You write proposals. I write proposals. We write SO many proposals. And some days it's hard to muster the inspiration and focus we need to make writing magic flow.

The more options we have, the greater the chances of receiving support from a larger number of donors, right? Actually, you may be surprised that the answer to this is ‘no’!

As a nonprofit fundraising professional, why not start with what you are most grateful for - your donors! Adopt these three simple, research-backed practices, and watch your donor relationships - and your bottom line - flourish.

The truth is that we have all felt overwhelmed, even seasoned grantwritiers like me. That first grant can be especially scary - like reading a Stephen King novel on a dark and rainy night kind of scary. However, once you know a little about what to expect and what is expected of you, it all becomes so much easier (and less anxiety-inducing).

For most of us in fundraising, autumn doesn't signal a blissful season of pumpkin-spiced lattes and scarves...it signals the landslide of work as our organization prepares to solicit - and receive - end of year donations.