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

Posted on by Alford Group

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.

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

Uncharted Waters: Simple Steps for Strategic Planning

Posted on by Lieve Buzard

By Sharon Tiknis, Executive Vice President & East Division Manager and Lieve Buzard, Senior Client Service Associate

“The only thing that is constant is change.”

― Heraclitus.

Today organizations face new challenges posed by technology, economic trends and uncertain regulatory environments. How can nonprofit leadership rise to meet these demands? Just as the captain of a ship doesn’t look to the waves in order to navigate, your organization is well-steered by strategic thinking.

A strategic plan can transform your organization from surviving to thriving under the guiding star of a strategic plan. Without a clear vision or strategic objective, it will be difficult to generate volunteer enthusiasm and energy for the work necessary to make the weeks, months and years ahead a success.

Continue reading “Uncharted Waters: Simple Steps for Strategic Planning”

Effective Donor Communication Strategies During COVID-19

Posted on by Alford Group

Moderator: Brenda B. Asare, President and CEO, Alford Group

Panelists:

  • Alyssa Conrardy, President and Co-founder, Prosper Strategies
  • Cara Gosse, Vice President of Communications and Development, Family Services of Northeast Wisconsin
  • Kathy Schaeffer, Kathy Schaeffer Consulting, LLC

COVID-19: Four lessons learned in crisis management

Posted on by Alford Group

By Mary Kaufman-Cranney, CFRE, Vice President

As seasoned fundraising consultants at Alford Group, we can say there’s never been anything like COVID-19. However, we have helped our clients through many crises over our 40-year history and the lessons we’ve learned can be applied to today’s challenges.

Since the outbreak hit, my colleagues and I have been working around the clock with clients who are scrambling to transition to this new virtual reality, all while trying to maintain fundraising momentum. This crisis is affecting organizations in a wide variety of ways. Some organizations are experiencing a survival crisis, others are working to raise the additional funds needed to match the increase in demand for their services, and others are pulling out all the stops to not skip a beat as they move forward with their campaigns.

Continue reading “COVID-19: Four lessons learned in crisis management”

COVID-19 Stimulus Bill Includes Charitable Giving Incentives: What This Means for Donors

Posted on by Alford Group

By Jennifer Shin, MBA, CFRE, Consultant – LinkedIn

Over the past few weeks, we’ve held our breath as Congress worked to pass a $2.2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act or “stimulus package”) on Friday, March 20, 2020. While the enduring impact of COVID-19 and the reach of this package is not yet known, nonprofits across the sector are looking to this bill to find answers in its many provisions, from forgivable emergency loan programs to direct cash infusions.

Meanwhile, nonprofits have focused on communicating to their supporters at all levels as they’ve had to make very difficult decisions and invited philanthropists to join them in finding solutions. Please check out the message by Alford Group’s President and CEO Brenda Asare that outlines ways some organizations have leaned in and facilitated deep and meaningful conversations around the community.

Now, let’s take a focused look at the varying charitable giving incentives for individuals and what this means for donors. Continue reading “COVID-19 Stimulus Bill Includes Charitable Giving Incentives: What This Means for Donors”

A New Philanthropic Landscape: Navigate confidently through COVID-19

Posted on by Alford Group

A Message from Brenda B. Asare, President and CEO, Alford Group

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) has created unexpected challenges and new daily realities for your organization. While this is uncharted territory for all of us, we know that the need for your services and programs continues and Alford Group stands ready to be your partner through this difficult time.

One reality that is not new is that Americans are generous – in good times and bad. That history of generosity has enabled us to weather challenges and come through difficult times stronger.

In recent meetings with many organizations we are helping clients navigate and create strategic approaches to meet increased demands for services, pivot on special events and engage with donors in meaningful ways. Over the past 40 years, Alford Group has helped our clients navigate through national crisis, economic downturns and organizational challenges.

The most important thing to remember is that your donors and volunteers care about you and your mission. They want to know how they can help your organization. Here are some proactive steps – and specific strategies being implemented by our clients – to consider.

Continue reading “A New Philanthropic Landscape: Navigate confidently through COVID-19”

2020 Census: Nonprofits Step Up to the Challenge

Posted on by Alford Group

By Amy Hines, Senior Vice President

It’s hard to believe that 10 years have passed since the last census and it’s more important than ever to make sure everyone is counted. Nonprofit organizations have a major stake in ensuring that the right level of funding is budgeted based on the results of this census.

“There are serious concerns that children under five years old may be missed, as well as other vulnerable populations who were undercounted in the last census conducted in 2010,” says Brenda B. Asare, President of Alford Group. “A lot is at stake for the next decade and we need our trusted community leaders and nonprofit organizations to help spread the word.”

The Census Impacts Us All

The constitution requires the U.S. government to count the number of people living in the country every 10 years, which directly impacts how much federal funding is allocated based on population. This data informs an estimated $675 billion in federal funding to state agencies and nonprofits across the country to provide:

Continue reading “2020 Census: Nonprofits Step Up to the Challenge”

Getting the Most From Your Upcoming Anniversary

Posted on by Alford Group

By Mary Kaufman-Cranney, CFRE, Vice President

During my tenure as the head of development with the YMCA of Greater Seattle, I was lucky enough to be there for the organization’s 125th anniversary.

As the 120th year of the YMCA of Greater Seattle loomed ahead, I asked our public relations volunteers if we should start getting ready to celebrate. Their reply? A resounding, “No! Save it for the big one at 125 – but start planning now.”

“Five years out?” I thought to myself. “That  seems crazy!” But as we started to explore the significance of the 125th and realize that no update had been done on our history timeline since the 100th – not to mention electronically capturing our history and thousands of photos dating back to the late 1800s – we had lots to do. Continue reading “Getting the Most From Your Upcoming Anniversary”

Reflection Guide: What can you learn (and improve upon) from your 2018 Year-End Fundraising results?

Posted on by Alford Group

By Mary Hackett, Associate Vice President and Wendy Hatch, CFRE, Vice President

You’ve made it through the busiest time of year for gift-giving! The ever-challenging journey of Year-End Fundraising might have thrown you a curveball or two, taken you down a path that wasn’t anticipated, or went exactly as planned with minimal hiccups.

Now comes the time for reflection.

Like any experience, it’s important to assess it before the memory becomes fuzzy. Below are some questions to get the juices flowing. So, gather your team and sit down to have a candid, eyes-wide-open conversation.

Let’s start with the anecdotal side.

Answer these questions: Continue reading “Reflection Guide: What can you learn (and improve upon) from your 2018 Year-End Fundraising results?”

Community Foundations: Wondering How to Grow Your Asset Base?

Posted on by Alford Group

The 4 Things You Must Do First

By Jamie Phillippe, CFRE, Vice President with Lieve Buzard, Client Service Associate

Growing the asset base of a community foundation means the foundation will have an even larger impact on the community it serves. With more assets and resources, the foundation is able to support more nonprofit organizations (or the same organizations at a higher level) and collectively solve community problems and increase the quality of life for community members.

Often times, community foundations run campaigns to increase gifts from individuals, families, and corporations. There are FOUR THINGS that a foundation must do prior to undertaking a campaign to increase its asset base.

Where does your foundation stand in relation to these four elements?

#1 Strategic Plan

A comprehensive strategic plan must be in place to provide a road map, to provide credibility, and to provide a sense of urgency to the entire effort. Continue reading “Community Foundations: Wondering How to Grow Your Asset Base?”

Getting the Most From Your Upcoming Anniversary

Posted on by Alford Group

By Mary Kaufman-Cranney, CFRE, Vice President

During my tenure as the head of development with the YMCA of Greater Seattle, I was lucky enough to be there for the organization’s 125th anniversary.

As the 120th year of the YMCA of Greater Seattle loomed ahead, I asked our public relations volunteers if we should start getting ready to celebrate. Their reply? A resounding, “No! Save it for the big one at 125 – but start planning now.”

“Five years out?” I thought to myself. “That  seems crazy!” But as we started to explore the significance of the 125th and realize that no update had been done on our history timeline since the 100th – not to mention electronically capturing our history and thousands of photos dating back to the late 1800s – we had lots to do. Continue reading “Getting the Most From Your Upcoming Anniversary”