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Revolutionizing the Donor Experience

Ask your coworkers about your donor experience and you’ll probably hear positive feedback. You thank them in a timely fashion, you send an email newsletter a couple times a year, you celebrate them at your annual fundraising event. You’re doing everything nonprofit fundraisers have always done ask, thank, repeat. Now ask your donors to describe their experience with your nonprofit.

Spotlight

Neighborhood Centers Inc.

Neighborhood Centers Inc. has a rich history in building communities that work since its early days when it was part of the Settlement House movement in the early 1900′s. When Alice Graham Baker founded the agency in 1907, the main intention behind it all was to help every resident of Houston have an opportunity for an education, for health, for work, and to become an informed participant in democracy.

OTHER ARTICLES
Nonprofit Management

The Advocacy versus the Activist Functions of Non-profits

Article | July 12, 2022

Advocacy vs. Activist Roles: Non-profits all over the world are typically divided into those that engage in grassroots activism, those that advocate ideological positions, and those that combine the two to work for the betterment of society. This means that many non-profits, such as the Red Cross and Oxfam, are both activist and advocacy organizations, whereas others, such as the World Watch Institute and the Club of Rome, are primarily advocacy organizations. Furthermore, many non-profit organizations, such as Greenpeace and the World Wildlife Fund, are primarily activist in nature. The key point to remember here is that no non-profit can exist solely through activism or advocacy and thus must combine both functions to gain legitimacy and credibility. In other words, non-profits must strike a balance between activism and advocacy in order to achieve their social welfare and public good objectives. Of course, there are many non-profits in the United States that primarily function as advocacy groups with a presence only in the country because politics in the United States is driven by lobbying and special interest advocacy, which means that liberals must fund non-profits that advocate for their ideologies. Grassroots Activism, Interventions, and Crisis Management: When it comes to grassroots activism, non-profits must not only have the necessary ideology but also a deep commitment as well as the willingness to endure odds and overcome obstacles. This is because grassroots activism usually entails non-profits confronting the might of the state in areas where they must question the state's practices and point out gaps and anomalies in the implementation of the government's social schemes and welfare policies. Furthermore, grassroots activism necessitates intervention and crisis management by non-profits, which frequently puts them in conflict with vested interests who do not want interference from those they perceive to be unwanted attention and spotlight focusers on their nefarious activities. This is why many non-profits stop at the beginning of their activism and do not move on to interventions and crisis management. This is also why many non-profits collaborate with law enforcement and government agencies so that any interventions and crisis management can be carried out in tandem with the government rather than the non-profits taking on the role that the government must. Of course, this is easier said than done because, in many cases, non-profits discover that governmental agencies have abdicated their responsibilities, forcing them to intervene and correct the problems on the ground.

Read More
Nonprofit Management

7 Reasons to Invest in a Volunteer Program

Article | July 20, 2022

Volunteers are the lifeblood of any nonprofit. Your services, fundraising campaigns, and even day-to-day operations of your nonprofit can depend on volunteers. An estimated 30 percent of Americans or 77.9 million people reported they volunteered for an organization or association.” AmeriCorps published survey So, if people want to volunteer, the key to garner willing volunteers is to: Communicate your needs Share your “why” Make it easy While all nonprofits know they need volunteers, investing time and energy into building a program can naturally fall by the wayside. As you look to recruit and retain volunteers, a best practice is to put a strategic volunteer program in place. You may be asking, “What’s the benefit to me, the nonprofit?” Let’s dive into it! First, let’s start with the basics — what are the top reasons to invest in a volunteer program? We’ve got you covered. A dynamic volunteer program: Creates ambassadors for your mission. Volunteers spread the word in your community and increase your community engagement. They can advocate for you with their friends, family, and local and state legislatures. Provide your volunteers with messaging so they can share their “why” on social media and by word of mouth. One pro tip shared by Points of Light is to provide a digital badge to add to your volunteer leaders’ email signatures. Develops new funding sources. The line between a volunteer and donor should be fluid, not separate. A 2014 study by Fidelity Charitable found that 83% of volunteers report supporting the same nonprofits with their donations. Don’t silo your volunteers and your donors! Reduces your operating costs. According to the Independent Sector, the value of a volunteer hour was estimated at $28.54 in 2020. Since payroll is often the largest expense for a nonprofit, volunteers provide essential support to your cause with minimal costs to you. Increases the quantity and quality of your programs and services. It’s a win-win situation for professional development and your lengthy project list! That list will be met by an eager, talented volunteer, and your volunteer will improve their professional skills at the same time. Maximizes your limited staff resources. We’re sure there’s been a few items on your wish list that you’d love to check off if you had more resources, like being open on holidays or offering more services to your community. Volunteers can fill in those gaps! Maybe they are looking for ways to give back over a holiday, or they may have the connections to develop a new service opportunity for you. Increases your diversity and brings in new ideas. Although your nonprofit may always strive to diversify or get out of the “we’ve always done it this way” rut, you may not meet the potential of those goals with your staff. Volunteers can provide unique perspectives, different experiences, and even that spark of excitement that comes with a new idea. Minimizes volunteer turnover.Just like staff onboarding, volunteer onboarding takes time and money. If you recruit and onboard well with easy-to-access opportunity matching, training, and tracking mechanisms in place, your volunteers will be well on their way to a successful experience. Build on that by learning more about your volunteers’ interests and skills, and they will feel seen and appreciated. An upfront investment will pay off in years of dedicated service. Are you convinced? If so, it’s time to take the next step of how to start putting a volunteer program into place. Then you can scale your volunteering as your nonprofit grows! Here are our 5 fundraiser-approved steps to developing a bullet-proof volunteer program. Step 1: Quantify your current volunteer impact. Gather data on number of volunteers, hours and skills contributed. Measure the return on investment (ROI) including your program cost and total estimated volunteer value (# of volunteer hours x est. volunteer wage per hour). You can even take it a step further and consider the monetary savings to the community when volunteers provide the service or in-kind donation versus a private provider (e.g. number of children tutored or trees planted). Step 2: Educate your staff and board on the benefits of volunteering. Share your ROI and other data with your executive team and board and garner to get them on board. Recruiting, onboarding, engaging, and retaining your volunteer base will be much smoother when you have their support. Step 3: Purchase or build a volunteer management software system. Track volunteer hours, record your volunteers’ information, and create reports. Your software/tracking system should include a personalized volunteer dashboard where they can track their hours and volunteer services provided, demonstrating to them their impact in real-time. Step 4: Develop a plan for recruitment, training, and growth opportunities for your volunteers. Share the plan with your current volunteer leaders and solicit their feedback before rolling out to the community. Step 5: Make the case for even more investment in your program next year. Give insight into how your efforts to recruit, engage, and retain volunteers positively impact your mission and your bottom line.

Read More
Nonprofit Management

Non-Profits Cannot Afford to Ignore These Business Practices

Article | July 15, 2022

While not-for-profit organizations have different missions and objectives than for-profit businesses, both need the appropriate management team and operational procedures to operate and develop. Unfortunately, maintaining good business processes can be problematic in the not-for-profit sector due to funding, staffing, and management resource limitations, which prevent companies from attaining their full potential. Through this article, you can learn about business tactics that would help build a strong foundation and structure for your non-profit organization to reach its full potential. Management and Board Supervision Management and its governing board must understand their roles, responsibilities, and authority. The rules, processes, and board training materials of the not-for-profit should formally reflect this knowledge. Board members need to be trained and made aware of their duties. Depending on the size of the organization and the backgrounds of its board members, the training's regularity and formality will probably change. CPA firms and other organizations offer resources and instruction on good board procedures. The training should include organization-specific topics, including the entity's programs, activities, mission and philosophy, strategy, finances, and the board's relationships with the organization and its employees. Management of Finance and Cash Flow For any firm, having strong finances is essential. The majority of not-for-profit organizations create annual budgets, but many fail to take into account setting up operating reserves or keeping track of and anticipating unrestricted net assets and cash flows. A formal operational reserve policy that outlines guidelines for how and when the reserves can be used as well as how they are funded should exist and be authorized by the board. Implementing Technology Investment in IT ought to be included in the overall strategy. For not-for-profit organizations, there are numerous options for systems and software, including cloud-based resources, in areas including general accounting, donor administration, record retention, and management reporting. Monthly-fee subscriptions could offer hosting, better functionality at a reduced price, and little IT support. The market for cloud-based services has improved in recent years, offering higher quality at significantly lower prices. In addition, many cloud service providers give discounts to not-for-profit organizations. Adhering to these above-mentioned business tactics would undoubtedly help your non-profit organization be structurally sound with a solid foundation. However, to develop a value proposition and new revenue sources, leadership must be able to view a not-for-profit company differently.

Read More

How Your Nonprofit Can Transition To Virtual Fundraising

Article | April 20, 2020

The coronavirus has been disruptive, to say the least. Not to pile on more bad news, but add in the risk of a recession and a spike in unemployment, at this time even the most organized nonprofit fundraising professionals are grappling with how to move forward. We don’t know when self-quarantining will be over but we do know that with the lockdown extended to the end of April (for now), nonprofits are going to have to change up their fundraising plans. Long story short, any kind of in-person fundraising (galas, breakfasts, runs/races, etc) is going to get scrapped. But, you still need to meet your fundraising needs. To navigate these uneasy times, the only solution is to embrace a comprehensive digital fundraising strategy immediately.

Read More
Nonprofit Management

What Are the Top Five Lessons for Your Non-Profit This Year?

Article | July 12, 2022

Advocacy vs. Activist Roles: Non-profits all over the world are typically divided into those that engage in grassroots activism, those that advocate ideological positions, and those that combine the two to work for the betterment of society. This means that many non-profits, such as the Red Cross and Oxfam, are both activist and advocacy organizations, whereas others, such as the World Watch Institute and the Club of Rome, are primarily advocacy organizations. Furthermore, many non-profit organizations, such as Greenpeace and the World Wildlife Fund, are primarily activist in nature. The key point to remember here is that no non-profit can exist solely through activism or advocacy and thus must combine both functions to gain legitimacy and credibility. In other words, non-profits must strike a balance between activism and advocacy in order to achieve their social welfare and public good objectives. Of course, there are many non-profits in the United States that primarily function as advocacy groups with a presence only in the country because politics in the United States is driven by lobbying and special interest advocacy, which means that liberals must fund non-profits that advocate for their ideologies. Grassroots Activism, Interventions, and Crisis Management: When it comes to grassroots activism, non-profits must not only have the necessary ideology but also a deep commitment as well as the willingness to endure odds and overcome obstacles. This is because grassroots activism usually entails non-profits confronting the might of the state in areas where they must question the state's practices and point out gaps and anomalies in the implementation of the government's social schemes and welfare policies. Furthermore, grassroots activism necessitates intervention and crisis management by non-profits, which frequently puts them in conflict with vested interests who do not want interference from those they perceive to be unwanted attention and spotlight focusers on their nefarious activities. This is why many non-profits stop at the beginning of their activism and do not move on to interventions and crisis management. This is also why many non-profits collaborate with law enforcement and government agencies so that any interventions and crisis management can be carried out in tandem with the government rather than the non-profits taking on the role that the government must. Of course, this is easier said than done because, in many cases, non-profits discover that governmental agencies have abdicated their responsibilities, forcing them to intervene and correct the problems on the ground.

Read More
Nonprofit Management

What Does the Health of Your Nonprofit Website Mean and How Can You Improve It?

Article | July 20, 2022

Volunteers are the lifeblood of any nonprofit. Your services, fundraising campaigns, and even day-to-day operations of your nonprofit can depend on volunteers. An estimated 30 percent of Americans or 77.9 million people reported they volunteered for an organization or association.” AmeriCorps published survey So, if people want to volunteer, the key to garner willing volunteers is to: Communicate your needs Share your “why” Make it easy While all nonprofits know they need volunteers, investing time and energy into building a program can naturally fall by the wayside. As you look to recruit and retain volunteers, a best practice is to put a strategic volunteer program in place. You may be asking, “What’s the benefit to me, the nonprofit?” Let’s dive into it! First, let’s start with the basics — what are the top reasons to invest in a volunteer program? We’ve got you covered. A dynamic volunteer program: Creates ambassadors for your mission. Volunteers spread the word in your community and increase your community engagement. They can advocate for you with their friends, family, and local and state legislatures. Provide your volunteers with messaging so they can share their “why” on social media and by word of mouth. One pro tip shared by Points of Light is to provide a digital badge to add to your volunteer leaders’ email signatures. Develops new funding sources. The line between a volunteer and donor should be fluid, not separate. A 2014 study by Fidelity Charitable found that 83% of volunteers report supporting the same nonprofits with their donations. Don’t silo your volunteers and your donors! Reduces your operating costs. According to the Independent Sector, the value of a volunteer hour was estimated at $28.54 in 2020. Since payroll is often the largest expense for a nonprofit, volunteers provide essential support to your cause with minimal costs to you. Increases the quantity and quality of your programs and services. It’s a win-win situation for professional development and your lengthy project list! That list will be met by an eager, talented volunteer, and your volunteer will improve their professional skills at the same time. Maximizes your limited staff resources. We’re sure there’s been a few items on your wish list that you’d love to check off if you had more resources, like being open on holidays or offering more services to your community. Volunteers can fill in those gaps! Maybe they are looking for ways to give back over a holiday, or they may have the connections to develop a new service opportunity for you. Increases your diversity and brings in new ideas. Although your nonprofit may always strive to diversify or get out of the “we’ve always done it this way” rut, you may not meet the potential of those goals with your staff. Volunteers can provide unique perspectives, different experiences, and even that spark of excitement that comes with a new idea. Minimizes volunteer turnover.Just like staff onboarding, volunteer onboarding takes time and money. If you recruit and onboard well with easy-to-access opportunity matching, training, and tracking mechanisms in place, your volunteers will be well on their way to a successful experience. Build on that by learning more about your volunteers’ interests and skills, and they will feel seen and appreciated. An upfront investment will pay off in years of dedicated service. Are you convinced? If so, it’s time to take the next step of how to start putting a volunteer program into place. Then you can scale your volunteering as your nonprofit grows! Here are our 5 fundraiser-approved steps to developing a bullet-proof volunteer program. Step 1: Quantify your current volunteer impact. Gather data on number of volunteers, hours and skills contributed. Measure the return on investment (ROI) including your program cost and total estimated volunteer value (# of volunteer hours x est. volunteer wage per hour). You can even take it a step further and consider the monetary savings to the community when volunteers provide the service or in-kind donation versus a private provider (e.g. number of children tutored or trees planted). Step 2: Educate your staff and board on the benefits of volunteering. Share your ROI and other data with your executive team and board and garner to get them on board. Recruiting, onboarding, engaging, and retaining your volunteer base will be much smoother when you have their support. Step 3: Purchase or build a volunteer management software system. Track volunteer hours, record your volunteers’ information, and create reports. Your software/tracking system should include a personalized volunteer dashboard where they can track their hours and volunteer services provided, demonstrating to them their impact in real-time. Step 4: Develop a plan for recruitment, training, and growth opportunities for your volunteers. Share the plan with your current volunteer leaders and solicit their feedback before rolling out to the community. Step 5: Make the case for even more investment in your program next year. Give insight into how your efforts to recruit, engage, and retain volunteers positively impact your mission and your bottom line.

Read More
Nonprofit Management

The Advocacy versus the Activist Functions of Non-profits

Article | July 15, 2022

While not-for-profit organizations have different missions and objectives than for-profit businesses, both need the appropriate management team and operational procedures to operate and develop. Unfortunately, maintaining good business processes can be problematic in the not-for-profit sector due to funding, staffing, and management resource limitations, which prevent companies from attaining their full potential. Through this article, you can learn about business tactics that would help build a strong foundation and structure for your non-profit organization to reach its full potential. Management and Board Supervision Management and its governing board must understand their roles, responsibilities, and authority. The rules, processes, and board training materials of the not-for-profit should formally reflect this knowledge. Board members need to be trained and made aware of their duties. Depending on the size of the organization and the backgrounds of its board members, the training's regularity and formality will probably change. CPA firms and other organizations offer resources and instruction on good board procedures. The training should include organization-specific topics, including the entity's programs, activities, mission and philosophy, strategy, finances, and the board's relationships with the organization and its employees. Management of Finance and Cash Flow For any firm, having strong finances is essential. The majority of not-for-profit organizations create annual budgets, but many fail to take into account setting up operating reserves or keeping track of and anticipating unrestricted net assets and cash flows. A formal operational reserve policy that outlines guidelines for how and when the reserves can be used as well as how they are funded should exist and be authorized by the board. Implementing Technology Investment in IT ought to be included in the overall strategy. For not-for-profit organizations, there are numerous options for systems and software, including cloud-based resources, in areas including general accounting, donor administration, record retention, and management reporting. Monthly-fee subscriptions could offer hosting, better functionality at a reduced price, and little IT support. The market for cloud-based services has improved in recent years, offering higher quality at significantly lower prices. In addition, many cloud service providers give discounts to not-for-profit organizations. Adhering to these above-mentioned business tactics would undoubtedly help your non-profit organization be structurally sound with a solid foundation. However, to develop a value proposition and new revenue sources, leadership must be able to view a not-for-profit company differently.

Read More

How Your Nonprofit Can Transition To Virtual Fundraising

Article | April 20, 2020

The coronavirus has been disruptive, to say the least. Not to pile on more bad news, but add in the risk of a recession and a spike in unemployment, at this time even the most organized nonprofit fundraising professionals are grappling with how to move forward. We don’t know when self-quarantining will be over but we do know that with the lockdown extended to the end of April (for now), nonprofits are going to have to change up their fundraising plans. Long story short, any kind of in-person fundraising (galas, breakfasts, runs/races, etc) is going to get scrapped. But, you still need to meet your fundraising needs. To navigate these uneasy times, the only solution is to embrace a comprehensive digital fundraising strategy immediately.

Read More
MORE ARTICLES

Spotlight

Neighborhood Centers Inc.

Neighborhood Centers Inc. has a rich history in building communities that work since its early days when it was part of the Settlement House movement in the early 1900′s. When Alice Graham Baker founded the agency in 1907, the main intention behind it all was to help every resident of Houston have an opportunity for an education, for health, for work, and to become an informed participant in democracy.

Related News

Nonprofit Technology, Philanthropy

Foundant Technologies Recognized for Connecting Philanthropic Community

Prnewswire | April 05, 2023

Foundant Technologies (Foundant), a provider of innovative software solutions for the philanthropic community, and its executive leadership team were recently honored with Higher Logic's Most Valuable Community Champion award for creating real connections and knowledge sharing through Compass, its online community for philanthropy. Compass provides more than 4,000 community members with the opportunity to explore discussions, find resources and exchange ideas that will help them achieve their missions. "We are honored to be recognized for our dedication to creating connections – between people, organizations and data – and for helping philanthropic organizations in their pursuit to change the world," said Foundant's CEO and co-founder Chris Dahl. "One of our key values is enriching the philanthropic community, and we will continue to do that, first and foremost, through our software and by fostering engagement within this community and providing valuable resources for it." Foundant's online Compass community is a free peer-to-peer forum where members can share best practices to better serve the communities they support. In three years, the community has grown to more than 4,000 users in five countries representing nearly every role in the philanthropic sector, including funders, nonprofits, scholarship providers, community foundations, and the volunteers and board members that support these organizations. Members are actively engaged in the community, with the site boasting an 86% participation rate. "Every day we have the opportunity to work with individuals and organizations that inspire us through their commitment to driving community innovation," said Jay Nathan, Higher Logic Chief Customer Officer. "These Champions of Community all go above and beyond for their customers and partners, and we are thrilled to celebrate their successes. Congratulations!" Philanthropic organizations turn to Foundant's innovative software solutions to make their work easier and more impactful, including Grant Lifecycle Manager (GLM) for grantmakers, Scholarship Lifecycle Manager (SLM) for scholarship providers, CommunitySuite for community foundations, NonprofitCore for nonprofit charitable organizations, and GrantHub for grantseekers. In addition to Compass, Foundant has developed a variety of educational resources for its growing base of more than 3,000 clients and the philanthropic community, including this quarter's content series offering tips and tools to help organizations work smarter, not harder. More than 5,000 people have engaged with related events and resources. In line with its mission, Foundant has donated more than $250,000 in the past two years to nonprofits and other organizations supporting communities in need throughout the 50 states. About Foundant Technologies Foundant Technologies has specialized in making philanthropy easier and more impactful through innovative software solutions and exceptional client experiences since 2007. Passionate about philanthropy, Foundant's team is dedicated to meeting the unique needs of grantmakers, scholarship providers, community foundations and nonprofits to enable change-makers to make the world a better place for all. More than 3,000 funders and nonprofits use Foundant's software to transform their organizations and maximize their impact in the communities they serve.

Read More

Nonprofit Management

BankPlus Donates $100,000 to Saints and Pelicans Gulf Coast Renewal Fund, Supporting Nonprofits Impacted by Hurricane Ida

BankPlus | September 17, 2021

As nonprofits and community organizations along the Louisiana and Mississippi Gulf Coast begin rebuilding and repairing damages incurred from the recent impact of Hurricane Ida, BankPlus has announced a donation of $100,000 to the Saints and Pelicans Gulf Coast Renewal Fund. The BankPlus donation will support nonprofits which are providing essentials and services to those in need. “BankPlus is committed to helping rebuild our communities,” said Bill Ray, CEO of BankPlus. “We know the Saints and Pelicans Gulf Coast Renewal Fund will put our donation to good use. The funds will ensure community organizations can continue to provide resources and necessities over the long-term rebuilding process.” “I would like to thank Bill Ray and BankPlus for this generous donation to the Saints and Pelicans Gulf Coast Renewal Fund. My late husband Tom and I first became well-acquainted with Bill and his wife Sara when we held training camp at Millsaps College in Jackson, and I am proud to call them close friends,” said Gayle Benson, owner of the Saints and Pelicans. “With the support of BankPlus and many other great community-oriented companies both in the Gulf South and nationally, the Renewal Fund will continue to be able to provide important support to the nonprofits that are doing such important relief work in our region.” “When we welcomed the Saints to Jackson after Hurricane Katrina, we saw just how much their efforts meant to the entire Gulf Coast region. Now, after Hurricane Ida, we are proud to join forces with the Saints and Pelicans to help those who need it most along the Gulf,” Ray said. Individuals or businesses interested in contributing to the Gulf Coast Renewal Fund can do so by visiting NewOrleansSaints.com/hurricaneida. About BankPlus Founded in 1909, BankPlus is one of the Southeast’s premier regional banks serving consumers and businesses with the latest technology through a full suite of financial services, including retail banking, commercial banking, mortgage lending and wealth management. With over $5 billion in total assets, BankPlus operates 79 financial centers throughout Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana. www.bankplus.net.

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Nonprofit Management

Banks Award $71K to Four Texas Nonprofits

Comerica Bank, Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas | September 03, 2021

Comerica Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) partnered to award a combined $71,000 in Partnership Grant Program (PGP) funds to four Texas nonprofits. The two banks celebrated the funding awards with the four organizations during a September 2 virtual check presentation. The following organizations received funding: Kym's Kids, Dallas, Texas, $22,000. Kym’s Kids helps abused, neglected and low- to moderate-income children and families with year-round mentoring, tutoring, low-income housing, field trips to cultural events, school supplies and household goods. The organization will use the funds for operational expenses. Made Media Group, Austin, Texas, $17,000. Made Media Group promotes Black businesses and celebrates African American achievements and encourages African American youth to pursue careers in media and technology. The organization will use the funds for administrative and operational expenses. MEED Center, Dallas, Texas, $17,000. MEED Center provides low- to moderate-income individuals with entrepreneurial support, business development, education, job training and community events, including outreach into refugee communities and a global youth and women’s leadership program. The organization will use the funds for administrative and operational expenses. PowHer Play, Pearland, Texas, $15,000. PowHer Play, doing business as The Chatman Women’s Foundation, is a nonprofit organization that empowers women by supporting women-owned businesses and providing scholarships and grants to those in need. It plans to use the funds for educational scholarships for women going back to school or those completing their education, women wishing to obtain new job skills or those overcoming hardships. “We are grateful for strategic partnerships like FHLB Dallas’ PGP, which allows our bank to be intentional in the way we deploy resources, ensuring we reach and make an immediate impact on the communities that need it the most,” said Vanessa T. Reed, Comerica Bank’s national external affairs manager. “FHLB Dallas’ matching grant structure also helps us deliver on the Comerica Promise of raising expectations in the communities we serve through inclusive and innovative investments in four very-deserving nonprofit organizations.” For 2021, FHLB Dallas awarded $400,000 in PGP grants, and its members provided an additional $200,250 for an impact of more than $600,000 in its five-state District of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. “The PGP exemplifies the strong bond between FHLB Dallas and our members,” said Greg Hettrick, first vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas. “Comerica’s support of community organizations with PGP funds spans more than a decade, a tribute to its commitment to many worthwhile organizations over the years.” See the complete list of the 2021 PGP grant recipients. For more information about the 2021 PGP grants and other FHLB Dallas community investment products and programs, please visit fhlb.com/pgp. About Comerica Bank Comerica Bank is a subsidiary of Comerica Incorporated (NYSE: CMA), a financial services company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and strategically aligned by three business segments: The Commercial Bank, The Retail Bank, and Wealth Management. Comerica focuses on relationships, and helping people and businesses be successful. In addition to Texas, Comerica Bank locations can be found in Arizona, California, Florida and Michigan, with select businesses operating in several other states, as well as in Canada and Mexico. Comerica reported total assets of $88.4 billion as of June 30, 2021. About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is one of 11 district banks in the FHLBank System created by Congress in 1932. FHLB Dallas, with total assets of $58.6 billion as of June 30, 2021, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced loans and other credit products to approximately 800 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. For more information.

Read More

Nonprofit Technology, Philanthropy

Foundant Technologies Recognized for Connecting Philanthropic Community

Prnewswire | April 05, 2023

Foundant Technologies (Foundant), a provider of innovative software solutions for the philanthropic community, and its executive leadership team were recently honored with Higher Logic's Most Valuable Community Champion award for creating real connections and knowledge sharing through Compass, its online community for philanthropy. Compass provides more than 4,000 community members with the opportunity to explore discussions, find resources and exchange ideas that will help them achieve their missions. "We are honored to be recognized for our dedication to creating connections – between people, organizations and data – and for helping philanthropic organizations in their pursuit to change the world," said Foundant's CEO and co-founder Chris Dahl. "One of our key values is enriching the philanthropic community, and we will continue to do that, first and foremost, through our software and by fostering engagement within this community and providing valuable resources for it." Foundant's online Compass community is a free peer-to-peer forum where members can share best practices to better serve the communities they support. In three years, the community has grown to more than 4,000 users in five countries representing nearly every role in the philanthropic sector, including funders, nonprofits, scholarship providers, community foundations, and the volunteers and board members that support these organizations. Members are actively engaged in the community, with the site boasting an 86% participation rate. "Every day we have the opportunity to work with individuals and organizations that inspire us through their commitment to driving community innovation," said Jay Nathan, Higher Logic Chief Customer Officer. "These Champions of Community all go above and beyond for their customers and partners, and we are thrilled to celebrate their successes. Congratulations!" Philanthropic organizations turn to Foundant's innovative software solutions to make their work easier and more impactful, including Grant Lifecycle Manager (GLM) for grantmakers, Scholarship Lifecycle Manager (SLM) for scholarship providers, CommunitySuite for community foundations, NonprofitCore for nonprofit charitable organizations, and GrantHub for grantseekers. In addition to Compass, Foundant has developed a variety of educational resources for its growing base of more than 3,000 clients and the philanthropic community, including this quarter's content series offering tips and tools to help organizations work smarter, not harder. More than 5,000 people have engaged with related events and resources. In line with its mission, Foundant has donated more than $250,000 in the past two years to nonprofits and other organizations supporting communities in need throughout the 50 states. About Foundant Technologies Foundant Technologies has specialized in making philanthropy easier and more impactful through innovative software solutions and exceptional client experiences since 2007. Passionate about philanthropy, Foundant's team is dedicated to meeting the unique needs of grantmakers, scholarship providers, community foundations and nonprofits to enable change-makers to make the world a better place for all. More than 3,000 funders and nonprofits use Foundant's software to transform their organizations and maximize their impact in the communities they serve.

Read More

Nonprofit Management

BankPlus Donates $100,000 to Saints and Pelicans Gulf Coast Renewal Fund, Supporting Nonprofits Impacted by Hurricane Ida

BankPlus | September 17, 2021

As nonprofits and community organizations along the Louisiana and Mississippi Gulf Coast begin rebuilding and repairing damages incurred from the recent impact of Hurricane Ida, BankPlus has announced a donation of $100,000 to the Saints and Pelicans Gulf Coast Renewal Fund. The BankPlus donation will support nonprofits which are providing essentials and services to those in need. “BankPlus is committed to helping rebuild our communities,” said Bill Ray, CEO of BankPlus. “We know the Saints and Pelicans Gulf Coast Renewal Fund will put our donation to good use. The funds will ensure community organizations can continue to provide resources and necessities over the long-term rebuilding process.” “I would like to thank Bill Ray and BankPlus for this generous donation to the Saints and Pelicans Gulf Coast Renewal Fund. My late husband Tom and I first became well-acquainted with Bill and his wife Sara when we held training camp at Millsaps College in Jackson, and I am proud to call them close friends,” said Gayle Benson, owner of the Saints and Pelicans. “With the support of BankPlus and many other great community-oriented companies both in the Gulf South and nationally, the Renewal Fund will continue to be able to provide important support to the nonprofits that are doing such important relief work in our region.” “When we welcomed the Saints to Jackson after Hurricane Katrina, we saw just how much their efforts meant to the entire Gulf Coast region. Now, after Hurricane Ida, we are proud to join forces with the Saints and Pelicans to help those who need it most along the Gulf,” Ray said. Individuals or businesses interested in contributing to the Gulf Coast Renewal Fund can do so by visiting NewOrleansSaints.com/hurricaneida. About BankPlus Founded in 1909, BankPlus is one of the Southeast’s premier regional banks serving consumers and businesses with the latest technology through a full suite of financial services, including retail banking, commercial banking, mortgage lending and wealth management. With over $5 billion in total assets, BankPlus operates 79 financial centers throughout Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana. www.bankplus.net.

Read More

Nonprofit Management

Banks Award $71K to Four Texas Nonprofits

Comerica Bank, Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas | September 03, 2021

Comerica Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) partnered to award a combined $71,000 in Partnership Grant Program (PGP) funds to four Texas nonprofits. The two banks celebrated the funding awards with the four organizations during a September 2 virtual check presentation. The following organizations received funding: Kym's Kids, Dallas, Texas, $22,000. Kym’s Kids helps abused, neglected and low- to moderate-income children and families with year-round mentoring, tutoring, low-income housing, field trips to cultural events, school supplies and household goods. The organization will use the funds for operational expenses. Made Media Group, Austin, Texas, $17,000. Made Media Group promotes Black businesses and celebrates African American achievements and encourages African American youth to pursue careers in media and technology. The organization will use the funds for administrative and operational expenses. MEED Center, Dallas, Texas, $17,000. MEED Center provides low- to moderate-income individuals with entrepreneurial support, business development, education, job training and community events, including outreach into refugee communities and a global youth and women’s leadership program. The organization will use the funds for administrative and operational expenses. PowHer Play, Pearland, Texas, $15,000. PowHer Play, doing business as The Chatman Women’s Foundation, is a nonprofit organization that empowers women by supporting women-owned businesses and providing scholarships and grants to those in need. It plans to use the funds for educational scholarships for women going back to school or those completing their education, women wishing to obtain new job skills or those overcoming hardships. “We are grateful for strategic partnerships like FHLB Dallas’ PGP, which allows our bank to be intentional in the way we deploy resources, ensuring we reach and make an immediate impact on the communities that need it the most,” said Vanessa T. Reed, Comerica Bank’s national external affairs manager. “FHLB Dallas’ matching grant structure also helps us deliver on the Comerica Promise of raising expectations in the communities we serve through inclusive and innovative investments in four very-deserving nonprofit organizations.” For 2021, FHLB Dallas awarded $400,000 in PGP grants, and its members provided an additional $200,250 for an impact of more than $600,000 in its five-state District of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. “The PGP exemplifies the strong bond between FHLB Dallas and our members,” said Greg Hettrick, first vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas. “Comerica’s support of community organizations with PGP funds spans more than a decade, a tribute to its commitment to many worthwhile organizations over the years.” See the complete list of the 2021 PGP grant recipients. For more information about the 2021 PGP grants and other FHLB Dallas community investment products and programs, please visit fhlb.com/pgp. About Comerica Bank Comerica Bank is a subsidiary of Comerica Incorporated (NYSE: CMA), a financial services company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and strategically aligned by three business segments: The Commercial Bank, The Retail Bank, and Wealth Management. Comerica focuses on relationships, and helping people and businesses be successful. In addition to Texas, Comerica Bank locations can be found in Arizona, California, Florida and Michigan, with select businesses operating in several other states, as well as in Canada and Mexico. Comerica reported total assets of $88.4 billion as of June 30, 2021. About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is one of 11 district banks in the FHLBank System created by Congress in 1932. FHLB Dallas, with total assets of $58.6 billion as of June 30, 2021, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced loans and other credit products to approximately 800 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. For more information.

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