The number of Americans who volunteer in civic organizations and who give to nonprofits has plummeted in recent years, with as many as 20 million households dropping out of giving between 2010 and 2016. While fewer donors are actually giving larger amounts — making up the financial gap in many organizations and increasing philanthropy overall — the more concerning trend is … [More]
Social Impact as a Business Strategy
How social media turns purpose into power
Social impact is no longer an optional add-on for brands — it is the determining factor behind reputation, recruitment and employee retention. In today’s world, social media functions as the modern stage where brand growth unfolds. It’s the first touchpoint where consumers see brand values come to life, which is integral when purpose is now a leading business … [More]
Crafting Today’s Dynamic Strategic Plan
Static, long-term planning is a thing of the past
Ten-year, five-year, three-year strategic plans … They work remarkably well under stable conditions. But with today’s governmental policy changes, political and economic swings, fundraising pressures and escalating community needs, these traditional “one and done” plans can leave nonprofits vulnerable. That’s not to say long-term planning isn’t critical. It is. Strategic … [More]
Why Incorporate Skills-Based Volunteering into Corporate Social Responsibility
Businesses generate three-way benefit
Volunteering in today’s world looks very different from earlier times. It is more than just a one-off event. Both employees and communities expect companies to be involved in meaningful giving — whether through valued partnerships with aligned nonprofit partners or through volunteerism with tangible results. One of the strongest ways for businesses to position themselves as … [More]
Understanding AI in the Nonprofit Setting
Transparency and AI use policies make the difference
When the National Eating Disorders Association implemented a wellness chatbot named Tessa as a replacement for its human-staffed national helpline, the generative AI program began dispensing diet-culture advice harmful to the disordered-eating community. The technology was quickly yanked, but the negative media attention and reputational harm to the nonprofit was already … [More]
Leveraging LinkedIn for Community Leadership
Turn posts into partnerships
What was once a platform used for job searches and digital résumé posting is now an essential tool for business leaders to connect their knowledge, interests and community impact to their followers. In today’s digital age, business leaders can and should utilize LinkedIn to signal their values, build valuable connections and become advocates for change. With a shift … [More]
Giving Rates Surpass 40-Year Average
Giving USA 2024 report highlights growth amid political uncertainty
The latest numbers from Giving USA 2024 indicate Americans gave a generous $592.50 billion to charity in 2024, an increase of 6%, which is double the 40-year average. The report, which measures the previous year’s philanthropic performance, is positive, indicating increases in giving by individuals (8.2%), foundations (2.4%) and corporations (9.1%). Likewise, the top … [More]
Strategically Drive Employee Engagement and Collaboration for Community
9 event ideas, from galas to give-back days
It’s no secret that the next generation of corporate leaders expects more from their employers. From flexible or remote work schedules and unique office spaces to extra perks in their benefits packages, employees are holding companies to higher standards, which also includes their expectations for an engaging corporate culture. Younger generations — particularly … [More]
The Four-Letter Word All Nonprofits Need: LOVE
Prioritizing love into planning creates greater impact
“Love is not a soft add-on to the serious business of nonprofit work,” says Rebecca Alban Hoffberger, founder of Baltimore’s American Visionary Art Museum. “It is its core strategy, its highest philosophy and its lasting legacy. To lead with love is not naïve. It is, in fact, the most visionary, resilient and radically effective thing a nonprofit can do.” Brandon Steppe, … [More]
Elevating Corporate Social Responsibility through Collaboration
Philanthropy beyond businesses’ one-and-done fundraising
Collaborations between businesses and philanthropic organizations are more common than ever. The strongest partnerships that communities can rally behind are long-standing, strategic relationships between corporations and nonprofits. But the dynamics of these relationships are evolving. Communities are calling on corporations to provide a more comprehensive and consistent … [More]
Apathy’s Spillover into Fundraising
How nonprofits navigate today’s societal lethargy
Donors and volunteers once filled with energy, enthusiasm or indignation for social causes have gone a bit silent. Their new mantra: Wait and see what happens. Psychologists suggest that an increase in apathy is to be expected in a world filled with uncertainty. To be sure, there’s a lot of it to go around: global political upheaval, regional warfare, rising costs for basic … [More]
Shifting Hiring Practice Mindsets Can Expand and Amplify Talent Pools
Nontraditional collaborations also help enhance the community’s workforce and quality of life
Businesses today are faced with a multitude of challenges when it comes to hiring skilled and sustainable talent. Since the pandemic, companies have seen a drastic shift in the job market causing a more reactionary recruiting approach, which is neither efficient nor sustainable. To regain traction and lay the groundwork for a more tenured workplace, companies must shift … [More]
Ready to Be a Board Member?
What executives should know before saying, “Yes”
Being asked to sit on a nonprofit board is, admittedly, a nice boost for the ego. But what should corporate executives consider before making the commitment? For starters, they shouldn’t view their board role as a simple résumé builder, says Kristin Crellin, chair of the California State University Philanthropic Foundation Board. “They must have a passion for the … [More]
Using Social Media to Connect and Enhance Partnerships
Maximize visibility and brand recognition
In a time when people spend an average of 10% of their day on social media, organizations must recognize the vital role this medium plays in their marketing strategy. The use of social media allows organizations to maximize visibility and brand recognition, which, in turn, will bolster sales or fundraising efforts, increase awareness and garner a larger audience for activating … [More]
Upskilling Employees Is an Investment in Company Growth, Success
It’s especially critical in our ever-evolving economy
As technology advances and a new generation steps into the workforce, organizations face increasing pressure to provide professional growth and development opportunities. Current and potential employees are placing emphasis on the presence or absence of professional development programming to not only grow within organizations, but also to expand their own development through … [More]
Identifying Up-and-Coming Board and Committee Talent
How can nonprofits attract the best-of-the-best?
CEOs sitting on nonprofit boards who are tasked with recruiting new members might, at first, wonder, “Where will I find these leaders — especially since the best are already on other boards?” There are plenty of places to find exceptional, untapped talent for boards, say Leezie Kim, chair for Arizona Community Foundation’s board of directors, and Anne Marbarger, CEO of … [More]
Election 2024: Employer Responsibility
Encouraging employees’ civic engagement in the election process without getting political
Political polarization is at an all-time high, which might signal Arizona has its highest number of interested and invested voters this election year. However, it may also be the reason fewer people head to the polls to vote. Supporting employees’ civic engagement in the election process is perhaps one of the most important ways employers can enact change throughout our … [More]
Donor Resilience Continues Despite Economic, Social Challenges
Giving USA 2023 report highlights philanthropic growth
If one thing has become clear over the past six years of bumpy roads, it’s that philanthropy is resilient. American generosity has weathered major tax legislation changes, a worldwide pandemic, natural disasters, humanitarian crises, political unrest and supply chain disruption. Even above-average rates of inflation and changing norms around the transparency of large gifts … [More]
