(Photo by iStock/ThitareeSarmkasat)

December is the biggest month of the year for charitable giving. In 2018, it captured 17 percent of people's total donations for the year in the United States. As #GivingTuesday and the end of 2019 approaches, cause-based and mission-driven organization are amplifying their efforts to connect with donors and pull on the heartstrings of new, generous supporters. Here are 10 SSIR articles that examine some innovative approaches to fundraising, philanthropy, and nonprofits' finances:

1. Eight Myths of US Philanthropy

By examining the eight common myths of philanthropy—including who gives, how, and with what impact—we can better comprehend the breadth and diversity of giving. Open access for non-subscribers to this article has been extended through December. Visit our subscriptions page to support SSIR's mission to inform and inspire leaders of social change.

 

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2. Behavioral Economics and Donor Nudges: Impulse or Deliberation?

Charitable organizations can use insights from behavioral economics to help people follow through on their impulsive and deliberative intentions to give.

 

 

3. Video: #GivingTuesday and Changing Philanthropic Behaviors in the Digital Age

#GivingTuesday is the biggest single day of charity for some nonprofits, so what can it teach us about changing giving behaviors in the digital age? Open access for non-subscribers to the accompanying article, "The #GivingTuesday Model," has been extended through December. Visit our subscriptions page to support SSIR's mission to inform and inspire leaders of social change.

 

4. The Mindsets and Motives of New Donors

There is enormous potential for the social sector to help new donors become more self-aware, intentional, and strategic in their giving.

 

5. Strengthening Donor-Nonprofit Partnerships

Five relationship imbalances that cause tension and reduce social impact—and how to address them.

 

 

6. Is Online Fundraising a Bad Idea?

Data about online giving reveals some counterintuitive—and important—trends.

 

7. Advocating and Giving During the Trump Administration: Five History Lessons for the Social Sector

As funders, providers, and advocates pivot to face a dramatically different funding and political environment, some lessons from history may be instructive.

 

8. To Boost Individual Donor Giving, Nonprofits Need a Plan

A report shows that creating a fundraising plan is paramount for organizations looking to increase individual donor gifts.

 

9. Building Your Individual Donor Base

Research reveals opportunities for small nonprofits to strengthen individual donor contributions.

 

10. Ten Nonprofit Funding Models

With an understanding of these 10 funding models, nonprofit leaders can use the for-profit world's valuable practice of engaging in succinct and clear conversations about long-term financial strategy. From SSIR's Essentials of Social Innovation collection.

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