Just So Happens, We Can All Be Philanthropists 4 Truths about Philanthropy to Inspire You By Keith Curtis President My firm recently had the privilege of attending a number of National Philanthropy Day events. As I celebrated this year’s honorees along with a thousand other attendees, I was inspired by their stories of philanthropy. Their generosity… Read more »
Does 1+1=2? The Ripple Effect of Challenge Gifts
Previously printed 3/18/19 in The Experts column in Inside Business At The Curtis Group, we believe that 1+1 can equal much more than 2 when we leverage gifts to encourage and motivate others. We like to call it the ripple effect, when one gift has the power to spread far beyond a single… Read more »
Today’s Philanthropist Profile
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
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
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
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
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?
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
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
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 »
