Tools, tips and information for nonprofits
Edith and Grace Abbott helped shape the foundation of modern social services by bridging research, policy, and practice during the Progressive Era. From child labor protections to federal safety net programs, their work transformed how the U.S. supports families and communities. More than a century later, their legacy offers a powerful reminder: progress requires persistence, collaboration, and a commitment to equity—especially in moments of uncertainty.
Community foundation leaders are navigating increasing complexity—from governance and stakeholder expectations to capacity and change. At AdNet 2026, we explored what it really takes to lead high-performing teams in this environment and why clarity, more than speed, is the critical differentiator.
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.
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.
Alford Group’s Moves Management Program Quiz Guide provides best practice informed actionable steps your team can take to strengthen your moves management program. This guide is based on your responses per core functional area: Strategy, Structure, Systems, Story, Style, Staff and Skills.
A strong moves management approach streamlines and aligns development efforts, increasing work efficiencies, maximizing staff time and centralizing relationship building activity to elevate transformational impact over transactional giving. Take our free quiz today to find out the strength of your development team’s moves management program.
