How You Can Stay Donor-Centered

Many nonprofits don’t seem to understand what it means to be donor-centered. I think it’s fairly obvious. It means focusing on your donors’ needs and interests, acknowledging them in your letters and other communication, and taking into account that not all donors are the same. I guess it’s not obvious enough because you see countless examples of generic, organization-centered communication that barely acknowledges the donor.

Spotlight

iMADdu (I make a difference, do you?) Inc.

iMADdu (I make a difference, do you?) is a nonprofit organization that provides experiences for students to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs through apprenticeships and mentorship. To empower the next generation of entrepreneurs, iMADdu provides students with hands-on entrepreneurial experience and mentorship, bridging the gap between the academic and the practical, between learning and doing, between thought and action. The sum being so much greater than the parts alone. In a different time we called it apprenticeship.

OTHER ARTICLES
Nonprofit Management

5 Easy Ways to Boost Your Nonprofit's Online Presence

Article | July 14, 2022

Marketing is often the last thing most organizations think about when starting off. It makes sense that the most important things to do are develop a business plan, determine your service/product offering, get all your legal and financial ducks in a row, and find a way to go-to-market. However, for non-profit and for-purpose organizations just getting off the ground, one of the most important things to establish is your online image. Things that can be extremely influential in how quickly and effectively you can gain traction digitally are branding, social presence, and content curation.

Read More
Nonprofit Management

How Nonprofits Can and Should Approach Machine Learning and AI

Article | July 28, 2022

Nonprofits can learn a lot about technology, operations, and more from companies in the for-profit sector. One technology that has been gaining popularity among c-level executives is machine learning and its contributions to modern Artificial Intelligence (AI). Since true AI — the ability for computers to process unstructured data, form conclusions, and take action — is not yet on the horizon of possibilities, machine learning models have become synonymous with AI.

Read More
Nonprofit Management

Nonprofit Success in Times of Crisis

Article | July 15, 2022

In recent weeks all business sectors across America have made significant transitions with their work force and have overcome huge hurdles to their success in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Employees everywhere are doing their best to meet the goals expected of them in a time of intense uncertainty and rapid change. The nonprofit sector is one industry that has faced unique challenges due to the pandemic.

Read More
Nonprofit Management

Nonprofit Communications Plan: How-To Identify an Audience and Create an Avatar

Article | May 25, 2021

Any experienced marketer would tell you that understanding one’s audience is key to success in communication. When creating a strategic communications plan, it is important to identify your goals for each particular communications effort. After you identify the goals and objectives of your communication efforts, you can identify an audience. Brainstorm different groups of people you hope to reach that can help you accomplish your organization’s objectives. Each goal may have several different audiences in which you want to communicate to. When you identify your audience, it will help you decide how to tailor your message to make it relatable to them. Your audience should feel as though your content was written directly to them, which is where constructing an avatar – or ideal customer – comes into play. We will talk more about avatars in just a moment.

Read More

Spotlight

iMADdu (I make a difference, do you?) Inc.

iMADdu (I make a difference, do you?) is a nonprofit organization that provides experiences for students to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs through apprenticeships and mentorship. To empower the next generation of entrepreneurs, iMADdu provides students with hands-on entrepreneurial experience and mentorship, bridging the gap between the academic and the practical, between learning and doing, between thought and action. The sum being so much greater than the parts alone. In a different time we called it apprenticeship.

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.

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.

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.

Read More

Events