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 showcasing philanthropy trends

10 philanthropy trends shaping giving in 2026

The nonprofit landscape is shifting. Learn which data-driven trends matter most and how your organization can respond.

10 philanthropy trends shaping giving in 2026
Mr Butter holding a purple heart

What is philanthropy? A guide for small nonprofits

Philanthropy isn't just for organizations with million-dollar donors. Here's what it really means—and how small nonprofits can attract and grow philanthropic support.

What is philanthropy? A guide for small nonprofits
Butter character next to bags of coins being from different people

Peer-to-peer fundraising: Steps, examples & free toolkit

Everything you need to know about P2P fundraising, including some of the best peer-to-peer fundraising ideas and examples from real changemakers like you.

Peer-to-peer fundraising: Steps, examples & free toolkit
Butter character dressed as superman

What is a charitable foundation? Types, rules, & real examples

Here's what sets them apart from other nonprofits, the types you'll encounter, and how they actually raise money.

What is a charitable foundation? Types, rules, & real examples
Butter character holding megaphone

How to run an advocacy campaign: steps, strategies & real examples

Learn how to plan and launch a nonprofit advocacy campaign with step-by-step guidance and real examples from Givebutter changemakers.

How to run an advocacy campaign: steps, strategies & real examples
Mr Butter learning about stripe for nonprofits

Stripe for nonprofits: Fees, setup, & a butter way to use it

Here's how Stripe's nonprofit discount works, what it covers, and how to pair it with the right fundraising tools.

Stripe for nonprofits: Fees, setup, & a butter way to use it
Mr Butter using Square for nonprofits

Square for nonprofits: Fees, setup, & the better alternative

Square is a popular option for nonprofits that need simple in-person payment processing, but it isn't a fundraising platform. Learn how Square works and why many nonprofits switch to an all-in-one alternative.

Square for nonprofits: Fees, setup, & the better alternative
Butter character next to donation landing page on a computer

How to create a donation page that converts (with real examples)

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

How to create a donation page that converts (with real examples)
Woman reading about donor database to scale her organization

7 best donor databases for nonprofits in 2026

Choosing a donor database shouldn’t feel overwhelming. Here’s a side-by-side look at the 7 best options for nonprofits, including features, pricing, and which one is free to start.

7 best donor databases for nonprofits in 2026
Butter character planting flowers as a representation of donor cultivation

Donor cultivation: 5-stage cycle, plan template & strategies

Build stronger relationships with supporters using a clear 5-step donor cultivation cycle, practical strategies, and free tools.

Donor cultivation: 5-stage cycle, plan template & strategies
Butter character pointing towards a fundraising calendar

How to make a fundraising calendar in 4 steps (free template!)

Take control of your fundraising year with a proven calendar framework, key giving dates, 7 must-have sections, and a free template to get started.

How to make a fundraising calendar in 4 steps (free template!)
Butter character putting letter in mailbox

Free silent auction donation request letter template

A guide to crafting the ask, choosing the right format, timing your outreach, and following up without feeling pushy.

Free silent auction donation request letter template
Butter character with megaphone and a nonprofit marketing plan on a whiteboard

Free nonprofit marketing plan template & strategies for success

Find out how to craft an effective nonprofit marketing strategy plan that drives growth, engagement, and donations from your target audience.

Free nonprofit marketing plan template & strategies for success
Butter character holding flowers as a representation of donor-centric fundraising

Donor-centric fundraising: 6 ways to raise more & keep donors longer

Donor-centric fundraising puts your supporters at the center of everything. Here's what it means and how to make it work for your nonprofit.

Donor-centric fundraising: 6 ways to raise more & keep donors longer
Butter character pointing to fundraising graphics

Nonprofit fundraising graphics: 11 types, free templates & sizes

Everything your nonprofit needs to create scroll-stopping fundraising graphics: 11 types, free Canva templates, and platform sizes all in one place.

Nonprofit fundraising graphics: 11 types, free templates & sizes
Butter character selecting Venmo at donation checkout

Venmo for nonprofits: How it works & how to get more out of it

Nonprofits can use Venmo, and your donors already love it. Here's what Venmo charity profiles offer, where they fall short, and how to get donor data, tax receipts, and recurring giving in one place.

Venmo for nonprofits: How it works & how to get more out of it
Butter character gesturing towards a donor wall

10 popular donor wall ideas (physical, digital, & beyond)

A donor wall gives supporters the recognition they deserve. Learn why it matters and explore creative ideas to build your own.

10 popular donor wall ideas (physical, digital, & beyond)
Butter character reading the nonprofit storytelling book

The 4-part nonprofit storytelling framework (with real examples)

Learn a four-part nonprofit storytelling framework that turns donor updates into compelling narratives—with real campaign examples and tips for sharing across every channel.

The 4-part nonprofit storytelling framework (with real examples)
Mr Butter exploring donation drive ideas

30+ donation drive ideas: Online, in-person, school & more

Discover 30+ donation drive ideas to engage donors, raise more, and make giving fun.

30+ donation drive ideas: Online, in-person, school & more
Butter character looking closely at pie chart

How to start a monthly giving program: 9 steps & free templates

Build a monthly giving program from scratch or strengthen an existing one with this step-by-step guide and free outreach templates for email, text, and social media.

How to start a monthly giving program: 9 steps & free templates
Butter character holding megaphone

Volunteer recruitment: 9 proven strategies for 2026

Learn where to find volunteers, what messaging works, and how to turn interest into long-term supporters.

Volunteer recruitment: 9 proven strategies for 2026