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 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
Butter character with a gavel standing by a table full of auction packages

30+ auction packages nonprofits swear by (& how to price them)

Excite your supporters with these charity auction package ideas, along with practical tips for pricing, displaying, and promoting them to maximize bids.

30+ auction packages nonprofits swear by (& how to price them)
Butter character holding pledge card

9 free pledge card templates for nonprofits (& when to use them)

All the dos and don’ts you need to know, from when to use a pledge card to how to create one that’s clear, simple, and donor-friendly.

9 free pledge card templates for nonprofits (& when to use them)
Butter character holding pledge agreement

Pledge agreements for nonprofits: What they are & free template

Learn when pledge agreements make sense, when they don’t, and how to keep pledges clear, simple, and stress-free.

Pledge agreements for nonprofits: What they are & free template
Butter character holding a coin and a pledge card

Pledge vs. donation: When & why to use each (free template!)

Learn when to ask for a pledge versus a donation, how each affects cash flow, and how to choose the right approach for your nonprofit.

Pledge vs. donation: When & why to use each (free template!)
Mr Butter celebrating national volunteer week

National Volunteer Week 2026: Dates, ideas, & how to celebrate

National Volunteer Week 2026 runs April 19–25. Here's everything your nonprofit needs to know to celebrate, recognize, and recruit volunteers.

National Volunteer Week 2026: Dates, ideas, & how to celebrate
Mr Butter holding a heart as a symbol of volunteer appreciation

50 volunteer appreciation ideas: Gifts, events, quotes & more

From heartfelt gifts to creative events and ready-to-use quotes, here are 50 ways to make every volunteer feel seen and valued.

50 volunteer appreciation ideas: Gifts, events, quotes & more
Heart and hand icons next to butter character

10 benefits of volunteering backed by science

Volunteering improves health, builds skills, strengthens communities, and drives real results for nonprofits. Here's what the research actually shows.

10 benefits of volunteering backed by science
Butter character holding checklist next to calendar

The volunteer management framework: Recruit, retain, repeat

Learn how to recruit, train, and engage volunteers with proven strategies that reduce burnout, boost retention, and strengthen your mission.

The volunteer management framework: Recruit, retain, repeat
Mr butter learning about nonprofit job board

8 best nonprofit job boards to find mission-driven talent (2026)

Looking to hire for your nonprofit? Here are the top job boards to find the right people to help you advance your mission.

8 best nonprofit job boards to find mission-driven talent (2026)
Mr Butter as director of philanthropy

Director of philanthropy: The real job behind the title

Learn what a director of philanthropy does, how it compares to development director and chief development officer roles, plus salary and key skills.

Director of philanthropy: The real job behind the title
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