The Ask
In a Field Plagued by Burnout, Can This Consulting Firm Change the Culture of Fundraising?
The industry of people offering advice for fundraisers may rival the profession itself. Between consultants (on and offline), books, blog posts and the volume of opinions offered by nonprofessionals — including nonprofit leadership, board members, … [Read more...] about In a Field Plagued by Burnout, Can This Consulting Firm Change the Culture of Fundraising?
Crappy Funding Practices Gives Nonprofit Staff a Chance to Vent. It Might Also Make a Difference
Every fundraising professional has horror stories about the frequently nonsensical, time- and money-consuming, and even demoralizing process of applying for grants and managing funders’ expectations. But the power imbalance between grantors and … [Read more...] about Crappy Funding Practices Gives Nonprofit Staff a Chance to Vent. It Might Also Make a Difference
Universities Raised a Staggering Amount of Money Last Fiscal Year, Despite a Tepid Stock Market
The Council for Advancement and Support of Education just released key findings from its annual Voluntary Support of Education survey, an industry standard for showing how money is flowing across the higher ed sector. And while CASE will publish a … [Read more...] about Universities Raised a Staggering Amount of Money Last Fiscal Year, Despite a Tepid Stock Market
“The Time Is Now.” How a Matching Gift Scholarship Challenge Came Together at Juilliard
Some of the world’s most promising musicians, dancers and actors study at the Juilliard School in New York City. But like so many other students pursuing an elite education, they don’t always have the financial means to easily pay their way. For one … [Read more...] about “The Time Is Now.” How a Matching Gift Scholarship Challenge Came Together at Juilliard
How a Philanthropic Advisor Helps Hesitant Wealthy Donors Level Up Their Giving
When it comes to philanthropy carried out by a certain segment of wealthy donors, “the pause” is all too real, according to Erinn Andrews, founder and CEO of philanthropic advisory firm GiveTeam. Often, Andrews says, donors postpone embarking on … [Read more...] about How a Philanthropic Advisor Helps Hesitant Wealthy Donors Level Up Their Giving
How a Storied Arts and Humanities Institution Is Finding Support on Both Sides of the Atlantic
The American Academy in Rome may be the most significant cultural institution you’ve never heard of. Established in 1894 and chartered by an Act of Congress in 1905, AAR grants the prestigious Rome Prize to about 30 of the nation’s leading artists … [Read more...] about How a Storied Arts and Humanities Institution Is Finding Support on Both Sides of the Atlantic
A Tough Nut to Crack: Reflecting on the Delicate Dance of Holiday Fundraising
Editor’s note: In our annual holiday post from Karen Brooks Hopkins, the president emerita of Brooklyn Academy of Music shares some end-of-the-year reflections from her career in fundraising. You can read Karen’s previous posts here.Holiday shows at … [Read more...] about A Tough Nut to Crack: Reflecting on the Delicate Dance of Holiday Fundraising
“A Massive Problem to Solve.” How Can Museums Engage Next-Generation Donors?
In May, a New York Times analysis found that the Silent Generation and the baby boomers will pass down $84 trillion to millennial and Gen X heirs through 2045, $16 trillion of which will be transferred within the next decade. The financial … [Read more...] about “A Massive Problem to Solve.” How Can Museums Engage Next-Generation Donors?
A “Pretty Severe Education” in Raising Capital Dollars: What It Took to Get NYC’s Civic Hall Funded
On November 1, New York City Mayor Eric Adams and a host of community leaders celebrated the grand opening of Civic Hall at Union Square, a digital skills training center aimed at cultivating an “inclusive talent pipeline for family-sustaining jobs” … [Read more...] about A “Pretty Severe Education” in Raising Capital Dollars: What It Took to Get NYC’s Civic Hall Funded
How This Nationwide Matching Gift Campaign Galvanizes Support for Nonprofit News Outlets
In a recent chat, outgoing Institute for Nonprofit News (INN) President and CEO Sue Cross said that when she assumed the role in 2015, most newsrooms were started by journalists with minimal nonprofit management experience. Now, in a testament to … [Read more...] about How This Nationwide Matching Gift Campaign Galvanizes Support for Nonprofit News Outlets
Why Estate Planning Matters for LGBTIQ Donors and Causes
As the Silent Generation and baby boomers age, an estimated $73 trillion will be passed on to younger generations in the greatest wealth transfer in history — with an additional significant increase in planned and estate gifts to charities over the … [Read more...] about Why Estate Planning Matters for LGBTIQ Donors and Causes
Queer Fundraisers Need You Now
With over 500 pieces of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation proposed in the United States and a travel warning from our Canadian neighbors for LGBTQ+ travelers entering the states, I’m scared for what this means for my front-line fundraising … [Read more...] about Queer Fundraisers Need You Now
My Journey to a Smarter Ask
Let me set the scene. A gift officer has a solid relationship with a major donor and thinks they are prepared to make an ask. Extensive research has been collected on the donor, including their philanthropic capacity estimate and whatever else could … [Read more...] about My Journey to a Smarter Ask
New Resources to Help Fundraisers Connect With Women Donors
The pool of major donors is becoming more diverse overall, and women, in particular, are a powerful force in philanthropy. Research has shown that women are more likely to give, and give more, than men. And yet, as in so many fields, fundraising … [Read more...] about New Resources to Help Fundraisers Connect With Women Donors
How Can Nonprofits Access the Fortune Sitting in Community Foundation DAF Accounts?
This post was originally published on March 7, 2023.Earlier this year, I was speaking to a philanthropist who was trying to drum up support for his cause from regional funders. He said he wasn’t having much luck, so I asked him if he had connected … [Read more...] about How Can Nonprofits Access the Fortune Sitting in Community Foundation DAF Accounts?
Funders Don’t Often Back Volunteer Engagement. Can Nonprofits Convince Them It’s Worthwhile?
One of the underreported impacts the pandemic had on nonprofits was the extent to which it inhibited their ability to engage and retain volunteers. In the early days of the crisis, organizations canceled as many as 93% of all volunteer opportunities, … [Read more...] about Funders Don’t Often Back Volunteer Engagement. Can Nonprofits Convince Them It’s Worthwhile?
With the Help of Local Donors, a Children’s Health Campaign is Edging Closer to a Big Goal
Intermountain Health is closing in on a $600 million fundraising goal, described by the health system as “the most ambitious philanthropic initiative ever undertaken” to improve children’s health in Utah and the surrounding region. Launched in … [Read more...] about With the Help of Local Donors, a Children’s Health Campaign is Edging Closer to a Big Goal
IP Explainer: Should Foundation Payout Be Higher?
What’s the difference between a grant and a gift—and how do you get one? How do foundations work? What’s all this about 501(c)(3)s versus (c)(4)s? These are just a few of the questions that might be running through your mind if you’re new to the … [Read more...] about IP Explainer: Should Foundation Payout Be Higher?
IP Explainer: What is a Donor Collaborative?
What’s the difference between a grant and a gift—and how do you get one? How do foundations work? What’s all this about 501(c)(3)s versus (c)(4)s? These are just a few of the questions that might be running through your mind if you’re new to the … [Read more...] about IP Explainer: What is a Donor Collaborative?
Sometimes Things Just Work Out: A Fundraiser’s Tale of Year-End Optimism
Editor’s note: This is the sixth annual holiday post from Karen Brooks Hopkins, in which the president emerita of Brooklyn Academy of Music shares some end-of-the-year reflections from her career in fundraising. You can read Karen’s previous posts … [Read more...] about Sometimes Things Just Work Out: A Fundraiser’s Tale of Year-End Optimism
How Can We Ensure the World of Social Impact Data Lives Up to Its Potential?
It's difficult to understate the possibility and potential that social impact data holds: easier, more efficient grant applications, unparalleled collaboration, more equitable grantmaking, and ultimately, more impactful giving. This year, top players … [Read more...] about How Can We Ensure the World of Social Impact Data Lives Up to Its Potential?
What Are Conservation, Pollution and Ag Funders Looking For Right Now? Fundraisers Weigh In
Most fundraisers leave their jobs within two years — and often change sectors with each new position. Tona Simpson, however, has been with Ducks Unlimited for 17 years. Now the managing director of foundation relations for the Memphis, … [Read more...] about What Are Conservation, Pollution and Ag Funders Looking For Right Now? Fundraisers Weigh In
Though Giving Remained Strong Amid Crisis, COVID, Inflation and Other Woes Gutted Many Nonprofits
In the aftermath of the most acute phases of the COVID pandemic, thanks to a surge in charitable giving and government aid, it appeared that most nonprofits had avoided going under. Organizations were emerging from the crisis “wounded, but still … [Read more...] about Though Giving Remained Strong Amid Crisis, COVID, Inflation and Other Woes Gutted Many Nonprofits
Think Tank Leaders Don’t Lack for Ideas, But Fundraising Can Still Be Brutal
A lot of money is sloshing around in the nonprofit world these days, but there are distinct differences in how donors from the right and left approach philanthropy — especially when it comes to trying to change public policy. Consider the giving … [Read more...] about Think Tank Leaders Don’t Lack for Ideas, But Fundraising Can Still Be Brutal
Fundraisers for Economic Justice See Challenges and Opportunities in a Historic Moment
Organizations working toward economic justice are finding their work has taken center stage, as the pandemic exacerbated and exposed deep financial insecurity among many Americans, and as concerns over income inequality, racial injustice and our … [Read more...] about Fundraisers for Economic Justice See Challenges and Opportunities in a Historic Moment
Charities Aiding Immigrants and Refugees Fare Better When They Raise Money from Private Sources
Many American charities that work to help immigrants and refugees have learned the importance of raising money the hard way. Many such organizations rely heavily on government aid and, to a lesser extent, on charging fees for services such as helping … [Read more...] about Charities Aiding Immigrants and Refugees Fare Better When They Raise Money from Private Sources
Inside the Hunt for Philanthropy Talent
Recruitment for a senior job in philanthropy or fundraising might seem like a straightforward process: A job opens up, resumes are submitted, and, eventually, someone is hired for the role. What people don’t see is the involvement of key … [Read more...] about Inside the Hunt for Philanthropy Talent
How Fundraisers for Filmmaking Adapted During the Pandemic
Throughout the pandemic, organizations devoted to filmmaking continued funding the creation of new work, while shifting how that work was shared with audiences and donors alike, relying more on virtual screenings and festivals. We recently spoke with … [Read more...] about How Fundraisers for Filmmaking Adapted During the Pandemic
How Smart Tech Can Help Democratize Philanthropy
Stop us if you’ve heard this one before: A new technology walks into an organization and says, “I’m here to solve all your problems!” Yup, you have. We get it, the last generation of digital tech, particularly email and social media, created a … [Read more...] about How Smart Tech Can Help Democratize Philanthropy
