Fundraising Consulting and Coaching
We’re entering the final quarter of the year, the busiest season for nonprofit fundraising, when nearly one-third of all charitable giving occurs. The appeals, thank-you letters, events, donor reports, and social media campaigns pile up with relentless urgency. But before you dive into this whirlwind, I want to ask a question that matters more than
If you’re like most nonprofit fundraising professionals, you’re juggling donor cultivation, grant writing, event planning, and board reporting, often with a team of one or two people trying to do the work of many. The thought of adding “learn AI tools for fundraising” to your already overwhelming to-do list might make you want to close
AI for Fundraisers: Practical Solutions That Save Time Read More »
As headlines swirl around charitable giving statistics and potential impacts of new tax legislation, nonprofit leaders are understandably concerned. At Advancement Advisors, we’re hearing the same question from boards and executive directors: Will these tax law changes affect donor giving? While no one can predict donor behavior with certainty, our message remains the same, just
For nonprofits, December is more than just a festive season, it’s a golden opportunity. Nearly one-third of all annual charitable donations occur during this month, with a significant percentage coming in the final three days of the year. The stakes are high, but with the right strategies, your organization can maximize its impact and connect
It’s Not Too Early to Start Thinking About Year-End Fundraising Read More »
Recently, a seasoned Executive Director I had previously partnered with reached out for support. Her organization had completed a comprehensive fundraising capacity-building process with Advancement Advisors—including a development audit, a strategic fundraising plan, and training for both board and staff. While meaningful progress had been made, she was still navigating a familiar challenge: board members
How to Overcome Board Reluctance in Nonprofit Fundraising Read More »
With over 30 years in professional fundraising—and the last nine spent leading Advancement Advisors, an independent consulting firm—I’ve helped more than 120 nonprofits build sustainable fundraising strategies. Along the way, I’ve observed consistent patterns that limit fundraising success. Across smaller organizations, I’ve seen the same five fundraising mistakes that limit potential, reduce donor engagement, and
Planning for the Unpredictable As a professional fundraiser for over 30 years, I’ve weathered countless storms—the 9/11 terror attacks, the Great Recession, devastating natural disasters, divisive elections, and numerous tax law overhauls. The most valuable lesson I’ve learned? Rather than hoping for stability to return, successful fundraisers deliberately plan for uncertainty.
Corporate philanthropy remains a relatively small portion of overall charitable giving, but it is growing. According to GivingUSA, corporate giving accounted for just 7% of total donations in 2023. However, it has experienced a 14.3% growth rate over the past five years, more than double the overall giving growth rate of 5.3%.
Charitable giving has always reflected the state of the economy, and 2024 was no different. As the economy outperformed expectations, with the stock market achieving double-digit growth rates, affluent donors played a key role in helping their causes thrive. However, inflation continued to challenge everyday donors, limiting their ability to contribute. This resulted in a
Fundraising Forward: Trends and Strategies for 2025 Read More »
The other day, while driving in the city, I pulled over to let a trailer truck pass through a narrow street. As the driver maneuvered his massive vehicle past mine, he flashed the most enthusiastic wave of thanks. That small gesture didn’t just make me smile—it made my day. It was a powerful reminder of
Elevating End-of-Year Fundraising with the Power of Gratitude Read More »