Tools, tips and information for nonprofits
Founded in 1919, Ada S. McKinley Community Services is a trusted provider of integrated human services across Chicago and the Midwest. Through a long-standing partnership with Alford Group, Ada strengthened its fundraising capacity, expanded behavioral health crisis services, and advanced its mission with the opening of a new Multi-Service Center in Englewood—broadening equitable access to care for children, youth, families, and adults.
Gratitude is often treated as a reflex rather than a discipline. In this reflection, Sharon Tiknis explores gratitude as a strategic choice—one that sharpens learning, deepens accountability, and sustains purpose in nonprofit leadership. Practiced with intention, gratitude becomes a powerful tool for reflection, organizational clarity, and long-term impact, even amid uncertainty and change.
The great wealth transfer and generational shifts are transforming philanthropy, and nonprofits are asking how to connect with the donors of tomorrow. This blog explores four actionable ways your organization can engage Gen Z and Millennial supporters—through digital giving, storytelling, social media presence, and thoughtful donor evaluation. Start building the relationships that will sustain your mission for decades to come.
Change is no longer a temporary challenge for nonprofits—it’s the new normal. From shifting funding streams to evolving community needs, organizations must learn to adapt without losing focus. This blog explores how a structured, people-centered approach to change management can help nonprofits navigate uncertainty, strengthen engagement, and achieve lasting impact.
Adaptive leaders know that organizational success starts with strong, motivated teams. In this blog, Alford Group’s Alexis Cook shares five essential characteristics of high-performing teams—trust, communication, clarity, engagement, and shared goals—and how leaders can strengthen each one. Explore practical frameworks like RACI, DACI, and the Adaptive Leaders Toolkit to help your team embrace change, build resilience, and move forward with confidence.
"Nonprofit leaders can no longer rely on static, three-to-five-year plans. Adaptive planning—built on modular strategy, scenario planning, and financial resilience—helps organizations stay steady in uncertainty, responsive to change, and transparent with donors."
Are you winging it with grant applications — juggling deadlines, unclear roles, and missed opportunities? A strategic, well-structured approach to grant writing can help your organization build stronger funder relationships, streamline processes, and secure more stable funding. In this post, we share practical steps to establish team alignment, identify funders, strengthen connections, and plan ahead so you can move from scrambling to soaring with your grants strategy.
