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By Scott Sadler, Partner and Senior Strategist Succession planning is essential to ensuring that your organization maintains stability and continuity through change. Leadership turnover is inevitable, and succession planning ensures you're ready, reducing stress and chaos when transitions occur. It's your job to have a clear plan, which signals stability to staff, donors, and partners. Strong Plans Include : Documentation:  Keep your policies, procedures, contacts, and calen

Supporter surveys are a powerful way to connect with donors and learn how you can be more effective in your fundraising approach. Whether done annually with an eye toward key measures to track over time, or as a one-off exercise to measure sentiment or test a campaign case for support, surveys and provide good, actionable data to your team.

At Ostara, we’ve found that the most successful fundraising efforts always start with a roadmap that ties big vision to practical steps.

by Mitra Karami In the rush of year-end fundraising, it’s easy to focus on appeals, metrics, and campaign goals, but one of the most powerful drivers of donor loyalty doesn’t cost a dime: authentic gratitude. At Ostara, we’ve seen time and again: thoughtful donor stewardship doesn’t just make people feel good. It directly impacts retention, revenue, and long-term mission sustainability. When donors feel genuinely appreciated, they stay connected, give more often, and increase

by Adam Runions As the calendar year winds down, nonprofit fundraising teams face a critical window to maximize donor engagement and revenue. With holidays, PTO, and year-end generosity converging, thoughtful planning is essential. Here’s how your team can prepare for a successful year-end campaign that’s both strategic and seamless. Map the Season: Calendar with Intention Start by gathering your fundraising, communications, and finance teams to map out key projects and deadl

As we approach year-end giving—the busiest and most critical fundraising season—your CRM system can either be your greatest asset or your biggest headache. The difference comes down to the quality of your data. When your CRM is clean, complete, and accurate, it becomes a powerful tool to deepen donor relationships, personalize communications, and maximize giving opportunities. When it’s not, you risk missed connections, wasted mailings, and leaving money on the table.

As we head into the final months of the year, nonprofits across the sector are preparing for one of the busiest and most important fundraising seasons. Year-end giving campaigns are often the single largest opportunity to connect with donors, share your mission, and inspire generosity. At the heart of successful campaigns is one powerful tool: storytelling.

It's time to get out of the kiddie pool of fundraising and attract gifts of real estate and business interests. Per the Giving USA 2024...

A seasoned, professional Interim Development Director from the Ostara Group, equipped with strategic insight, hands-on experience, and a nonprofit-first perspective, can keep your mission, and your fundraising, moving forward.

You should be actively seeking out corporate partners to enhance your fundraising strategy.

by Mitra Karami, Senior Consultant For most nonprofits, year-end giving is the most important fundraising season of the year. Nearly...

Capital campaigns are among the most ambitious and transformative efforts a nonprofit can undertake. They can ensure your organization’s future. Done well, they raise significant funds for major projects like building renovations, expansions, or launching new programs. But before diving in, it’s crucial to ask: Are we ready? 

In the world of fundraising, we often talk about sustainability - of programs, of donor relationships, of impact. But what about the sustainability of the fundraiser?

Read more to learn why Ostara might be an excellent fit for your nonprofit.

Learn how to determine if your fundraising and marketing campaigns are working.

by Adam Runions , Partner and Senior Consultant One time-honored tradition in major gift cultivation is the House Party, a chance for...

Nonprofits are facing a perfect storm in 2025: federal funding cuts, economic uncertainty, and shifting donor behavior. But instead of folding, many are adapting with creativity and grit. Here’s how they’re adjusting:

Here at Ostara, we have a wealth of knowledge at our fingertips. Today, our consultants answer your most frequently asked questions. Q1:...

by Mitra Karami You've just wrapped up a successful fundraising event. The venue is cleared, the final tally is in, and your team is...

Learn four steps to building a robust and sustainable planned giving program.