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 Connecticut Humane Society (CHS), the state’s oldest and most comprehensive animal welfare organization, set out to build a new Pet Resource and Adoption Center that would meet the growing needs of pets and their families. Partnering with Alford Group, CHS strengthened donor relationships, empowered volunteer leaders, and built internal fundraising capacity. The result: more than $15.3 million raised—surpassing their goal—and a state-of-the-art facility now serving communities across Connecticut.
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 President and CEO sits down with three generations of the Lowry family, Big Bill, Commissioner Bill and Bill Jr., to share their family's incredible legacy of giving.
Discover how to build a resilient, joyful and high-performing fundraising team where creativity thrives, values come to life and donor relationships flourish.
This powerful tool will provide great content for your next board of directors meeting or give you a refresher on board roles and responsibilities. Fill in your info below to download the Nonprofit Board Effectiveness Toolkit.
Recognized as an inspiration in philanthropy, his work advances equitable opportunities and sustainable futures. Through this interview, Alford Group celebrates Alan Bell as a Black History-Maker.
