to rank donor involvement with your organization.
Platform & CRM
Avoiding Internal Silos Across your Nonprofit
We pulled together proven tactics that help nonprofits avoid (or overcome) the pesky internal silos that can put a halt to your organization's mission.
Fundraising
Virtual Fundraising in the Time of Social Distancing
Implement virtual fundraising campaigns in light of COVID-19. Here are some ideas to encourage giving during a time of social distancing.
Capacity & AI
Top Non-Profit Leadership Blogs and Podcast
A curated list of the top nonprofit leadership blogs and podcasts to help leaders, board members, and staff keep up with the sector.
Sectors
Tips on Creating Employee Leave Sharing Programs
How employee leave sharing and PTO donation programs work, steps to set one up, and the tax implications employers should understand.
Sectors
Why are CSR Programs Surging in Popularity?
Why CSR programs surged in popularity: a Millennial-majority workforce that demands purpose, and the retention gains companies see when they deliver.
Fundraising
14 Ways to Say, "Will You Make a Donation?"
The ability to make a fundraising ask in person and/or on the phone is one of the most essential skills any professional fundraiser can possess.
Fundraising
How to Raise More Money for Your Nonprofit with Less Stress
Donor funnels make fundraising knowable and scalable. How defining stages, decision points, and roles helps your nonprofit raise more with less stress.
Platform & CRM
Nonprofit Enterprise Integration: Data Import Management
Master nonprofit data integration strategies. Learn best practices for managing enterprise-level data imports and maintaining data integrity.
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