Kristin Hammett
Vice President of Family Generosity Services
As the Vice President of Family Generosity Services at The Signatry, Kristin Hammett focuses on equipping and encouraging families to purposefully consider what questions God has given them the resources and heart to answer, modeling obedience to his will to current and future generations while actively participating in advancing the kingdom of God.
All Posts by Kristin Hammett
Finding your cause: Start with who God cares about
September 30, 2026
The challenge for many generous families isn't whether to give, but where to begin. Start with the people God consistently calls his followers to care for.
How can families with different passions give together?
September 23, 2026
Generosity can be more than a collection of separate interests. For one family, it became a source of connection. They found that shared purpose is often discovered, not dictated.
Back to School Rhythms for Purposeful Families
August 5, 2025
New seasons bring new chances for connection. Which of these small, practical routines could help your family grow closer and find shared purpose?
Family Rhythms for Building Strong Connection
December 31, 2024
Creating routines and rhythms that prioritize family connection can build security, significance, and a sense of purpose.
Major Donor Insight: They Are People, Too
May 15, 2024
Your major donors are looking for relationship, understanding, and connection. You can probably relate to these too, right?
One Major Donor
May 1, 2024
Have you met one major donor? Kristin Hammett shares about navigating a major donor meeting and preparing for future development.
5 Ways to Connect with Gen Z Donors
April 24, 2024
Gen Z donors are motivated to create change. Through subscriptions and other methods, find out how nonprofit fundraisers can connect with young donors.
Fundraising for All Generations
April 1, 2024
Position your nonprofit or ministry to accept gifts from all generations of givers by following these three tips from Kristin Hammett, Director of Nonprofit Success at The Signatry.
Helping Nonprofits and their Donors Unlock More Generosity
March 22, 2024
The Signatry partners with and helps nonprofits unlock more generosity by strengthening donor development plans, mastering major donor conversations, and engagingwith donor advised funds.
Four Lessons about Donor Relationships—From a Shoe Company
February 23, 2024
Nike’s talent scout pursued Michael Jordan’s partnership despite uncertainty and competition. His relationship-building strategies apply to fundraising, too.
Friendship and Other Fundraising Goals
January 5, 2024
Four steps to set the right fundraising goals for your nonprofit in 2024. What do you want your organization to be known for?
5 Keys to a Donor Meeting: Executive Summary
January 4, 2024
Five keys to cover in a donor meeting to make the donor understand and feel seen in the opportunity to become a partner in your mission.
Nonprofits: Keeping a Scorecard
January 4, 2024
Kristin Hammett shares ideas and inspiration for nonprofit development personal scorecards in 2024 in this video newsletter.
Finding an Attitude of Gratitude
December 8, 2023
Thanking donors starts with cultivating gratitude. In development work, focus on the provider rather than the provision and let gratitude flow.
Nonprofits: What to Expect From DAF Donors at Year End
November 8, 2023
Kristin Hammett covers four characteristics of DAF donors that are helpful as you enter year-end giving.
Managing the Tension and Finding the Right Donors
November 1, 2023
Volatility in charitable giving may feel like a problem to solve. But what if nonprofit leaders viewed it as just a tension to manage?
Non-Formulaic Donor Engagement
October 3, 2023
Kristin Hammett shares three reminders to help nonprofit leaders ask with confidence and go deeper with donors on generosity.
Fourth Quarter Focus in Fundraising
September 30, 2023
In fundraising as in football, staying focused through the 4th quarter is key. Find 3 ways to keep donors engaged in 4th quarter fundraising.
Asking With Confidence
August 29, 2023
Kristin Hammett shares three key things for nonprofit development leaders to remember as they go into a season of donor meetings.
In Fundraising, Asking is an Invitation
August 25, 2023
Donors are asking where God is at work. As a fundraiser, your job is to point donors to the work God is doing—and invite them to join.
Start Early: Six Steps for Your Year-End Fundraising Campaign
August 4, 2023
Your nonprofit’s development work matters more than ever. With charitable giving down, now is the time to start year-end fundraising plans.
Engage Donors by Engaging Their Families
July 24, 2023
Talking about family generosity is a ministry to donors. Nonprofit fundraisers can strengthen donor relationships by asking good questions.
The Sky is Not Falling
May 26, 2023
Why reports about the 2022 decline in charitable giving doesn’t signal the end of days for your fundraising success — and what to do now.
Nonprofits: 3 Ways to Partner with The Signatry
May 3, 2023
To strengthen your nonprofit, learn 3 ways that The Signatry offers to partner with nonprofits to give them the tools to succeed.
Say Yes to Non-Cash Donations: How a Charity Fund Can Help
April 28, 2023
Your donors can expand their capacity to give through non-cash asset donations. Is your nonprofit ready to say yes to an asset gift?
Say Something
April 12, 2023
Donors may not know they can donate noncash assets. But you can say something. Tell them how they can minimize taxes and maximize generosity.
A Curiosity Mindset
April 5, 2023
As nonprofit development workers, what would happen if you took on a curiosity mindset, and practiced new curiosity with donors?
Giving Donors Context
March 10, 2023
As nonprofit development workers, what do donors need to hear in order to understand your work? It is about properly giving donors context.
Your Subject Matter Expertise Strengthens Your Donor Relationships
February 27, 2023
In times of uncertainty, donors seek expertise. Build trust in your donor relationships by serving as a subject matter expert for your cause.
Connecting with Major Donors as Partners
February 7, 2023
Major donors will help fuel your nonprofit's work, but how do you work with them as partners and develop the relationship?
You Don’t Need to Recruit Major Donors
February 3, 2023
Looking for major donors to invest in your work? Don’t forget to invest in current donors, too. Read 4 ways to strengthen those relationships.
Four Tips to Build Strong Connections with Donors
January 13, 2023
The top factor of a lasting donor commitment is if the donor feels valued & connected. Here are 4 tips to strengthen your donor connections.
How Nonprofit Success Can Serve You
January 10, 2023
The Signatry is serving nonprofit development in several ways. Partner with us to grow your development efforts through these resources.
Four Keys for the New Year
December 16, 2022
Turn to new strategies and principles for 2024. Kristin Hammett covers four keys to the new year for nonprofits.
How to Prepare for Year-End Giving
November 10, 2022
In light of the current giving climate, here are suggestions for nonprofit leaders to develop year end messaging and successful fundraising campaigns.
Following Your Shot at Year End
November 9, 2022
What to know for nonprofit development goals at year end, and a mindset for connecting with donors at year end.
Cash Isn’t Really King: Noncash Contribution Strategies
November 7, 2022
90% of America’s wealth is in noncash assets, yet the majority of giving is cash. Provide donors ways to be generous through noncash assets.
Donors Who Are Committed to Generosity
November 7, 2022
There are a group of donors - donor advised fundholders- who are committed to generosity. Learn how to ask those donors in the fourth quarter.
5 Tips to Connect with Donors in your Year-End Fundraising
October 21, 2022
Differentiate your ministry throughout year-end fundraising by practicing these healthy habits that are going to captivate donors' hearts.
Inspire Donors to Think Differently About Giving
October 12, 2022
How do you inspire donors in the fourth quarter? Development officers must communicate that your charity is here to solve the uncertainty.
4 Ways Fundraisers Can Connect with Donor Advised Funds
September 30, 2022
Donors who use DAFs are committed to living generously. Learn how your nonprofit can expand fundraising efforts by engaging DAF donors.
How Nonprofits Can Effectively Engage DAFs
September 14, 2022
Kristin Hammett shares four key items that nonprofits need to effectively engage DAFs in the fundraising at year-end.
Generous is Greater than Charitable
August 26, 2022
Why should nonprofits and donor advised fund users work together? DAFs appeal to anyone pursuing a generous life, not just the wealthy.
4 Reasons for the Importance of Donor Advised Funds for Nonprofits
August 9, 2022
Kristin Hammett shares four reasons for the importance of donor advised funds for nonprofits and their development work.
Four Keys for Fundraisers to Navigate Economic Uncertainty
July 29, 2022
As year-end fundraising plans are made, focus on sharing the impact of your work, but be transparent about the increasing costs you face.
Be Distinctive: One More Area for Nonprofit Leader Expertise
July 7, 2022
Kristin Hammett shares a key area where ministry leaders can have nonprofit expertise and increase the value of donor relationships.
Be Distinctive: Three Areas for Nonprofit Leader Expertise
July 7, 2022
Kristin Hammett shares three key areas where ministry leaders can have nonprofit expertise and increase the value of donor relationships.
Be Distinctive
June 24, 2022
Donors value the things that differentiate your nonprofit. Showing donors what makes you distinctive helps you serve well and create loyalty.
Your Nonprofit’s Wingman
June 6, 2022
When it comes to non-cash giving opportunities, The Signatry is here to be your wingman and resource your non-cash giving conversations.
Connecting the Dots Between Givers and Problem-Solvers
May 27, 2022
As a nonprofit leader, you are the connection between donors' resources and the problems you solve. How can you strengthen that connection?
Talk Business with Donors
May 17, 2022
As a nonprofit leader, you have donors who are also business owners. It's in your and their best interest for you to talk business with them.
Five Questions for Effective Communication
April 6, 2022
Communication isn’t about volume or reception. It’s about content. Check out the video for tips on effective communication for nonprofits.
Five Keys to Communicate Clearly
March 25, 2022
Charities do great work. Learn how to communicate your charity’s story with more clarity and build donor engagement.
Fundraising in the Face of Inflation
February 25, 2022
How do you communicate to donors about how inflation effects your work? Facing inflation in fundraising is made easier with these five steps.
Change the Conversation: Families in Fundraising
January 28, 2022
How do you encourage families in fundraising efforts? Charities can help families pass on values of generosity in fundraising conversations.
Tackle the Big Picture: Philosophy for Charities
December 31, 2021
It is time to think big picture with donors. Donors are more eager to see a charity's long-term vision that you might think.
Become an Authority in Three Key Ministry Areas
October 29, 2021
How do you help donors give as a ministry? Becoming an authority in 3 key ministry areas will help connect you to a permanent relationship.
Unshakably Growing Giving Amidst Global Shaking
October 21, 2021
Danya Jordan, Founder and CEO of Blessings Brokers, shares 8 practical, realistic, and effective ways to increase generosity to ministry during uncertain times.
Asking with Confidence
August 27, 2021
The Signatry covers the best things to keep in mind during the fundraising invitation to make sure you are asking with confidence.
Major Opportunities for Mid-Level Donors
July 30, 2021
How do ministries work with mid-level donors, and what should a mid-level donor plan look like to engage these active and loyal givers?
Small Events for Donor Engagement
June 25, 2021
Using small donor events in the post-pandemic world is a great opportunity for engaging donors with your ministry and mission.
Partnering in Generosity
May 28, 2021
Does your ministry need an effective partner in generosity? Boost charitable giving strategy and develop donors with The Signatry.
Three Opportunities for Greater Nonprofit Impact
April 30, 2021
The driver of nonprofit work is passion and impact. What are opportunities that you may be missing for greater nonprofit impact?
Take a Test Drive
March 26, 2021
Ministries are seeing a large uptick in the amount of DAF donations. Take a test drive with a donor advised fund to learn more about them.
Strategic Steps in the Next Phase of Normal
February 26, 2021
We are moving into the next phase of normal. From the pandemic to politics to weather extremes and cultural shifts, our world is moving at a fast pace. It is important we all stay nimble and alert, so we can pivot and adjust as necessary.
Six Steps for a Thriving Major Donor Program in 2021
January 29, 2021
A process for working to challenge donors to get involved and returning their investment as a ministry to generate a thriving 2021 program.
A New 20/20 Focus
December 18, 2020
Connecting with Donors’ December Spirit
November 27, 2020
Many worthy causes are clamoring for attention from the same group of donors. How do you ensure you are heard? As you engage donors in this critical time, consider these communication tips.
Problem to Solution: Creating Opportunity for Donors
October 23, 2020
As ministries work with donors in year-end, there are many tools available to provide efficiency, tax benefits, and solutions for donors. You can provide value to your donors by bringing new ideas and charitable strategies to the table.
Something to Talk About: Keys of Donor Connection
September 25, 2020
Connecting and relating to donors is imperative. Human connection is powerful, and it should be done with purpose in nonprofit development.
Flip the Script: Year-End Planning
August 28, 2020
Year-end giving is upon us. Okay, at least the planning part is. If you do not have a year-end giving plan yet, my advice is to get one. If you do, my advice is to adjust it.
4 Keys to Foster Major Donor Relationships
July 24, 2020
Focus on what you can control in your major donor cultivation work. You must create the right environment for your relationship with major donors to thrive.
Potential in the Middle
June 26, 2020
Unfortunately, in donor development, the “middle” donors are often forgotten. While mid-level donors may not represent a big segment of a ministry’s database, they do present an opportunity for relationship, engagement, and growth.
Pocket Tools and Purpose
May 22, 2020
Dr. Bruce Wilkinson and his wife Darlene were looking for a way to give more freely to those in need. 1 Timothy 6:18, “ready to give, willing to share” was the catalyst for them as they developed the “God pocket” concept. They committed an amount...
Engaging Major Donors Amid Crisis
May 1, 2020
As you rethink your major donor engagement plans in this new season, now is the time for action. Starting with deepening relationships and engaging people with vision will provide a solid start to your major donor strategy.
How Do You Measure Your Ministry’s Impact?
March 27, 2020
Donors and stakeholders of any organization want to know their investment is reaping a harvest. In order to demonstrate success, your ministry must use a variety of metrics to show its impact.
Four Keys to a Development Culture
February 28, 2020
Over the past month, I have had several interactions with many service providers – a contractor, a design firm, two hospitals, several physician offices, a specialty retailer, and the list goes on.
Four Ways to Clarify Your Message
January 24, 2020
One of my biggest mistakes as a development officer was continually trying to put a different spin on my message. I looked for creative ways to say the same thing. I didn’t want donors to get bored hearing the “same old thing.” In my efforts to be creative, I think I often confused the message and confused donors.
Finish Strong
November 29, 2019
We have just celebrated Thanksgiving, Giving Tuesday takes place in just a few days, and Christmas and New Years are right around the corner. This is a busy time of year. In addition to the holiday...
Three Year-End Communication Tips
November 1, 2019
The cool nip of fall is in the air, the crunch of leaves is underfoot, and the first snow may have already blanketed the ground. These signs, along with our calendars, tell us that the year is drawing...
Maximizing the Middle
September 27, 2019
Are you a middle child? Do you have a middle child? Middle children commonly share they don’t get enough attention, or they don't "fit" in the family. I have three kids of my own. My husband a...
Reclaiming Joy
August 2, 2019
Going Beyond Cash: The New Era in Fundraising
June 28, 2019
As a ministry, an obvious part of your role is to raise funds. What you may not know is the variety of options that donors have to give from! There are two options offered by The Signatry which may be helpful to you and your donors. They are...
Creating a Ministry Marketing Strategy
May 31, 2019
How you present and represent your ministry matters. Hopefully, this is an obvious truth, one which you and your team are already aware of. In case you haven’t given it so much thought, here...
3 Ways to Connect with Donors
May 3, 2019
In our increasingly fast-paced, high-demand culture, ministries find it more necessary and critical than ever to make as many connection points as possible with donors. This development should not be focused merely on stewarding financial resources – it is also a way to...
Key Insights Into a Major Donor Plan
March 29, 2019
Ministries have been entrusted with a calling to serve their communities and God’s Kingdom and challenged to fund that work effectively. Major donors, entrusted with God’s...
Purposeful Events—Move from Transaction to Transformation
March 1, 2019
Events are powerful in building relationships, awareness, and loyalty with your donors. Whether it is a banquet, retreat, golf...
Making Donors the Hero of Your Story
January 1, 2019
We all see things from our own perspective. Donors do too. They see through their own lens of experience and perspective. To...
Creating a Culture of Development
December 28, 2018
When you think about the development role, those might be the idealistic synonyms that come to mind. However, more often than not, we think about...