A group of people with one thing in common—a passionate belief in the power of non-profit action—met in Washington, D.C., earlier this month. The Growing Philanthropy Summit was the first of two gatherings (the second to be held in London in July) that came together to discuss what we could do to kick-start growth in philanthropy.
We pride ourselves on our commitment to philanthropy and the strong tradition of community engagement here in North America. But growth has stalled—look no further than the recent Giving USA figures, the latest Nonprofit Research Collaborative and AFP’s past State of Fundraising Surveys. Given a choice between maintaining our standards of living or our levels of giving, many of us will opt for the former. That’s understandable.
So what’s to do? We looked at our knowledge base, at trust and confidence and at the relationships between individuals and the causes they support. We recognized that all of our assumptions are being challenged by the speed of change—and reacting to that change—that we all live with.
So we committed to explore ways of improving the knowledge base – bringing consistency and free access to it. We discussed how we might up our game in communications skills and above all, that we HAVE to listen to the individuals who support us, understand how they want to engage and utilize what’s working for them. It doesn’t sound new, does it? But how many of us can honestly say that we’re doing it.
There’ll be more to come in July after our second summit. What do you think—are we on the right track?
Monday, June 27, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
A Long Road Ahead
The Giving USA Foundation has released its 2010 giving figures, and there’s not a lot of good news.
Giving bumped up by two percent. But after historic drops in 2008 and 2009, a little increase was expected. The results are certainly in line with what we found with the Nonprofit Research Collaborative 2010 report earlier this year.
But it’s not the short-term results of 2010 that I’m focused on so much as what lies ahead. We’re not seeing any signs of exceptional growth in 2011. And as Giving USA noted, it will be five or six years until we get back to pre-recession levels of giving if philanthropy continues to grow at two percent annually.
Is that likely? No one knows with any certainly what sort of economic growth will have over the next several years, but if you listen to economists, the outlook is pessimistic. Flat growth, or slight increases at best. There’s no reason to think, at this point, the next economic boom is anywhere close.
We’ve been saying this for a year or so now but it bears repeating: we’re in a new world. The start-and-stop growth of the last decade is going to look pretty good compared to what we’ll likely face over the next several years.
But this is why we get all the training, isn’t it? Times like this are precisely why you join AFP and engage in continuing education, network with colleagues and stay updated on latest trends and innovations. I believe these challenges are going to bring out the best of us. It’s easy (relatively) to raise funds in a strong economy. Times like these are when we prove our worth as a profession.
Giving bumped up by two percent. But after historic drops in 2008 and 2009, a little increase was expected. The results are certainly in line with what we found with the Nonprofit Research Collaborative 2010 report earlier this year.
But it’s not the short-term results of 2010 that I’m focused on so much as what lies ahead. We’re not seeing any signs of exceptional growth in 2011. And as Giving USA noted, it will be five or six years until we get back to pre-recession levels of giving if philanthropy continues to grow at two percent annually.
Is that likely? No one knows with any certainly what sort of economic growth will have over the next several years, but if you listen to economists, the outlook is pessimistic. Flat growth, or slight increases at best. There’s no reason to think, at this point, the next economic boom is anywhere close.
We’ve been saying this for a year or so now but it bears repeating: we’re in a new world. The start-and-stop growth of the last decade is going to look pretty good compared to what we’ll likely face over the next several years.
But this is why we get all the training, isn’t it? Times like this are precisely why you join AFP and engage in continuing education, network with colleagues and stay updated on latest trends and innovations. I believe these challenges are going to bring out the best of us. It’s easy (relatively) to raise funds in a strong economy. Times like these are when we prove our worth as a profession.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
The Power of Community
One thing really struck me as I returned to DC from New York Fundraising Day and Planet Philanthropy in Jacksonville, Fla.—the power of AFP as a convener.
Both events represented what’s best in AFP – volunteers, giving their time, dedication and passion to their peers. Drawing together everyone in their communities for the benefit of all.
It’s always a privilege to join in these events. I don’t think we say often enough how much we enjoy it. You can’t beat fundraisers for working hard and having a good time while they’re at it.
We sit at the heart of the philanthropic community – at every level. Our chapters bring together fundraisers, grant-makers, CEOs and board members at all their meetings, providing an opportunity for dialogue, inspiration and fellowship.
Similarly, the work with our sister associations around the world enriches our own experience. While our partners in the fundraising and philanthropic community (e.g., Venture for Philanthropy, Resource Alliance) don’t represent fundraisers in the same way, they play a critical role in defining the space we occupy.
Convening is another key way of emphasizing our value proposition. At the same time, we don’t have to describe ourselves as “first” – we are one among many. But we are a leader in initiating those conversations, in proactively reaching out and offering support and advice – and where we can, influence.
We are a community – and a powerful one – that embraces the globe. We should celebrate that.
I’d love to hear examples of how your chapters are bringing together your local community on projects and initiatives related to fundraising and philanthropy.
Both events represented what’s best in AFP – volunteers, giving their time, dedication and passion to their peers. Drawing together everyone in their communities for the benefit of all.
It’s always a privilege to join in these events. I don’t think we say often enough how much we enjoy it. You can’t beat fundraisers for working hard and having a good time while they’re at it.
We sit at the heart of the philanthropic community – at every level. Our chapters bring together fundraisers, grant-makers, CEOs and board members at all their meetings, providing an opportunity for dialogue, inspiration and fellowship.
Similarly, the work with our sister associations around the world enriches our own experience. While our partners in the fundraising and philanthropic community (e.g., Venture for Philanthropy, Resource Alliance) don’t represent fundraisers in the same way, they play a critical role in defining the space we occupy.
Convening is another key way of emphasizing our value proposition. At the same time, we don’t have to describe ourselves as “first” – we are one among many. But we are a leader in initiating those conversations, in proactively reaching out and offering support and advice – and where we can, influence.
We are a community – and a powerful one – that embraces the globe. We should celebrate that.
I’d love to hear examples of how your chapters are bringing together your local community on projects and initiatives related to fundraising and philanthropy.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Travels
I’m in the middle of chapter visits. Last week I was in the Big Apple for the AFP New York Fundraising Day. I’m now in Jacksonville Monday and Tuesday to join the Florida Caucus at its “Planet Philanthropy” conference.
These events represent different facets of the best that AFP can offer. What they have in common is that they offer fundraisers knowledge, understanding and above all, human capital.
I firmly believe in what Nathan Hand commented on in my last blog post about the next generation of fundraisers. There are so many organizations now and so many ways practitioners can obtain knowledge nowadays. We have to shift the value proposition of AFP to community. That is, networking and personal engagement and support.
And that’s what AFP can offer. When you walk into a room, filled with fundraisers from every background, you see the greatest strength of AFP: the individuals who make up one of the greatest networks of fundraisers anywhere – whose knowledge and understanding of the world they live in is second to none – and there to be freely shared.
Regardless of the medium, it’s that sense of shared community—the people of AFP—that makes our association so valuable. It’s what keeps me coming to work each day.
These events represent different facets of the best that AFP can offer. What they have in common is that they offer fundraisers knowledge, understanding and above all, human capital.
I firmly believe in what Nathan Hand commented on in my last blog post about the next generation of fundraisers. There are so many organizations now and so many ways practitioners can obtain knowledge nowadays. We have to shift the value proposition of AFP to community. That is, networking and personal engagement and support.
And that’s what AFP can offer. When you walk into a room, filled with fundraisers from every background, you see the greatest strength of AFP: the individuals who make up one of the greatest networks of fundraisers anywhere – whose knowledge and understanding of the world they live in is second to none – and there to be freely shared.
Regardless of the medium, it’s that sense of shared community—the people of AFP—that makes our association so valuable. It’s what keeps me coming to work each day.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
The "Next" Group
We need to inspire the next generation of donors; it’s critical to AFP and the future of philanthropy. We’re working with the Case Foundation on the 2011 Millennium Donors Summit, and our Youth in Philanthropy program provides education and awareness to students about the importance of giving and volunteering—engaging in a “hands-on” way.
But there’s another “next” group we have to focus on too: the next generation of fundraisers. They’re as different from earlier generations of fundraisers as Millennial donors are to the Baby Boomers. The mission of engaging young people with the profession is so critical that we added it as a goal in our strategic plan for 2011-2013.
Our collegiate chapters are one of the fastest growing programs here at AFP; it shows there’s significant interest in fundraising among young people today. But an article from Nonprofit World about attracting and recruiting young fundraisers reminded me that we’re facing a whole new set of challenges.
These fundraisers are just entering the workforce and seeking meaningful jobs that match their life-expectations: work flexibility, employee-centered facilities and creative communications –ways to engage with their organizations. And while many of us “fell” into fundraising, this generation already has significant education and training in nonprofit management and WANT to become fundraisers.
It’s a good challenge to have, but it’s forcing us to rethink our messages and operations. AFP is looking at new ways to engage the next generation of fundraisers, and I’d be interested in your experiences. What have you found resonates with the next generation? Or if you’re part of it, what’s most important to you when you look at new jobs and opportunities?
But there’s another “next” group we have to focus on too: the next generation of fundraisers. They’re as different from earlier generations of fundraisers as Millennial donors are to the Baby Boomers. The mission of engaging young people with the profession is so critical that we added it as a goal in our strategic plan for 2011-2013.
Our collegiate chapters are one of the fastest growing programs here at AFP; it shows there’s significant interest in fundraising among young people today. But an article from Nonprofit World about attracting and recruiting young fundraisers reminded me that we’re facing a whole new set of challenges.
These fundraisers are just entering the workforce and seeking meaningful jobs that match their life-expectations: work flexibility, employee-centered facilities and creative communications –ways to engage with their organizations. And while many of us “fell” into fundraising, this generation already has significant education and training in nonprofit management and WANT to become fundraisers.
It’s a good challenge to have, but it’s forcing us to rethink our messages and operations. AFP is looking at new ways to engage the next generation of fundraisers, and I’d be interested in your experiences. What have you found resonates with the next generation? Or if you’re part of it, what’s most important to you when you look at new jobs and opportunities?
Friday, June 3, 2011
One and Done?
Interesting piece in the Chronicle of Philanthropy’s Prospecting Blog on Smile Train and their new donor approach—make a gift and the charity won’t ask for another gift ever again.
I think it’s a great example of stewardship, ensuring that the donor-charity relationship gets off on the best foot possible. And with more charities ramping up their fundraising efforts, this method is sensitive to increasing donor concerns about too many solicitations.
Some will argue that this sort of approach hamstrings the charity right from the start. The whole aim of fundraising is donor cultivation, and not allowing any more solicitations prohibits potentially a lifetime of giving.
But I believe many donors will respond favorably to Smile Train’s idea and appreciate their sentiment while allowing the organization to continue to solicit them. I think the positive responses will outweigh the donors who decide not to be solicited ever again.
What I am worried about is how they are implementing this approach. It’s not quite as simple as “give and we’ll never solicit you again.” The donor has to make the conscious decision to mail in the reply slip asking the charity to not solicit him or her again. This may set up different expectations between the charity and the donor, which could lead to problems.
But overall, I think it’s a very engaging idea and I wonder if other charities will use it as well. What do you think about this approach?
I think it’s a great example of stewardship, ensuring that the donor-charity relationship gets off on the best foot possible. And with more charities ramping up their fundraising efforts, this method is sensitive to increasing donor concerns about too many solicitations.
Some will argue that this sort of approach hamstrings the charity right from the start. The whole aim of fundraising is donor cultivation, and not allowing any more solicitations prohibits potentially a lifetime of giving.
But I believe many donors will respond favorably to Smile Train’s idea and appreciate their sentiment while allowing the organization to continue to solicit them. I think the positive responses will outweigh the donors who decide not to be solicited ever again.
What I am worried about is how they are implementing this approach. It’s not quite as simple as “give and we’ll never solicit you again.” The donor has to make the conscious decision to mail in the reply slip asking the charity to not solicit him or her again. This may set up different expectations between the charity and the donor, which could lead to problems.
But overall, I think it’s a very engaging idea and I wonder if other charities will use it as well. What do you think about this approach?
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