Volunteer Fire Department Fundraising: Events vs Emergency Services Revenue

A volunteer fire department building on a sunny day, with a fire truck and firefighters visible in front of the station.

While pancake breakfasts generate just 8-19% of volunteer fire department budgets, EMS transport billing can produce $650-$800 per transport, potentially replacing 25% of operating costs. Small departments still rely heavily on fundraising, but emergency services revenue offers greater scalability as call volumes increase. Key Takeaways Volunteer fire departments across America face a critical funding dilemma: … Read more

Addiction Recovery Fundraising: Insurance Gaps vs Treatment Center Revenue

An illustration of a diverse group of people in a welcoming community wellness center, engaging in activities like meditation, yoga, and receiving support from staff.

Despite Medicaid funding 28% of addiction treatment, major insurance gaps persist. Medicare doesn’t cover residential treatment, while for-profit centers enjoy 10% margins versus nonprofits’ 1%. Fundraising provides 5-15% of revenue for most treatment organizations, highlighting the need for strategic solutions. Key Takeaways The $2.4B Addiction Treatment Funding Gap: Who Pays When Insurance Won’t? Addiction treatment … Read more

Women’s Shelter Fundraising: Grant Dependence vs Crisis Center Revenue

A warm common room in a women's shelter, where mothers talk on couches and children play on the floor—a direct result of the crisis center revenue and grant funding that supports their safety and well-being.

Women’s shelters face financial vulnerability with 66-85% of funding from fluctuating government grants. Crisis centers struggle with funding diversification due to confidentiality requirements and clients’ limited resources. Successful shelters implement multiple revenue streams including thrift stores and fundraising events, yielding a 151% social return on investment. Key Takeaways 85% Government Dependence: The Funding Crisis Facing … Read more

Givebutter vs Fundly for DIY Fundraising Campaigns

Givebutter vs Fundly: A visual comparison of the two fundraising platforms.

Thinking of DIY fundraising? Givebutter offers near-zero costs (0.5%) and comprehensive tools including CRM and auction platforms, while Fundly charges standard 2.9%+$0.30 fees with more basic functionality. Givebutter excels for organizations needing all-in-one solutions; Fundly better suits individual fundraisers with simpler needs. Key Takeaways Why Givebutter Outperforms Fundly for Most DIY Fundraising Campaigns Choosing the … Read more

Online Fundraising vs In Person Fundraising Comparison

A comparison of modern online fundraising via smartphone app versus traditional in-person fundraising with community volunteers.

Online donations average $177 compared to just $20 for in-person gifts, a stark contrast in giving patterns. While digital fundraising captures 39% of donors, email marketing delivers an impressive 3800% ROI. The most successful strategies integrate both channels for maximum donor value. $177 vs $20: The Stark Contrast Between Online and In-Person Donation Amounts Key … Read more

Fundraising Letter Templates for Donation Requests in 2025

A woman works on her laptop with a coffee mug while sitting at a desk by a window.

Need to boost donation requests in 2025? Discover fundraising templates that use AI personalization to increase open rates by 14.3%, optimize for mobile (80% of traffic), and highlight specific donation impacts. Don’t miss December’s 31% donation opportunity! Key Takeaways Personalized Fundraising Appeals That Donors Can’t Ignore The fundraising landscape has transformed dramatically in 2025, with … Read more

Categories FYI

Grant Writing Burnout: How NOLA Nonprofits Find Funding Relief

Minimalist illustration of an open book representing grant writing, with money symbols in front of a New Orleans city skyline.

With federal cuts threatening $70M in nonprofit funding, New Orleans organizations are turning to membership models and local foundations for relief from grant writing fatigue. Over 6,000 nonprofits, employing 12% of the local workforce, seek sustainable alternatives as government funding becomes uncertain. Key Takeaways The Dual Crisis: Grant Writing Fatigue and Federal Funding Cuts New … Read more