The Purpose of Giving - Key Insights and Takeaways
Highlights and actionable takeaways for organizations, professionals, and community builders looking to harness insights from The Purpose of Giving.
On October 29, Purpose Possible and more than 100 mission-driven professionals gathered at The Plaza Theatre for The Purpose of Giving: Insights from Giving USA, a presentation and panel discussion on the latest findings from the 2023 Giving USA Annual Report on Philanthropy. Featuring Dr. Una Osili, Laura MacDonald, and Susannah Darrow, moderated by Jennifer Jiles, the event offered perspectives on trends shaping the philanthropic landscape.
Below, we share highlights and actionable takeaways for organizations, professionals, and community builders looking to harness these insights.
Key Highlights from the Giving USA Report
Giving Growth & Inflation: Charitable giving grew last year but did not keep pace with inflation, impacting the real value of donations.
Individual Giving Dominance: Individuals remain the largest source of philanthropic funds, highlighting the need for nonprofits to prioritize individual donor engagement. (Since the 1950s, individuals have been the largest slice of the philanthropic pie). Interestingly, the data shows that individual donations do not decrease significantly during political campaign cycles.
Foundation & Corporate Giving: Foundation giving continues to grow, while corporate giving remains stagnant despite corporations’ evolving approaches to community involvement.
The Stock Market Effect: The stock market remains a reliable indicator of philanthropic behavior, with trends often mirroring market performance.
Planned Giving Opportunities: As Americans accumulate wealth, many now consider how to distribute it effectively. This generational shift presents a significant opportunity for nonprofits to encourage planned giving.
Resilience in Philanthropy: Generosity remains steadfast, with many funders increasing their giving in challenging times.
Upcoming Challenges: Fundraisers face uncertainties from economic instability, political climate, and shifts in generational wealth. These factors add complexity to philanthropic planning but also underscore the importance of cultivating trust and transparency.
Actionable Tips for Nonprofits
Adapt Gift Requests to Reflect Economic Changes: Regularly evaluate your materials and ask amounts to ensure they align with current economic realities and organizational needs.
Inspire Generous Giving: While economic data is essential, don’t let it limit donor potential. Instead, inspire donors to give their greatest possible gift.
Engage Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs): Building relationships with DAF staff or financial advisors can help demystify this funding source, enhancing donor engagement and support.
Promote a Culture of Abundance: Philanthropy isn’t about scarcity; fostering an abundance mindset encourages giving across communities and individuals.
Empower Your Board: A committed and strategic board can drive transformational change. Engage board members actively to support your goals.
Embrace New Forms of “Giving Capital”: Beyond the 3 Ts (time, talent, and treasure) emphasize “testimony” (advocacy and storytelling) and “ties” (relationship-building) as crucial resources.
Recognize the Relational Nature of Fundraising: Fundraising success is rooted in relationships. Regular, meaningful engagement with donors builds lasting support and trust.
Key Resources for Further Insight
For those seeking to deepen their understanding, these resources were recommended during the event:
The Endowment Handbook: The Complete Guide to Building a Resilient Cause – An essential guide for nonprofit financial sustainability
Donors of Color Network – Philanthropy Insights
Slides shard during Dr. Una Osili’s presentation are available here.
As we look ahead, organizations and philanthropic professionals are encouraged to approach fundraising with renewed purpose and strategic insight. The speakers underscored that while challenges remain, the philanthropic community’s resilience and generosity continue to shine.
Thank you to all who attended and shared questions and experiences. We hope these insights inspire your work and deepen your impact in the communities you serve.
Stay tuned for more events, updates, and resources to support your philanthropic journey.
FEARLESS FUND: What happened & what you need to know
The lawsuit against the Fearless Fund sparked widespread attention, raising questions for nonprofit and philanthropic organizations. Central to the case is whether race-based initiatives, aimed at supporting underfunded groups and addressing systemic inequalities, serve the public interest or violate anti-discrimination laws.
The lawsuit against the Fearless Fund has sparked widespread attention, raising critical questions for nonprofit and philanthropic organizations. Central to the case is whether race-based initiatives, aimed at supporting underfunded groups and addressing systemic inequalities, serve the public interest or violate anti-discrimination laws. Fearless Fund was established to address the gap that exists in venture capital funding for women of color-led businesses. The case has caused a shift in how organizations can seek or provide funding for programs targeting specific racial groups.
Courts are currently debating what is in the greater “public interest”—race-neutral initiatives only or actively trying to remediate systemic inequality with race-based initiatives.
Below are a few key insights from the case and ruling.
Here’s what happened:
On August 2, 2023, the American Alliance for Equal Rights (AAER) filed a complaint on behalf of three of its members against Fearless Fund and related entities.
The lawsuit alleged that a grant program run by Fearless Foundation violates 42 U.S.C. Section 1981, a federal statute enacted as part of the Civil Rights Act of 1866 that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race in the making or enforcement of contracts.
September 26, 2023: A U.S. District Judge denied AAER's request to halt the grant awards process, saying that the program qualifies as charitable giving, a form of protected speech under the First Amendment.
September 30, 2023: A three-person panel on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit blocked the grant program, saying it was “racially exclusionary” and “substantially likely” to violate a federal law prohibiting racial discrimination in contracting.
Between December 6, 2023, and June 3, 2024, several legal actions were taken. The Fearless Fund sought to reinstate the program by filing a brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals and arguments were presented before a three-judge appeals panel in Miami. Ultimately, the 11th Circuit upheld the injunction in the case.
September 11, 2024: The parties settled the case, with Fearless Foundation agreeing to close the grant program permanently.y.
Here’s what you need to know:
The key word is CONTRACT. You can call something a grant, but if you are requiring any specific activities/requirements in exchange for the money (agreements, accepting the “rules” of the program etc), it’s more likely to be considered a contract, which courts are more likely to find discriminatory.
Specifying that "only applicants of a specific race can apply" in eligibility criteria is considered discrimination and poses a legal liability.
Unrestricted and "trust-based" philanthropy, which operates without formal grant agreements or explicit rules, is less susceptible to litigation.
Qualitative descriptions of overcoming race and discussing unique identity positions seem safe to include as application questions or vetting strategies, but race-based quotas and quantitative benchmarks for admissions or giving are liabilities.
Data to talk about racial injustice to justify any racial focus of a service provided is still okay to use.
Instead of using race as an eligibility criterion, it’s recommended that the application include a qualitative question about how applicants are advancing the organization/funder's racial equity goals.
For organizations that serve or provide services to a specific racial group: that activity is considered an expressive/first amendment right.
It has been recommended that organizations review mission statements and legal documents to ensure that their activities are described in “expressive” terms.
It is recommended that organizations review their insurance policies to ensure that they cover anti-discrimination litigation and that any stated racial focus does not render their policies void.
Purpose Possible is not a legal entity, and the information provided here is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered legal advice. Please consult with a legal professional for specific legal guidance.
Here are some headlines about the Fearless Fund Decision:
What the Fearless Fund Settlement Means for Philanthropic Freedom
(Chronicle of Philanthropy)
What’s Next for Philanthropy After the Fearless Fund Settlement?
(Inside Philanthropy)
Nonprofits, Legal Experts React to the Fearless Fund Decision to Shutter Grant Program to Black Entrepreneurs (Chronicle of Philanthropy)
Crafting Compelling Communications for Maximum Year-End Fundraising Impact
Effective communication is vital to driving fundraising success, particularly at year-end. By aligning your messaging, you can engage donors, acquire new supporters, and cultivate community to achieve your organizational goals.
Director of Fundraising Services
As a nonprofit fundraiser or communications professional, you know that effective communication is vital to driving fundraising success, particularly at year-end. By strategically aligning your messaging across various channels, you can engage donors, acquire new supporters, and cultivate community to achieve your organizational goals.
Explore practical strategies to enhance external communications and maximize year-end fundraising outcomes.
Understanding Your Audience
Your audience, your community of donors or prospective donors, is at the heart of your fundraising efforts. Understanding their preferences is the first step to crafting effective communications. Look at the data to help inform your online community’s preferences. Think about:
Understanding how your existing donor base engages with your organization online is crucial. Their preferred communication channels (social media, email, etc.) and the most active times are key factors that guide your communication strategy.
By analyzing your donor data, social media analytics, and email analytics, you can tailor your messaging to resonate with their interests and values. This data-driven approach enhances the relevance and impact of your communication.
Developing Engaging Digital Fundraising Campaigns
Once you understand your audience, it's time to create compelling digital fundraising campaigns. Here are some tips:
Set a clear campaign goal. What do you want to achieve with your campaign?
Create a visually appealing landing page. Use strong imagery and compelling copy to capture attention.
Tell stories. Share personal anecdotes and success stories to connect with donors emotionally.
Keep your messaging concise and to the point. Avoid overwhelming donors with too much information.
Incorporate photos and videos. Visual content can be highly effective in engaging donors.
Make donating easy. Offer multiple donation options, such as text-to-give and QR codes.
Maximizing Social Media for Fundraising
Social media can be a powerful tool for fundraising, particularly with an enhanced understanding of your audience and their content preferences. Here are some ideas on how to use social media to fundraise:
Create engaging challenges. Encourage participants to donate or share impact stories.
Develop micro-campaigns. Micro-campaigns are a great way to engage your supporters and raise funds for specific needs. Consider targeting different segments of your donor base with campaigns that leverage organizational milestones, matching gift challenges, or organizational needs.
Conduct fundraising ‘Power Hours.’ Promote fundraising on specific days and times with a particular call to action connected to an overarching goal.
Leverage peer-to-peer fundraising. Encourage supporters to raise funds on your behalf.
Implementing these strategies can create a compelling and effective communications strategy that drives year-end fundraising success. Remember to track results and make adjustments as needed. This ongoing optimization process will give you confidence that you're doing everything you can to maximize your efforts.
Mindy specializes in designing and executing fundraising, communications, and community development strategies. She has worked with Atlanta Land Trust, Wesley International Academy, 21st Century Leaders, Nicholas House, Endwell, Southern Jewish Resource Network for Gender and Sexual Diversity, and many others.
Failing Forward
From disappointing outcomes, missed opportunities, or the professional challenges that shape our careers, failure is a universal experience. This webinar will feature stories from leaders across our industry who have turned their failures into opportunities for growth and innovation. Their insights will demonstrate how setbacks can fuel resilience and lead to greater accomplishments.
Failing Forward: Turning Setbacks into Growth brought together industry leaders who shared personal stories of failure and how those moments became catalysts for learning and growth.
Presented by Purpose Possible, this session was hosted by Cheryl Kortemeier and Roy Neill from Corporate Volunteer Council of Atlanta.
The guest panelists are:
Jay Cranman, President and CEO of Hands On Atlanta
Terra Gay, Managing Director of Culture and Equity for Drew Charter School
Tyrone Webb, Rural and Community Programs Manager with Georgia Council for the Arts
Here are a few takeaways from the session:
Failure is not an endpoint but a critical learning opportunity.
“Give yourself the grace to feel whatever you feel in the moment of what you are perceiving as you're failing, but at the same time, make sure that you are making space for you to be able to move forward from that incident.” - Tara Gay
Create environments where individuals feel safe to share their failures and normalize these conversations with communities and organizations. Building a culture of openness strengthens team dynamics and encourages innovation. Open spaces to talk about failure fosters authenticity and deeper connections.
"We've created a culture where we're comfortable discussing setbacks with our leadership team and board." - Jay Cranman
Understanding your limitations, reflecting on past experiences, and learning from them equips us all to improve. Not every failure may push you forward but the ability to fail forward is a privilege.
There is a complex interplay between personal failures and broader systemic issues.
"I see failure as a positive, especially when operating within or against systems that are meant to separate people." - Tyrone Webb
This highlights the need for both personal accountability and collective action to dismantle inequitable systems. The panelists discussed how disparities in access to education, resources, and opportunities disproportionately affect marginalized communities, making it harder for them to succeed. By recognizing the distinction between personal failings and systemic barriers, individuals and organizations can work toward more equitable solutions that empower all people to reach their full potential.
Failure is an inevitable part of striving for meaningful change. This webinar reinforced the idea that setbacks, when reframed, can spark creativity, resilience, and innovation. As we continue our mission-driven and personal journeys, this session is a reminder that failure is not something to avoid—it’s something to embrace as part of our growth.
Let’s keep the conversation going, and together, turn setbacks into stepping stones for success!
Shortchanged Live
Join Taylor and Monique, as they share valuable insights from their first two seasons. The session explores the central theme of alignment, focusing on how to strengthen connections with funders, donors, peer organizations, and achieve greater professional balance. Drawing from their unique perspectives and powerful conversations, Taylor and Monique offer actionable strategies to help mission-driven professionals navigate these key relationships more effectively.
Grants Webinar Series
Purpose Possible's fundraising team hosted an insightful four-part webinar series covering essential topics in grant funding, project planning, proposal writing, and grants management. Aimed at both newcomers and seasoned professionals seeking a refresher, each session focused on practical tools and strategies to enhance fundraising efforts and improve grant seeking success.
In August 2024, Purpose Possible's fundraising team hosted an insightful four-part webinar series covering essential topics in grant funding, project planning, proposal writing, and grants management. Aimed at both newcomers and seasoned professionals, each session focused on practical tools and strategies to enhance your organization's fundraising efforts and improve grant seeking success.
Session 1: Getting to Know Grants
The first session provided a comprehensive overview of different types of grants, including federal, private, and state grants. Attendees learned how to identify grants that align with their organization's goals, as well as the common misconceptions about grant funding, such as the myth that grants are "free money."
Key topics included:
How to match your organization's needs with the right grants
Creating and managing a pipeline of potential funders
Understanding the deadlines and requirements for grant applications
Tools for tracking grants, including dashboards and record-keeping systems
Additional Resources:
Session 2: Project Planning & Prospecting for Grants
Session two focused on the foundational elements of project planning for grant proposals. Presenters shared how to craft strong statements of need, realistic goals, and effective project budgets. Additionally, the presenters offered strategies for vetting grant opportunities to maximize effort and minimize wasted time.
Highlights included:
Writing compelling needs statements tailored to specific funders
Avoiding "mission creep" by aligning projects with your organization's core goals
Tips for researching potential funders, including foundation websites, 990s, and online databases
How to leverage personal connections and board members to strengthen proposals
Industry organizations and publications:
Additional Resources:
Session 3: Best Practices for Polished Grant Proposals
In this session, the focus shifted to writing polished and professional grant proposals. Attendees learned how to develop clear goals, effective evaluation methods, and a detailed budget that demonstrates accountability. The importance of sustainability planning beyond the grant period was also a key takeaway.
Key points included:
SMART(IE) goals: Creating measurable and inclusive objectives for grant proposals
Crafting a budget that demonstrates your capacity to manage funds responsibly
Strategies for showing funders that your project is sustainable beyond their initial support
The presenters offered practical tips on aligning your proposals with funder priorities and ensuring clarity in your submissions.
Online Training/Resources:
Candid.com - free online training
GrantStation.com - excellent resource for proposal-writing tips/examples of award-winning proposals
Books:
The Only Grant-Writing Book You’ll Ever Need, Ellen Karsh and Arlen Sue Fox
Grantsmanship: Program Planning & Proposal Writing, Norton J. Kiritz
Session 4: The Essentials of Grants Management
The final session addressed the often-overlooked area of grants management. Winning a grant is just the beginning—successful nonprofit organizations must also maintain positive relationships with funders and comply with reporting requirements. This session broke down the key aspects of managing grants effectively, from reporting deadlines to relationship-building.
Key takeaways included:
Managing the reporting requirements imposed by funders
Building long-term relationships with grantmakers
Ensuring open, honest communication with funders to foster trust
Further Reading:
Have questions or need grant support? Contact us today at info@purposepossible.com
Leveraging the ULI Housing Report: Insights for Mission-Driven Success
This webinar explored key findings from the 2023 ULI Atlanta Housing Study on the affordable housing crisis. This session provides those working with housing or homelessness-related organizations with valuable data and practical tips for grant writing, program planning, and strategic initiatives. Learn how to leverage this information to amplify your organizational impact and drive meaningful change.
In this webinar, our speakers explored the findings from the Urban Land Institute's latest housing study and discussed the data driven implications and what it means for advancing affordable housing in Atlanta.
Led by Mindy Schweitzer-Rawls, Director of Fundraising Services at Purpose Possible, this webinar included Tate Wilson, Director at KB Advisory Group—the organization hired by ULI Atlanta to produce the report, and Amanda Rhein, Executive Director at Atlanta Land Trust and the Chair of Mission Advancement for ULI.
In 2017, ULI recognized the urgent need to address affordable housing challenges in Atlanta, leading to the establishment of a working group focused on this issue. The initial housing strategy, titled "Affordable Atlanta," was published in January 2018 in partnership with KB Advisory Group. This study aimed to define affordability, identify Atlanta's housing issues, connect solutions with needs, and build consensus among stakeholders. The report update in 2023 revealed that the Atlanta housing situation had worsened, prompting new recommendations for action and collaboration across various sectors
Key insights include:
The intersection between income, housing affordability, housing attainability, and transportation
A loss of 130,000 units with a monthly cost of less than $1000 and how that affects households whose income does not increase at the rate of housing costs
Transportation costs as a percentage of household income are substantially higher for those at 80% AMI
There is no zip code in the metro area that a household at 80% AMI or less could have purchased a home at the median price in 2021
There are 391,878 cost burdened households in the Atlanta metro area
Anyone, at any income level, that is spending more than 30% of their gross income on housing (housing + utilities + insurance) is “cost burdened.” This can happen to anyone at above or below the median income level. It’s really important to devise solutions to meet people where they are based on their income levels, the size of their family that needs to be accommodated, their job location, etc.
“The greatest need is at the lowest income level but it’s also a supply and demand issue—people at higher income levels who struggle to afford housing put more demand on housing available to those at a lower AMI. A lack of supply at any level, affects the demand at all levels.”
- Amanda Rhein
Links to resources mentioned in the webinar are included below:
For more information about this topic and how to leverage the data, please contact us at info@purposepossible.com.
Embracing Reparations as a Fundraising Strategy for Black-led/Black-serving Organizations
In recent years, the philanthropic sector has seen a significant shift towards adopting reparations as a fundraising strategy, especially for Black-led/Black-serving organizations. This transformative approach not only addresses historical injustices but also empowers these organizations to build a sustainable future.
It’s Summer! Time to start thinking about your year-end fundraising campaign
According to Double the Donation, 30% of annual giving happens in December, with about 10% of all donations coming in the last 3 days of the year. Now is the time to ask yourself, “What can I be doing now to prepare for a successful year-end campaign?”
By Beth Sadler, Director of Fundraising Services
It’s summer time! So, why are we talking about year-end year fundraising?
First, some quick stats. According to Double the Donation, 30% of annual giving happens in December, with about 10% of all donations coming in the last 3 days of the year.
Most of the organizations we work with at Purpose Possible have capacity to run just one or two campaigns per year, so odds are, your organization is running some sort of year-end fundraising campaign utilizing direct mail, peer-to-peer fundraising, or email blasts to your donor lists. Rather than trying to fit in the recommended six (yes, at least six!) donor asks per year, it’s critical that organizations with limited capacity focus on the quality of campaigns over quantity, with well-planned, intentional fundraising campaigns.
Now is the time to ask yourself, “What can I be doing now to prepare for a successful year-end campaign?”
Run a summer donor engagement campaign.
Regardless of the number of campaigns you run per year, any and every campaign, whether online or offline, should be treated as a year-round activity, with plenty of time for donor cultivation and stewardship built into the planning. How many times do we find ourselves staring at our annual fund donor list in October and thinking, “Darn – I should have reached out to this person earlier! If I reach out now, they know that I’m going to be asking them for another year-end gift. Was January really the last time I spoke with them?” Your current donors should be stewarded with thoughtful communication year-round, including 1-2 personalized touchpoints (phone calls, meetings, event invitations etc.) well-before another ask is made. Summer is a great time to share your organization’s impact without an ask so that by the time the end of the year rolls around, your organization is top of mind.
Think about content.
Summer can often be a good time to identify a theme that will give shape to your year-end campaign. What are some emerging themes from your organization’s work this year? Have you been focused on making a deeper or wider impact? Has it been a year of transition? Experimentation? Is your team adapting to new challenges? What have been your successes? Summertime can also be a great time to gather testimonials, conduct stakeholder feedback or interviews, and capture videos or photos of your work in action. Utilizing the summer to brainstorm themes, topline messages and content will allow you to build out your campaign more deeply in a few months.
Prepare your boards, junior board, and other volunteers to engage.
The end-of-year season is busy for everyone – work, family, holiday gatherings, vacations and staycations. By the time the end of the year comes, it’s often too late for volunteers to engage in meaningful ways. It’s never too early to start talking with your boards and other volunteers about your year-end fundraising plans. Ask them to start thinking about how they want to engage in the campaign now. Are they preparing a list to make personal asks? Are they willing to write thank you notes, make phone calls or sign letters? Can they help identify a matching or challenge gift to inspire other donors? Or perhaps the board would like time to organize a holiday-themed event that could drive donations to the campaign? There are lots of ways to engage, but now is the time to plan so that board members can provide meaningful support.
Revisit your annual development plan.
You probably have a stellar annual development plan and you’ve been sticking to it – great job! If you don't, that's ok too! By this point in the year, our work plans are probably looking a little bit different than we had imagined. New grant deadlines, lost or new funding, changing priorities – it’s okay if things have gotten a little out of whack. Work plans are iterative and should be revisited at least quarterly if not monthly to make needed adjustments. Your plan likely needs a summer refresh. There’s no better time than right now to carve out some time for writing, envelope stuffing, and letter signing. Avoid the end-of-year crunch with some intentional planning.
If you are able to work on any of these activities over the summer, you, your volunteers, and your donors will surely feel more prepared for a successful campaign come year-end.
Your future self will thank you!
Beth Sadler has more than 10 years of experience fundraising and organizing in behind-the-scenes roles to support movements for racial and social justice in D.C. and nationally. She has worked with HumanitiesDC, The Be. Org, Maryland Out of School Time Network, and Community Youth Advance, among others.
Succession Planning for Founders
Succession planning, especially for founders, can be a delicate process that requires adequate planning to ensure the organization has a roadmap for a sustainable future. Join Starsha Valentine and Rebecca Lemos Otero for an in-depth discussion of Rebecca's succession plan after founding a successful nonprofit in Washington, DC.
Are you a founder and thinking about your exit strategy? Are you a leader or board member interested in succession planning for your organization?
Succession planning, especially for founders, can be a delicate process that requires adequate planning to ensure the organization has a roadmap for a sustainable future. In this session (live on July 25, 2024), Purpose Possible Partner Starsha Valentine and Rebecca Lemos Otero (co-founder of City Blossoms) and current Executive Director of HumanitiesDC discuss Rebecca's succession plan after founding a successful nonprofit in Washington, DC.
Starsha Valentine leads the Mid Atlantic Office team of Purpose Possible in the Washington, DC area. Her team works with nonprofit organizations to primarily optimize their organizational operations including developing community-centric fundraising systems and processes, leading strategic plans, examining effective communications, and fostering organizational health and growth. We are a full-service nonprofit management firm that specializes in small to medium-sized organizations in strategic organizational design, program design, fundraising, and development strategy.
Starsha received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Howard University and a master's in Management from the University of Maryland University College. Starsha brings a visionary perspective to small business and nonprofit fundraising, integrating stakeholder engagement with realistic goals and metrics for maximum organizational effectiveness. She believes in holistic resource mobilization and values-aligned operations that are culturally responsive and justice-focused.
Rebecca Lemos Otero is a native Washingtonian who has served her community as an executive leader in the non-profit sector for more than two decades. Rebecca grounds her work in social justice and community driven programming. Before starting at HumanitiesDC in 2021, Rebecca co-founded and served as Executive Director for City Blossoms, an organization dedicated to fostering community well-being through providing safe, accessible kid-driven green spaces. Lemos Otero is a graduate of Fordham University, received an M.F.A from the Maryland Institute College of Arts and holds a certificate in Nonprofit Management from Georgetown University. Whenever she gets a chance, Rebecca can be found trekking somewhere new in the world while listening to her endless list of history podcasts.
If you have any questions about this conversation or our work at Purpose Possible, please let us know!
Empowering & Developing the Next Generation
Now is the time to begin investing and preparing the next generation of leaders. The nonprofit sector is experiencing a shift, with estimates suggesting that up to 75% of U.S. nonprofit leaders plan to leave their positions in the next 5 to 10 years.
By Ed Holman, Associate Consultant with Purpose Possible
Who will be leading the nonprofit industry twenty years from now?
How will your organization advance beyond your tenure?
If you needed to stop working tomorrow, have you trained a successor?
These questions are rarely asked; however, senior leaders and even mid-career nonprofit professionals should ask themselves these questions regularly.
The nonprofit sector is experiencing a shift, with estimates suggesting that up to 75% of U.S. nonprofit leaders plan to leave their positions in the next five to ten years. Additionally, in 2023, the non-profit leadership turnover rate was 37.5%, up from 33% the previous year. Although these numbers may be alarming, there is hope. Young professionals are becoming more interested in working in the nonprofit and social impact sectors. They are pursuing education that aligns with nonprofit work, including Master of Public Administration and Nonprofit Management degrees, Nonprofit Management certifications, and even Philanthropy Studies degrees like those offered at Indiana University's Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.
Now is the time to begin investing and preparing the next generation of leaders.
Invest from within
Speaking from my experience as a young professional, I have significantly benefited from leaders who have given me skills, tasks, and opportunities to grow personally and professionally. During my first full-time fundraising role at National Children's Museum, I was fortunate to have a team of leaders who invested in me daily, beyond my role. With their support, I strengthened my grant writing, individual giving, corporate, and communications skills, and more because my superiors allowed me to work with them, not just for them. Below are a few ways to do the same for your junior staff.
Invest from within by:
Allowing junior staff to shadow your work or the work of another senior leader.
Creating opportunities for junior staff to take on tasks and support other department areas usually reserved for more experienced team members. This can involve engaging mid-level donors, sitting in on your organization’s board advancement/development committee meetings, joining tours with prospective donors, providing input into strategic planning, representing the organization at community events alongside other staff members, etc.
Setting a clear path for growth within the organization and what skills should be strengthened or developed for advancement.
Invest beyond your organization
How often do you talk with junior staff about career development beyond your organization? As important as investing within your organization is, giving your junior staff the opportunity and resources to invest personally and professionally is essential. Doing so will not only benefit the team but will ultimately benefit your organization.
Invest beyond your organization by:
Encouraging team members to join a professional development organization.
A few of my favorites are:
The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)
For 60 years, AFP has been the standard-bearer for professionalism in fundraising, empowering individuals and organizations to practice ethical fundraising through professional education, networking, research, and advocacy.The Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (YNPN)
YNPN activates emerging leaders and helps them acquire the skills and awareness they need to be effective changemakers. With these leaders, they are building a diverse and powerful social sector that can support and strengthen our communities.National Urban League Young Professionals (NULYP)
NULYP supports communities nationwide by preparing young people for school, work, and life, promoting civic engagement, financial self-sufficiency, and advocating for civil rights.
If possible, allocate funds for conferences, professional development, and other resources.
This can include:
Industry conferences (virtually or in person) such as the ones offered through AFP. There are often discounts and scholarships for young nonprofit professionals and staff of color.
A membership to a professional organization.
Subscriptions to blogs, studies, and other professional development resources such as The Chronicle of Philanthropy.
Tip: you can purchase just one or a few memberships for the whole organization.
The bottom line is…
We must invest in the next generation now. Nonprofits that empower and build the next generation of leaders will ensure the success of their organization and the vital resources they provide to communities. Investing in younger staff will lead to better results for the whole sector, not just one organization.
Ed Holman is an Associate Fundraising Consultant with Purpose Possible. He has a range of experience securing funds, building relationships, and fostering engaging and inclusive environments in youth development, higher education, and cultural institutions. Ed currently works with 4DaSoil Collective, Appalachian Regional Commission, Fertile Ground Food Cooperative, HumanitiesDC, and Mi Casa.
Making Your Purpose Possible Through Strategy
How does a strategic plan relate to the day to day operations, programming, fundraising initiatives? We see this tension with many of our clients, so let’s look at some specifics around how strategic planning is an essential tool for fundraising in your organization.
The critical relationship between strategic planning and fundraising
Written by
Purpose Possible Team Members
Susannah Darrow - Founding Partner
&
Natalia Garzón Martínez - Consultant
A lot of nonprofit professionals have heard the term “strategic plan.” Sometimes we are excited by it, and sometimes it feels like another task to add to an ever growing list of to dos. It seems appealing to go through a process that will help an organization align its programs with its mission, and define clear steps to success in the years to come. But how does it relate to the day to day operations, programming, fundraising initiatives? We see this tension with many of our clients, so let’s look at some specifics around how strategic planning is an essential tool for fundraising in your organization.
Establish or Reinforce Vision and Mission
Understanding how your vision and mission relate to your day to day operations creates accountability for your organization. When funders look through your organization’s messaging (website, social media, annual reports, etc.) they should be able to see a clear and concise alignment. A strategic plan helps you achieve this by focusing on:
Clarity and Consistency: You will have clear answers to questions around your what, your how, and your why.
Public Perception: You will streamline messaging so that the public's perception of your organization is aligned with community needs and donor expectations.
Internal Alignment: Your staff and board will have a framework for understanding the organization's impact, which is essential for engaging donors effectively.
Goal Setting and Competitive Advantage
By setting clear goals and strategic priorities, you are positioning your organization as a unique entity that can adequately compete with others. A strategic plan is a straight path to achieve:
Guided Fundraising: In having a clear direction you will clearly express to funders where resources should be allocated and why.
Unique Positioning: You will understand why your organization is uniquely qualified and positioned to receive support, giving you a competitive advantage.
Focus and Direction: Funders and donors will value clearly defined areas of need, and you will be able to target your applications and requests in a more focused way.
Resource Allocation and Long-Term Sustainability
We can’t finish this blog post without talking about sustainability! Prioritizing the present is necessary, but so is understanding how your organization will continue to be resilient and successful into the future. Sustainability is a priority in strategic planning through:
Resource Prioritization: You will identify priorities and resource needs, ensuring that fundraising efforts in the future are tailored to meet the changing needs of your organization.
Capacity Building: You will identify areas for building organizational capacity into the future, and fundraising efforts can be directed towards these operational costs.
Sustainability: You will have a clearer vision on the long-term sustainability of your organization, which you can communicate to donors to secure ongoing support and diversify funding sources.
All in all, strategic planning is not just a buzzword! It is a vital tool for nonprofits to achieve their purpose, fundraising included! By aligning vision and mission, setting clear goals, and ensuring long-term sustainability, your organization can enhance their fundraising efforts and secure funding to help make their mission a reality.
To Hire In or Out? That is the question.
When running a nonprofit organization, every decision carries significant weight, especially when it comes to staffing. The choice between hiring an employee (hiring in) or a consultant (hiring out) is significant, with numerous factors to consider.
Client Relations Manager
with Purpose Possible
When running a nonprofit organization, every decision carries significant weight, especially when it comes to staffing. The choice between hiring an employee (hiring in) or a consultant (hiring out) is significant, with numerous factors to consider. Both options come with their own set of pros and cons and understanding these can help nonprofit leaders make informed decisions that align with their organization's goals and resources.
As one-half of Purpose Possible’s small but mighty business development team, I have the pleasure of navigating many of these questions with different organizations. Because I often have a front-row seat into what goes into an organization's thought process, I wanted to walk you through some of the questions and doubts that organizations of varying sizes have when making this decision. I hope that this guide can help you and the organization you represent make a more informed decision when thinking about hiring in or out. Because yes, that is always the question!
Here are some of the concerns and questions we get, and the answers we give:
Doubt #1: Consultants are entirely too expensive!
Our response: Not always true! In most cases, the cost to hire a consultant vs. a full-time staff person is much less expensive. Because the consultants you work with are not joining your organization as employees, there are a lot of costs (not to mention time and energy) that you don’t have to consider when hiring out. These costs include benefits like PTO, insurance, 401k, office space, technology.
Also, depending on your needs, we can work with you to customize a scope of work that fits your organization's budget.
Doubt #2 : We can’t get enough work done hiring someone “part-time.”
Our response: According to Zippia, the average “full-time” employee spends 4 hours and 12 minutes actively working per day. Because our team members are NOT employees, our time is solely focused on the task at hand.
By leveraging a consultant, an organization can often work with senior and experienced team members who are self-directed, results-oriented, and able to focus on revenue-generating tasks.
Doubt #3: We don’t want to get bounced around between consultants.
Our response: You absolutely won’t! We promise! Unless a consultant goes on leave, exits the firm, or there is just a mismatch between consultant and organization, with Purpose Possible, you have a dedicated consultant or consultant team. You will be able to develop a robust and intentional relationship with the consultant(s) you work with to create consistency and continuity for your projects.
Doubt #4: A consultant can’t possibly understand my mission/vision unless they are hired full-time.
Our response: We think of ourselves as an extension of your staff, meaning your mission is our mission. We work to fully understand your mission so that we, as a team, can fulfill it. Our team of dedicated professionals is passionate about seeing good happen in our respective communities. Your organization's growth and sustainability bring us joy and that truly is our purpose.
Doubt #5: If I hire a consultant for one project, I’ll become dependent on consultants forever.
Our response: Not at all! We are here to help build sustainability. Our consultants come from working in nonprofits and they know firsthand what it’s like to try to do it all: fundraising, writing strategic planning, managing employees and a board of directors, and keeping up with marketing and social media. Something is bound to fall through the cracks! While we know that nonprofit executives wear MANY hats, you don’t have to! Outsource what you can so that you can focus on the most important task: moving your mission forward. When we conclude a contract, we make sure you have all the tools you need to continue to succeed, including a check-in call after the project ends for any remaining questions you may have.
The decision to hire a consultant or a full-time employee is not a one-size-fits-all and should be guided by the unique needs, priorities, and resources of each organization. So if you are still grappling with this decision, maybe this will help:
In summary, the decision to hire a consultant or a full-time employee for your organization is a significant one. While both options have benefits, understanding the specific needs and resources of your organization can help you make an informed decision. If you still have questions or would like to discuss your options further, please feel free to contact us. We are here to help guide you through this decision-making process and support your organization's mission and goals.
Maximizing Your Orgs Grant-Seeking Journey
Applying to every grant you find isn’t an efficient way to fund an organization. Achieve success by strategically planning your grant-seeking efforts.
Applying to every grant you find isn’t an efficient way to fund an organization. Achieve success by strategically planning your grant-seeking efforts with a “grant pipeline.” This pipeline involves systematically identifying, applying for, and managing grants to support your organization's mission effectively and efficiently.
Here are 5 steps to building an effective grant pipeline:
#1 - UNDERSTAND YOUR ORGANIZATION’S NEEDS:
Identify and assess your organization's financial needs by conducting a thorough assessment of your financial situation. What are your current expenses, future expenses, and current revenue sources? What is the income gap that needs to be filled with additional funding?
Identify the initiatives, projects, or programs within that require financial support to achieve their objectives. This may involve assessing the impact, scope, and feasibility of each project before developing a grant application proposal.
#2 - RESEARCH GRANT OPPORTUNITIES AND IDENTIFY PROSPECTS:
Utilize databases, directories, and search engines to identify potential funding sources. These can include government databases, foundation websites, and specialized grant search engines.
A few favorites are: Candid’s Foundation Directory Online, Grant Station, Grants.gov, and Community Foundations located in areas near your organization
If you’re in Metro-Atlanta: Georgia Center for Nonprofits, Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta, Georgia Council for the Arts
Assess Eligibility Criteria for each opportunity:
Review the criteria for each grant opportunity to ensure alignment with your organization's mission, goals, and activities.
Consider geographic restrictions, funding priorities, and other reporting requirements that require a certain level of staff capacity.
#3 - BUILD A PROSPECT LIST:
Create a comprehensive list of potential grant opportunities, including deadlines, funding amounts, and application requirements.
Organize the list by priority and likelihood of securing funding. Prioritize opportunities based on their alignment with your organization's strategic priorities, funding urgency, and potential impact on your programs and projects.
#4 - TRACK AND MANAGE APPLICATIONS:
Include a "status" column in your grant calendar to monitor the progress of applications, track deadlines, and record outcomes.
Follow up with funding organizations to inquire about the status of submitted applications, address any queries or concerns, and maintain clear and transparent communication throughout the application process.
Carefully track the reporting requirements outlined in your funded grants. Keep a record of the deadlines for meeting these obligations and submitting post-funding reports accordingly.
#5 - SUSTAIN SUCCESS AND IMPACT
Ongoing Research: Stay proactive by regularly exploring new funding opportunities and staying updated on changes in grant landscapes. Sign up for email alerts from different grant databases to receive notifications about new opportunities.
Flexible Restructuring: Adapt your grant-seeking strategies as needed to accommodate program changes and strengthen relationships with various funders. Flexibility ensures alignment with evolving priorities and enhances your organization's competitiveness in securing funding.
In summary, a well-structured approach to grant-seeking is essential to effective and efficient funding. By understanding your organization's needs, researching grant opportunities, and meticulously tracking applications, you can maximize your chances of success. Continuous research, flexible restructuring, and proactive follow-up will help sustain the impact of your grants, ensuring that your organization continues to thrive. With dedication and strategic planning, you can navigate the grant-seeking landscape with confidence.
Hannah Ranson is a consultant with Purpose Possible specializing in grant writing and database management. She has worked with Cure NF with Jack, LEAD Center For Youth, Community Farmers Markets, Georgians for a Healthy Future, VOX Atlanta, Global Growers, Truly Living Well, and Clarkston Community Health Center among others.
Investing Beyond Grades, Graduation, and College: Developing the Whole Child
Before you submit your next grant application, here are some commonly asked funder questions that demonstrate impactful whole-learner programs to consider…
Fundraising Consultant and Grant Writer with Purpose Possible
In the ever-evolving landscape of education, funders recognize the need for a transformative approach that goes beyond traditional success metrics. Since COVID, funders have seen the urgency around investing in resources that develop the whole learner. While grades, reading levels, and graduation rates are valuable measurements of a successful education, how can programs prepare students to be adaptive, grow, and thrive throughout their education and adulthood?
Moving away from the one-size-fits-all model, education funders increasingly support a comprehensive "whole-learner" approach, acknowledging that mental and physical health, workforce development, and life skills are just as important (if not more important) than academic achievement.
We are seeing a trend in funders supporting youth-serving organizations that demonstrate a holistic understanding of a child's development, emphasizing the importance of addressing fundamental needs and emotional stability–alongside academic achievements—to tell a complete story.
Before you submit your next grant application, here are some commonly asked funder questions that demonstrate impactful whole-learner programs to consider:
Student Voice: A crucial component of a comprehensive education approach.
How is your program incorporating student voices to understand their needs, challenges, and experiences?
How is that feedback used to inform programming, staffing, resources, etc?
Utilizing pre- and post-program surveys allows for direct insights, ensuring that programs evolve based on real-time feedback.
Mental Health & Wellness: Mental health is a cornerstone of a child's overall well-being.
How is your organization addressing mental health?
What resources are you offering?
How is mental health incorporated into the day-to-day activities of the program?
What training has the staff received to support the mental, racial, and economic challenges of the youth they serve?
Discipline is not enough. Students and educators need the tools to cope with challenges, understand emotions, and manage experiences.
Life Skills: Grantmakers want to invest in programs building life-ready individuals.
How does your program contribute to students becoming self-sufficient beyond graduation?
If students enter the workforce, what knowledge and skills will they possess to help them to succeed?
What are the long-term impacts of your programs?
Helping students achieve academically is important, but you must invest in programs—like workforce development and career pathway programs—that transcend academics.
Breaking Poverty Cycles: Ending the cycle of generational poverty by creating opportunities for equitable access.
How can your program help break the cycle of generational poverty for a child?
Are your programs accessible to students regardless of financial ability?
Are your programs accessible to students with location or transportation barriers?
What financial literacy resources are available?
Ensuring students are trained in financial wellness and can access resources is an investment in life skills and well-being.
Additional Wrap-Around Services: Efforts to eliminate barriers to success.
Does your program provide essential services like meals and transportation?
What financial burdens are students and families incurring, and how can these be minimized?
Are you partnering with community organizations to help meet the needs of your students?
Equitable education opportunities are one small piece of the wealth disparity crisis, and schools often fail to provide resources outside of the classroom that low-income students and their families need to have any chance of breaking the cycle of poverty and succeeding beyond graduation.
In pursuing a comprehensive "whole-learner" approach, investing in students' emotional, mental, and practical well-being becomes as important as academic achievements. Relying on graduation rates and test scores to determine a student’s post-secondary success ignores critical factors like mental health, housing stability, financial stability, and sources of trauma. By asking these questions and actively addressing these facets, youth programs can prepare students for success beyond the classroom. Tracking the impact with student feedback, staff feedback, benchmarking, and other metrics can make youth-serving organizations more appealing to funders and thus more able to invest in their mission-driven work.
Here are a few recommended resources for youth-serving professionals:
Caroline Egan is a Fundraising Consultant and Grant Writer with Purpose Possible. She has worked with 21st Century Leaders, Next Gen Men & Women, Tapestry Public Charter School, Wesley International Charter School, Veritas School of Social Sciences, Odyssey Atlanta, and many other youth and education organizations.
Announcement from the Fitzgerald Foundation
The Betty and Davis Fitzgerald Foundation is pleased to announce a renewed strategic direction following a comprehensive planning process.
THE BETTY AND DAVIS FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS APPROVES A RENEWED STRATEGIC DIRECTION
January 1, 2024
The Betty and Davis Fitzgerald Foundation is pleased to announce a renewed strategic direction following a comprehensive planning process facilitated by Boldly Go. The iterative six-month planning process incorporated grantee feedback surveys, Board and staff interviews, focus groups, and external needs assessments.
Education and mental health have long been the keystones of the Betty and Davis Fitzgerald Foundation’s philanthropic endeavors. From our inception, driven by Betty’s own encounters with mental health challenges, to the presence of former educators and nonprofit practitioners on our Board, these causes have taken root in the Foundation’s core. We also know that Georgia’s fragmented system limits access to high-quality, equitable mental health services and educational opportunities.
As advances have been made in understanding and addressing the root causes of systemic inequity in these fields, the Foundation appreciates that its focus and strategy must be routinely revisited to ensure it remains a relevant and responsive partner. With humility, we recognize the need for focused and strategic philanthropy to effect meaningful systems change while providing immediate support to those in need.
Our learning journey has been steered by data-driven insights, enriched through dialogue with practitioners and the community, and illuminated by our collective experiences.
The Betty and Davis Fitzgerald Foundation is now poised to support organizations committed to enhancing quality education and mental health access for families experiencing low income, particularly those strengthening talent pipelines, championing systemic solutions, and promoting collaboration.
Specifically, the Foundation’s new priorities are to:
1. Support high-quality, culturally relevant talent development, training, and placement for educators and mental health workforce to better serve families with low income in areas with shortages.
2. Champion advocacy and policy agendas that strengthen and support the current workforce and broaden access for families with low income.
3. Promote strategic partnerships and coordinated approaches to enhance access for families with low income.
The Foundation’s commitment to equity and limited capacity compel it to prioritize opportunities that
focus on supporting families with low-income in historically marginalized or underserved communities. To increase our effectiveness and understanding of local systems, the Foundation's funding efforts will be concentrated on organizations serving the 21-county Metro Atlanta area.
The Foundation acknowledges the pervasive and deep-rooted nature of systemic injustice that permeates every level of society, significantly impacting the lives and well-being of our community. We see the pursuit of racial justice as ongoing and integral, not as a separate focus. We are dedicated to integrating a racial equity lens across all aspects of our operations, governance, and grantmaking approach. This commitment is strengthened by our Board and staff's diverse experiences and perspectives, enhancing our drive for impactful change.
The Foundation will offer four open application grant cycles annually and will implement a new online grant management system to streamline the application process. Additionally, we are considering the introduction of a Request for Proposals (RFP) process to complement our open application process in
2025.
To learn more about the Foundation’s revamped strategic direction, application process, and timeline, please visit www.bettyanddavisfitzgerald.org.
EOY For The Win!
This webinar that's all about finding the most effective techniques to spice up your end-of-year campaigns! Join Laura Hennighausen as she dives into the research studies and revealing the best tips and tools for securing donations.
Planning end-of-year campaigns may sound tedious and stressful, but we have evidence based tips to make it a whole lot easier.
We're here to help change the way you approach your fundraising strategies. This webinar that's all about finding the most effective techniques to spice up your end-of-year campaigns! Laura Hennighausen, Purpose Possible's Director of Strategic Philanthropy, and resident fundraising guru dives into the research studies and reveals the best tips and tools for securing donations.
Complete the form below to receive links to the surveys referenced and the presentation slides.
Age & Work Styles in a Multi-Generational Workforce
For the first time ever there are five different generations in the workplace. Three Purpose Possible consultants discuss their experiences working in diverse environments and share how Purpose Possible's T.E.A.M. strategy has helped them better collaborate with colleagues.
For the first time ever there are five different generations in the workplace. How do these diverse generations find common ground when it comes to collective work? How can we be mindful of generational differences and how can we learn from each other? Three Purpose Possible consultants, Betsy Oliver, Kevin Donovan, and Natalia Garzón Martínez discuss their experiences working in diverse environments. They also share how Purpose Possible's T.E.A.M. strategy has helped them better collaborate across ages and work styles with their fellow Purpose Possible colleagues.
Complete the form below to receive the webinar resources and companion document.
Rhythm-Making For Fundraisers
Rhythms create processes, boundaries, and pave lanes for success. Taylor Johnson, Consultant with Purpose Possible, discusses Rhythm Making for nonprofits and how it can help fundraising teams become successful in planning, communication, donor relationships, and more.
Rhythms create processes, boundaries, and pave lanes for success. Taylor Johnson, Consultant with Purpose Possible, discusses Rhythm Making for nonprofits and how it can help fundraising teams become successful in planning, communication, donor relationships, and more. Taylor shares where to start, how to create balance, and a cadence for maximum effectiveness and impact.
Black Philanthropy Month
Every August, Black Philanthropy Month (and Black Business Month) celebrates Black-led and Black-serving organizations while also cultivating resources and pathways for growth, success, and awareness.
August is Black Philanthropy Month.
Started by founder Dr. Jackie Bouvier Copeland, with the support of Reunity, formerly the Pan-African Women's Philanthropy Network, Black Philanthropy Month (BPM) launched in 2011 with its first official global summit to commemorate the United Nations Year and Decade of People of African Descent.
Now, every August, Black Philanthropy Month (and Black Business Month) celebrates Black-led and Black-serving organizations while also cultivating resources and pathways for growth, success, and awareness.
Here’s how you can learn more and and support Black Philanthropy Month:
Visit BlackPhilanthropyMonth.com to learn about the origins of this month and national activities. Follow their social pages for regular updates.
Visit and follow ABFE.org–a 501(c)(3), membership-based philanthropic organization that advocates for responsive and transformative investments in Black communities.
Visit BackBlackMovement.org to learn about funding tools and resources. BackBlack is a multi-platform initiative that aims to direct capital and build awareness for Black-led nonprofits.
The Young Black & Giving Back Institute culminates Black Philanthropy Month with "Give 8/28" an initiative to promote financial support to Black-led, Black-benefitting grassroots organizations. All participating organizations and donors will fundraise and give to causes that make a difference in the Black community.
Support for Black-led and Black-serving organizations also comes from awareness of the challenges and inequities that Black leaders often face. A few resources include:
Why Black Leaders Must Read Black Writers
Written by Charles Stephens and published on NonprofitQuarterly.org
The Perils of Black Leadership
Written by Cyndi Suarez and published on NonprofitQuarterly.org
UNDIVIDED: Uniting & Igniting Workplaces for Racial Healing
Written by Lindsey Himmler and published on VenueCincinnati.com
Do you have additional resources, readings, or recommendations? Please share!