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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 calendars updated. Knowledge Transfer:  Ensure board and staff can operate without the leader. Organizational Identity:  The organization must stand apart from any one leader. Internal vs. External Succession Assess internal readiness and invest in staff development. If hiring externally, update the job description and consider a search firm. Plan for onboarding, stakeholder introductions, and performance evaluations. Staff Development = Retention Strategy Use succession planning to identify growth paths and cross-train staff. Align professional development with future leadership needs. Cultivate mentorship and recognize emerging leaders early. Embed DEIA Promote inclusively and look beyond tenure and department. Diversify search committees and interview panels. Ensure equity in compensation, job descriptions, and promotion pathways. Transition & Onboarding Requirements Orientation plans, meeting schedules, and stakeholder introductions. Performance milestones at 3, 6, and 12 months. Honor the legacy—but let the outgoing leader truly exit. Pitfalls to Avoid Waiting until a crisis to plan. Settling for the wrong candidate or skipping a second search round. Letting key relationships reside with one person. Keeping succession planning a secret—transparency builds trust. Keep the Plan Alive Review and update every 6–12 months. Treat succession planning as a living document, not a one-time task. Succession planning isn’t just about leadership change. It’s about organizational resilience, staff empowerment, and mission continuity. Please reach out to us if you need help in planning for leadership transition or talent acquisition & management.

By Adam Runions, Partner and Senior Consultant 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. A few key objectives to consider:   Strengthen donor relationships.  Inviting input shows donors that their voice matters. It builds trust and loyalty, especially when you follow up with “You said, we did” updates that demonstrate responsiveness. You can also learn what types of communication and benefits mean the most to your supporters. Gauge public perception through a donor’s eyes . Though your programs may have an amazing track record, it’s critical that donors understand your impacts and perceive you as a trusted institution that is effective at delivering positive change. You stand to learn what reputational strengths you can build upon, as well as barriers or misconceptions that you need to address in your donor communications to leverage even more giving. Understand what drives support.  Surveys help you uncover why people give, what issues they care about, and how they perceive the value of giving to your organization. Often this can help you focus messaging, as well as develop “donor personas” or archetypes ( The Cause-driven Advocate; The Data-driven Analyst; The Legacy Builder  ) to build your strategies around.   A good survey strategy will have well-designed questions that not only gather quantitative and qualitative data, but that also serve as a powerful communication tool to your donors. They require a skilled approach to communication and technology, and a plan to ensure it is well-timed, easy to complete, and comes from a trusted source. For these reasons, our clients hire Ostara to apply best practices to build, conduct and analyze their donor surveys, knowing we will work collaboratively to ensure a positive donor experience and an insightful, unbiased set of results.  Reach out to us to discuss your ideas for your next supporter survey!

by Kyle Halmrast, Founder and CEO In my work with nonprofit leaders, I see a common challenge: everyone wants to raise more money, but few have the time to step back and think strategically about how  and why  they’re doing it. At Ostara, we’ve found that the most successful fundraising efforts always start with a roadmap that ties big vision to practical steps. That’s where the magic happens. Clarity Builds Confidence When you take the time to map out your goals, priorities, and the steps to get there, you’re doing more than planning, you’re telling a story. You’re showing your donors exactly how their support will move the needle. People give when they feel connected to a clear vision. If you can show them that your organization knows where it’s going and how it will make an impact, they’ll want to be part of that story. Focus Makes Fundraising Easier A good plan helps you decide what not  to chase. It narrows your focus to the work that really matters, which means your fundraising can be more intentional and effective. Instead of scrambling for every opportunity that comes along, you’re making decisions based on what aligns with your mission and long-term goals. That kind of focus not only makes your fundraising stronger, but it also keeps your team from burning out! Strategy Isn’t a One-Time Thing The best plans don’t live in a binder or a Google Drive folder. They’re used, updated, and talked about regularly. A living strategic plan helps guide your day-to-day work and keeps your fundraising grounded in reality. When your plan and your fundraising efforts stay connected, everything feels more coherent. You can tell a clearer story, set more realistic goals, and track progress in a way that actually motivates your team and your supporters. The Bottom Line If you want your fundraising to be more strategic, more focused, and more successful, start with the plan. Invest the time to define your direction, engage your stakeholders, and connect your goals to real impact. When you’re clear about where you’re headed, your donors will feel it and they’ll want to help you get there. Let’s Talk! If your organization is ready to strengthen its strategy and fundraising connection, Ostara can help. We’ve guided hundreds of nonprofits through planning processes that clarify direction, engage teams, and position them for growth. Let’s start a conversation about how strategic planning can power your next chapter. Contact us today.

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 their support over time.   Why does gratitude matter? Donors aren’t simply financial transactions; they’re people investing in a cause they care about. When you take the time to thank them meaningfully, you’re reinforcing their role in your shared impact story. Studies show that donors who receive a thank-you within 48 hours are four times more likely  to give again. A warm, specific acknowledgment transforms a one-time gift into the beginning of a relationship. Gratitude also strengthens your organization’s culture. When staff and board members participate in stewardship, it reminds everyone from your executive director to your newest volunteer why this work matters and who makes it possible.   What makes an effective thank you? A great thank-you message is prompt, personal, and purposeful. Whether it’s a handwritten note, an email, or a phone call, it should include these key elements: Speed:  Aim to thank donors within 48 hours of receiving their gift. Specificity:  Mention what their donation supports — a program, project, or recent success. Sincerity:  Use a human tone, not a transactional one. Drop the jargon and speak from the heart. Storytelling:  Connect their gift to real impact. For example, “Because of you, 30 young people completed leadership training this summer.” Surprise:  Occasionally go beyond the expected, like a quick video message from program staff, a thank-you photo from the field, or a call from a board member. When gratitude feels genuine and tailored, donors feel seen, valued, and part of something larger than themselves.   How do I build a culture of gratitude? Donor appreciation shouldn’t live in your development office alone. Make it a shared practice across your organization: Empower your board to make stewardship calls or write thank-you notes. Train program staff to share stories of impact that can be used in donor communications. Celebrate milestones internally for new donors, recurring donors, anniversary supporters so your team stays connected to the mission’s community of supporters. When gratitude is woven into your daily operations, it stops being an afterthought and becomes part of your organizational DNA.   Why is thanking my donors important? Retention is one of the biggest challenges in nonprofit fundraising. But it’s also one of the biggest opportunities. If your donor retention rate is under 50%, chances are you’re spending more time finding new donors than keeping the ones you already have. The fix isn’t necessarily a new campaign or CRM feature — it’s consistency in stewardship. Thanking donors is one of the simplest, most cost-effective ways to strengthen your base and increase lifetime value.   The Ostara Group can help! At The Ostara Group, we help organizations create stewardship systems that are intentional, scalable, and heartfelt. From crafting thank-you call scripts and stewardship calendars to training your board on donor appreciation, we help you build the infrastructure — and the culture — that keeps your donors close. Let’s make gratitude a strategy, not an afterthought. Because when you thank better, you retain better. And when you retain better, your organization thrives.

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 deadlines from now through early January. Use shared calendars to clarify roles, assign responsibilities, and accommodate planned time off. This ensures continuity and avoids bottlenecks when staff are out. Consider creating a visual timeline that includes campaign launches, donor outreach, gift processing deadlines, and reporting milestones. A well-mapped plan keeps everyone aligned and reduces last-minute stress. Steward with Heart: Make Gratitude Visible Year-end is a prime time to deepen donor relationships. Go beyond transactional emails and make stewardship personal. Schedule thank-you calls to top donors, send handwritten holiday cards, and encourage board members to express appreciation to peers they may see at seasonal gatherings. A warm thank-you from a fellow board member at a holiday party can leave a lasting impression. These gestures reinforce your mission and show donors they’re valued beyond their gifts. Streamline Gift Entry: Prep for Precision Smooth gift processing is vital when donations surge in December. Here’s how to set your systems up for success: Build Smart Donation Pages : Create campaign-specific donation pages that link directly to source codes in your database. This ensures accurate attribution and simplifies reporting. Educate Major Donors : Send tailored reminders to major donors about year-end giving options—stock transfers, donor-advised funds (DAFs), and IRA distributions. Include deadlines and instructions to avoid missed opportunities due to holiday mail delays or market closures. Coordinate with Finance : Meet with your finance team to align on how to book gifts received in early January that were postmarked in December. This ensures compliance and accurate revenue recognition for the calendar year. Final Thoughts Year-end fundraising isn’t just about hitting revenue goals. It’s about building trust, showing gratitude, and operating with precision. By planning ahead, stewarding with care, and tightening your gift entry processes, your team can close the year strong and set the stage for a successful new one. Need support mapping your year-end strategy or optimizing your donor systems? The Ostara Group is here to help. Let’s make this season your most impactful yet.

by Mitra Karami , Senior Consultant Nonprofits pour time, energy, and heart into fundraising, but one factor that often gets overlooked is the health of your donor database. 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. Here are a few practices to help you keep your data in good shape: Input Notes and Interactions Promptly Every donor interaction matters. Whether it’s a quick conversation at an event, a personal phone call, or an email exchange, those touchpoints give you valuable context for future engagement. Notes in your CRM allow your whole team to see the full donor journey. They ensure continuity, even if staff transitions occur. They provide the nuance that helps transform a transactional relationship into a meaningful one. Think of your CRM as your organization’s memory. If it isn’t written down, it might as well not have happened. Keep Contact Information Up to Date Addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses change all the time. Outdated information leads to missed appeals and lost opportunities. Dedicate time each month to reviewing records for accuracy, and make it a habit to confirm contact details when donors engage with you. Run NCOA and Data Health Checks The National Change of Address (NCOA) database is a simple, cost-effective tool that ensures your mailings reach the right households. Running regular NCOA updates—especially before year-end campaigns—reduces wasted postage, keeps donors connected, and demonstrates professionalism. Pair NCOA updates with periodic email validation to reduce bounce rates. Remove duplicates and flag inactive records to streamline communications. Segment and Personalize Using Clean Data Year-end giving is not the time for one-size-fits-all outreach. Clean data makes segmentation possible—whether it’s thanking monthly donors, inviting lapsed supporters back, or tailoring messages to major donors. Segmentation only works if your records are accurate and your notes are complete. Remember: Year-Round Discipline Pays Off Year-end is the crunch time, but healthy data practices are a year-round responsibility. Building in consistent processes throughout the year—like regular database audits and staff training on data entry—will keep your CRM strong and save you from scrambling when stakes are highest. The Bottom Line Your CRM is more than a database—it’s the backbone of your donor relationships. By investing in data hygiene now, you’re setting your organization up for stronger year-end results and more effective fundraising year-round. At Ostara Group, we’ve seen firsthand how healthy data empowers fundraising teams to focus on what matters most: building authentic, lasting connections with donors. Our team can help you assess the state of your CRM, create sustainable data practices, and put the right systems in place so you can approach year-end—and every season—with confidence.

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 statistics, seven percent (7%) of gifts from the top 1% of wealthy Americans come from cash.  Yet, most nonprofits spend most of their time requesting and attracting cash gifts, which has everyone fighting for the same 7% of cash gifts from the “kiddie pool” of assets.   There is no reason that all nonprofits can’t have conversations with their donors about gifts of real estate, stock and business interests (found in the “Big Kids Pool”). Let the Ostara Group help you discuss gifts from the Big Kids Pool!  Here are two examples:  Donors can contribute a portion of their real estate, stock holdings or business interest to your nonprofit BEFORE they sell the asset and they may (a) avoid capital gains taxes from the appreciation of the contributed asset and (b) receive a tax deduction for the gift.  Donors can contribute real estate, stock or a business interest into a charitable remainder trust  BEFORE they sell the asset and they may (a) avoid ALL of the capital gains from the appreciation of the contributed asset AND (b) receive an income tax deduction.     For more information on how to broach these topics with donors and how to educate them on their options, please  contact us .

by Mitra Karami 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 . Strong stories make donors feel connected, invested, and eager to make a difference. Here are a few storytelling tips to strengthen your year-end fundraising and bring your mission to life: 1. Center the People (or Animals, or Communities) You Serve Your mission is about real lives. Highlight one individual, family, or animal whose story represents the impact of your work. Instead of speaking in broad statistics, let donors connect with one person’s journey. Share what challenges they faced, how your organization stepped in, and what’s possible now because of support. 2. Be Authentic and Transparent Donors don’t expect perfection—they want honesty. Share the challenges your organization and community face as well as the successes. Authenticity builds trust, and trust is the foundation for long-term donor relationships. 3. Show Transformation The most compelling stories take donors on a journey: a “before” and “after.” What was life like before your organization’s involvement? How is it different now? Transformation is what donors want to invest in—seeing their gift as the spark that makes change possible. 4. Use the Power of Emotion and  Data While facts and numbers validate your impact, emotion is what inspires action. Pair a heartfelt personal story with a key statistic to show both the scope of the problem and the tangible change donors can create. 5. Make Donors the Hero Position your donor as part of the story. Use language that makes it clear: their gift is what bridges the gap between challenge and transformation. Phrases like “because of you” and “with your help” help donors see themselves in the impact narrative. 6. Repurpose Stories Across Channels Don’t let a powerful story live in just one appeal. Use it in email, direct mail, social media, and even short videos. A consistent story told across multiple channels reinforces your message and keeps your campaign cohesive. 7. End With an Invitation Every story should lead to action. After painting the picture of transformation, close with a clear and urgent call to give. Let your audience know exactly how they can be part of the next chapter in your mission.   Final Thoughts Year-end fundraising is about more than raising dollars—it’s about deepening relationships and reminding your community of the lives they’re changing through their generosity. By weaving authentic, transformative stories into your appeals, you’ll inspire donors not only to give now, but to stay connected long into the future. At Ostara, we know nonprofits are stretched thin at year end. If you need support developing your campaign strategy, strengthening your storytelling, or building a plan to carry momentum into the new year, our team is here to help.

by Kyle Halmrast, Founder and CEO When a development team transition leaves a gap, whether due to resignation, restructuring, or a new vision, momentum can stall at a critical time. 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. The Ostara Group is well-positioned to tackle your Development Department's immediate needs with Interim Director support. We offer: A Track Record of Interim Development Leadership Since its founding in 2009 , The Ostara Group has emerged as a leading nonprofit consulting firm, driven by a relational, "shoulder-to-shoulder" approach and deeply rooted in fundraising, leadership, and capacity-building expertise.  Over the years, Ostara has partnered with  more than 450 nonprofit organizations  ( including more than 80 interim development roles) , offering support across various sectors through shifts, transitions, and growth. A Team of Specialists When you hire an Ostara interim, you gain access not just to a single consultant but to a team rich in fundraising, leadership, planning, and facilitation, scalable support tailored to your moment. Plus, Ostara Consultants bring deep experience in interim leadership roles, development planning, database tools, campaign execution, and equity and inclusion-focused approaches. Proven Fundraising Expertise (Right Now) Ostara Group has deep roots in nonprofit fundraising. Our work includes development program assessments, grant strategy, annual giving, capital campaigns, and more, and our consultants bring decades of experience, from crafting campaigns to donor cultivation, and hit the ground running. Stable Leadership During Periods of Uncertainty Transitions happen but you don’t have to be in limbo. Ostara’s interim staffing and leadership services ensure your development efforts continue uninterrupted. Our consultants help sustain momentum, keep staff focused, and ensure your donor relationships remain nurtured. Real Results from Real Organizations Edmonds Food Bank  brought in Ostara to lead development during a capital planning phase. Ostara built out the fundraising infrastructure, created standard operating procedures, launched campaigns, and even handled hiring for key roles like Director of Development and Individual Giving Manager. The result? A fully-functional development team positioned for long-term success. Bloedel Reserve  needed leadership mid-campaign and without a full development team. Ostara conducted assessments, managed campaigns, recruited the new Director of Development, and maintained fundraising progress during the transition. These stories go beyond temporary fixes, they show how Ostara ensures your next development leader inherits a strong, sustainable infrastructure. Planning Tailored to Your Organizations’ Needs Ostara doesn’t do cookie-cutter. We design services to match your stage, strategy, and community: be it capital campaigns, donor development systems, grant strategy, or donor-facing communications strategy and execution. Our consultants listen, adapt, and co-create solutions with you to unlock your full fundraising potential. Hiring an Ostara Group Interim Director of Development does more than fill a vacancy, it fuels momentum, reinforces infrastructure, and prepares your organization for its next chapter of impact. If you're ready to safeguard your development work and build for the future, Ostara offers the leadership and insight to make it happen. If you are in need of Interim Director support, or would like to learn more about other services we offer, contact us! We are here to help.

by Marisa Kent-Guerra , Associate Consultant So, what is corporate fundraising anyway? Corporate fundraising transforms the traditional fundraising model and applies a new lens to it – a business lens. Corporate giving means that companies are providing a resource to your organization, whether that’s a financial donation, an item, or volunteer time. Companies have become an invaluable asset in the current fundraising landscape, making up almost $45 billion worth of total contributions in 2024, and saw a 9.1% increase in giving from 2023 to 2024. Inevitably, there are companies in the giving landscape that align with your mission. You just have to find them. You should be actively seeking out corporate partners to enhance your fundraising strategy. Right now, people care more than ever how their dollars are being used. People care about who their employers are donating to, and they care who their favorite brands are donating to. This means that companies want to show that they are walking the walk, reflecting their stakeholders’ values through corporate social responsibility. What this means for us as fundraising professionals: first, companies are eager to give to improve their brand image, and second, engaging people in your mission is still invaluable in building out a strong pipeline of prospects and donors. So, how do companies give? Sponsorships: donations given in return for a set of benefits provided to the company by your organization. Companies will usually look for brand exposure through your organization in return and may even draw from their Marketing budgets in addition to earmarked philanthropy funds. Grants: some companies have foundations that do their giving for them. Generally, these grants require an application that is less involved than your average application. It’s still work, though! Matching Gifts: companies will match employee contributions. Depending on the company, they can match gifts up to 3:1 or even pay for volunteer time. Unfortunately, the onus is on you to communicate with your donors about their company‘s matching program and encourage them to submit for a match. In-Kind: these are physical items, generally donations to auctions, galas, or to support capital needs. Volunteerism: time and talent given to your organization by company staff to accomplish your mission. Cause Marketing: giving campaigns where companies run promotions for your organization and give by providing a percentage of their profits, a dollar amount per item sold, etc. The world is your oyster with these campaigns. Get creative! So, how do I build connections? Where do I look? Utilize your board connections.  Your Board of Directors is an invaluable and often untapped resource – ask them who they know and whether they’re willing to make an introduction. Your board members are so dedicated to your mission that they are overseeing the direction of your organization. Attend networking events.  Make connections the old-fashioned way. In a post-COVID world, this can be difficult, but there is still something invaluable about building relationships organically. Search for organizations that are outwardly aligned with your mission. When doing your research, check if they have a CSR or ESG page and find out what their giving priorities are. Reach out to your current corporate partners, vendors, and major donors . They might be willing to connect you with other companies interested in your mission. Use databases to find companies in your region.  The Puget Sound Business Journal, for example, is an invaluable resource when doing research to identify potential prospects. These resources can help you understand the landscape of your service area and what companies occupy it. Connect with employees by outreaching to your current individual donor base.  Companies are keen to give to organizations that their employees are passionate about. Hint: search through their email domains. Don’t overlook small to medium-sized organizations!  Everyone wants donations from Amazon, Microsoft, and Starbucks, but your local law firm, accounting firm, grocery store, or boutique might be directly connected to your mission. Once you’ve built a strong prospect list, it’s time to make the introduction. Don’t be shy! Write a strong introductory email, reach out, be patient, and follow up. Trust the process; the right partners are out there. To learn more about how to incorporate corporate fundraising into your strategy, including how to properly cultivate and steward these donors, reach out to Ostara Group.

by Mitra Karami, Senior Consultant For most nonprofits, year-end giving is the most important fundraising season of the year. Nearly one-third of annual giving happens in December, and donors are often motivated by the spirit of generosity, tax benefits, and a desire to make a difference before the calendar year closes. With so much potential, having a thoughtful and compelling campaign strategy is essential. At the same time, GivingTuesday has become a global movement that kicks off the giving season right after Thanksgiving. This single day of generosity is a golden opportunity—but it’s even more powerful when woven into your broader year-end giving campaign. Here’s how your nonprofit can design a compelling year-end strategy and strategically incorporate GivingTuesday to maximize impact.   One: Craft a Strong, Unified Theme Your year-end campaign should have a central theme or story that connects emotionally with your audience. Whether it’s about “second chances for shelter pets,” “opening doors to education,” or “fighting hunger in our community,” your theme should be donor-centered and illustrate the difference their support makes. Once you have your theme, weave it throughout all your touchpoints—emails, social media, direct mail, and your website. Consistency builds recognition and trust.   Two: Use GivingTuesday for a Specific Program or Need Instead of treating GivingTuesday as just another appeal for general operating support, focus it on a specific program or tangible need. For example, dedicate the day to funding medical care for shelter pets, providing winter coats for children, or launching a new community initiative. By making GivingTuesday a highly focused ask, donors can clearly see the immediate impact of their gift. This approach not only drives urgency and engagement on the day itself but also leaves room for a broader, year-end appeal later in December. When supporters know their GivingTuesday gift fueled a specific project, they’re more likely to make a second contribution toward your overall year-end goal.   Three: Use Storytelling to Build Momentum Don’t just ask for donations—show the impact. Share real stories of lives changed, animals saved, or families supported. Pair these with tangible giving levels (“$50 provides vaccines for one rescue dog”) so donors understand their impact. On GivingTuesday, highlight a single powerful story to drive urgency. Then, in the weeks following, continue to share new stories that reinforce your year-end theme and keep supporters engaged.   Four: Layer in Multiple Touchpoints A strong year-end campaign isn’t a single email—it’s a series of communications that build toward December 31. Consider this cadence: Before GivingTuesday : Teasers and save-the-date posts to build anticipation. GivingTuesday : Live updates, impact stories, and strong calls to action. Early December : Gratitude-focused updates and reminders of the campaign’s larger goal. Mid-December : Another story-driven appeal and gentle nudges for those who haven’t yet given. Final Week of December : Bold reminders of the tax-deduction deadline and last-chance appeals. This layered approach ensures your campaign stays top of mind without overwhelming donors.   Five: Celebrate and Thank Along the Way Don’t wait until January to thank your donors. Celebrate milestones publicly—whether it’s reaching your GivingTuesday goal, hitting the halfway mark in December, or closing in on your final campaign target. Timely, heartfelt gratitude not only strengthens relationships but also encourages additional giving and sharing.   Six: Make It Easy to Give Finally, ensure the giving process is seamless. Your donation page should be mobile-friendly, quick, and aligned with your campaign theme. Include options for monthly giving, matching gifts, or employer matches to maximize impact.   Bringing It All Together A compelling year-end campaign isn’t just about raising money—it’s about building community, telling stories, and inviting donors into your mission. By positioning GivingTuesday as the exciting kickoff and carrying that momentum through December, you create a unified, inspiring journey for your supporters. With planning, creativity, and authentic gratitude, this year’s year-end campaign can be your strongest yet. It’s Okay to Ask for Help! At Ostara Group, we know that year-end can feel overwhelming—nonprofits are often stretched thin, with limited time and staff capacity to plan and execute a robust campaign. That’s where we come in. Our team partners with organizations to design strategies, craft compelling messages, and implement campaigns that maximize both GivingTuesday and year-end fundraising opportunities. You don’t have to do it all alone; leaning on experienced consultants ensures your campaign is thoughtful, effective, and aligned with your mission, so you can focus on what you do best—serving your community.

by  Adam Runions , Partner + Senior Consultant 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?   As professionals who spend our days championing causes, cultivating generosity, and navigating the emotional highs and lows of nonprofit work, we’re often so focused on others that we forget to care for ourselves. Yet, self-care isn’t a luxury - it’s a professional imperative. In recognition of International Self-Care Day on July 24, we offer the following encouragement:   Why Self-Care Matters in Fundraising Fundraising is deeply relational. It requires empathy, creativity, and resilience. When we’re depleted, we lose the very qualities that make us effective.   Burnout doesn’t just affect our well-being. It affects our storytelling, our presence in donor meetings, and our ability to inspire. If we want to build authentic connections with donors, we need to show up as whole people, not just professionals on autopilot.   The Power of Personal Passions One of the most overlooked tools in a fundraiser’s toolkit? A good story. And the best stories often come from outside the office.   Whether it’s fostering guinea pigs, performing as a dancer, hiking, painting, or reading historical fiction, our personal interests give us fresh perspectives, emotional grounding, and stories that resonate. As a former colleague said to our team of front-line fundraisers, “you need to have interests if you want people to find you interesting!”   When you share a genuine anecdote about your weekend hike or your latest baking disaster, you’re not just making small talk, you’re building trust. You’re reminding donors that you’re a real person, just like them.   Tips for Staying Inspired and Grounded Here are a few practices to help you – and your team – stay energized and invest in being a well-rounded relationship builder: Schedule Joy : Block time for activities that bring you joy—whether it’s a morning walk, a dance class, or a quiet hour with a book. Protect this time like you would a major donor meeting.   Set Boundaries : Say no to unnecessary meetings. Log off at a reasonable hour. Your inbox will still be there tomorrow.   Reflect and Celebrate : Take time to acknowledge your wins—big and small. Write them down. Share them with a colleague. Let them fuel your next challenge.   Invest in Growth : Attend a workshop, read something outside your field, or explore a new hobby. Personal growth fuels professional creativity.   Tell Your Story : Don’t be afraid to bring your full self into your work. Your passions and quirks are assets, not distractions.   A Final Word As fundraisers, we ask others to give generously. Let’s not forget to give generously to ourselves. Because when we’re inspired, rested, and connected to our own stories, we’re better equipped to connect others to the causes we love.