We are thrilled you’re here! In the posts below, you will find resources, updates, news, and information about a variety of topics in philanthropy and the social sector. Enjoy!

Future-proof Your Mission: How to Engage Five Generations of Donors

Posted on by Anna Cai

Online Webinar

November 6, 12:30 p.m. EST, 11:30 a.m. CST, 9:30 a.m. PST  | 60 minutes

REGISTER HERE

Giving from individuals continues to make up the largest portion of philanthropy in America, powering the missions of countless nonprofits. But winning the attention of the specific individuals most inclined to support your mission is more challenging than ever. With audience-centric strategies—informed by data—you can achieve better resonance and activate greater generosity.

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Celebrating Women Leaders: Chicago Women in Philanthropy

Posted on by Anna Cai

Interview by Shay Upadhyay (5 minute read)

Chicago Women in Philanthropy (CWIP) is a community of philanthropic, corporate-giving and nonprofit women whose members are passionate about helping other women advance in society. Meet two of these women who are nothing short of powerhouses in the Chicago philanthropy scene and, among many roles, serve as Board Co-Chairs for CWIP.  Clare and Lindsey sat down with Shay Upadhyay, Client Service Associate at Alford Group to share their insights about this important work.

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7 Ways to Increase Nonprofit Success as a Community Foundation Leader

Posted on by Anna Cai

Blog post by Lieve Hendren (3.5 minute read)

In the face of unprecedented challenges brought by COVID-19 and calls for racial justice, Community Foundations stand at a pivotal juncture. In this blog, Senior Consultant Lieve Hendren, CFRE, ACC, C-SHRM delves into seven strategic approaches Community Foundations can adopt to amplify their influence and steer their communities toward lasting positive change.

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3 Benefits of a Development Assessment You Don’t Want to Miss

Posted on by Anna Cai

Blog post by Greg Whitney (3 minute read)

Vice President Greg Whitney describes what can be gained from embarking on a development assessment and the long-lasting impacts the process has on the health and success of your nonprofit organization.

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Client Spotlight: YWCA Metro Chicago Sustains Growth with Development Assessment

Posted on by Anna Cai

Client spotlight, (3 minute read)

Over the past several years, YWCA Metro Chicago has expanded its service footprint to embrace the needs of women and families in new geographies, doubled its budget size and welcomed a new President and CEO, Nicole Robinson. Given these changes, Alford Group was engaged to conduct a development assessment to identify ways to build on their strengths while ensuring sustained growth.

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Unveiling the Vision: Sharing Your Strategic Plan with Your Community

Posted on by Anna Cai

Interview by Madisyn Fairchild, Client Service Associate (4 minute read)

Jessica Paulsen from Distinctive Schools sits down with Client Service Associate Madisyn Fairchild to share the behind-the-scenes of how the organization communicated their new strategic plan with the community they serve.

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Challenging the Narrative: Intersectionality in the Workplace

Posted on by Anna Cai

Group Interview by Anh Vo, Meg Schroeder and Thandi Cai (9 minute read)

Team members Anh Vo, Meg Schroeder and Thandi Cai share their experiences of navigating the intersectionality of their identities in the nonprofit space. They explore honest partnerships and equity-centered practices by discussing their personal experiences and envisioning what a truly inclusive work environment looks like.

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Giving by Foundations: Trends and Insights

Posted on by Anna Cai

Online Webinar

This webinar and panel discussion demystifies the latest trends in philanthropy and provides insights on how to engage donors in this new giving landscape. Alford Group presents the numbers and an expert panel of sector leaders share their own experiences in growing donor support.

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QGiv’s Giving USA 2023 Webinar

Posted on by Anna Cai

Online Webinar (60 minutes)

America’s response to the COVID pandemic over the last few years and the pandemic’s coinciding economic repercussions have changed the landscape of philanthropy in America. Hosted by Qgiv, our consultants Michelle Bibbs and Jaron Bernstein presented the recently released Giving USA report looking back at giving in 2022.  Continue reading “QGiv’s Giving USA 2023 Webinar”

I Get By With a Little Help From AI: 4 Ways to Use ChatGPT in Your Fundraising 

Posted on by Anna Cai

By Mariah Hickey, CFRE, Senior Consultant

With stress and burnout as the leading causes for nonprofit staff turnover, organizations are looking to AI to lighten their fundraising workloads. Are you wondering how to tap into this new resource, too? Senior Consultant Mariah Hickey shares 4 easy ways to use ChatGPT in your fundraising practice. 

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Celebrating AANHPI Women Leaders: Interview with Jennifer Li Dotson

Posted on by Anna Cai

By Anh Vo, Chief Culture Officer and Thandi Cai, Marketing Associate

In honor of AANHPI Heritage Month, Chief Culture Officer Anh Vo dives into what it means to be a woman leader of Asian descent in the nonprofit space with former Vice President of Philanthropy for the National Bureau of Asian Research and current AFP Global member, Jennifer Li Dotson. 

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