Big wins don’t come from giant leaps—they come from stacking small, intentional steps. As I shared on the We Are For Good podcast, the power of 1% improvements can revolutionize how nonprofits show up, connect with donors, and achieve their missions.

The good news? You don’t need a massive budget, a full team, or fancy tools to get started. All it takes is a willingness to test, tweak, and repeat.

Why Small Changes Matter Now More Than Ever

Let’s face it: If you’re still doing what you’ve always done, you’re not going to hit your goals. The nonprofit world is changing. Donors expect transparency. Tech is advancing faster than ever. And your resources? Probably stretched thinner than you’d like.

But here’s the truth: You don’t need to overhaul everything overnight. Small, consistent improvements add up. A 1% change compounded over time creates a ripple effect—boosting your results, refining your strategy, and building momentum for the future.

3 Simple Ways to Kickstart Your 1% Shift

During the podcast, Becky and Jon challenged me to break down how nonprofits can start testing and iterating today. Here are the top strategies I shared:

1. Simplify Your Donation Page

Your donation page is prime real estate. Make it work harder for you:

• Cut the clutter: Remove navigation bars, unnecessary text, and distractions.
• Lead with impact: Add a clear value proposition like, “Your $50 feeds a family of four for a week.”
• Streamline the CTA: Make your “Donate Now” button impossible to miss.

2. Start A/B Testing (Without the Tech Headache)

You don’t need a developer or a giant budget to test what works. Here’s how:

• Test different button colors, layouts, or suggested donation amounts.
• Use tools like iDonate’s built-in A/B testing feature to get insights fast—no coding required.

3. Listen to Your Donors

Want to know what resonates? Ask. Three to four conversations with your donors can reveal:

• Why they give.
• What they care about most in your messaging.
• What keeps them coming back.

This kind of intel doesn’t just help you write better copy—it helps you connect with donors on a deeper level.

Tech Is Your Sidekick (Not the Hero)

One of my favorite points from the podcast: Nonprofits need to ditch the idea that they’re “behind” in tech. Today’s tools are more accessible than ever.

For example, A/B testing used to feel like something only big companies could afford. Not anymore. Whether it’s tweaking gift arrays (those preset donation amounts) or testing CTA colors, tools like iDonate make it easy to experiment—and win.

Hot Take: “Tech isn’t the hero of your story—it’s the sidekick helping your mission shine.”

Proof That Small Shifts Work

Let me tell you about Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries. They’ve mastered the art of iteration. For Giving Tuesday, they set a bold $750,000 goal to fund new initiatives.

Their strategy? Clear messaging, streamlined donation processes, and small adjustments to their tech setup. The result? They hit their target in just one day.

What I love about their story is that they didn’t reinvent the wheel. They built on what was already working—then tested and refined to make it even better.

Why This Work Is Personal

For me, this isn’t just a professional passion—it’s personal. Growing up, I saw firsthand how nonprofits can change lives. My brother Andrew, who faced significant health challenges, spent much of his life supported by organizations like Shriners Hospitals.

That experience shaped me. It’s why I’m so committed to helping nonprofits use tech to amplify their impact. The small shifts you make today aren’t just numbers—they’re about lives changed.

Your Next Step: Start Small, Think Big

Here’s the challenge: Take one step today. Maybe it’s cleaning up your donation page, running your first A/B test, or reaching out to a donor for feedback. Whatever it is, start now.

As I shared on the podcast:

“Hit publish. Hit send. Hit post. Action creates momentum. Momentum drives change.”

Want to dive deeper? Let’s connect on LinkedIn, where I share tips, insights, and plenty of millennial nostalgia. And if you’re ready to see how tech can make testing easier, check out iDonate. Together, we can make 2025 your nonprofit’s most impactful year yet.