by Rob Leighton | Aug 31, 2023 | Article, Salesforce, Technology
Are you wondering if you really need to hire a Salesforce nonprofit consultant? There are many reasons to work with a qualified pro!
by Rob Leighton | Aug 28, 2023 | Article, Salesforce, Technology
Learn how to crack open the power of the leading constituent management platform. Get started with Salesforce for nonprofits with these tips.
by Rob Leighton | Aug 7, 2023 | Advocacy, Article, Marketing, Technology
Are you seeking to change policy, advance an issue, or stop budget cuts, but don’t think you have the time or resources to succeed? Nonprofit advocacy serves not only to educate, influence, and change policy, it is also a powerful brand...
by Rob Leighton | May 10, 2023 | Article, Salesforce, Technology
Learn the 5 steps you can take to make your Salesforce implementation a success. Need more info? We’ve got you covered! Give iMission a call!
by Rob Leighton | Oct 31, 2022 | Article, Social Media, Technology
This guide helps you create an effective LinkedIn newsletter for your nonprofit. It includes how-to’s and best practices. Read more!
by Rob Leighton | Oct 10, 2022 | Article, Salesforce, Technology
Choosing the right email marketing platform for your nonprofit is a big decision. Learn about the differences between Mailchimp & Salesforce!
by Rob Leighton | Jun 27, 2022 | Advocacy, Article, Fundraising
Now is the time for nonprofits to step-up their advocacy efforts. The “how to” is easier than you think. It’s urgent. Let’s get started!
by Rob Leighton | Jun 10, 2022 | Article, Fundraising, Marketing, Nonprofit Strategy, Technology
Great nonprofit strategy powers nonprofits to success. Learn the 8 signs of great nonprofit strategy and become a better strategist for good.
by Rob Leighton | Jun 9, 2022 | Article, Salesforce, Technology
Learn how Salesforce can power up your nonprofit program management. Bring the power of digital tech to social & human services
by Rob Leighton | May 12, 2022 | Advocacy, Article, Technology
Learn how the iMission team used digitally powered solutions to help SimplifyCT provide free tax services in CT, growing tax advocacy
by Rob Leighton | May 11, 2022 | Article, Branding, Fundraising, Marketing
How to build a system of 7 emails to help your nonprofit communicate with and orient new donor prospects and strengthen your brand.
by Rob Leighton | May 5, 2022 | Article, Fundraising
Imagine a situation where your nonprofit could count on a steady stream of donations month after month. Imagine you could do so with no paperwork, no administrative hassle, and no trips to the bank to make deposits. Donations come in like clockwork! This is what a...
by Rob Leighton | Apr 25, 2022 | Article, Fundraising
Billions of people donate to organizations each year. Your nonprofit attracts only a small fraction of these donors. For every donor who gives, there are many more potential donors out there who might give if they knew about you and the work you’re accomplishing....
by Rob Leighton | Apr 21, 2022 | Article, Branding, Fundraising
How can you build a brand that elevates your nonprofit organization and provokes the emotional response you’re looking for? Every communication you have with prospects builds your brand, whether you’ve thought about brand-building or not. A strong brand will help you...
by Rob Leighton | Apr 20, 2022 | Article, Marketing, Social Media
Public relations has always been a powerful marketing strategy for nonprofit organizations. Lacking marketing resources used by businesses, nonprofits discovered that a public relations campaign offered a low-cost way to get their message heard in more traditional...
by Rob Leighton | Apr 6, 2022 | Article, Fundraising, Social Media
Imagine that the West Coast is suffering through one of its worst wildfires in history. Images of burned-out communities are in the media. Interviews of families who have lost everything are broadcasted. A nonprofit that provides housing and financial assistance to...
by Rob Leighton | Feb 16, 2022 | Article, Fundraising, Nonprofit Strategy
Updated February 16, 2022. Originally published Dec 8, 2015. Discovering why donors stop giving to your nonprofit will give you and your development team a keen understanding what you need to do to get far better fundraising results. Thirty percent of wealthy donors...
by Rob Leighton | Jun 25, 2021 | About Us, Article, Salesforce, Technology
Salesforce, the global leader in customer relationship management (CRM) services and provider of cutting-edge applications focused on customer service, marketing automation, analytics, and application development, welcomes iMission Institute as a Consulting Partner....
by Rob Leighton | Sep 9, 2020 | Article, Nonprofit Strategy, Technology
When times get tough, people come together in unity to support each other. This is what happened when the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites across Connecticut were shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of this shutdown, many low-income... by Rob Leighton | Jul 6, 2020 | Advocacy, Article, iMission Blog
Despite mounting pressure, Facebook has refused to remove many pages and posts from their platform that contain hate-filled ideas, images, and language. A growing movement of companies and organizations has begun to boycott Facebook’s social advertising to voice... by Rob Leighton | Apr 20, 2020 | Fundraising, iMission Blog, Nonprofit Strategy
iMission is updating this list of resources for CT nonprofit organizations that are impacted by COVID-19. As we discover new information, we will add it here. If you know of aditional resources not listed here, please send them to info@imissioninstitute.org Foundation... by Rob Leighton | Apr 15, 2020 | Article, Fundraising, iMission Blog, Nonprofit Strategy, Technology
Schools closed. Work closed. Stores closed. Parties canceled. Stay at home. Keep your distance. Avoid contact. Based on the Federal Government’s recommendations over this past weekend, these social distancing measures will likely be with us through April. Digital... by Rob Leighton | Apr 3, 2020 | Article, iMission Blog, Nonprofit Strategy
As part of the broader COVID-19 stimulus package, the Federal Government is making significant funding available in loan form to small and mid-sized nonprofits. Funds were authorized under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) signed into law... by Rob Leighton | Apr 2, 2020 | iMission Blog, Nonprofit Strategy
Even during the best of times, it is impossible to generalize about our social purpose sector. Especially now during the Covid-19 pandemic, some nonprofit agencies are bursting at the seams, while others have minimal to no programmatic activity happening at all. ... by Rob Leighton | Apr 1, 2020 | Fundraising, iMission Blog, Nonprofit Strategy
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) was signed into law on Friday, March 27, 2020. A key element of the bill is the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The PPP has been established to allow for loans to small businesses with fewer than 500... by Rob Leighton | Mar 31, 2020 | Article, Fundraising, iMission Blog, Nonprofit Strategy
It’s a crazy time. Your nonprofit agency may be expanding to meet community needs, or you may have gone virtual, or you may have seen your spring fundraising events go “poof” or a mix of these. Whichever situation you are in, there are steps you can take to conserve... by Rob Leighton | Jan 27, 2020 | Article, Fundraising, iMission Blog, Technology
A joke is going around in the fundraising circles. It’s one boomers find humorous, millennials not so much. Here it is. “How do you get a millennial to give?” Long pause. Then the punch line. “Wait till they’re 45.” If you’ve been fundraising and focused on big... by Rob Leighton | May 2, 2019 | Article, iMission Blog, Nonprofit Strategy
It is still relatively rare for a private company board to think about social impact. Benefit corporations, a for-profit organization that explicitly seeks to pursue both private and public benefits, are becoming more popular. Their social entrepreneurs can learn... by Rob Leighton | Dec 7, 2018 | iMission Blog, Salesforce
First impressions are critical for success with Salesforce for Nonprofits adoption. Once formed, first impressions are often difficult to change. A bad initial experience with Salesforce can leave a team member with a lasting resistance. A positive initial experience... by Rob Leighton | Oct 29, 2018 | Fundraising, iMission Blog
Does nonprofit direct mail fundraising marketing still have a place in nonprofit fundraising in the digital age? You bet it does! Connecting with potential donors with different types of touches – email, social, direct mail, events, and in-person meeting – works to... by Rob Leighton | Sep 14, 2018 | iMission Blog
Recurring Donations: Imagining the Power How sweet would that be? You just kick back and let the cash flow in… Like any nonprofit fundraising, it’s not quite that simple. But it is absolutely worth your time to create a sustainable income stream with...
by Rob Leighton | May 17, 2018 | Article, Salesforce, Technology
Free. Salesforce gives nonprofits TEN free user licenses. That’s attracted many nonprofits to Salesforce. But, let’s be honest. When it comes to technology, nothing is really free. Making the technology work is an investment that takes time, effort and resources.... by Rob Leighton | Mar 30, 2018 | iMission Blog, Nonprofit Strategy, Technology
This is one of those hacks that you won’t believe you ever lived without. All you need is the desire to blow up your nonprofit Facebook engagement! The Secret Sauce of Nonprofit Facebook Engagement Motivating your inner circle to engage with your page is the...
by Rob Leighton | Mar 13, 2018 | Article, Nonprofit Strategy, Technology
1. Frame strategy before planning Too often, the planning cart is put before the strategic horse. Nonprofit strategy provides the framework not only for crafting the plan, but also for day-to-day decision-making. Good strategists outperform great... by Rob Leighton | Jan 9, 2018 | iMission Blog
Google Grants Changes 2018 Google has made important changes in its AdWords grant program, but up to $10,000 per month is still available in credit for search advertising on the Google network. The new policy went into effect on January 1, 2018. Overall, your... by Rob Leighton | Jan 2, 2018 | iMission Blog
How Your Fundraising Can Survive the 2018 Tax Changes Nonprofit fundraising will sustain a direct hit from two provisions in the new tax reform law. The Tax Policy Center estimates the change in standard deduction alone will reduce charitable giving by up to $20... by Rob Leighton | Dec 21, 2017 | iMission Blog
Rob Leighton Joins YANA National Board Rob Leighton, executive director of the iMission Institute, a benefit corporation providing strategic fund development for nonprofit organizations, has been elected to the national board of the Yale Alumni Nonprofit... by Rob Leighton | Dec 20, 2017 | Events
Digital Marketing Bootcamp Series: Best Practice for Nonprofit Websites, Social Media, Email Marketing and CRMs When: January 19 – February 9, 2018 Your nonprofit spends time, energy and money on digital platforms like your website, social media, email... by Rob Leighton | Dec 20, 2017 | iMission Blog
How to Reach More Nonprofit Donors… Using For-Profit Strategies For-profit companies’ customers have to come from somewhere, just like nonprofit donors. Big business has always spent heavily on traditional old-world advertising. Television spots, newspaper... by Rob Leighton | Sep 18, 2017 | iMission Blog
Big dollars are flowing into nonprofit organizations. Often, these are the branded nonprofits whose mission, credibility, and impact are well-known. The Southern Poverty Law Center, the United States Holocaust Museum, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, World Wild Fund... by Rob Leighton | Aug 22, 2017 | iMission Blog
Your nonprofit may have built a large list of potential supporters — people who have shown interest in your organization but who have not yet been moved to give. You’ve emailed them. Sent them letters. Maybe you’ve even met with them. They know and like... by Rob Leighton | Jul 11, 2017 | iMission Blog
Your nonprofit brand is a powerful force for raising resources. It’s key for establishing a sustainable fundraising program, and building your brand will make the next year-end appeal much more successful. You might be thinking that your nonprofit doesn’t... by Rob Leighton | May 18, 2017 | iMission Blog
Could your nonprofit use a rapidly growing list of new donors? Of course, the answer is a resounding yes! Turbo-charge your nonprofit’s ability to make our world a fairer, healthier, and more humane place with a growing list of new donors. Each of your supporters... by Rob Leighton | Apr 4, 2017 | iMission Blog
Want to get your donor records in sync with your activist, volunteer, and events records? New technology makes integration simple, saving time, and improving results. These inexpensive, easy-to-use applications might be the software bridge you’re looking for.... by Rob Leighton | Feb 17, 2017 | iMission Blog
Fundraising is about more than donors giving dollars. It’s about getting supporters to donate their social networks. That’s what nonprofit crowdfunding and peer-to-peer fundraising are about. Fund drives, 5Ks, and golf outings bring together beneficiaries,... by Rob Leighton | Jan 24, 2017 | Advocacy, iMission Blog
Contrary to popular belief, nonprofits can organize around or lobby on important issues. But lobbying is only one part of a nonprofit advocacy effort. Community organizing, stakeholder education, media relations, social networking and coalition building should be in...