Posts by rj.smith
Where the Future of Fundraising Takes Shape
Where the Future of Fundraising Takes Shape For 20 years, the Bridge Conference has been more than a meeting of minds — it’s been the proving ground for the ideas that define our sector’s future. After attending multiple years, I’ve seen the pattern: the most transformative moments don’t happen on stage alone. They spark in…
Read MoreData-Driven Fundraising: 3 Strategies to Bring Donors Back Every Year
Data-Driven Fundraising: 3 Strategies to Bring Donors Back Every Year August 25, 2025 If you attended Bridge Conference 2025, chances are you walked away full of ideas for turning today’s fundraising challenges into opportunities. I had the chance to present alongside Sidney Kushner, executive director of Connecting Champions, in a BridgeTECH session focused on data-driven…
Read MoreDAFs – Your Donor’s Charitable Checking Account
DAFs – Your Donor’s Charitable Checking Account August 15, 2025 Donor-advised funds (DAFs) are fast-growing charitable giving vehicles since they are an easy way to give to charities. The donor doesn’t need to manage their account, gets an immediate tax deduction at the time of their DAF creation, and the funds in a DAF grow…
Read MoreStop Avoiding Hard Conversations
Stop Avoiding Hard Conversations Back to Blog July 30, 2025 rj.smith Are you avoiding a difficult conversation with someone right now? If your skin crawls and your stomach does summersaults when you think about talking to that one person on your staff or leadership team because you dread having that tough conversation, you’re not alone.…
Read MoreThe Goalie of Direct Mail: Why Production Teams Are Your First Line of Defense
The Goalie of Direct Mail: Why Production Teams Are Your First Line of Defense Back to Blog June 23, 2025 rj.smith In the world of direct mail, production is when all the ideas come to fruition. While strategy and creative ignite the campaign, it’s the production team that ensures it gets out the door –…
Read MoreBridge 2025 Volunteer Experience: Engage, Enhance, Ignite!
Bridge 2025 Volunteer Experience: Engage, Enhance, Ignite! Back to Blog June 12, 2025 rj.smith Are you ready to be part of the action at this year’s dynamic 2025 Bridge to Integrated Marketing & Fundraising Conference themed “IGNITED BY PURPOSE”?! 🌟 Our Bridge Volunteer Committee is excited to offer a front-row seat to enhance your connections,…
Read MoreData Privacy Update
Data Privacy Update Back to Blog June 5, 2025 rj.smith My nonprofit friends: Montana just officially removed exemptions for nonprofits from its data privacy law. Connecticut did the same. They join Colorado, Delaware, New Jersey, and Oregon in this practice of holding nonprofits to account. If you’re surprised that Montana took this approach, the stats…
Read More