Nonprofit Technology

New best practices to connect with today’s charitable donors

March 9, 2021

charitable donors
Nonprofits have adapted to the challenges of 2020 and pivoted from charity galas to virtual events, while ramping up digital outreach and direct mail campaigns.

To help nonprofits continuously connect with donors Data Axle surveyed 1,200+ charitable donors and gleaned insights into their behaviors and preferences – including how they like to give, why they remain loyal, their legacy giving plans, and much more.

Spotlight

The Chicago Community Trust

For over 100 years, The Chicago Community Trust, our region’s community foundation, partners with donors to leverage their philanthropy in ways that transform lives and communities. The Trust connects the generosity of donors with community needs by making grants to nonprofit organizations working to improve metropolitan Chicago. Since our founding in 1915, the Trust has awarded approximately $2 billion in grant funding to more than 11,000 local nonprofit organizations – including more than $236 million in 2016.

OTHER WHITEPAPERS
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Corporate Foundations & Grantmaking Toolkit

whitePaper | July 30, 2021

Nearly all companies engage in corporate philanthropy as a means of giving back to the communities in which they operate. This includes financial contributions, product donations, in-kind services, and employee matching and volunteering. Technically, a corporate foundation is classified by the Internal Revenue Service as a type of 501(c)(3) public charity called a “private non-operating foundation.” The Internal Revenue Code does not distinguish corporate foundations from family foundations. Both are subject to the same regulations. From a practical stand point, however, there are differences in funding and governance. A corporate foundation is funded by a company, instead of an individual or family. And the board members of a corporate foundation are typically company executives. However, only a fraction of these companies take advantage of the additional benefits that come from adding a corporate foundation to their philanthropic efforts. This toolkit will help you understand the benefits of a corporate foundation and provide an overview of the operational requirements.

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The Power of Branding Inspiring Nonprofit Support

whitePaper | February 3, 2020

In 1990, domestic automobile manufacturers found themselves in deep trouble. The innovative design and the quality of production long associated with the three dominant American brands, Ford, General Motors and Chrysler, had long been consigned to the annals of memory. The autos that rolled off of the Detroit assembly lines were notoriously ill designed and were, in general, very unreliable. Additionally, the oil crisis of the 1970s, one that would drive the American consumer to more fuel efficient vehicles, prompted the production of domestic compact vehicles that could not compete with the new foreign imports of Toyota, Mazda and Honda.

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Six Degrees of Major Gift Fundraising

whitePaper | March 10, 2020

We live in a connected world. Making the most of one’s network connections can mean a key introduction can lead to fulfilling personal and professional goals. The game ‘six degrees of separation from Kevin Bacon’ might seem frivolous but it does serve to illustrate that our connections to people of influence are closer than we might think. Ask any successful veteran fundraiser and they will tell you that if they can “get in the door,” when they leave, they will have a committed donor. The key is getting in the door – securing time with the potential major donor.

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NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONAL LIFE CYCLES

whitePaper | November 13, 2019

Well documented research shows that much like humans, organizations move through predictable life cycle stages and developmental milestones. A stage is a developmental period when characteristic and predictable patterns of behavior are present and particular tasks are accomplished. Applied to nonprofit organizations, the organizational life cycle framework illuminates the significant events at each stage of a nonprofit organization’s life that are crucial for its continued development and success.

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Charity sector developments

whitePaper | April 1, 2022

This year there are increasing macroeconomic headwinds on the horizonaltogether. As we continue to operate in an uncertain environment this will undoubtedly increase the importance of the work of charities in our society. In this publication, we consider these headwinds, and the sector risks they present as well as the opportunities and practical considerations for charities. A particular focus will be on climate change and how charities can develop their response in this area. We also review wider developments in the charity world, including in relation to specific risks and external audit, as well as in the areas of tax and VAT.

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Disaster Preparedness Manual for Nonprofit Organizations

whitePaper | October 2, 2021

Disaster planning isn’t fun or exciting and it doesn’t directly help the people we aim to serve. However, it is essential for nonprofit organizations who want to remain resilient in the face of the unforeseen. Nonprofits provide a wide variety of services ranging from travel and leisure to educational and informational to health and direct services that may be crucial to their clients’ survival. Nonprofits provide essential services, and need to be prepared for the emergencies that may impact their operations or their ability to serve and fulfill their missions.

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Spotlight

The Chicago Community Trust

For over 100 years, The Chicago Community Trust, our region’s community foundation, partners with donors to leverage their philanthropy in ways that transform lives and communities. The Trust connects the generosity of donors with community needs by making grants to nonprofit organizations working to improve metropolitan Chicago. Since our founding in 1915, the Trust has awarded approximately $2 billion in grant funding to more than 11,000 local nonprofit organizations – including more than $236 million in 2016.

Events