6 Trends to Watch in Philanthropy and Fundraising in 2023

By Alexis Cooke, Greg Whitney, Jaron Bernstein, Lieve Hendren, Mariah Hickey and Shay Upadhyay

The world  is changing rapidly and it can be a challenge to stay informed and strategize around frequent shifts. We asked our consultants to tell us what they believe are the most pressing trends in philanthropy to keep on the radar and to share their advice on how to stay ahead of the curve.

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3 Ways to Activate Allyship in Black History Month

By Brenda Asare, President & CEO

Black History Month is an opportunity to evaluate your organization’s relationship to diversity, equity and inclusion through active allyship. Read about 3 major ways to center your allyship throughout the year. 

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The Case for Equity-Centered Philanthropy: How to Collect and Utilize Demographic Data

By Mary Hackett, Vice President

Fundraisers often don’t believe that they can have a significant impact on their organization’s journey toward diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Here’s the truth: development professionals play a critical role! You have a unique superpower that can play the role of disruptor: your donor data.

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Fundraising Operations: Take Your Organization to the Next Level

By Mary Hackett, Vice President

It’s that time of the year again. The leaves are changing colors, the aroma of pumpkin spice is in the air and year-end giving is once again upon us.

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Five Practical Steps to Diversify your Board of Directors

By JoAnn Yoshimoto, Senior Consultant

Before we plunge into the practical “how-to” ideas, let’s consider a few often-ignored questions: Why are we even having this conversation? Why does board diversity matter? Continue reading “Five Practical Steps to Diversify your Board of Directors”

Giving USA: What Lies Ahead for Philanthropy in America

By Araceli Duran, Business Development Associate

Alford Group hosted a webinar that looked at some of the key findings from the new Giving USA report and invited expert panelists to discuss the current state of giving in the country. Continue reading “Giving USA: What Lies Ahead for Philanthropy in America”

Effective Storytelling: 4 Tips to Best Engage Your Audience

By Mariah Fosnight, CFRE, Consultant and Doug Wallack, Client Service Associate

For over 40 years, Alford Group has tested the effectiveness of written material with a variety of stakeholders (donors, volunteers, partners, community leaders, foundation and corporate funders, etc.) for nonprofit organizations ranging in size, sector, lifecycle stage and geography.

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The Philanthropic Paradox in Donor Communication: Change is the only constant, with ONE big exception

By JoAnn Yoshimoto (CFRE 2000-2021), Senior Consultant

The explosion of online communications channels, expanding new technologies and a younger population is a reality to be reckoned with. Add to those trends the new and exciting fundraising results from online giving, and the projected $8.8 trillion transfer of wealth by 2027, and it’s easy to leap to the conclusion that the wave to catch and surf to the land of opportunity is digital. However, let’s look closely at compelling opportunities, documented results and stated donor preferences before we take the plunge.

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5 trends to inform your 2022 fundraising campaign strategy

By Mariah Fosnight, CFRE, Consultant

With the help of the cast of Friends, Mariah Hickey shares 5 major trends that every nonprofit should be tracking for their campaign efforts.

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Service Spotlight: Executive Coaching

By Maree G. Bullock, Vice President, and Lieve Hendren, CFRE, Consultant

Every person in the world who has competed at the highest level of athletics, music or a skilled trade has had a coach. They’ve also relied on the knowledge, skill and expertise of quality mentors to push, challenge and motivate them. In the nonprofit community, we all know it takes equally as much skill and training to be successful, whether you’re leading, managing or raising funds to move your organization closer to reaching its mission. Executive coaching helps leaders cultivate confidence in their own leadership and effectively grow their organizations to new heights.

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