November 3, 2024
November 3, 2024
From the Desk of
Carl G. Hamm ¦ Partner
Every time I open my inbox, I am reminded what a big industry the business of philanthropy has become. On any given day, I could participate in half-a-dozen webinars and learn from the experts on everything from how to maximize my year-end giving strategies, amplify my Giving Tuesday results so they don’t fall flat, or learn how to avoid the most common pitfalls in fundraising. And those are just a few of the opportunities I’ve been given this week.
With Giving USA reporting that the number of 501(c)(3) organizations has grown by 3.2% per year over the past ten years to nearly 1.5 million nonprofits, it is only natural there would be a significant increase in the number of companies marketing to the nonprofit community.
I am often overwhelmed and disappointed by the volume of unsolicited email I receive from vendors attempting to sell me something to improve my approach to practically every aspect of the development profession. Quick fix, too-good-to-be-true advice on how to win at fundraising confronts us at every turn.
It sometimes feels disingenuous and insulting to me when the depth and wonderful nuance to the effective practice of our noble profession is reduced to a clever AI-generated subject line. The outcome of our work should be so much more than filling an arbitrary number in a budget spreadsheet, and there is no shortcut or silver bullet to replace the hard work of building authentic, lasting relationships with those inclined to support our organization’s mission and programs.
Professional development is essential for all of us to stay on top of best practices and learn new approaches. But alongside the unfiltered barrage of sales-focused marketing information about the tools of our trade infused into our lives, we should remember that the essence of an effective development program is more than just a loose collection of freestanding tactics to be improved. The business of philanthropy is still rooted in advancing work that benefits humankind, not the philanthropic industry itself.
What to Say on 11-6 and How to Say It
Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement (PACE) recently published a language resource guide in advance of the elections, when tensions mean words could trigger firestorms or worse. As part of five years of research, PACE analyzed a nationally representative survey that measures the reaction of more than 5,000 registered voters to 21 words. Its report includes an index, based on the survey, that ranks whether words are met with a favorable response and can bring people together. Conversely, it looks at whether a word is received negatively and pulls us apart.
The guide offers advice for after the election.
Lean on words that can unify.
“Community” has the highest score on the PACE index and aligned with the values of survey participants across politics and age and regardless of whether they lived in rural or urban areas. Other words: “service,” “belonging,” “liberty,” and “freedom.”
The wrong word can shut down a conversation before it starts.
For instance: Because “democracy” doesn’t register well with some, the report suggests using it in close proximity to “patriotism.”. Other suggested pairings to help connect with the left and the right: “American” and “diversity,” “republic” and “equality.”
Recognize that some words are too vague or open to interpretation.
Most survey respondents couldn’t get a fix on “civic,” although the word is widely used in phrases such as “civic engagement” and “civic health.” (The report suggests “community” might serve as a proxy.)
Response will depend on the audience.
The report studied how survey participants from various demographics reacted to the words and whether they embraced them as reflective of their values. “Diversity,” for instance, was warmly received by liberals, young people, and those living in cities. Conservative, older, and rural participants found alignment in “patriotism” and “republic.”
Go here for the full report. COP, 10-24
Election No Distraction for Younger Diverse Donors
Recent research findings challenge the long-held belief that elections negatively impact overall charitable giving by drowning out nonprofits in favor of political campaigns. Survey data found that younger and more diverse donors are planning to ramp up their gifts to charities this year, according to research tracking giving intent amid a turbulent election year.
The survey, conducted in August, was a follow-up to an earlier round of research in April.
Key Findings
The survey was conducted by fundraising and advertising consultancy Blue State. COP, 10-23
We Know Independent Schools
For more than 35 years, Alexander Haas has been a fixture in the nonprofit community. We are honored to have worked with so many remarkable independent schools, both secular and non-secular, across the country that help mold today’s adolescents into tomorrow’s leaders. Take a look at our list of independent school clients, past and present.
A Fresh Approach to Fundraising
Our services aren’t cookie cutter. We don’t operate with a boilerplate, merely changing names and locations. We craft each and every service we provide to match your organization’s unique needs, wants and abilities. We work hard and expect you to do the same. Together we can help you transform your institution, your fundraising, and the community you serve.
Whether your need is in Capital Campaign, Annual Fund Campaign, Major Gifts, Leadership Annual Giving, Planned Giving or all of the above, we take a fresh approach to nonprofit fundraising.
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