Muhammad Babangida | Philanthropy

Muhammad Babangida is a committed philanthropist from Nigeria

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What to Know About Hosting a Fundraiser in Another State

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On May 18, 2023

In Community Engagement, Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy

Hosting a fundraiser in another state can be a rewarding opportunity to expand your reach and attract support for your cause. However, it’s essential to understand the legal and logistical considerations involved to ensure compliance and maximize the success of your event. Consider these key factors when hosting a fundraiser in another state, drawing from expert advice and reliable sources.

Understand State Fundraising Laws

Before hosting a fundraiser in another state, familiarize yourself with the fundraising laws and regulations specific to that state. Each state has its own requirements for charitable solicitations, registration, reporting, and fundraising disclosures. Some states may require you to register as a charitable organization or obtain a permit before conducting fundraising activities. Visit the state’s attorney general or secretary of state website to access relevant information and resources.

Research Tax Implications

When hosting a fundraiser in another state, be aware of the tax implications for your organization and donors. Some states have different rules regarding sales tax, use tax, and income tax exemptions for charitable organizations. Understand the tax obligations related to the event, such as collecting and remitting sales tax on auction items or ticket sales. Consult with a tax professional or legal advisor to ensure compliance with state tax laws.

Seek Professional Guidance

Navigating the legal and administrative requirements of hosting a fundraiser in another state can be complex. Consider seeking professional guidance from an attorney or fundraising consultant with expertise in multistate fundraising. They can help you understand each state’s legal obligations, registration processes, and reporting requirements. Their guidance can ensure compliance and save you time and effort in the long run.

Establish Partnerships

Building partnerships with local organizations or individuals in the state where you plan to host the fundraiser can be beneficial. Collaborating with local nonprofits, businesses, or community leaders can help you navigate the local landscape, gain credibility, and tap into their network of supporters. These partnerships can provide valuable insights, resources, and marketing opportunities to make your fundraiser more successful.

Plan Logistics in Advance

Hosting a fundraiser in another state requires careful planning and coordination. Consider logistics such as venue selection, permits, event insurance, transportation, and accommodations. Familiarize yourself with local event regulations, including noise ordinances and crowd size limits. Ensure you have a local point of contact who can assist with logistics and provide support throughout the planning and execution of the event.

Communicate with Donors and Supporters

When hosting a fundraiser in another state, communicate with your existing donors and supporters about the event. Inform them of the purpose, date, and location of the fundraiser and emphasize the impact their participation can make. Leverage your organization’s communication channels, such as email newsletters and social media, to reach a broader audience and generate excitement.

 

Hosting a fundraiser in another state can open up new opportunities to raise awareness and support for your cause. However, it’s crucial to understand the legal requirements, tax implications, and logistical considerations involved. Consult with legal and financial professionals to ensure you confidently navigate the complexities of multistate fundraising and achieve your fundraising goals.

How to Run Your Nonprofit More Professionally

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On March 2, 2023

In Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy

As a professional within the nonprofit sector, you know that investing in your staff is the best way to develop and grow an organization.

There has been a debate about whether or not leaders are born. 

Here are some vital skills to run a more prosperous and professional nonprofit organization. 

Public Speaking

According to a study, 73% of people are afraid of giving a public speech.

Although you may feel afraid of public speaking, it is still vital that you practice this skill to communicate your organization’s goals and vision effectively.

Having the necessary skills to speak in front of a crowd can help you effectively communicate your organization’s goals and vision. It can also help you connect with your audience and make a compelling case for your work.

Practicing is one of the most effective ways to overcome your fear of speaking. To improve your public speaking skills, take an educational course focused on the nonprofit sector. This course will cover various tips and tricks to help you prepare for your next speech.

You can also organize weekly public speaking events to practice in a low-risk environment. This can help them develop their skills and connect with their audience. 

Communications

Having the necessary skills to communicate effectively is very important for a professional in the nonprofit industry. It can motivate your team members and connect with your supporters.

One of the most effective strategies you can use to develop effective written communications is adapting your approach to various situations. This can help you reach out to your target audiences and make an impact when developing effective marketing strategies. 

Nonprofits have to embrace social media. Before you start using it, ensure you thoroughly understand the various platforms you can use.

Relationship Building

Another vital skill for the nonprofit industry is relationship-building. This can help connect with potential supporters and grant organizations a solid financial foundation.

Building strong relationships can help organizations retain donors and employees and avoid experiencing costly turnover.

When appropriate, find opportunities to connect with your stakeholders and supporters. For instance, events allow starting conversations and building personal connections.

It’s important to address people by name and include their interests and historical interactions to show they are unique and essential to your organization.

Delegation

As an organization grows, you must delegate some leadership responsibilities down the chain of command. Doing so frees up some of your time and allows others to grow with the organization.

You should also identify the individuals who will take on the tasks or projects you’re delegating. People interested in the project or activity are likely the best choice, as they’ll be motivated to complete it and show that they can handle the tasks. If no one is interested in the project, you might choose somebody with the necessary skills to complete it.

Budget Allocation

Some professionals assume the accounting team is responsible for allocating and budgeting resources. 

Nonprofits often have to carry out a lot of work with limited funds. As a group leader, you should allocate resources effectively to help the organization grow and sustain itself.

One of the most critical steps you should take when allocating and budgeting resources is ensuring the funds are accounted for correctly. The correct information will allow you to make informed decisions and manage the organization’s finances.

Managing a nonprofit’s finances is also a must for any professional to ensure that the organization’s success continues. Although there are various opportunities to develop these skills through professional development, becoming certified in this field is the best option.

What Is Donor Screening in Nonprofits?

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On March 1, 2023

In Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy

Regarding philanthropy, it’s essential to consider the various factors that affect a donor’s impact on an organization’s mission and vision. Having the proper resources and practices in place minimizes risk and ensures that your gifts support your organization’s goals and mission.

As we develop and manage our prospect pipelines, it’s vital that we thoroughly consider the backgrounds of our potential donors. This is especially important when it comes to large gifts.

Before accepting a gift or soliciting a new donor, nonprofits must take the time to consider the various factors that affect an organization’s mission and vision. While predicting how a gift or donation affects an organization is impossible, the 24-hour news cycle can provide important information about a potential donor.

Financial and Legal Risks

There are many risks associated with accepting a donation to a nonprofit organization, and it’s usually not worth the risk to accept it if it could affect the organization’s financial stability or lead to an issue with the law. To minimize these risks, the development department, leadership team, and individual fundraisers should thoroughly investigate the potential donors’ backgrounds and follow established policies.

A strong donor acceptance policy is critical to protect the organization’s goals and mission. It should include rules about the types of accepted gifts and guidelines for naming and anonymity. Proper procedures can minimize risk and ensure donations support the organization’s goals and mission. 

Reputation and Ethical Risks

Different standards and methods should be used by each organization to determine when a gift or donation can be considered harmful. Some nonprofits will only accept contributions from individuals who support the organization’s values or mission, regardless of their motives.

Nonprofit organizations should consider the reputation of their potential donors by checking into financial difficulties and criminal activity. A foundation or organization should consider the ethical nature of its funding source. Check if the potential donor support groups or candidates whose agenda is out of sync with your nonprofit. These are some of the questions that leaders and fundraisers should ask during the donor vetting process to help protect their organizations from potential ethical and reputational risks.

Be Proactive

Conducting prospect research before asking for donations can help identify potential donors who may pose ethical, legal, and financial risks. It can also flag prospects who have unclear or inaccessible wealth sources.

To check for adverse press reports, an organization should conduct a news search and review recently published articles.

Before conducting prospect research, an organization should thoroughly check the sources of the potential donors’ previous funding and their current involvement with various charitable activities.

Although donor vetting can be a multi-faceted process, organizations must clearly understand their goals and the resources they need to make informed decisions. A strategic plan and asking the right questions can help ensure a successful process.

Creating Passionate Volunteers

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On January 4, 2023

In Community Engagement, Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy

Are you a part of a local nonprofit or charity organization? Do you supervise and recruit volunteers?

If so, you’re aware of the vital role of non-paid workers in a community or charitable organization. 

You’ll also need to find volunteers who can help with various tasks, such as fundraising and IT.

You can use online and offline methods to recruit volunteers. Both ways can help organizations identify potential volunteers and determine how to utilize them to meet their needs.

A Good Match

Start by looking for volunteers who are passionate about their work and have the necessary skills and experience to meet the organization’s needs. For instance, childcare providers are ideal for one role, while construction workers are good at physical activity.

Online Recruitment

You can also post a call for volunteers on the organization’s website’s homepage. Make sure the form includes details such as the desired skills, experience, and physical demands.

You can also reach out to your supporters, donors, and partners by email. Ensure the link to the recruitment page is included in the message.

Use social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to connect with potential volunteers and spread the word about your cause.

You can also check for volunteer-matchmaking sites that operate in your area. For instance, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation connects its employees and partners with local nonprofit organizations in various countries.

Without Technology

You can also speak out at community events to promote your organization. For instance, you can contact schools, clubs, and businesses to inform them about your cause. You can also distribute flyers and register volunteers at the event.

You can also post fliers around the community to inform potential volunteers about your organization. Consider the demographics of the individuals who are interested in volunteering and the appropriate locations.

You can reach out to local media outlets such as radio, television, and newspapers to place an ad for your organization.

Try holding a fundraising party, which can be a great way to get the community’s attention.

Network

Although you can recruit people online or offline, remember that your network can also help you replace retiring volunteers. If you’re still new to the organization, you can use your friends and family as a resource to find new volunteers.

Most importantly, If you’re passionate about the cause, you will instill the same vitality in those around you.

Why Nonprofits Need Diversity

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On January 4, 2023

In Community Engagement, Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy

One of nonprofit organizations’ most significant issues is the need for more diversity on their boards. This is because it affects the perceptions of their organization’s fairness and equality image among the communities they serve. Absent diversity on the boards can create a disconnect and mistrust between the communities they serve.

The need for more diversity in leadership positions is a persistent issue that needs to be discussed and improved.

The sixth edition of Deloitte’s Missing Pieces Report, which analyzes the number of minorities and women on the boards of Fortune 500 companies, was released.

Despite the progress made in increasing the number of women and minorities on corporate boards, achieving full equality in the representation of these groups in the US remains very challenging. This is why organizations must prioritize the creation of more diverse boards.

Challenges

The concept of the cloning effect refers to the practice of recruiting new board members by inviting them from their immediate circle of influence. This can create a homogenous board that doesn’t reflect the communities they serve.

People may be unable to attend events and meetings because of travel and time constraints. Over-commitment can also prevent them from engaging in board meetings. 

The need for clarity regarding the organization’s values and diversity is a common issue that boards encounter.

A high turnover rate can also be a problem for boards. Finding skilled individuals who are interested in serving can be challenging.

The confusion regarding the term diversity also affects the operations of nonprofit boards. While the term can refer to people and groups, it doesn’t necessarily mean the difference between race, religion, or color. It can encompass various factors such as age, education, sexual orientation, marital status, and geographical location.

The characteristics that make people unique are known as diversity. Nonprofit organizations are known for their efforts in serving and uplifting diverse communities. Therefore, boards should look for leaders representing the communities they serve.

The increasing number of minorities in the US is expected to continue to affect the country’s demographics. According to the Census Bureau, by 2044, minorities will become the majority of the country’s population. The rise of Gen Z also brings about the formation of more diverse workplaces.

Impact

If boards do not address the issue of diversity, a disconnect between the communities the organizations are serving may occur, resulting in a lack of funding, limited networks, and difficulty in coming up with new ideas. The lack of diversity may also lead to a group-think mentality and conformity biases, which can prevent the organizations from making the correct decisions.

Having diverse board members can help strengthen an organization’s credibility and connection with its constituents. It can also help raise funds and distribute grants more effectively.

Tools That Make Fundraising Collaboration Easier

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On December 1, 2022

In Community Engagement, Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy

Fundraising tools, like HootSuite, GreaterGiving, Springly, and GoFundMe, are designed to help organize and streamline the various steps involved in running a successful fundraising campaign. They can also minimize the amount of work your staff members must do to make the event successful.

Although there are many different fundraising tools, it’s important to note that some are comprehensive and can help you run a successful campaign. Others, however, are simpler and only provide a few features that allow you to manage a small amount of activity.

One of the most critical steps you can take is to organize an open forum for your organization’s staff members to discuss the various aspects of running a successful campaign.

One of your group members will be able to look into the various companies that offer these services and find out which will work best for your organization. Brands should also list their products’ top features and prices so that you can compare their offerings against your current needs and budget.

Canva

Canva has thousands of templates you can use to create engaging images, which can help capture the attention of your potential supporters. Canva also has tutorials and other resources to help you improve your skills in social media graphics. If you are running a social media campaign or planning to expand your reach, then boosting your visuals is essential.

HootSuite

It’s vital to consider when choosing fundraising software the ability to schedule your posts. With HootSuite, you can quickly implement various features, such as content scheduling. This tool can help you keep up with the latest trends in online fundraising.

MailChimp

Some organizations do not launch annual email fundraising campaigns. You can use an affordable service like MailChimp, which allows you to automate email delivery. It also offers professional templates to help build effective communications.

Crowdfunding Platforms

GoFundMe

This tool has a simple dashboard that allows you to manage various aspects of your organization’s operations, such as sending thank-you emails and withdrawing funds. Unlike other platforms, this service does not have fees.

Since it was first established in 2010, the crowdfunding platform known as Gofundme has become one of the most popular platforms in the world. It allows individuals and organizations to raise money for various causes. You can start a campaign by adding a certain amount of money to your goal, create a story using photos, text, and video, and share it on social media.

Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Platforms

Bonfire

With the help of crowdfunding and peer-to-peer capabilities, you can reach out to your target audience and raise money for your cause through the platform known as Bonfire. It also allows nonprofit organizations to sell their merchandise. Through its simple point-and-click feature, you can create and sell various products such as t-shirts, water bottles, and sweatshirts.

QGiv

QGiv is a software that supports various types of online fundraising, including peer-to-peer and online auctions. You can use it to manage multiple aspects of an organization’s operations, such as sending and receiving donations.

Springly 

With Springly, you can manage all the tools you need to run an organization, including a complete CRM, fundraising capabilities, and communication tools. It also comes with an event management system. Since all of these components are in one software, it eliminates much of the heavy lifting involved in running an organization.

Greater Giving

This software supports both live and virtual events and provides various services for both types of fundraisers. Through its event services, you can connect with experts who can help you maximize the performance of your events.

GiveSmart

GiveSmart is a sizeable online fundraising software that connects various aspects of an organization’s operations, such as its CRM and payment processing services. It can also handle virtual and live events. Its customer service team can answer questions and advise at any time.

Best Payment Processors for Nonprofits 

A payment processor is a must for any organization planning on holding a web-based fundraiser. It will ensure that they can accept donations online.

Stripe

For registered nonprofit organizations, which can raise at least 80% of their income through donations, a discount is available from Stripe. This payment processing company also offers a variety of developer tools and advanced reporting capabilities.

Square

Although Square doesn’t offer a discount to nonprofit organizations, it has a variety of free features. One of these is its customer management software, which is helpful for organizations that maintain a contact list and collect donations.

PayPal

Nonprofits can utilize PayPal’s various resources, including a dedicated Donate button, recurring donation capabilities, and payment options. It also allows you to be included in its Giving Fund, which enables donors to find your organization. PayPal’s integrations with other software can be effortless.

One of the most critical factors that any organization should consider when choosing online fundraising software is the ability to manage its donor information. Before you sign up for a platform, thoroughly understand its features and how it can help you collect donations.

In addition to helping organizations maximize their donations, this software helps them improve efficiency by integrating and automating various aspects of their operations. This can allow them to work more efficiently and effectively with their team members.

 

Why Collaboration Is Key in Philanthropy

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On November 2, 2022

In Community Engagement, Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy

According to foundation leaders, collaboration is essential to achieving their goals, and various resources are available to help them develop and implement effective strategies. In research, 59 percent of chief executive officers identified collaboration as a vital strategy for increasing the impact of their organizations over the next couple of decades.

 

Due to the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, many foundations have combined their efforts to address the issue. For instance, Grantmakers in Health, a peer-reviewed journal for health philanthropy, has created an e-community for sharing information and strategies related to the disease. 

 

According to a new report, collaboration is critical to achieving their goals and is also very important to the success of their organizations when it comes to influencing public policies. The report states that over 80 percent of chief executive officers of foundations actively participate in collaborative efforts when it comes to influencing public policies.

 

Funders

According to the Policy Influence report, foundations are most likely to collaborate with other philanthropic and nonprofit organizations. They also frequently participate in formal initiatives and programs designed to improve their organizations’ effectiveness. These include joint efforts and initiatives led by regional and issue-based foundations.

 

Some foundations also work informally by signing letters to promote policies or coordinating grantmaking efforts. They can also participate in programs and initiatives designed to improve their organizations’ effectiveness.

 

Government

According to many foundation leaders, collaboration with the government is vital to achieving their goals. It allows them to communicate their message and raise awareness about the issue effectively.

 

One example of a successful collaboration between the government and the private sector is the development of a criminal justice model that was designed to reduce the homicide rate in a city. The model was developed through a collaboration between the Mayor’s Office, the Police Department, and the District Attorney’s Office.

 

Most foundation leaders also said that their organization’s long-term commitment to working with government officials is significant. A survey showed that 79 percent of the organizations that operate outside of grantmaking regularly develop and maintain relationships with local elected officials.

 

Solid relationships with local officials allow foundations to assess their goals and participate in meaningful discussions about the government’s policies.

 

One example of this is how a foundation connects with state legislators by reviewing their constituents’ needs and wants and finding relevant research that the organization’s partners or grant recipients have created. Another CEO noted that their organization works with state agencies to develop effective workforce development strategies.

 

Multi-Sector

According to the leaders of several major foundations, multi-sector partnerships are critical to achieving their goals. One example is how their organization works with state agencies and other organizations to develop effective community development strategies.

 

One example of a successful collaboration between the government and the private sector is the development of a state-wide partnership between various groups to increase the availability of affordable housing.

 

What Is Responsive Philanthropy?

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On November 2, 2022

In Community Engagement, Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy

The question of how a foundation will set its agenda is often a central issue in its development. This article explores the different grantmaking styles and how they can be used to develop a schedule that is responsive to the needs of its donors. It also argues that whether a funded partner or funder sets the plan is not so much whether they are doing so but whether they can create a solid generative partnership.

 

Explaining Responsive Grantmaking

One of the most common styles of grantmaking is responsive grantmaking, which allows for the grantees’ involvement in shaping the agenda. This type of approach also allows for the acceptance of unsolicited proposals and flexible project designs. Usually, the foundation will only define a portion of the issue that needs to be addressed. Still, it can give significant latitude to address it most appropriately.

 

The main drivers of responsive grantmaking are modesty and prudence. This approach usually assumes that other people have more knowledge about the issue than the funder. Funders looking to work outside their region or zone of experience are more likely to adopt this approach.

 

In responsive grantmaking, the funder is encouraged to work beyond the pragmatism of who knows what to advocate for action in a specific area or at the grassroots. This philosophy goes beyond the usual approach of working towards a particular outcome. The relationship between the funded partner and the funder is also a central component of this approach.

 

One of the main disadvantages of responsive grantmaking is that it tends to focus on a project-by-project approach, which can limit the ability of the funder to generalize from its experience. Since the funder is not actively involved in setting the agenda and the execution of the project, it can be challenging for the funder to commit to achieving goals and improving the results of its grantmaking.

 

The public and regulators’ expectations regarding grantmakers’ ability to be accountable for their results can also conflict with this type of approach.

 

Overall, responsive philanthropy involves giving funds in response to a known need or to support a specific project. It puts money into the hands of the nonprofits best fit to meet those needs.

 

Creative Ways Businesses Can Support Local Causes

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On October 6, 2022

In Community Engagement, Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy

As a small business owner, you’ve probably worked hard to establish a solid local presence. You must continue to give back to the community to help build a stronger relationship. We’ll help you find creative ways to do so. According to a survey, over 75% of small businesses donate a portion of their profits to charitable organizations. However, this isn’t the only way these businesses can give back. There are many other ways that they can support local causes.

 

One of the most critical steps in becoming a passionate community contributor is finding a cause you’re passionate about. This can help you develop a sense of purpose in life and contribute to the development of local communities. While philanthropy can bring tax benefits, it’s also important to remember that giving back to the community is a personal matter.

 

There are many ways that businesses can support local causes. Each of these strategies has unique requirements and can be customized to meet the community’s needs.

 

Partner with Local Nonprofits

By working together, local businesses can help each other and strengthen the local economies. For instance, you can stock up on locally made products and offer discounts to those who show a receipt from a partner or community organization. Simple actions such as liking a post on social media can also make a big difference.

 

Invite Employees to Volunteer

To shake up the way you do business, host a company-wide volunteer day where everyone signs up for the same opportunity. This can be a great way to create a stronger connection with the community and improve the quality of life in your local area. You can also enlist your employees to help clean a public space or bring food to a local homeless shelter. Regardless of the cause that you support, your employees will be able to see the change in your company’s attitude and will respect your commitment.

 

A company-wide blood drive can also be a great way to boost employee morale and encourage blood donations. Besides being used for emergency response, blood is also necessary for treating chronic disease and other medical conditions.

 

Donate Items or Services

While charitable donations can be a great way to give back to the community, offering your services or products to those in need can make a big difference.

 

Restaurants can help fight hunger by donating meals to those in need, while retailers can arrange clothing drives for local charitable organizations. Even small acts of generosity, such as providing t-shirts to a local team, can show how much you care. Doing so can also help boost the company’s marketing efforts.

 

Promote Sustainability

When committed to being more eco-friendly, businesses can help maintain a healthy and beautiful community by implementing sustainable practices. For instance, you can let your customers know that you’re working on reducing waste. You can also turn your neighborhood into an eco-friendly event by organizing a cleanup or starting a community garden.

 

The Art of Storytelling for Nonprofits

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On October 6, 2022

In Community Engagement, Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy

Stories have been around for thousands of years. From ancient Egyptian texts to cartoons, the human brain has been trained to absorb information through the medium of storytelling. Due to the increasing number of businesses using storytelling techniques to entertain and inform their audiences, it has become a common buzzword in corporate circles. Unfortunately, many organizations are not taking the time to learn how to use storytelling to motivate and engage their donors.

 

Ingrain Storytelling in Your Culture

Creating a culture that values storytelling involves making it an integral part of your organization’s operations. This can be done by developing multiple programs and activities, such as your fundraising efforts and meetings. You should also encourage staff members, volunteers, and board members to share personal stories about how their organizations have impacted them. Before you start implementing storytelling techniques, make sure that everyone knows how important it is to have a plan. Having a strategy in place will allow you to identify potential stories that will benefit your organization’s supporters.

 

Place Stories Strategically

Your organization’s mission statement is essential, but many organizations display it in a lackluster manner. Instead of having a few sentences, try creating a video that showcases the organization’s real-world impact. Social media and blog posts are the most critical platforms for storytelling. It can help you spread your message without being in-your-face marketing. Some content suggestions you can create include interviews, autobiographies, and first-hand experiences.

 

Although storytelling is commonly utilized in written form, video content is becoming more popular. It can be as simple as taking a video of an event and posting it on Facebook or Instagram. By diversifying your delivery, you can reach a wider audience and increase your chances of being seen by more people.

 

Follow Proven Story Structure

One of the most critical factors you should consider when developing a story is the beginning, middle, and end. A compelling story structure can help you build a strong relationship with your audience. One of the most effective ways to show how your donors can make a difference is by having a happy ending. One of the most critical factors you should consider when developing a story is the details of the individuals and their families.

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