Recent Posts
- January 2026 Newsletter
- Make Sure You Are Campaign-Ready
- December 2025 Newsletter
- What AI Can’t See: Donor Psychology, Timing, and Trust in Prospect Research ents in the Age of AI
- November 2025 Newsletter
- Donor Acknowledgements in the Age of AI: Why Personal Gratitude Still Matters
- October 2025 Newsletter
- Stewardship January: Boost Donor Relationships in 2026
Newsletter - January 2026
Welcome to our newly redesigned newsletter!
We’ve still got great fundraising content to help with your development work and donor engagement, now with a refreshed look and simplified navigation. As always, please share with friends and colleagues!
With year-end fundraising and the holidays in the rearview mirror, I hope you’ve got a fresh outlook on the year and are feeling energized for 2026.
We love starting the year focused on gratitude, so this month, we’re highlighting a new blog post focused on what makes a strong major donor thank you letter, and when relying on AI is helpful and when your words and voice is best.
Reach out if we can help sharpen your focus!
Nadine Gabai-Botero, MA, CFRE
President
New Client Spotlight
We’re excited to welcome Clear Space Theatre Company as a new Focus client. Their commitment to creativity, community, and storytelling makes them a wonderful addition to our client family. We’re thrilled to support their fundraising efforts as they look to expand theatre experiences in coastal Delaware!
In Focus: Thank You
What makes a thank-you message truly meaningful to donors? In our latest blog post, I break down how to craft messages that strengthen donor ties, show genuine appreciation and connection, and keep your supporters engaged. I also look at when AI is great with donor outreach and when it’s more of a crutch than a help.
Fundraising Workshop

Join me and three other expert trainers on Thursday and Friday, February 5 – 6, 2026, as we lead a 2-day, in-person Fundamentals of Fundraising workshop at the Brookings Institution in DC.
Organized by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, this course dives into core fundraising principles and real-world strategies. You’ll learn how to build an integrated development plan, engage donors and the public through marketing and communications, nurture relationships with supporters, secure major and annual gifts, implement effective management practices, and uphold strong ethics and accountability throughout your fundraising efforts.
What´s On
Need something to listen to on a walk or read on your commute? Try these…
📚 With our January blog focused on writing great letters, The Correspondent by Virginia Evans seemed the perfect book to recommend! Made up entirely of letters and emails, the main character spends her days writing to friends, family, authors, and other people in her life. I loved how the story unfolds slowly, revealing a full life with many challenges, loves, and friendships.
🎧 Glad You Asked, featuring Martha Schumacher, ACFRE, is a terrific new podcast focusing on active listening and building stronger connections in work and life. Martha’s one of the most authentic people I know, and she shares her insights and real-world tips on how to build trust and maintain ties with your donors, prospects, and people throughout your life.
🎶 I love discovering new music, and I recently stumbled upon The Paper Kites. Perfect for background music when you’re working or on a long drive. Here’s When the Lavender Blooms. Enjoy!

