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Effective Storytelling Techniques for Successful Year-End Fundraising
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.
Sep 162 min read


Making Waves in Fundraising: Real Estate, Stock & Business Interests Gifts
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...
Sep 161 min read


The Case for Hiring an Interim Development Director
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.
Sep 32 min read


In-CORPORATE-ing Impact: A Guide to Corporate Fundraising
You should be actively seeking out corporate partners to enhance your fundraising strategy.
Aug 313 min read


Creating a Compelling Year-End Giving Campaign: How to Weave in GivingTuesday
by Mitra Karami, Senior Consultant For most nonprofits, year-end giving is the most important fundraising season of the year. Nearly...
Aug 273 min read


Does Your Nonprofit Need A Feasibility/Planning Study Before Your Capital Campaign?
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?
Aug 13 min read


Refilling the Well: Why Fundraisers Must Prioritize Self-Care and Personal Passions
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?
Jul 202 min read


Why Nonprofits Should Contract Out Marketing & Communications Work—Especially for Fundraising
Read more to learn why Ostara might be an excellent fit for your nonprofit.
Jul 123 min read


Measuring ROI: Determining the Success of Your Campaigns
Learn how to determine if your fundraising and marketing campaigns are working.
Jun 273 min read


House Party Do’s & Don’ts
by Adam Runions , Partner and Senior Consultant One time-honored tradition in major gift cultivation is the House Party, a chance for...
Jun 272 min read


How To Adjust Your 2025 Funding Plan To Your Current Reality
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:
Jun 222 min read


Ask Our Fundraisers: Answering Ostara’s Most Commonly Asked Questions
Here at Ostara, we have a wealth of knowledge at our fingertips. Today, our consultants answer your most frequently asked questions. Q1:...
May 305 min read


Post-Event Stewardship: The Essentials
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...
May 222 min read


Planned Giving – Building a “To Die For” Program
Learn four steps to building a robust and sustainable planned giving program.
May 134 min read


GiveBIG: Top Tips to Maximize Engagement
By Mitra Karami Questioning whether your organization should participate in GiveBIG this year? According to WA Gives, in 2024, 44,602...
Apr 254 min read


Next Steps: Cultivating Your State and Federal Public Funding Requests
by Robert Yoo Congratulations to all our clients who submitted state and federal funding requests over the past few months. We know...
Apr 211 min read


The Fight for Hope: Ostara Day Reflections
Kyle Halmrast, founder & CEO of Ostara group, reflects what Ostara Day means to him, and how non-profits can stay hopeful in these trying times.
Apr 102 min read


Building Your Grant Strategies for 2025
Here are a few ways to help ensure your organization is well-positioned for the grant opportunities that you pursue this year.
Jan 273 min read


Kickstart The Year with Effective Fundraising Strategies
As the new year rolls in, it’s the perfect opportunity to reflect, recalibrate, and reignite your fundraising efforts.
Jan 275 min read


Building a “to die for” planned giving program
Promoting planned giving helps qualify, steward, and cultivate donors, leading to more and larger gifts. Build your program and start today!
Dec 6, 20244 min read
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