Articles by Mike Marian

Nonprofits8 min read

Maximize Giving Tuesday 2025 with 6 Proven Fundraising Tips

Giving Tuesday continues to be one of the most influential global generosity movements, and the momentum leading into Giving Tuesday 2025 shows no signs of slowing down. In recent years, the giving day has demonstrated remarkable growth: U.S. donors contributed $3.1 billion in 2023 (a 0.6% increase from 2022), followed by a record-breaking $3.6 billion in 2024, marking 16% year-over-year growth. Participation also rebounded, climbing to 36.1 million people, up 7% from the previous year. Since its launch in 2012—when it raised just $12 million—Giving Tuesday has grown rapidly, surpassing $1 billion within seven years, sustaining strong pre-pandemic annual increases of 44%, and continuing with double-digit gains in 2021 and 2022.

Nonprofits8 min read

Maximize Giving Tuesday 2025 with 6 Proven Fundraising Tips

Giving Tuesday continues to be one of the most influential global generosity movements, and the momentum leading into Giving Tuesday 2025 shows no signs of slowing down. In recent years, the giving day has demonstrated remarkable growth: U.S. donors contributed $3.1 billion in 2023 (a 0.6% increase from 2022), followed by a record-breaking $3.6 billion in 2024, marking 16% year-over-year growth. Participation also rebounded, climbing to 36.1 million people, up 7% from the previous year. Since its launch in 2012—when it raised just $12 million—Giving Tuesday has grown rapidly, surpassing $1 billion within seven years, sustaining strong pre-pandemic annual increases of 44%, and continuing with double-digit gains in 2021 and 2022.

Mike Marian

November 21, 2025

How *spotfund Works8 min read

How to Run a Successful Team Fundraiser with Spotfund

Team fundraising is when a group of people come together to raise money for a shared goal—whether it’s for a sports team, school project, or community cause. A team fundraiser allows everyone to contribute, share updates, and promote the campaign within their own networks. This collective effort helps reach more donors, build momentum, and keep everyone motivated.

How *spotfund Works8 min read

How to Run a Successful Team Fundraiser with Spotfund

Team fundraising is when a group of people come together to raise money for a shared goal—whether it’s for a sports team, school project, or community cause. A team fundraiser allows everyone to contribute, share updates, and promote the campaign within their own networks. This collective effort helps reach more donors, build momentum, and keep everyone motivated.

Mike Marian

October 23, 2025

How *spotfund Works6 min read

AI Fundraising Made Simple with Spotfund’s AI Writing Tool

Artificial intelligence is transforming how nonprofits and individuals raise funds. From automating donor outreach to crafting campaign stories, AI fundraising tools are helping people save time and raise more money. Yet, many fundraisers still struggle with one major challenge — writing a compelling fundraising proposal or story that truly inspires donations. A weak story can make even the most meaningful cause go unnoticed.

How *spotfund Works6 min read

AI Fundraising Made Simple with Spotfund’s AI Writing Tool

Artificial intelligence is transforming how nonprofits and individuals raise funds. From automating donor outreach to crafting campaign stories, AI fundraising tools are helping people save time and raise more money. Yet, many fundraisers still struggle with one major challenge — writing a compelling fundraising proposal or story that truly inspires donations. A weak story can make even the most meaningful cause go unnoticed.

Mike Marian

October 16, 2025

How *spotfund Works5 min read

Spotfund QR Codes for Fundraising: Scan to Donate Made Easy

A QR code for donations is one of the easiest ways to make giving more accessible. By scanning a code with their phone’s camera, donors are instantly directed to a secure donation page—no cash, no complicated links, just a quick scan to give.

How *spotfund Works5 min read

Spotfund QR Codes for Fundraising: Scan to Donate Made Easy

A QR code for donations is one of the easiest ways to make giving more accessible. By scanning a code with their phone’s camera, donors are instantly directed to a secure donation page—no cash, no complicated links, just a quick scan to give.

Mike Marian

October 10, 2025

Fundraising Strategy7 min read

How to Accept Donations Online: 4 Easy Steps + 5 Best Tools

In today’s digital world, giving has never been easier. More people now choose to accept donations online because it’s fast, secure, and convenient for both donors and fundraisers. Instead of relying on cash or checks, individuals and nonprofits can raise money instantly and reach supporters across the globe.

Fundraising Strategy7 min read

How to Accept Donations Online: 4 Easy Steps + 5 Best Tools

In today’s digital world, giving has never been easier. More people now choose to accept donations online because it’s fast, secure, and convenient for both donors and fundraisers. Instead of relying on cash or checks, individuals and nonprofits can raise money instantly and reach supporters across the globe.

Mike Marian

September 16, 2025

Fundraising Strategy13 min read

Matching Gifts: All You Need to Know to Double Donations

Matching gifts are one of the most powerful ways to increase fundraising impact, and they mean the same thing as matching donations. In a matching gift campaign, a company, supporter, or sponsor pledges to match donations made by individuals, effectively doubling or even tripling the total funds raised. While matching gifts are often associated with nonprofits, they are equally effective for businesses, schools, individuals, and other organizations looking to amplify their campaigns. Whether you're raising money for a charity, a community project, or a personal cause, matching gifts offer a simple yet highly effective way to maximize every contribution. Online fundraising platforms like *spotfund make it incredibly easy to launch matching gift campaigns online, helping you reach donors quickly through mobile and social media.

Fundraising Strategy13 min read

Matching Gifts: All You Need to Know to Double Donations

Matching gifts are one of the most powerful ways to increase fundraising impact, and they mean the same thing as matching donations. In a matching gift campaign, a company, supporter, or sponsor pledges to match donations made by individuals, effectively doubling or even tripling the total funds raised. While matching gifts are often associated with nonprofits, they are equally effective for businesses, schools, individuals, and other organizations looking to amplify their campaigns. Whether you're raising money for a charity, a community project, or a personal cause, matching gifts offer a simple yet highly effective way to maximize every contribution. Online fundraising platforms like *spotfund make it incredibly easy to launch matching gift campaigns online, helping you reach donors quickly through mobile and social media.

Mike Marian

May 6, 2025