Hi, I'm

Anna Bean

Nonprofit Storytelling Fanatic at Givebutter

Bio

Anna brings over a decade of experience in community engagement, campaign planning, and strategic communications at small, progressive nonprofit organizations in New York City. She has a Master's of Social Work from Hunter College and has written for various feminist media platforms. At Givebutter, she helps nonprofits share their stories and connect with donors online. She lives in Brooklyn with her family (Go Mets!).

Expertise

Articles by

Anna Bean

Mr. Butter staring into a crystal ball graphic

8 predictions for nonprofit trends in 2026

Givebutter polled hundreds of changemakers about key nonprofit trends. The results may surprise you—and help you feel more informed, empowered, and even excited about planning for the year ahead.

8 predictions for nonprofit trends in 2026
Mr Butter exploring a free annual fundraising paln

Free annual fundraising plan template (& examples!)

Set your nonprofit up for fundraising success with best practices, practical examples, and a free fundraising plan template that fits any organization.

Free annual fundraising plan template (& examples!)
Butter character looking closely at a document

Nonprofit audit checklist: How to get audit-ready (the easy way)

Take the guesswork out of nonprofit audits. Discover which audit type you need, how to prepare, and grab a free checklist to streamline the entire process.

Nonprofit audit checklist: How to get audit-ready (the easy way)
Audience participating in raffle games

25 raffle games your crowd won’t stop talking about

Turn your fundraiser into the most talked-about event of the year with raffle game ideas that spark real excitement (and serious generosity).

25 raffle games your crowd won’t stop talking about
Raffle ticket prizes in a jar

70+ raffle prize ideas for all ages & all budgets

The best raffle prizes are the ones that get donors excited, like experiences, gift baskets, local favorites, and high-value items. Explore the most-loved prize ideas across every type of budget and audience.

70+ raffle prize ideas for all ages & all budgets
nonprofit burnout stats graphic

Nonprofit burnout: Why it persists & how to break the cycle

Discover why burnout is rising across the nonprofit sector—and learn how changemakers can break the cycle, protect their teams, and build healthier, more sustainable workplaces.

Nonprofit burnout: Why it persists & how to break the cycle
Butter character hands holding coins with a lightbulb in the center

The 9 best crowdfunding platforms for nonprofits

Compare the fees, features, and rules of the most popular crowdfunding platforms and find the right fit for your fundraising goals.

The 9 best crowdfunding platforms for nonprofits
Butter character with a scale comparing best free fundraising platforms

7 best free fundraising platforms for nonprofits compared

Discover the seven top fundraising platforms for nonprofits, comparing features, benefits, and real user insights to help you make the right choice for your organization.

7 best free fundraising platforms for nonprofits compared
Mr butter with a purple giving Tuesday heart

What is Giving Tuesday? All of your questions answered

Learn everything you need to know about Giving Tuesday, including when it started, why it matters, and how to make the most of this global day of generosity.

What is Giving Tuesday? All of your questions answered
Four employees working together at a desk

7 questions every social media policy for nonprofits should answer

Learn how to create a social media policy that protects your mission, empowers your team, and keeps your cause shining online. Plus, grab a free template with example language to get started.

7 questions every social media policy for nonprofits should answer
Image of butter character next to cell phone icon

How to create a Facebook fundraiser the smart way

Learn how to tap into Facebook’s massive reach—and use Givebutter to unlock even more donor insights, flexible payments, and lasting relationships.

How to create a Facebook fundraiser the smart way
Butter character next to donation landing page on a computer

Donation page setup guide & real examples

Learn how to set up a donation page that drives results with practical steps, optimization tips, and top examples from real nonprofits.

Donation page setup guide & real examples
Black Philanthropy Month recap graphic

Churning out change together: Black Philanthropy Month 2025

Discover how the Givebutter community celebrated Black changemakers, meet this year’s donation recipients, and celebrate the full circle moment we shared with BackBlack’s Floyd Jones.

Churning out change together: Black Philanthropy Month 2025
Mr Butter explaining nonprofit accounting

Nonprofit accounting cheat sheet: Keep your books clean & compliant

Learn the ins and outs of nonprofit accounting with this handy cheat sheet—including a downloadable checklist to help your books stay organized and compliant.

Nonprofit accounting cheat sheet: Keep your books clean & compliant
Headshot of Floyd Jones against a navy background

Sankofa Now! Looking back and moving forward with Floyd Jones for Black Philanthropy Month

Learn how the former Givebutter staffer transformed a small idea into a multi-million dollar movement—and now leads the global initiative that originally inspired him.

Sankofa Now! Looking back and moving forward with Floyd Jones for Black Philanthropy Month
Graphic of cash app pay banner on a blue heart

Cash App for nonprofits: How to set it up (the right way)

Learn how to use Cash App to reach the next generation of donors and offer a secure, mobile-friendly way to give.

Cash App for nonprofits: How to set it up (the right way)
Graphic of Mr Butter in front of black philanthropists frames

25 Black philanthropists & foundations you should know

Discover 20+ philanthropists, foundations, and other resources empowering Black communities and organizations.

25 Black philanthropists & foundations you should know
Mr Butter pointing out to a monitor

40 black organizations that should be on your radar

These Black-led nonprofits are making the world a better and more equitable place on local, national, and global levels.

40 black organizations that should be on your radar
Mr. Butter thinking about classy alternatives

7 top Classy alternatives to try before GoFundMe Pro

All the free features you want and need are out there. Explore the best free GoFundMe Pro alternatives and choose the right fundraising platform for you.

7 top Classy alternatives to try before GoFundMe Pro
Butter character making a bid on cell phone

What is a silent auction? How to do one in 7 steps

Learn the steps to planning a seamless silent auction fundraiser and discover the tools your nonprofit needs to make your in-person, hybrid, or online silent auction profitable and fun.

What is a silent auction? How to do one in 7 steps
Group of people planning for a nonprofit event

The ultimate nonprofit event planning template for nonprofits

Wondering how to plan a fundraising event from start to finish? This nonprofit event planning template will help you get organized, stay on track, and create a game plan for success.

The ultimate nonprofit event planning template for nonprofits