Today’s Philanthropist Profile

Posted , by Wendy McGrady, Executive Vice President. Topic: Donor Prospects, Donors, High-Net-Worth Individuals, Major Donors, National Philanthropy Day.

Have you enjoyed the Virginia Symphony or visited Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest? Have you ever rushed your child to the Emergency Department in the middle of the night? Have you donated canned goods to your local foodbank at the holidays or volunteered at The Salvation Army?   These services, a part of the fabric of what makes every… Read more »

Nonprofit Sector’s Impact on US Economy – What it Means for You

Posted , by Wendy McGrady, Executive Vice President. Topic: Campaigns & Campaign Planning, Cases for Support, Fundraising, Nonprofit Management, Philanthropy Research & Events.

A recently released study found nonprofits are the third largest workforce in the country behind only manufacturing and retail. According to the report Nonprofits: America’s Third Largest Workforce, from Johns Hopkins Nonprofit Economic Data Project, the nonprofit sector in America employs 11.9 million people.   As someone who has devoted my career to the nonprofit sector, this is… Read more »

Lead Board Meetings That Ignite Passion and Engagement

Posted , by Wendy McGrady, Executive Vice President. Topic: Board Development, Boards of Directors, Fundraising, Nonprofit Management.

  Spring is a busy time in the nonprofit world. So many organizations host galas, golf tournaments, run/walks and other fundraising events. But before you become consumed by centerpieces and table assignments, consider this: How are you engaging your board? As you quickly approach the end of your fiscal year or prepare for annual meetings,… Read more »

Decoding Donor-Advised Funds: From Data to Practical

Posted , by Keith Curtis, Founder, President. Topic: Donor Communication, Funds and Funders, Gift Solicitation, High-Net-Worth Individuals, Major Gifts Programs, Philanthropy Research & Events, Year-End Giving.

Donor-advised funds began in the 1930s, but in recent years these funds have become the fastest growing vehicle in philanthropy. Contributions to donor-advised funds grew at three times the rate of total charitable giving in 2016 according to the National Philanthropic Trust. Donor-advised funds defined: Donor-advised funds (DAF) are donor-established philanthropic funds that are maintained, operated… Read more »

Transparency and Stability: Keys to Surviving Criticism, Change, or Even Worse Scandal

Posted , by Wendy McGrady, Executive Vice President. Topic: Donor Communication, Fundraising, Nonprofit Management.

Nonprofits, philanthropy and fundraising have been my life for a long time now. During this time, I have been through periods of growth and economic downturns, leadership resignations, and even some times of crisis. As I sat down to think about the common threads that have helped organizations weather the ups and downs, the common… Read more »

Could the Tax Reform Impact Your Donors? And What Should You Do?

Posted , by Keith Curtis, Founder, President. Topic: Fundraising, Government.

  Under the tax reform that passed last month, some changes could impact your donors and charitable giving for your organization.     Reduced number of taxpayers qualifying for charitable tax deductions With fewer Americans qualifying for tax deductions, we could see fewer dollars given to nonprofits. One study by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy predicts… Read more »

How an independent school raised $2 million over their goal

Posted , by Wendy McGrady, Executive Vice President. Topic: Capital Campaigns.

With a history of educational excellence going back nearly 50 years, Nansemond-Suffolk Academy had a high bar to maintain when they set their sights on opening a second lower school campus—while expanding and enhancing their main campus. The independent school in Suffolk, Virginia, approached us in 2013, just before their 50th anniversary, and engaged us to conduct… Read more »

Giving has more than doubled since first National Philanthropy Day

Posted , by Keith Curtis, President. Topic: National Philanthropy Day.

A look at giving growth over last 30 years in Hampton Roads, where our firm is headquartered.   It seems ironic now—the decade most linked with materialism and excess consumption being the birthplace to a day of benevolence. Or perhaps it was perfect timing to refocus our priorities. President Reagan officially established National Philanthropy Day… Read more »

Q&A: How to choose a consultant for your planning study

Posted , by Wendy McGrady, Executive Vice President, and Victoria Dietz, Vice President. Topic: Preparing for a Campaign.

Your organization has decided to conduct a planning study before embarking on a campaign—you’ve already made the first smart choice!  A campaign planning study, also known as a feasibility study, will tell you whether or not a campaign is advisable, how much money you could realistically raise and what your strategy would be to raise that… Read more »

Key takeaways from our client who just raised $8.5 million

Posted , by Wendy McGrady, Executive Vice President. Topic: Capital Campaigns, Higher Education.

While mistakes can be valuable learning opportunities, this is a case where the client did everything right. Blue Ridge Community College followed our advice to the letter—and the results speak for themselves. Founded in 1967, Blue Ridge Community College offers comprehensive programs of instruction including associate degrees, diplomas and certificates in occupational/technical and college/university transfer… Read more »