Hi, I'm

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 celebrating national volunteer week

National Volunteer Week 2026: Dates, ideas, & how to celebrate

National Volunteer Week 2026 runs April 19–25. Here's everything your nonprofit needs to know to celebrate, recognize, and recruit volunteers.

National Volunteer Week 2026: Dates, ideas, & how to celebrate
Mr Butter holding a heart as a symbol of volunteer appreciation

50 volunteer appreciation ideas: Gifts, events, quotes & more

From heartfelt gifts to creative events and ready-to-use quotes, here are 50 ways to make every volunteer feel seen and valued.

50 volunteer appreciation ideas: Gifts, events, quotes & more
Heart and hand icons next to butter character

10 benefits of volunteering backed by science

Volunteering improves health, builds skills, strengthens communities, and drives real results for nonprofits. Here's what the research actually shows.

10 benefits of volunteering backed by science
Butter character holding checklist next to calendar

The volunteer management framework: Recruit, retain, repeat

Learn how to recruit, train, and engage volunteers with proven strategies that reduce burnout, boost retention, and strengthen your mission.

The volunteer management framework: Recruit, retain, repeat
Mr butter learning about nonprofit job board

8 best nonprofit job boards to find mission-driven talent (2026)

Looking to hire for your nonprofit? Here are the top job boards to find the right people to help you advance your mission.

8 best nonprofit job boards to find mission-driven talent (2026)
Mr Butter as director of philanthropy

Director of philanthropy: The real job behind the title

Learn what a director of philanthropy does, how it compares to development director and chief development officer roles, plus salary and key skills.

Director of philanthropy: The real job behind the title
Butter character next to laptop exploring GiveWP alternatives

The 5 best GiveWP alternatives

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.

The 5 best GiveWP alternatives
Butter character holding a bag of coins and a tool symbol

The 5 best Little Green Light alternatives

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.

The 5 best Little Green Light alternatives
Butter character holding a sprout as a symbol of planned giving

Planned giving: How to start small for big giving

Planned gifts are a meaningful way loyal donors can support your mission for the long term, and even small nonprofits can get started without a big, formal program or years of experience.

Planned giving: How to start small for big giving
Mr butter holding a fiscal sponsorship umbrella

Fiscal sponsorship: How to fundraise without 501(c)(3) status

Thinking about fiscal sponsorship, but not sure what you’re signing up for? This guide breaks down how it really works and whether it’s the right move for your nonprofit.

Fiscal sponsorship: How to fundraise without 501(c)(3) status
Mr butter putting together a nonprofit strategic plan

Free nonprofit strategic plan template (& 3 real examples)

Build a nonprofit strategic plan that turns priorities into action, aligns your team, and guides decisions for the next 3–5 years. Free template included!

Free nonprofit strategic plan template (& 3 real examples)
Mr Butter about to cross the finish line in a charity run

Charity run planning: How to organize a 5K fundraiser

Charity runs have the power to rally your community and raise major funds for your cause. Here's your playbook for organizing a 5K that's as profitable as it is fun.

Charity run planning: How to organize a 5K fundraiser
Mr Butter on stage leading a capital campaign

Capital campaigns: How (& when) to run one

Capital campaigns can raise millions of dollars—but is it the right fundraising strategy for your nonprofit?

Capital campaigns: How (& when) to run one
Mr Butter explaining how to start a fundraiser

How to start a fundraiser: 10-step blueprint for nonprofits

Whether you’re planning your first fundraiser or refining your next one, this 10-step guide walks you through the key decisions and actions that turn an idea into real donations.

How to start a fundraiser: 10-step blueprint for nonprofits
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
Butter character holding a checklist while standing next to a mailbox

How to get donations from companies in 5 steps

Unlock new momentum for your mission by learning how to approach businesses, share your story, and secure the support that moves your work forward.

How to get donations from companies in 5 steps
Butter character holding a badge with buildings in the background

How to get corporate sponsorships for nonprofits: 5 proven steps

Discover everything you need to know about corporate sponsorships for nonprofit organizations—and how to secure your own.

How to get corporate sponsorships for nonprofits: 5 proven steps
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
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
Butter character holding list and standing by a jar of coins

40 top companies that donate to nonprofits

Find companies that donate food, technology, and even school supplies to nonprofits—and start sending requests right away.

40 top companies that donate to nonprofits
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