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

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
Mr Butter on his phone with social media icons

Giving Tuesday social media posts, graphics, & free media kit

Discover everything you need to know about Giving Tuesday social media content—from real nonprofit examples to tips for creating eye-catching graphics and a free media kit.

Giving Tuesday social media posts, graphics, & free media kit
Image of butter character wearing birthday hat and holding balloons

How to get more from Facebook birthday fundraisers

Learn how to start a Facebook birthday fundraiser, make the most of your celebration, and discover a smarter way to raise funds for your favorite cause.

How to get more from Facebook birthday fundraisers
Image of butter character holding flowers and a letter

Donor appreciation: Find gifts, ideas, & events that inspire

Keep supporters invested in your mission for years to come. Discover practical donor appreciation ideas for every budget, effort level, and donor type.

Donor appreciation: Find gifts, ideas, & events that inspire
Image of butter character next to donation form template

The best donation form template (plus 10 real donation form examples!)

Create a high-converting donation form with our free template—and get inspired by 10 real-world examples from nonprofits like yours.

The best donation form template (plus 10 real donation form examples!)
Me Butter looking into the best accounting software for nonprofits

12 best accounting software for nonprofits

Looking for the best nonprofit accounting software to streamline your finances? Compare top tools like QuickBooks, Xero, Aplos, and more — based on pricing, features, and nonprofit-specific support.

12 best accounting software for nonprofits
Mr Butter on his desktop working on nonprofit email marketing

Nonprofit email marketing: 3 strategic levels that drive real results

Transform casual followers into committed donors with simple, proven strategies that feel authentic—no complex systems or expensive tools required.

Nonprofit email marketing: 3 strategic levels that drive real results