Nonprofit Adviser

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Big philanthropy is changing as many major donors shift their approaches to giving. In his reporting on this year’s Philanthropy 50,my colleague Jim Rendon writes that many wealthy Baby Boomers and Gen Xers are moving away from major institutions, like universities and hospitals, to support discrete causes, such as the environment, democracy, and social justice.

In tandem, political polarization and geopolitical conflicts are contributing to increasing levels of donor discontent, even revolt in the world of higher education. To better understand and navigate these challenges, read my colleague Rasheeda Childress article, What Do Donor Revolts Mean for Fundraising?

She explains how clarity of communication is key in today’s climate from the very first interaction. Establishing trust at the beginning of your major donor relationships can help you manage the toughest conversations more successfully down the road. Learn more from Rasheeda’s reporting about how to handle disagreements with donors and avoid having them go public. It’s part of the Chronicle’s special report on the $11.9 billion given in 2023 by those listed in the Philanthropy 50.

And read more of Rasheeda’s reporting on this unfolding topic: In the Wake of Donor Revolt, Nonprofits Are Rethinking Political Statements and Donor Revolts, Fundraising Fallout, and Why the Ivy League’s Turmoil Matters to All Nonprofits.

Plus, watch our recent online forum inspired by the Philanthropy 50 reporting: Boomer and Gen X Mega-Donors Are Driving Trends in Giving, featuring two donors on this year’s list.

Best,
Elaine Gantz Wright
Senior Editor, Products

Build donor loyalty with the power of storytelling. Lead with stories of impact instead of statistics. For example, Volunteers of America highlights compelling examples of lives changed in its annual Great Big Gratitude report, which features client stories about “one of the 4,500 people that were touched by your kindness or sheltered by your love,” says Becky Carlino, vice president of development at Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana. Carlino reports that the approach resonated: revenue from the piece doubled over the previous year. For more tips and examples, read 11 Ways to Improve Your Donor Thank Yous and Inspire Loyalty.

Your Chronicle subscription includes free access to GrantStation’s database of grant opportunities.

Sports: The Women’s Sports Foundation advances the lives of women and girls in the United States through sports and physical activity. The Foundation’s Sports 4 Life program seeks to increase the participation and retention of girls of color in sports. Funded programs must serve predominantly Black, African American, Hispanic, and Native American girls (representing more than 70% of the enrolled program participants) and deliver structured, developmental sports programming to girls ages 11 to 18 through experienced and committed leadership. Grants are $10,000; letters of intent are due April 5.

Pet Adoption: The PEDIGREE Foundation funds nonprofit shelters and rescues in the United States with programs that support dog adoption. Program Development Grants of $10,000 to $15,000 are provided in the following categories: foster programs that move dogs temporarily into loving homes while they await adoption; behavior programs that help with socialization, training, and stress relief so dogs can move beyond behaviors that might hinder their adoption; and transport programs that move dogs from areas of overpopulation to areas where they’re more likely to be adopted. Grants from $10,000 to $15,000; application deadline is April 14.