Feeling overwhelmed by everything on your fundraising to-do list?
Our Fundraising Priorities Planner helps you cut through the noise and focus on what matters most. In just one page, you’ll clarify your top goals, identify roadblocks, and take one confident step forward.
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We just got back from the AHP Convene conference, and if there was one message that echoed through every hallway conversation, breakout session, and coffee line, it was this:
Small shops are ready to grow—but they need practical ways to start.
At Kittiwake, we work with lean teams who wear too many hats and still find a way to make big things happen. And after spending the week with so many inspiring fundraisers, here are the top three takeaways we think every small shop should take home:
1. Donor Circles Aren’t Just for the Big Shops
We heard powerful stories about donor circles being used to engage underrepresented groups—especially younger donors and women. The beauty of this idea? You don’t need a big budget to make it happen.
Think: five women around a kitchen table talking about impact. A quarterly Zoom call with your most loyal monthly donors. Start small. Start intentionally. But start.
2. The Wealth Transfer Is Real—and Women Are Leading It
Trillions of dollars are in motion. And here's the kicker: 70% of women change financial advisors after their husband dies. That means the relationships you build now will define your pipeline tomorrow.
Take a moment this week to identify three women in your database who are connected, passionate, and overdue for a coffee. Then reach out. Start a conversation, not a cultivation strategy.
3. You Can’t Scale Sustainability Without a Map
A lot of fundraisers told us, “We know we need to grow—but where do we start?” Our answer: start with an audit. Not the 30-page kind. Just a clear-eyed look at what’s working, what’s not, and where you could go next.
That’s how we helped Health Sciences North Foundation turn clarity into action. As their CEO Anthony put it:
“Kittiwake didn’t just guide the strategy—they became part of our team. From concept to execution, they helped us deepen impact, raise more, and build donor loyalty.”
Want to Do the Same at Your Shop? The Kittiwake Team would love to talk audit and strategy with you.
We’ve created a simple, free tool to help you take the first step. Download the Fundraising Priorities Planner. It’s a one-page worksheet that walks you through setting 3 priorities, identifying barriers, and choosing a next step—fast.
Because growth doesn’t happen in one leap—it happens one intentional step at a time. And we’re here to help you take it.
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