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!

Giving USA 2022: The Annual Report on Philanthropy

Posted on by Alford Group

Video Overview (8 minutes) by Karen Rotko-Wynn, CFRE, Chief Business Enterprise Officer, Alford Group

Learn the key takeaways from this year’s Giving USA report in this short video!

Giving USA Report Details
First published in 1956, Giving USA: The Annual Report on Philanthropy is the longest running, most comprehensive report on philanthropy in the United States. It is researched and written by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Alford Group is a longtime supporter of Giving USA and member of The Giving Institute.

Client Spotlight: LifeWire

Posted on by Alford Group
Groundbreaking ceremony for construction and renovations to begin May 2022

LifeWire is a Washington-based nonprofit that provides compassionate services, safe housing and hope to domestic violence (DV) survivors, children and families in need. LifeWire is the largest DV housing provider in King County, providing emergency and relocation services for survivors and their children who would otherwise have to remain in an abusive home or become homeless. They are recognized nationally as a leader in providing innovative, survivor-driven, trauma-informed care. Domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness for women and children in the nation. Continue reading “Client Spotlight: LifeWire”

Effective Storytelling: 4 Tips to Best Engage Your Audience

Posted on by Alford Group

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.

Over that time, we have identified aspects of effective storytelling that remain universally true. Below are four tips to keep in mind while crafting your prose.

Continue reading “Effective Storytelling: 4 Tips to Best Engage Your Audience”

Fundraising Data: 3 Secrets to Strong Reporting

Posted on by Alford Group

By Mary Hackett, Vice President

Your fundraising reports should be purposeful and engage your audiences. The right reports can drive better fundraising results and deploy different audiences to act in different ways. Many of our clients come to us when they are at their wit’s end with their reporting. Here is what they say:

  • “I’m frustrated because my monthly fundraising reports take 5x longer than they should.”
  • “I want to produce the right reports, but my database doesn’t exactly export what we need so there’s a lot of manipulation in Excel.”
  • “I don’t have the right visuals that spur conversation or action.”
  • “I’ve been producing the same reports for years and hardly anyone looks at them anymore.”

Continue reading “Fundraising Data: 3 Secrets to Strong Reporting”

The Challenges Serving the Homelessness – From a Fundraising Point of View (The Giving Institute)

Posted on by LuCinda Vacura

March 10 | Scottsdale, AZ | The Giving Institute Board Meeting

This panel included CEOs and CDOs of the region’s 3-5 leading homelessness serving organizations, funders, and government agencies. Participants reflected on the specific challenges and opportunities of serving the homeless from a fundraising point of view. We explored the complexity of today’s issues, including homelessness, housing insecurity, food insecurity, substance use disorder, domestic violence and trafficking, mental health, wealth inequality / distribution, racial and cultural inequality, social justice, COVID and more. We discussed how to build the case for support for a problem that cannot be solved by philanthropy alone, how to report impact when the long-term results are not known, and how to build the case for support for a problem that has no resolution (or at least one that has been achieved thus far).

Moderated by: Sharon Tiknis, Chief Client Experience Officer, Alford Group

Panelists:

  • Carla Vargas Jasa, President and CEO of Valley of the Sun United Way
  • Jacki Taylor, President and CEO of Save the Family Foundation of Arizona
  • Dede Divine, CEO of Native American Connections
  • Amy Schwabenlender, CEO of the Human Services Campus

 

AFP Chicago Virtual Workshop: Building Resiliency, Recalibrating Mission, and Deepening Impact

Posted on by Alford Group

Virtual Workshop | Online | January 21, 2022 | 12:00-1:15 p.m. CST

Building Resiliency, Recalibrating Mission, and Deepening Impact

As nonprofit organizations continue to adapt to the profound effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, strategic planning, collaborative relationships with board members, and a strong path forward is essential. Our panel of esteemed CEOs described their leadership journeys, shared how they have navigated their organizations to solid ground during the pandemic, and reflected on what is ahead for our sector. Attendees came away from this program understanding leadership principles that leverage change to advance mission and empowered to contribute to an organizational culture that overcomes challenges and articulates a clear, bold vision for the future.

Moderator:

Brenda B. Asare, President & CEO, Alford Group

Panelists:

Greg Cameron, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Joffrey Ballet

Jamal Malone, Chief Executive Officer, Ada S. McKinley Community Services

Bela Moté, Chief Executive Officer, the Carole Robertson Center for Learning

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

Digital versus print communication

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”

5 trends to inform your 2022 fundraising campaign strategy

Posted on by Alford Group

By Mariah Fosnight, CFRE, Consultant

Last year as the COVID-19 pandemic swept the globe and racial and social inequities were exacerbated and brought into the national spotlight, we nonprofit warriors “pivoted” and navigated “uncharted waters” during “unprecedented” times, while kindly asking our colleagues to “please unmute yourself.”

Although I always jump at the chance to reference Friends – “PIVOT! PIVOT!” – I’m happy to say these overused words and phrases are mostly behind us, mostly. (Plus, there are less cringe-worthy and more productive ways to reference Friends. Read on and you’ll see.)

Continue reading “5 trends to inform your 2022 fundraising campaign strategy”

America’s Transfer of Wealth: Why you should act now

Posted on by Alford Group

Webinar | December 8, 2021 

Recent research by LOCUS Impact Investing indicates that approximately $8.8 trillion dollars is projected to transfer from one generation to the next by 2027. With a growing precedent for giving back to the community, many individuals and families are making plans to leave assets to their chosen nonprofits. Are you one of them? Join this webinar to hear the latest statistics around this powerful transfer of wealth opportunity and learn what you can do to develop and/or enhance your organization’s planned giving program to ensure that your organization is well-positioned for success! You will hear from experts and leave with take-aways that you can put to use in your shop.

Moderator:

  • Karen Rotko-Wynn, CFRE, Chief Business Enterprise Officer, Alford Group

Panel:

  • Robin Callahan, CFRE, CAP, Vice President of Philanthropic Services, Greater Tacoma Community Foundation
  • Travis Green, Vice President, LOCUS Impact Investing
  • Janell Johnson, Philanthropic Advisor, Phila Engaged Giving

Slide Deck: Transfer of Wealth Webinar Presentation – Alford Group

Additional Resources:

Service Spotlight: Executive Coaching

Posted on by Alford Group

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.

Continue reading “Service Spotlight: Executive Coaching”

The Growing Power of DAFs: Here’s what you need to know

Posted on by Alford Group

By Jamie Philippe, CFRE, Vice President

Donor-advised funds, or DAFs, have been at the top of mind for many people since the release of the Giving USA report for philanthropy for the year 2020 (check out our blog here for an overview) and especially now with Giving USA’s groundbreaking report on DAFs which was released on November 11, 2021. DAFs have also received extra attention this year due to the bills that have been introduced in the U.S. Senate that aim to place new restrictions on DAFs. However, for many, there is a real lack of clarity around the current status of DAFs, and they raise more questions than answers.

For development professionals who oversee fundraising for their organization, the question is how to engage DAF-holders. Given the stunning growth in DAFs over the past five years, there are no signs of their popularity slowing down, so let’s unpack and demystify this hot trend. What are the rules around DAFs? What are the benefits of a DAF? How can your organization gain access to them?

Continue reading “The Growing Power of DAFs: Here’s what you need to know”