News/Blog

By Lynsie Slachetka, Owner/Chief Digital Officer, aJuxt Media Group

The clock is ticking on end-of-year fundraising! As we count down not just to a New Year, but a new annual report, tax filing, or budgetary analysis, nonprofit leaders everywhere are bracing for the holiday season, and with it the rush of year-end giving.

According to the 2023 M+R Benchmarks Report, December giving accounts for roughly one fourth (26%) of annual nonprofit revenue! With Giving Tuesday quickly approaching, and print deadlines for annual appeal mailers looming, one thing is for certain: your team can’t afford for the organization’s year-end marketing to fall flat.

In 2020, during the height of the global pandemic, Emily Ades and Mindy Wigutow founded IMPACT 100 NYC, where they envision fostering a culture of communal giving by cultivating a community of women who want their philanthropic donations to do more and mean more. Emily and Mindy have a meaningful history as catalysts for change in their communities. Emily has devoted all her professional endeavors to the field of education and nonprofit management. Currently, she works as the inaugural Director of The Kinnect Foundation, the nonprofit arm of the fashion brand, Kith leveraging the brand to make a social impact and transformative change that helps communities overcome adversity and thrive. Mindy is an attorney with real estate and commercial litigation experience who currently works in Higher Ed admissions inspiring the future leaders in law and community organizing.

By Bre Alexander, Content Marketing Manager, iWave

In the philanthropic world, one day stands out as a nod to hope and giving, pulling on heartstrings and opening wallets – GivingTuesday.

Conceived in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. GivingTuesday caught on and has grown worldwide, inspiring hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.

As the aroma of leftover turkey slowly fades, many nonprofit practitioners will find themselves navigating the dynamic landscape of the nonprofit sector during this holiday season.

Once your campaign ends, you're faced with a list of donors, a mix of new supporters and existing friends. The question looms, "Now what"?

By Rafi Kronzon, CEO, Altourage

Nonprofit organizations have become prime targets for cyberattacks, often finding themselves in the crosshairs of malicious actors seeking to exploit vulnerabilities in their systems and steal sensitive data. These nonprofits, driven by their noble missions to make a positive impact on society, are confronting a sinister reality: cybersecurity horror stories that can wreak havoc on their operations and tarnish their reputations. 

From data breaches exposing donors' personal information to crippling ransomware attacks that paralyze vital services, these harrowing tales serve as cautionary reminders of the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures within the nonprofit sector. 
 

By: Bre Alexander
Content Marketing Manager, iWave

Giving is an inherent part of human nature, driven by the desire to improve the world. While pursuing world betterment remains a driving force, deeper motivations have emerged – reward and social connection.

As we explore the reasoning behind giving, we uncover that beneath the surface, the emotional gratification we receive from kindness motivates us.

Let’s dive in.

By Brently Winstead, Director of Development, The Child Center of NY

When I joined The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) many years ago. I was not aware of the multitude of benefits AFP would bring me. In the spirit of sharing, I would like to express all the positive benefits I have and continue to experience as a member of the Local NYC Chapter and Global AFP.

Being a member of the AFP at both the global and local levels can offer numerous benefits to fundraising professionals. AFP is a respected international organization that provides resources, networking opportunities, and professional development for individuals involved in fundraising and philanthropy. Here are some reasons why being a member of AFP at both levels can be beneficial to you:

The Association of Fundraising Professionals New York City Chapter proudly presents an engaging organic conversation, highlighting the intersectionality of three major milestones in Black community fundraising occurring this August 2023: Black Philanthropy Month, the 50th Year of Hip Hop (Friday, August 11th), and National Nonprofit Day (Thursday, August 17th).

Chevelle Dixon, Founder and Managing Director of Pan-African Solutions Consulting LLC, moderated an engaging organic conversation with Dr. Meisha Porter, President and CEO of the Bronx Community Foundation, and with Dr. Jocelynne Rainey, President and CEO of the Brooklyn Community Foundation.

By Crystal Fields-Sam, IDEA Committee Chair, AFP NYC Board Member

It is important now more than ever to incorporate and promote IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access) into all aspects of fundraising work.  It requires a thoughtful and intentional approach. Inclusion is the cornerstone of a thriving fundraising ecosystem. Embracing diversity fosters creativity, broadens our reach, and enables us to engage with a wider range of donors. It is essential to ensure that all fundraising professionals have equitable opportunities to thrive and succeed, regardless of their background or identity. Access is the gateway to a more inclusive fundraising profession. We must actively work to break down barriers that hinder individuals from underserved communities from entering and excelling in the fundraising field. 

By Sonya Shields, Executive Director and President, Cause Effective 

On July 1, I became Cause Effective’s fourth Executive Director and President.  A forty-year-old leading nonprofit capacity builder that has partnered with over 7,000 organizations to fuel social justice and human rights.  I am the organization’s first leader of color, following Judy Levine, who held the position for sixteen years.  Being a Black queer woman to take the helm brings me tremendous pride.  I’m especially energized to lead Cause Effective into this next chapter during a time of continued racial unrest in this country.  I am fully embracing this position as an opportunity to center diversity, equity, and inclusion practices within every area of our work in partnership with the staff, Board, and stakeholders.

Erica Joy West, Charitable Investment Counselor, BVMI

If you're looking at your calendar today and thinking, "Wait a minute, it can’t really be June 30th already!? Where is this year going?" Well, you're not alone. It seems like just yesterday we were clinking champagne glasses and setting New Year’s resolutions— And now I’m sitting here googling “NYC sensory deprivation tanks” to retreat from the intense fiscal year-end push. 

So now what!? Well, aside from any anxiety you might be feeling, the midway point in the year is, actually, a perfect time to reflect on what has already passed and what is still ahead of you.