The Funding Studio

05/26/2026

🔄 LOLLY'S STEWARDSHIP LESSON #4 🔄

Okay, you've thanked them. You've kept them engaged. Now the question everyone asks:

"When can I ask them to give AGAIN?"

Here's the truth: There's no magic timeline. But there ARE signs they're ready.

SIGNS A DONOR IS READY FOR ANOTHER ASK:

✅ They're engaging with your updates (opening emails, commenting on posts)
✅ They've asked questions about the project
✅ They've introduced you to someone else
✅ They've mentioned wanting to help more
✅ Enough time has passed that you've SHOWN impact from their last gift

WHEN TO ASK AGAIN:

→ After you've delivered on what you promised with their first gift
→ When you have a NEW, specific need (not the same vague "support our mission")
→ When you've communicated 3-5 times WITHOUT asking

HOW TO ASK:

"Your $250 last quarter helped us [specific outcome]. We're now at the stage where [new need]. Would you consider supporting this next phase with [specific amount]?"

Make it personal. Make it specific. Make it about THEIR continued impact.

That's the stewardship cycle: Thank → Engage → Report → Ask → Repeat.

Master this, and you'll never struggle with donor retention again. 🦙💚

05/19/2026

📬 LOLLY'S STEWARDSHIP LESSON #3 📬

The biggest stewardship mistake? Only talking to donors when you need money.

That's transactional. And it feels gross to everyone involved.

Here's the secret: ENGAGE BETWEEN ASKS.

Ways to keep donors connected without asking for money:

📸 PROJECT UPDATES
"We just hit a milestone! Thought you'd want to see this first..."

🎉 CELEBRATE WINS
"Remember that grant we applied for? WE GOT IT! Your early support made this possible."

❓ ASK THEIR OPINION
"We're deciding between two directions - which resonates with you?"

🎁 SHARE EXCLUSIVE CONTENT
Behind-the-scenes photos, early access to announcements, sneak peeks

💭 PERSONAL CHECK-INS
"How are YOU doing? I was thinking about our last conversation..."

📰 IMPACT REPORTS
Show them EXACTLY what their money accomplished (with photos/stories)

The goal? Make them feel like INSIDERS, not ATMs.

When you consistently add value without asking, the next time you DO ask? They're ready to say yes.

Next week: When (and how) to ask again. 🦙💡

05/19/2026

05/12/2026

💌 LOLLY'S STEWARDSHIP LESSON #2 💌

Let's talk about THE THANK YOU.

Most people get this wrong. They send a generic "thank you for your donation" email and call it done.

That's not stewardship. That's a receipt.

Here's how to thank donors in a way that makes them want to give AGAIN:

✅ SEND IT FAST
Within 24-48 hours. Speed shows you care.

✅ MAKE IT PERSONAL
Use their name. Reference their specific gift amount. Mention something about THEM if you know it.

✅ SHOW IMPACT
"Your $500 will provide art supplies for 20 students" beats "Your donation helps our mission."

✅ NO ASKS
Seriously. Just gratitude. No "PS: donate again" or "share with friends." Pure thanks.

✅ FROM A HUMAN
Sign it with YOUR name. Better yet? Handwrite it.

Example:
"Hi Sarah, I saw your $100 gift come through this morning and had to reach out. Your support means we can move forward with the film's post-production. Thank you for believing in this story. - Melissa"

That's stewardship. That's how you keep donors.

Next week: How to keep them engaged between asks. 🦙✨

05/06/2026

Ready to connect the pieces of your fundraising strategy?

In this half-day workshop, participants will leave with:

a custom integration roadmap
a 90-day action plan
a messaging framework for stronger fundraising communication

For social entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and mission-driven founders who are ready for a more cohesive approach.

Save your seat: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/putting-the-pieces-of-your-fundraising-strategy-together-tickets-1986038928899?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

05/05/2026

💚 LOLLY'S STEWARDSHIP TRUTH 💚

You know what kills more fundraising efforts than bad pitches?

Poor stewardship.

You worked SO HARD to get that donor. Then what? Radio silence until you need money again?

That's how you lose donors.

Here's the truth: Stewardship is WHERE the magic happens.

It's not about the ask. It's about what happens AFTER the gift.

Good stewardship means:
✅ Donors feel valued, not used
✅ They see their impact clearly
✅ They stay connected to your mission
✅ They give again (and bring friends)

Think of it this way: Getting a donor is dating. Stewardship is the marriage.

And just like relationships, it takes intentional effort, genuine care, and consistent communication.

Over the next few weeks, Lolly's breaking down HOW to steward donors like a pro.

First up next Tuesday: The thank you that actually matters. 🦙💌

04/28/2026

📧 LOLLY'S CORPORATE LESSON #4 📧

You've got your target companies. You've built your sponsorship packages. Now it's time to PITCH.

Here's the formula that works:

SUBJECT LINE:
"Partnership opportunity: [Your Project] + [Their Company]"

OPENING:
"I've been following [Company]'s work in [specific area] and love how you're committed to [value they care about]."

THE ASK:
"We're seeking a corporate partner for [Your Project], which [brief impact statement]. I believe there's strong alignment with [Company]'s mission and audience."

THE VALUE:
"In return, we're offering [specific benefits from your sponsorship package] - giving [Company] direct access to [audience size/type] and association with [impact]."

THE CLOSE:
"Would you be open to a 15-minute call to explore this partnership? I'd love to share more about how we can create mutual value."

Keep it SHORT. One screen max. Make it about THEM, not you.

And remember: You're solving THEIR problem (how to authentically connect with community and build brand trust).

That's cause marketing. 🦙💚