Written by Erin Boyce: Data and Digital Director

As the Fundraising Lab’s resident librarian and book dragon (yes, I voraciously consume and hoard books in equal measure), I thought I’d pop in to share a few of my recent reads. Whether you're soaking up the sun on your patio, escaping the heat with a chilled drink indoors, or sneaking in a few chapters between Zoom calls (I won’t tell), this summer's book stack is packed with stories that move, challenge, and charm. 

From heart-wrenching tr...

What savvy nonprofits are doing now to win fall fundraising. 

Written by Erin Boyce: Data and Digital Director

Summer might feel slower than your usual year-end sprint (if “slow” even exists in nonprofit life), but smart fundraising teams know it’s the perfect time to get organized, make strategic updates, and set themselves up for success. With a bit of focus now, you can build cleaner systems, improve your reporting, and strengthen donor relationships - all before the fall rush begins.  

If you're a nonprofit leader or fundraiser feeling like your current donor database just isn't cutting it anymore, you're not alone.

Written by Erin Boyce: Data and Digital Director

It's the never-ending story for fundraisers and Executive Directors - systems that once seemed like a good fit now feel clunky, limited, or just plain frustrating.

But here's the good news: transitioning to a new donor management system doesn't have to be overwhelming.

Why Consider Moving On?

Most nonprofits sta...

If your donor database is more “it’s complicated” than “true love,” you’re not alone.  

Many organizations struggle with poorly configured systems that prevent them from accessing the valuable insights hidden within. 

But here’s the good news: you can improve your relationship with your data. With a little attention and the right strategy, you can ensure your database is serving you in the best way possible.  

Here are five ways to get back on track and build a stronger connection with your...

 Written by Erin Boyce: Data and Digital Director

Canadian charities often store sensitive donor information in databases, and many of these databases are cloud-based. But not all cloud systems store this data on Canadian servers. So, do you know where your donor data is being stored? 

What Is the Cloud? 

The “cloud” means storing data on remote servers that can be accessed through the internet. Cloud computing helps Canadian charities by making it easier and cheaper to store and access d...

Now that the visions of sugarplums have subsided your thoughts have likely turned to this new leaf of 2025. And if you are an Ontario based charity your thoughts are likely drifting to the OTF Capital Grant and assessing if you can pull an award-worthy application together.  

Before we look at best practices for a capital funds application it might be a good idea to define 'capital funding'. A capital campaign, capital grant, or capital funding is a way for organizations, typically nonpr...

The most valuable asset any fund development operation has is the accuracy of its data and the ability to analyze it. A well-configured database can be used to help analyze past fundraising campaigns, calculate benchmarks and metrics, track comprehensive donor history and issue financial reports (including reports to reconcile with your financial system) and issue charitable tax receipts.  

It can also be used to help streamline stewardship, such as tracking who must be thanked and who should...

Last week, we talked about the budget. Oh, those numbers can be tricky but they’re such a big piece of getting your fundraising plan solidified.  

What’s next?  

You pitch to the board to get their buy-in.   

• You’ve prepped everything  
• You created line charts to show revenue, expenses and projected growth 
• You know your numbers  
• You prepared a script 

And the day comes for your pitch... 

>>>>>>And they tear it up. 

Well, not literally but they ask question after question and they ...