Giving USA 2017: The Annual Report on Philanthropy©, is the longest running, most comprehensive report on philanthropy in America. The Report shows 2016 with steady giving in these uncertain times. Giving rose to $390.05 billion in 2016 contributions, up 2.7% over last year, another record high. This was the seventh … Read More

Nonprofits lose more than half their donors after the first gift. According to the 2016 Fundraising Effectiveness Project (FEP), just 46% make a gift the year after an initial donation. Increasing your retention rate just 10% could result in more than 100% growth over four years—and that presumes that donors … Read More

Do you think of seniors (age 65+) as a primary audience for your nonprofit organization? Maybe you should. By 2060, it is estimated that the population of Americans over 65 will climb to 98.2 million – double the estimate in 2015, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. As they age, … Read More

Should you join the board? Whether you are being asked to join the board of an art museum, social service agency, hospice, or any other type of nonprofit, ask yourself these questions.

Nothing beats the Olympic games in showcasing the best in teamwork, individual performance and goal achievement. During the XXXI Olympiad in Rio, the United States earned the highest medal count among all participating nations.  According to a post at teamusa.org, our country’s 121 medals “are the most ever for a … Read More

These suggested practices are provided to assist staff and board members of nonprofit organizations in drafting donor recognition and stewardship guidelines or auditing current guidelines and procedures. Each organization is unique and should adapt these suggestions to reflect its own culture, priorities, and practices. The Thank You and Acknowledgement Guidelines … Read More

  The scenario: Mary Smith, a trustee, has given $25,000 consistently for several years.  She’s also a member of the capital campaign steering committee. Today, the major gift officer delivered her signed pledge for $500,000, payable over five years. The donor instructs that the gift should be split between the … Read More

The Ant and the Grasshopper, one of Aesop’s Fables, is the story of the grasshopper who plays and frolics all summer long, while the ant plans and works for the coming winter. Soon enough, along comes the cold weather and the grasshopper is left unprepared and hungry, while the ant … Read More

Download the Strategic Planning FAQ Benefactor Group’s approach to strategic planning is born from decades of experience working with nonprofit organizations. We believe that each client has unique circumstances and needs related to strategic planning and we adapt our processes accordingly. The following FAQ provides further insight into the best practices … Read More

Strategic Planning for Stronger Community Impact The Muskingum County Community Foundation (MCCF) has proudly served the people of Zanesville and the surrounding region since 1985. Over the years, MCCF has celebrated countless successes—from promoting educational initiatives to supporting Zanesville’s flourishing arts scene. A recent shift in the foundation’s leadership gave … Read More