Whether you call it impact, place-based, mission-aligned, values-driven investment, or something similar, the movement toward investing for “more than financial” return has gained significant traction over the past decade. The recent pandemic-induced economic downturn has only increased momentum in this direction, as it heightened awareness of the indispensable role of “Main Street” businesses within local
Does your mission statement impact your fundraising efforts? This should come as no surprise: Research I recently conducted suggests that it does. Even without this research, you’ve likely intuited that an effective mission statement draws supporters and donors in and gets them excited about helping you achieve that mission. I recently presented two academic research
While this may surprise those who follow philanthropy’s every move, Congress only rarely passes laws that directly regulate philanthropy. The last truly foundational law regarding philanthropy was passed in 1969. That was the law that mandated a five-percent minimum payout from private foundations, among other provisions (such as prohibitions against self-dealing). Of course, a lot
Now that the year-end giving season is well underway, you’re probably feeling even more pressure to hit your goals and raise more funds than ever. You might be working more hours than usual and trying to meet additional expectations. If you’re struggling to stay on top of everything without burning out, I can see why.
For some time now I’ve recommended that organizations rev up their nonprofit monthly giving programs. See here and here. The value of sustainer giving is exponentially valuable. Not only do recurring donors give more over the course of a year, they also stick with you longer. According to the Fundraising Effectiveness Project Report, 90% of monthly givers
