The Blog

Insights, Tips, and Stories

Get the latest tips, smart strategies, and stories to help your nonprofit thrive.

From Moments to Movements: Building Fundraising Systems That Withstand Uncertainty
Courtney Forkum Courtney Forkum

From Moments to Movements: Building Fundraising Systems That Withstand Uncertainty

And it’s not just the financial uncertainty that’s heavy—it’s the emotional weight that comes with it. For a lot of folks, it feels like we’ve recently been here before. Only five years ago, we were fundraising through COVID. Scrambling to shift, pivot, survive. Some organizations didn’t make it. Others barely did. And now, as funding tightens again, that same panic is creeping in. Let me say this clearly: if this season feels like déjà vu, you're not imagining it—and you’re not alone.

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Kansas City’s Generosity Is Real—But Are Nonprofits Ready to Tap Into It?
Courtney Forkum Courtney Forkum

Kansas City’s Generosity Is Real—But Are Nonprofits Ready to Tap Into It?

Kansas City is one of the most philanthropic metros in the country, with individual donors giving an average of $3,735 annually. But as funding cuts and nonprofit layoffs continue in 2025, many organizations are struggling to keep up. In this blog post, The Philanthropy Place breaks down the latest CCS findings, explores why Kansas City nonprofits are facing a capacity crisis—not a donor crisis—and shares practical steps for building a stronger, more sustainable fundraising strategy that meets this moment.

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Your 2025 Fundraising Focus: What to Do (and Ditch) This Year
Courtney Forkum Courtney Forkum

Your 2025 Fundraising Focus: What to Do (and Ditch) This Year

If 2020 and 2024 taught us anything, it’s this: fundraising isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s for the persistent. The creative. The ones who aren’t afraid to pivot (is there a better word to use nowadays?), ask boldly, and keep showing up even when the path forward is foggy. Now that we’re here in 2025— freshly in Q2 with new opportunities, and yes, some very real challenges—it’s time to take a breath and refocus on what truly works in this ever-evolving landscape.

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Why Subscription Giving is the Fundraising Trend to Watch
Courtney Forkum Courtney Forkum

Why Subscription Giving is the Fundraising Trend to Watch

Monthly donors aren’t just more loyal — they feel more connected. Giving becomes a habit, a part of their identity, a little monthly act of good that sparks joy. And once someone’s in, they’re likely to stay. In fact, monthly donors tend to have much higher retention rates than one-time givers.

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Fundraising in the Digital Age: Adapt or Get Left Behind
Courtney Forkum Courtney Forkum

Fundraising in the Digital Age: Adapt or Get Left Behind

We’re living in an era where a viral TikTok campaign can raise millions overnight, AI is drafting donor thank-you notes, and social media algorithms dictate how (and if) people see your nonprofit’s content. If you’re feeling like you need a crash course just to keep up, you’re not alone. But here’s the thing: adaptability isn’t optional anymore—it’s a survival skill.

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Turning Political Shifts into Philanthropic Support: How to Engage Disenchanted Political Donors
Courtney Forkum Courtney Forkum

Turning Political Shifts into Philanthropic Support: How to Engage Disenchanted Political Donors

When election season ends, donors don’t just pack up their passion and call it a day. Many politically engaged individuals—especially those feeling frustrated by an outcome—redirect their giving toward nonprofits that align with their values. They still care deeply about the issues they supported at the ballot box; they’re just looking for another way to create meaningful change. This is where your nonprofit can step in—not as a substitute for political action, but as a powerful force for impact beyond campaign cycles.

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Common Nonprofit Fundraising, Board, and Event Challenges (and How to Fix Them)
Courtney Forkum Courtney Forkum

Common Nonprofit Fundraising, Board, and Event Challenges (and How to Fix Them)

Nonprofit leaders wear a lot of hats, and let’s be real—fundraising, board engagement, and events don’t always go as planned. If you’re feeling stretched thin, you’re not alone. The good news? These challenges aren’t just solvable; they’re opportunities to rethink and refine your fundraising strategy. Let’s dive deeper!

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The One Thing Standing Between Your Nonprofit and Major Gifts
Courtney Forkum Courtney Forkum

The One Thing Standing Between Your Nonprofit and Major Gifts

Every nonprofit dreams of securing those transformational donations—the ones that don’t just meet a campaign goal but completely change the trajectory of an organization. But if major gifts feel like some mythical fundraising unicorn, here’s a hard truth: the biggest thing standing between your nonprofit and those game-changing gifts isn’t a lack of wealthy donors. It’s a lack of real relationships.

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Welcome to The Philanthropy Place: Fundraising Without the Fluff
Courtney Forkum Courtney Forkum

Welcome to The Philanthropy Place: Fundraising Without the Fluff

Let’s be real—fundraising isn’t for the faint of heart. Between juggling donor meetings, making sure events actually make money (not just memories), and keeping the lights on, nonprofit leaders have a lot on their plate. That’s exactly why I created The Philanthropy Place—to help nonprofits build fundraising strategies that are smart, sustainable, and actually work.

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