Blog - Page 2 of 18 - The Nonprofit Imagineers

Final Four Fundraising: Structuring Your Appeals Like a Bracket

March Madness isn’t just about basketball—it’s about decisions. Millions of people build brackets every year, making choices between teams they’ve barely heard of, following upsets, and emotionally investing in outcomes. Brackets transform passive viewers into active participants. What if your nonprofit’s fundraising could do the same?

The Power of Nostalgia in Nonprofit Engagement: Connecting the Past to the Present

The Emotional Pull of Nostalgia Have you ever caught a familiar scent, heard an old song, or seen a childhood toy and felt like you were transported back in time? Nostalgia is a powerful force. It connects us to our past, evokes strong emotions, and creates

7 Nostalgic Fundraisers Ready for a Comeback (and How to Modernize Them)

Why Nostalgia Works in Fundraising Fundraising events have changed over the years, with online giving platforms and virtual galas becoming more common. But sometimes, the best way to engage donors is by looking to the past. Classic fundraisers—like telethons, walk-a-thons, bake sales, and game nights—have an

Storytelling That Sparks Memory and Connection: How Nonprofits Can Use Nostalgia to Engage Their Audiences

The other day, I was scrolling through social media when I saw an ad that stopped me in my tracks. It wasn’t a flashy new campaign or a celebrity endorsement—it was a simple, grainy image of a retro lunchbox, the kind I used to carry to

Thinking Outside the Box (Literally)

Domino’s doesn’t fix roads. They make pizza. Yet, their “Paving for Pizza” campaign was a stroke of marketing brilliance. By stepping into a community issue—potholes—that’s only tangentially related to their business (after all, bumpy roads ruin pizza deliveries), they positioned themselves as a brand that cares,

Personalizing the Member Journey: 8 Lessons Nonprofits Can Learn from Schools

Schools have a way of making every student feel special. Whether it’s tailoring learning experiences to match strengths and interests or creating pathways for individual growth, schools are experts at meeting people where they are. Nonprofits can learn a lot from this approach, especially when it

Making Fundraising Fun: Lessons Nonprofits Can Learn From Schools

Fundraising often gets a bad rap for feeling transactional, boring, or even burdensome for donors and participants alike. But schools have long mastered the art of making fundraising engaging, fun, and community-driven—transforming it from a mere obligation into something people actively look forward to. For nonprofits

10 Nostalgia-Driven Ideas to Make Your Next Event Unforgettable

Have you ever walked into a room and instantly been transported back in time? Maybe it was a song playing in the background, a childhood snack you hadn’t had in years, or an old-fashioned game you suddenly remembered. That’s the power of nostalgia—it doesn’t just remind

5 Marketing Lessons Nonprofits Can Learn from Schools

Marketing and communications (marcomm) are essential for nonprofit success. Whether you’re trying to engage donors, rally volunteers, or raise awareness, your approach to marcomm can make all the difference. Interestingly, day schools excel in creating strong engagement through their marcomm efforts. By studying how schools connect

Imagineering Engagement: Lessons from Schools for All Nonprofits

Engagement is the lifeblood of every nonprofit. It’s what turns casual supporters into committed advocates, donors, and partners. Achieving that level of engagement takes more than just good intentions; it requires creativity, intentional design, and a profound understanding of your audience. That’s where “nonprofit imagineering” comes