--- title: DickersonBakker Blog | Melanie Griffin --- [![DB-logo-2023](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/hs-fs/hubfs/DB%20Logos/DB-logo-2023.png?width=1300&height=214&name=DB-logo-2023.png "DB-logo-2023")](https://dickersonbakker.com/) - Home - Who We Are - [About Us](https://dickersonbakker.com/about/) - [Our Team](https://dickersonbakker.com/about/our-team/) - What We Do - [Fundraising Solutions](https://dickersonbakker.com/fundraising-solutions/) - [Capital Campaigns](https://dickersonbakker.com/capital-campaigns/) - [Executive Search](https://dickersonbakker.com/executive-search/) - [Grant Services](https://dickersonbakker.com/grant-services/) - Who We Serve - [National & Regional Nonprofits](https://dickersonbakker.com/national-regional-nonprofits/) - [Global Aid & Outreach Ministries](https://dickersonbakker.com/global-aid-outreach-ministries/) - [Christian & Private Schools](https://dickersonbakker.com/christian-private-schools/) - [Higher Education](https://dickersonbakker.com/higher-education/) - [Salvation Army](https://dickersonbakker.com/salvation-army/) - [Rescue Missions](https://dickersonbakker.com/rescue-missions/) - [Community Organizations](https://dickersonbakker.com/community-organizations/) - [Camps/Conference Centers](https://dickersonbakker.com/camps-conference-centers/) - [Broadcast Ministries](https://dickersonbakker.com/broadcast-ministries/) - Resources - [News & Insights](https://dickersonbakker.com/blog/) - [Case Studies](https://dickersonbakker.com/case-studies/) - [Research Studies](https://dickersonbakker.com/research-studies/) - [Upcoming and On-Demand Webinars](https://dickersonbakker.com/upcoming-and-on-demand-webinars/) - [Contact](https://dickersonbakker.com/contact/) # Author: Melanie Griffin [![DB Blog_Find Your Next Funder: GOA](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/hubfs/Is%20Your%20Nonprofit%20Grant-Ready%20A%20Practical%20Checklist-1.png)](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/find-your-next-funder-why-your-grant-strategy-should-start-before-you-search) ### [Find Your Next Funder: Why Your Grant Strategy Should Start Before You Search](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/find-your-next-funder-why-your-grant-strategy-should-start-before-you-search) August 10, 2026 By [Melanie Griffin](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/author/melanie-griffin) I spend a lot of time talking with nonprofit leaders, and I’ve noticed something. Almost everyone wants to grow grant funding. Very few leaders feel like ... [Read More →](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/find-your-next-funder-why-your-grant-strategy-should-start-before-you-search) [![Is Your Nonprofit Grant-Ready? A Practical Checklist](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/hubfs/Is%20Your%20Nonprofit%20Grant-Ready%20A%20Practical%20Checklist.png)](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/is-your-nonprofit-grant-ready-a-practical-checklist) ### [Is Your Nonprofit Grant-Ready? A Practical Checklist](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/is-your-nonprofit-grant-ready-a-practical-checklist) February 09, 2026 By [Melanie Griffin](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/author/melanie-griffin) For most nonprofits, fundraising still starts, and often ends, with individual giving. According to Giving USA, individual donors remain the largest ... [Read More →](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/is-your-nonprofit-grant-ready-a-practical-checklist) [![](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/hubfs/vertical-logo-highres-1-1-2.png)](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/dickersonbakker-2024-nonprofit-leader-study-press-release) ### [DickersonBakker 2024 Nonprofit Leader Study Press Release](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/dickersonbakker-2024-nonprofit-leader-study-press-release) December 17, 2024 By [Melanie Griffin](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/author/melanie-griffin) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: DeWayne Hamby @ (423) 505-0041 dhamby@inchristcommunications.com Many U.S. Nonprofit Workers ... [Read More →](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/dickersonbakker-2024-nonprofit-leader-study-press-release) [![higher education capital campaign](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/hubfs/higher_ed_capital_campaign.png)](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/college-university-capital-campaign-strategies) ### [College & University Capital Campaign Strategies: Complete Guide](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/college-university-capital-campaign-strategies) September 09, 2024 By [Melanie Griffin](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/author/melanie-griffin) As higher education institutions continue to face financial challenges, it has become crucial for them to develop effective fundraising plans. In this ... [Read More →](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/college-university-capital-campaign-strategies) [![donor recognition tips](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/hubfs/donor_recognition_tips_colleges_universities.png)](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/donor-recognition-tips-for-colleges-and-universities) ### [Donor Recognition Tips for Colleges & Universities](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/donor-recognition-tips-for-colleges-and-universities) August 07, 2024 By [Melanie Griffin](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/author/melanie-griffin) Donor recognition is a pivotal aspect of fundraising for colleges and universities, serving not only as a way to express gratitude but also as a strategy ... [Read More →](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/donor-recognition-tips-for-colleges-and-universities) [![ai for nonprofits](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/hubfs/ai_for_nonprofits.png)](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/ai-for-nonprofits) ### [AI for Nonprofits: What Your Organization Needs to Know](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/ai-for-nonprofits) July 03, 2024 By [Melanie Griffin](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/author/melanie-griffin) In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing how we live and work, it's clear that no sector remains untouched by its transformative ... [Read More →](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/ai-for-nonprofits) [![why are universities losing donors](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/hubfs/universities_losing_donors.png)](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/why-are-universities-losing-donors) ### [Why Are Universities Losing Donors? Donor Retention Tips for Higher Ed](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/why-are-universities-losing-donors) June 26, 2024 By [Melanie Griffin](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/author/melanie-griffin) Universities have encountered increasing difficulties in maintaining their donor base, a crucial support for educational progress and student achievement. ... [Read More →](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/why-are-universities-losing-donors) [![alumni fundraising guide](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/hubfs/alumni_fundraising.png)](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/alumni-fundraising-guide) ### [Alumni Fundraising: Complete Guide to Engaging Alumni](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/alumni-fundraising-guide) June 12, 2024 By [Melanie Griffin](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/author/melanie-griffin) Alumni engagement plays a pivotal role in fostering a thriving community around educational institutions and organizations. It's not just about ... [Read More →](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/alumni-fundraising-guide) [![donor retention definition](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/hubfs/donor_retention_definition.png)](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/donor-retention-definition) ### [Donor Retention Definition: What Is It & Why Is It Important?](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/donor-retention-definition) May 29, 2024 By [Melanie Griffin](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/author/melanie-griffin) Donor retention is a critical aspect of nonprofit management, highlighting the importance of keeping existing donors engaged over time. It's not just ... [Read More →](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/donor-retention-definition) [![university fundraising tips](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/hubfs/university_fundraising.png)](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/university-fundraising-tips) ### [University Fundraising: 6 Tips for Higher Ed Giving](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/university-fundraising-tips) May 22, 2024 By [Melanie Griffin](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/author/melanie-griffin) When it comes to higher education, fundraising may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, university fundraising is a crucial revenue source, ... [Read More →](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/university-fundraising-tips) [Older posts](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/author/melanie-griffin/page/2) ### Get Our Newsletter ### Categories - [Categories Boards Campaign Planning Study Capital (259)](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/tag/categories-boards-campaign-planning-study-capital-) - [Nonprofit Organizations (32)](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/tag/nonprofit-organizations) - [Fundraising (29)](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/tag/fundraising) - [Leadership (21)](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/tag/leadership) - [News (20)](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/tag/news) ### Search Shares ![Facebook](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/hubfs/Dickerson_Bakker_October2019/Images/Floating%20Social%20Icons/Facebook.png) ![Twitter](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/hubfs/Dickerson_Bakker_October2019/Images/Floating%20Social%20Icons/Twitter.png) ![Google+](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/hubfs/Dickerson_Bakker_October2019/Images/Floating%20Social%20Icons/googleplus.png) ![Email](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/hubfs/download.png) ![LinkedIn](https://blog.dickersonbakker.com/hubfs/Dickerson_Bakker_October2019/Images/Floating%20Social%20Icons/Linked%20In.png) ## What does forward look like for you? 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