A Note to Advisors: Our Charity Partners are our Secret Weapon for Client Impact
By Serena Hak It is no secret that for decades there has been a push, both in the financial sector and the charitable sector, for more strategic collaboration to enhance charitable giving. As financial advisors, we know that this is good for our business. Clients appreciate advisors who understand their …
Direct Mail Benchmarks Research: Fundraisers, Welcome to Your New Normal
By Good Works Over the past four years, direct mail performance in Canada has been all over the map. We’ve seen record highs (looking at you, 2020) and big drops (hello, 2022), and everything in-between. I think we’d all agree we’re ready for some stability, and that’s why we’re quite …
Sustaining Charities by Cultivating Communities: Lessons from The Giving Report 2024
By Duke Chang As social circles shrink and Canadians are increasingly disconnected, the number of Canadians giving to charities continues to decline — straining charitable operations across the country. It’s very likely that you know of someone like Jessica: she’s 32 years old and shares a small apartment with her …
Get Money Moving
A New Q&A Series about How to Mobilize Philanthropic Dollars, While Being Strategic By Nicholas Palahnuk Recently at a philanthropy conference in New York, I talked with dozens of people who have big visions for change. They are making bold gifts to empower and fuel the work of frontline leaders …
How Approachable Philanthropy Amplifies Impact
The Leadership Challenge – Julie Quenneville By Julie Quenneville As I reflect on the transformative power of philanthropy, I can’t help but think about what an honour it is to serve in this sector. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of meeting people from all walks of life …
How to (Really) Get Started Using ChatGPT & AI for Fundraising
Inside AI – George Irish By George Irish “We want to start using AI, but we don’t know where to begin.” Lately, many of my conversations with nonprofit fundraisers have started this way. I think it marks the moment where artificial intelligence (AI), including ChatGPT, has become more than …
Bad News on Capital Gains Encourages Good Planning
The Accidental Philanthropist® – Mark Halpern By Mark Halpern, CFP, TEP, MFA-P No one likes bad news, whether it comes in the form of a stock market correction, a rise in inflation or a drop in interest rates that cuts cash flow for retirees living on a fixed income. …
How to Prevent a Fundraising Crime
The Hand’s on Fundraiser – Mary Cahalane By Mary Cahalane It’s usually an inside job. There you are, minding your own business. Getting the job done. You know the work inside and out. Sure, there are days… and nights, when all you want is a stiff drink and a chance …
A Plea for Civility: The Clocks Never Go Back
Leadership – Kathleen Provost By Kathleen A. Provost, CFRE, MAdEd As a professional fundraiser I worry about “civility” in our work, and in our society. I use the word “civility” because fundraisers in particular build relationships, and in this context, “civility” would refer to polite remarks or courtesy in …
Generational Shift: Navigating the Great Wealth Transfer and its Implications on Philanthropy
WEALTH MANAGEMENT – LEANNE KAUFMAN By Leanne Kaufman It’s not uncommon in our industry to hear parents express concern about talking openly with their children about wealth — including how much of it the family has. One gentle way we often see them ease into the conversation is through charitable …