Blog
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Ambitious Campaigns for Uncertain Times: Heller Fundraising Group founder offers advice in Chronicle of Philanthropy
In the Chronicle of Philanthropy, Peter Heller talks about why periods of uncertainty can provide an opening for ambitious fundraising. Three successful client capital campaigns show what happens when you stay the course.
5 Lessons in Transforming Nonprofits from Heller Fundraising Group’s First 5 Years
Discover how Heller Fundraising Group helped nonprofits grow, pivot, and succeed in their earliest campaigns. These five key lessons from our first five years still shape bold fundraising today.
Is Your Donor Ask Too Aggressive—Or Just Bold Enough?
Fundraisers often struggle with knowing when an ask is too aggressive—or when it’s simply bold enough. This blog unpacks how discomfort, curiosity, and timing can turn ambitious solicitations into transformational gifts.
How to Build a Case for Support That Inspires Donors to Give
Writing a case for support isn’t just about explaining your needs—it’s about helping donors see themselves in your vision. Here’s what makes a case effective (and what to avoid), based on 20 years of fundraising experience.
5 Mindset Shifts to Boost Fundraising Success During Uncertain Times
Discover five powerful mindset shifts to help you overcome doubt, connect with donors, and raise more—no matter what the world throws your way. Fundraising success starts with how you think.
Powerful Donor Questions That Drive Engagement and Future Support
If you've ever left a donor meeting wondering what you could’ve done differently, the answer may not be a better pitch—but better questions. In this post, we share conversation starters that reveal donor motivations, strengthen relationships, and make your next ask more impactful.
Donor Engagement Planning: From Coffee Chats to Capital Campaigns
In this post, Peter Heller shares why every donor interaction—from informal conversations to formal asks—requires a clear goal, a next step, and the flexibility to pivot when the unexpected happens.
Supercharge Donor Support: 5 Proven Strategies
In this blog discover how to boost donor engagement with five proven strategies to strengthen relationships and grow individual giving. Learn how to connect, communicate, and make confident asks that inspire lasting support.
Turning Small Donations into Major Nonprofit Support: Dream Big
Peter Heller inspires nonprofit leaders to turn small donations into major support by building strong donor relationships and thinking big. Learn how to unlock significant gifts with his examples and by aligning donors’ passions with your mission.
Individual Giving: The Secret to Nonprofit Financial Stability
Individual giving is crucial for nonprofits, offering more flexibility and long-term support than corporate or foundation funding. Focusing on individual donors helps ensure financial stability and sustainability.
A Home Run in Donor Recognition: The Power of Personalized Appreciation
This blog explores creative donor recognition ideas with unique themes that go beyond plaques, fostering deeper connections and inspiring lasting engagement.
Mastering Donor Meetings: Ask Boldly, Fund Your Nonprofit Mission
Want bigger gifts for your nonprofit? Be bold and specific. Instead of letting donors take the lead, clearly state your needs with a specific amount, timeframe, and purpose. Confident asks lead to bigger commitments.
Expert Network for Nonprofits: Finance, Legal, Design, and Construction Support for Fundraising Success
Heller Fundraising Group connects clients with a trusted network of nonprofit experts, from finance and legal advisors to branding, architecture, and more. Our tailored approach meets nonprofit organization’s unique needs, ensuring success in fundraising, capital campaigns, and beyond.
Capital Campaign vs. Major Gift Program: Which Fundraising Strategy is Right for Your Nonprofit
Learn the key differences between a Capital Campaign and a Major Gift Program to determine which is right for your organization. Explore strategies for donor engagement, relationship-building, and fundraising tactics to help you succeed in both short-term and long-term efforts.
Building Strong Donor Relationships: Why Treating Donors Like Royals Can Hurt Your Campaign
Learn how treating major donors like royal children can harm your nonprofit's fundraising success. Discover key strategies for building strong, balanced relationships with donors while maintaining respect and confidence.
New Partnership: Frailty Myths – Empowering Change Through a Transformative Capital Campaign
Learn about our partnership with Frailty Myths, an inspiring nonprofit led by women, queer, & people of color (POC), all dedicated to empowering underrepresented communities & challenging oppressive narratives.
Nonprofit Success: How to Surpass Fundraising Campaign Goals During a Pandemic
How the SUNY New Paltz fundraising development team completed and surpassed their first-ever comprehensive campaign goal…during a pandemic.
Transactional versus Transformational Giving: Ideas for Building Meaningful Nonprofit Philanthropic Engagement
We’ve all done something – given in just enough – to get someone to stop doing something – to stop “bugging us” about something and go away. Perhaps it’s the dog begging for human food – you might toss fido just a bit, to get him to go away. Or your child begs for another hour on the swings – you might give her 10 more minutes, just to stop the badgering. And you might give a “go-away gift.” A gift that is just enough to get the solicitor to go away. That is a transactional gift.