Jessica Cloud, CFRE | Real Deal Fundraising
@jcloudrealdeal.bsky.social
Tips to help nonprofits raise ⬆️ 💵
https://linktr.ee/jcloudrealdeal
https://linktr.ee/jcloudrealdeal
I found this photo from a study abroad trip I took in college—standing in the gardens of Hampton Court Palace, trying not to look like a wide-eyed kid from Alabama seeing the world for the first time.
Spoiler: I absolutely was that kid.
And I got to be there because someone gave.
Spoiler: I absolutely was that kid.
And I got to be there because someone gave.
November 28, 2025 at 6:15 PM
I found this photo from a study abroad trip I took in college—standing in the gardens of Hampton Court Palace, trying not to look like a wide-eyed kid from Alabama seeing the world for the first time.
Spoiler: I absolutely was that kid.
And I got to be there because someone gave.
Spoiler: I absolutely was that kid.
And I got to be there because someone gave.
This is Dr. Stanley Hauer—brilliant professor, fierce thinker, and one of the sharpest minds I’ve ever had the privilege to learn from.
We were in England, deep in the stone stairwell of Bodiam Castle, and he was exactly in his element—bringing ancient stories to life with wit and precision.
We were in England, deep in the stone stairwell of Bodiam Castle, and he was exactly in his element—bringing ancient stories to life with wit and precision.
November 26, 2025 at 5:15 PM
This is Dr. Stanley Hauer—brilliant professor, fierce thinker, and one of the sharpest minds I’ve ever had the privilege to learn from.
We were in England, deep in the stone stairwell of Bodiam Castle, and he was exactly in his element—bringing ancient stories to life with wit and precision.
We were in England, deep in the stone stairwell of Bodiam Castle, and he was exactly in his element—bringing ancient stories to life with wit and precision.
This photo was taken the day I graduated. I had a Master’s in hand, a head full of literature, and a heart that had been reshaped by years of learning under remarkable professors.
But what you can’t see here is what made that moment possible.
But what you can’t see here is what made that moment possible.
November 24, 2025 at 8:28 PM
This photo was taken the day I graduated. I had a Master’s in hand, a head full of literature, and a heart that had been reshaped by years of learning under remarkable professors.
But what you can’t see here is what made that moment possible.
But what you can’t see here is what made that moment possible.
You ask donors to believe your mission is worthy.
But secretly, you’re still trying to prove you are.
That disconnect?
It slows your asks, your income, your growth.
You don’t fix it by pushing harder.
But secretly, you’re still trying to prove you are.
That disconnect?
It slows your asks, your income, your growth.
You don’t fix it by pushing harder.
November 24, 2025 at 5:54 PM
You ask donors to believe your mission is worthy.
But secretly, you’re still trying to prove you are.
That disconnect?
It slows your asks, your income, your growth.
You don’t fix it by pushing harder.
But secretly, you’re still trying to prove you are.
That disconnect?
It slows your asks, your income, your growth.
You don’t fix it by pushing harder.
You ask donors to believe your mission is worthy.
But secretly, you’re still trying to prove you are.
That disconnect?
It slows your asks, your income, your growth.
You don’t fix it by pushing harder.
But secretly, you’re still trying to prove you are.
That disconnect?
It slows your asks, your income, your growth.
You don’t fix it by pushing harder.
November 19, 2025 at 4:30 PM
You ask donors to believe your mission is worthy.
But secretly, you’re still trying to prove you are.
That disconnect?
It slows your asks, your income, your growth.
You don’t fix it by pushing harder.
But secretly, you’re still trying to prove you are.
That disconnect?
It slows your asks, your income, your growth.
You don’t fix it by pushing harder.
You can have the best campaign plan in the world.
But if you sit across from a major donor and flinch when you ask?
It’s not because you weren’t prepared.
It might be because you didn’t believe you were allowed to receive that level of generosity.
But if you sit across from a major donor and flinch when you ask?
It’s not because you weren’t prepared.
It might be because you didn’t believe you were allowed to receive that level of generosity.
November 17, 2025 at 3:30 PM
You can have the best campaign plan in the world.
But if you sit across from a major donor and flinch when you ask?
It’s not because you weren’t prepared.
It might be because you didn’t believe you were allowed to receive that level of generosity.
But if you sit across from a major donor and flinch when you ask?
It’s not because you weren’t prepared.
It might be because you didn’t believe you were allowed to receive that level of generosity.
A missed field. A skipped exclusion. A donor left off an invite.
Data mistakes don’t just waste time – they can cost you real gifts.
If you’re tired of scrambling after the fact, it’s time to get ahead of the problem.
Data mistakes don’t just waste time – they can cost you real gifts.
If you’re tired of scrambling after the fact, it’s time to get ahead of the problem.
November 14, 2025 at 5:15 PM
A missed field. A skipped exclusion. A donor left off an invite.
Data mistakes don’t just waste time – they can cost you real gifts.
If you’re tired of scrambling after the fact, it’s time to get ahead of the problem.
Data mistakes don’t just waste time – they can cost you real gifts.
If you’re tired of scrambling after the fact, it’s time to get ahead of the problem.
If you're a fundraiser who relies on data (that’s all of us), here's one way to instantly improve your outcomes:
Write better data requests.
Take five minutes now to:
✅ Avoid five days of email ping-pong
✅ Protect your deadlines
✅ Build trust with your CRM team
✅ Stop scrambling
Write better data requests.
Take five minutes now to:
✅ Avoid five days of email ping-pong
✅ Protect your deadlines
✅ Build trust with your CRM team
✅ Stop scrambling
November 10, 2025 at 8:28 PM
If you're a fundraiser who relies on data (that’s all of us), here's one way to instantly improve your outcomes:
Write better data requests.
Take five minutes now to:
✅ Avoid five days of email ping-pong
✅ Protect your deadlines
✅ Build trust with your CRM team
✅ Stop scrambling
Write better data requests.
Take five minutes now to:
✅ Avoid five days of email ping-pong
✅ Protect your deadlines
✅ Build trust with your CRM team
✅ Stop scrambling
Walked into a networking event in fishnets and suede boots – feeling confident, but wondering:
“Can a woman really move up in leadership dressed like this?”
“Can a woman really move up in leadership dressed like this?”
September 22, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Walked into a networking event in fishnets and suede boots – feeling confident, but wondering:
“Can a woman really move up in leadership dressed like this?”
“Can a woman really move up in leadership dressed like this?”
You write appeals that would convince you.
That’s the mistake.
Donors decide differently:
🧠 Stats
💼 Bold ask
🗂 Structure
💬 Emotion
The best appeals speak to all 4.
That’s how you connect.
DM me if you don’t know your default style.
#fundraising #npsky
That’s the mistake.
Donors decide differently:
🧠 Stats
💼 Bold ask
🗂 Structure
💬 Emotion
The best appeals speak to all 4.
That’s how you connect.
DM me if you don’t know your default style.
#fundraising #npsky
September 17, 2025 at 4:45 PM
You write appeals that would convince you.
That’s the mistake.
Donors decide differently:
🧠 Stats
💼 Bold ask
🗂 Structure
💬 Emotion
The best appeals speak to all 4.
That’s how you connect.
DM me if you don’t know your default style.
#fundraising #npsky
That’s the mistake.
Donors decide differently:
🧠 Stats
💼 Bold ask
🗂 Structure
💬 Emotion
The best appeals speak to all 4.
That’s how you connect.
DM me if you don’t know your default style.
#fundraising #npsky
Fundraising is a people job. You can’t show that in a PDF.
Want to break in? Network like it’s your job.
Ask for info interviews. Volunteer. Talk to people.
The fundraiser who builds relationships to get the job is the one who thrives in the job.
#fundraising #npsky
Want to break in? Network like it’s your job.
Ask for info interviews. Volunteer. Talk to people.
The fundraiser who builds relationships to get the job is the one who thrives in the job.
#fundraising #npsky
September 10, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Fundraising is a people job. You can’t show that in a PDF.
Want to break in? Network like it’s your job.
Ask for info interviews. Volunteer. Talk to people.
The fundraiser who builds relationships to get the job is the one who thrives in the job.
#fundraising #npsky
Want to break in? Network like it’s your job.
Ask for info interviews. Volunteer. Talk to people.
The fundraiser who builds relationships to get the job is the one who thrives in the job.
#fundraising #npsky
Avoiding the ask doesn’t protect the relationship – it confuses it. Donors expect clarity. That’s why we reframe the ask as an invitation. Use: “I’d love to talk about a way to deepen your impact.” What helps you ask with confidence?
#fundraising #nonprofits #npsky
#fundraising #nonprofits #npsky
September 5, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Avoiding the ask doesn’t protect the relationship – it confuses it. Donors expect clarity. That’s why we reframe the ask as an invitation. Use: “I’d love to talk about a way to deepen your impact.” What helps you ask with confidence?
#fundraising #nonprofits #npsky
#fundraising #nonprofits #npsky
If you deflect compliments, how will you stand still during a big gift conversation? Receivership is about owning your worth. No hedging. No shrinking. Just “thank you.” How do you build your capacity to receive?
#fundraising #nonprofits #npsky
#fundraising #nonprofits #npsky
September 4, 2025 at 4:15 PM
If you deflect compliments, how will you stand still during a big gift conversation? Receivership is about owning your worth. No hedging. No shrinking. Just “thank you.” How do you build your capacity to receive?
#fundraising #nonprofits #npsky
#fundraising #nonprofits #npsky
Asking isn’t taking. It’s alignment. When donors give, they’re stepping into something bigger than themselves. That’s Reciprocity – one of the 3 Rs of fundraising mindset. What’s a donor story that reminded you this work is mutual?
#fundraising #nonprofits #npsky
#fundraising #nonprofits #npsky
September 3, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Asking isn’t taking. It’s alignment. When donors give, they’re stepping into something bigger than themselves. That’s Reciprocity – one of the 3 Rs of fundraising mindset. What’s a donor story that reminded you this work is mutual?
#fundraising #nonprofits #npsky
#fundraising #nonprofits #npsky
Years ago, I worried what my peers would think if I wore a suit to a big presentation.
Here’s what I learned: presence isn’t about the outfit. It’s about the authority you choose to step into.
#fundraising #nonprofits #highereducation
Here’s what I learned: presence isn’t about the outfit. It’s about the authority you choose to step into.
#fundraising #nonprofits #highereducation
August 27, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Years ago, I worried what my peers would think if I wore a suit to a big presentation.
Here’s what I learned: presence isn’t about the outfit. It’s about the authority you choose to step into.
#fundraising #nonprofits #highereducation
Here’s what I learned: presence isn’t about the outfit. It’s about the authority you choose to step into.
#fundraising #nonprofits #highereducation
One donor story can spark more planned giving leads than any brochure. Share it with heart, and you might be surprised who’s ready to say yes. Read my 5 tips: buff.ly/tJLizRO
#fundraising #npsky #nonprofits
#fundraising #npsky #nonprofits
August 22, 2025 at 5:35 PM
One donor story can spark more planned giving leads than any brochure. Share it with heart, and you might be surprised who’s ready to say yes. Read my 5 tips: buff.ly/tJLizRO
#fundraising #npsky #nonprofits
#fundraising #npsky #nonprofits
Most nonprofits are sitting on a goldmine of planned giving leads – and it’s in their donor stories. Here’s how to turn them into action: buff.ly/tJLizRO
#fundraising #npsky #nonprofits
#fundraising #npsky #nonprofits
August 20, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Most nonprofits are sitting on a goldmine of planned giving leads – and it’s in their donor stories. Here’s how to turn them into action: buff.ly/tJLizRO
#fundraising #npsky #nonprofits
#fundraising #npsky #nonprofits
New nonprofit founders need to build with patience and not try to take shortcuts by do ethicall
August 19, 2025 at 3:11 PM
New nonprofit founders need to build with patience and not try to take shortcuts by do ethicall
Want more planned giving leads? Start with 5 questions donors love to answer & that inspire others to give. Here’s how to use them to spark legacy gifts: buff.ly/tJLizRO
#fundraising #npsky #nonprofits
#fundraising #npsky #nonprofits
August 18, 2025 at 3:47 PM
Want more planned giving leads? Start with 5 questions donors love to answer & that inspire others to give. Here’s how to use them to spark legacy gifts: buff.ly/tJLizRO
#fundraising #npsky #nonprofits
#fundraising #npsky #nonprofits
Why commissions are ethical for fundraising.. #fundraising #nonprofits #highereducation #nonpro
August 18, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Why commissions are ethical for fundraising.. #fundraising #nonprofits #highereducation #nonpro
#onthisday
August 17, 2025 at 3:13 PM
#onthisday
Fundraising isn’t a task to delegate – it’s part of your role as a nonprofit leader. Your presence builds trust, and trust builds support. Here’s why that matters (and what to avoid): buff.ly/DZoXExZ
#fundraising #npsky #nonprofits
#fundraising #npsky #nonprofits
August 15, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Fundraising isn’t a task to delegate – it’s part of your role as a nonprofit leader. Your presence builds trust, and trust builds support. Here’s why that matters (and what to avoid): buff.ly/DZoXExZ
#fundraising #npsky #nonprofits
#fundraising #npsky #nonprofits
Beginning the journey to the CFRE. #fundraising #nonprofits #highereducation #nonprofitsoftikto
August 15, 2025 at 3:12 PM
Beginning the journey to the CFRE. #fundraising #nonprofits #highereducation #nonprofitsoftikto
The CFRE gave me something no job title ever did: real confidence in my skills and decisions. #
August 14, 2025 at 3:11 PM
The CFRE gave me something no job title ever did: real confidence in my skills and decisions. #
Starting a nonprofit takes guts – and saying no to commission-based fundraising takes even more. Fast money can cost you long-term trust. Here’s what to do instead: buff.ly/DZoXExZ
#fundraising #npsky #nonprofits
#fundraising #npsky #nonprofits
August 13, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Starting a nonprofit takes guts – and saying no to commission-based fundraising takes even more. Fast money can cost you long-term trust. Here’s what to do instead: buff.ly/DZoXExZ
#fundraising #npsky #nonprofits
#fundraising #npsky #nonprofits