This month, a few members of the Benefactor Group team attended the 2023 Bridge Conference to present on a favorite topic: how to effectively communicate with donors through the lifecycle of a campaign.
Imagine: three years ago (or perhaps five…or seven…or even ten!), your organization embarked on an ambitious fundraising campaign. You set your sights high with your largest-ever campaign goal. You perfected your case for support, and created a much-loved campaign brand. You recruited a top-tier cohort of volunteers that faithfully shepherded the campaign through highs and lows. You identified, nurtured, stewarded, cultivated, and solicited some of the largest gifts your organization has ever received, and rallied the public around your cause.
It’s here! Giving USA 2023: The Annual Report on Philanthropy©, the longest running, most comprehensive report on philanthropy in America.
Our 11th Annual Infographic interprets this data to help donors, fundraisers, and nonprofit leaders understand trends and navigate present-day philanthropy.
There are fault lines in the philanthropic landscape. Participation has declined steadily for two decades: Today, fewer than half of households report making a charitable gift each year. Compare this to 2000, when 66% of American households donated to charity.
Does it really matter what our mission and vision are as long as we’re doing good work?
Effective boards are comprised of diverse members who bring a balance of work, wisdom and wealth. To these responsibilities add “wit” because a board that enjoys working together is more likely to be fruitful. On a high-functioning board, each board member brings one or two of these traits (plus “wit,” which is a proxy for cultural fit). The board as a whole is comprised of a balance of these traits because an imbalance in any one area weakens the board’s ability to ensure an effective organization. What does each mean?
Fundraising success depends on the ability to leverage two important assets: data and time. With improved data, you can spend your time—a precious resource—in the right places.
