As Good as It Gives: America’s Philanthropy Today

Giving USA numbers and beyond

Chicago | June 23, 2017

Alford Group and the Chicago Architecture Foundation hosted a morning of coffee and conversation.

Who is giving in America today? How much? And why? We presented the latest insights and trends around philanthropy in America, as well as laid out and discussed the most effective strategies to engage the next generation of donors.

Bringing together philanthropists and experts from the private, social and academic sectors, we spent the morning building on the data and trends in the Giving USA 2017 report.  We shared context and counsel to inform the way leading organizations seek philanthropic support in the coming year.

Email LuCinda Hohmann at lhohmann@alford.com for a copy of the presentation slides.

Key Speakers:

Dr. Michael Moody, the Frey Foundation Chair for Family Philanthropy at the Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University, will share insights from his research on what drives giving among the next generation of donors. His new book Generation Impact: How Next Gen Donors Are Revolutionizing Giving comes out October 15, 2017. Read Full Bio

Brenda B. Asare, President and CEO of Alford Group, will moderate our program and lead our experts and audience members through a thought-provoking and motivating morning. Read Full Bio

Sharon Tiknis and Diane Knoepke, both of Alford Group, will share perspectives on what is behind and beyond the Giving USA 2017 report findings. Sharon and Diane will present highlights from the report by prompting participants to consider specific actions they can take based on the current and expected state of American philanthropy.

Sharon Tiknis Full Bio
Diane Knoepke Full Bio

Laura Coy, Director of Community Engagement with William Blair will moderate a panel of next generation philanthropists. Read Full Bio.

Panelists included:

  • Chanel Coney, Director of Marketing with Chicago Fundamental Investment Partners, featured in Crain’s Chicago Business “20 in their 20s”
  • Phillip K. Robinson, Research Associate with William Blair, background in financial and business analysis