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Rachel Ayotte

Nonprofit Content Writer

Bio

Rachel is a versatile writer with experience spanning journalism, publishing, marketing, copywriting, and nonprofit storytelling. She uses her experience across industries and audiences to empower changemakers and nonprofits to communicate with clarity and impact. If she's not writing or editing (or reading!), you can find her baking chocolate chip cookies, running, or throwing pottery.

Expertise

Articles by

Rachel Ayotte

Mr Butter holding a black grant application

30 Black grants for nonprofits, businesses, students, & more

Discover current grant opportunities specifically designed for Black organizations, businesses, students, farmers, artists, and more.

30 Black grants for nonprofits, businesses, students, & more
Participant in a bike-a-thon

10 classic a-thon fundraiser ideas that still raise big

Plan, promote, and pull off your next a-thon fundraiser with less stress—featuring proven ideas, real examples, and tools that make signups smoother for everyone.

10 classic a-thon fundraiser ideas that still raise big
paddle raise participant holding their bid number

How to run a paddle raise that brings in major funds

Paddle raises are high-energy and high-impact—but they can be tricky to master. Learn how to nail them and make them a key part of your fundraising strategy in this step-by-step guide.

How to run a paddle raise that brings in major funds
Individual planning to win back lapsed donors

How to avoid donor ghosting: Do’s and don’ts for nonprofits

Learn why donors go quiet—and how Givebutter Plus can help keep them coming back stronger than ever.

How to avoid donor ghosting: Do’s and don’ts for nonprofits
Image of butter character holding flowers and a letter

Donor appreciation: Find gifts, ideas, & events that inspire

Keep supporters invested in your mission for years to come. Discover practical donor appreciation ideas for every budget, effort level, and donor type.

Donor appreciation: Find gifts, ideas, & events that inspire
Individual explaining donor segmentation to their team

Donor segmentation cheat sheet: Your path to growth

One-size-fits-all fundraising doesn’t work. Learn how to create a donor segmentation strategy that boosts engagement, retention, and donations.

Donor segmentation cheat sheet: Your path to growth
A group of people celebrating successful implementation of workflows

7 best Zapier alternatives for nonprofits

Discover why and how nonprofits use Zapier’s automation features and explore a list of seven alternatives for creating workflows that save your organization time and streamline your fundraising tasks.

7 best Zapier alternatives for nonprofits
An individual using an email marketing software for their nonprofit

5 best Constant Contact alternatives for nonprofits

Looking for a Constant Contact alternative? Discover everything you need to know about the best email marketing software for nonprofits—and find the perfect fit for your organization.

5 best Constant Contact alternatives for nonprofits
People in a meeting discussing action items

Nonprofit project management: Top tips and tools for your team

Discover the best project management software for nonprofits, learn best practices, and nail your nonprofit's project management process in three simple steps.

Nonprofit project management: Top tips and tools for your team
Team celebrating a successful nonprofit communications plan

The step-by-step guide to nonprofit communications (free template)

Turn ad hoc messages into a high-impact strategy aligned with your mission. Learn how to create an effective nonprofit communications plan with five simple steps and a free downloadable template to guide the way.

The step-by-step guide to nonprofit communications (free template)
Three toddlers eating on school table

Donation letter for school: How to craft an appeal for support

Mobilize your school community to help raise the funds you need with this step-by-step guide to donation request letters for schools. Plus, download three school donation letter templates to help get you started.

Donation letter for school: How to craft an appeal for support

GiveWP alternatives for nonprofits looking for more features and fewer fees

Looking for a new donation plugin for your WordPress site? Check out the top alternatives to GiveWP to make the best decision for your nonprofit.

GiveWP alternatives for nonprofits looking for more features and fewer fees
Volunteer handing a box of food to community member in need

Explore 5 of the best Little Green Light alternatives for nonprofits

How do Little Green Light’s features stack up against competitors? Check out prices, tools, and more, to find the right fit for your nonprofit.

Explore 5 of the best Little Green Light alternatives for nonprofits
Man comparing fundraising platforms on several sticky notes

Best Donorbox alternatives for your nonprofit to consider

Not sure if Donorbox is right for your online fundraising? Check out the top features, pricing, and considerations of the five best Donorbox alternatives.

Best Donorbox alternatives for your nonprofit to consider
Woman checking donation boxes

Pledge vs. donation: Why both are important for your nonprofit

Learn the difference between pledging and donating, along with the pros, cons, and best practices for each.

Pledge vs. donation: Why both are important for your nonprofit
Butter character holding a calculator and surrounded by charts

Nonprofit financial management: 10 golden rules & free checklist

A simple, stress-free guide to nonprofit financial management with 10 golden rules and a free checklist to keep your organization aligned, accountable, and prepared.

Nonprofit financial management: 10 golden rules & free checklist
Woman reading a donor acknowledgement letter beside her mailbox

Donor acknowledgment letter: What it is and how to write one

Gratitude is about more than just good manners. Learn how to create a donor acknowledgment letter that creates a connection—and helps your nonprofit stand out from the crowd.

Donor acknowledgment letter: What it is and how to write one
Graphic of Mr Butter sending an annual appeal letter by mail

Annual appeal letter examples & templates that inspire giving

Annual appeal letters are one of the most effective ways to inspire giving. Learn how to write one that connects, converts, and drives impact—with free templates to get you started.

Annual appeal letter examples & templates that inspire giving
Donation receipt template graphic

Free donation receipt template to save time and stay compliant

Take the stress out of donor acknowledgment with this guide to writing and sending the perfect donation receipt. Plus, get started with a free 501c3 donation receipt template.

Free donation receipt template to save time and stay compliant
Team exploring the new CRM software for their nonprofit

13 low-cost and free CRMs for nonprofits to try

Discover which free CRM software for nonprofits will best meet your needs—and what “free” really gets you.

13 low-cost and free CRMs for nonprofits to try
Mr Butter exploring best peer-to-peer fundraising platforms

10 best peer-to-peer fundraising platforms for nonprofits

Compare the top peer-to-peer fundraising platforms by features, benefits, and real user reviews—so you can find the best tool to power your next campaign with confidence.

10 best peer-to-peer fundraising platforms for nonprofits