Generosity is Alive and Well: Embracing the Spirit of Philanthropy on Giving Tuesday
In this season of giving, let’s remember that generosity is not just a trend, but a timeless force that binds us together in pursuit of a better world. As the holidays approach, many of us reflect on traditions of donating to our favorite charity, purchasing gifts for families in need, or volunteering to support a […]
Giving USA 2024 At-A-Glance
According to Giving USA 2024: The Annual Report on Philanthropy for the Year 2023, total estimated charitable giving reached $557.16 billion in 2023 (an all-time high in current dollars, but a decline when adjusted for inflation). Published by the Giving USA Foundation (a public service initiative of The Giving Institute) with research compiled by Indiana University Lilly School […]
Boost Your Fundraising Success with Three Key Takeaways from AFP ICON 2024
Last month, President & CEO Michelle Cramer, CFRE and Consultant Maddy Andrews jetted off to Toronto, Canada for AFP ICON 2024! Hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, AFP ICON brings together thousands of fundraising professionals from around the globe for unparalleled education, training, and networking each year. If you couldn’t attend AFP ICON 2024, […]
A Marketing Plan is the Secret to Campaign Success
You know you need a strong fundraising plan for your next campaign. But what about a campaign marketing plan? We get it. Campaigns mean a lot of additional hard work for nonprofit professionals who already wear multiple hats. With a hefty financial goal on the horizon, your focus may be stuck on fundraising alone. But […]
UCLA Vs. Mattel: A Case Study in Donor Intent and Effective Donor Communications
As a nonprofit professional operating in the philanthropic world, this headline may have caught your eye recently: Mattel stiffed UCLA on $49-million children’s hospital donation, lawsuit claims. It definitely grabbed our attention. After our initial ‘yikes’ at the headline, we dove deeper into the article published in the Los Angeles Times to read for ourselves […]
Giving USA 2023 At-A-Glance
According to Giving USA 2023: The Annual Report on Philanthropy for the Year 2022, total estimated charitable giving declined amidst economic uncertainty. What does this mean for nonprofits? Published by the Giving USA Foundation (a public service initiative of The Giving Institute) with research compiled by Indiana University Lilly School of Philanthropy, this report is the premier source […]
Innovation for Your Organization: 5 Key Takeaways from AFP ICON 2023
In today’s competitive environment for donors’ dollars, incorporating innovative ideas and strategies into our work is crucial. Cutting-edge tools and new perspectives increase our impact for our nonprofit partners. The Cramer team has always prioritized lifelong learning and values our relationship with the Association of Fundraising Professionals. That’s why we invested in taking five of […]
Words of Wisdom for Nonprofits in 2023
From Corporate & Community Foundation Leaders Michelle Cramer, CFRE, President & CEO As we move into 2023, many nonprofit leaders are experiencing feelings of uncertainty and anxiety resulting from talk of a recession, rising costs, labor shortages… I could go on and on. Nonprofits are feeling the impacts of these challenges on those they serve, […]
Angel Donors Get Their Wings
Michelle Cramer, CFRE, President & CEO It happened again just last week: one of our nonprofit Executive Directors called to tell me that they had received a gift of $500,000 to their campaign from an unexpected donor. “We barely knew this person, and out of the blue, they called to learn more about our project,” […]
Gratitude is a Game Changer
The Revolutionary Power of a Traditional Thank You If trends in the greeting card industry are any indication, thank you notes are in decline. In recent years, prominent card sellers Papyrus and Paper Source have filed for bankruptcy, and younger generations are forgoing handwritten messages in favor of quick and easy texts and emails. Even […]
