Beyond Billionaires: Women’s Giving Circles and the Future of Community Philanthropy
How women-led giving circles are reshaping the future of philanthropy: practical tips nonprofits can use to research, engage, and steward women-led giving circles for long-term impact. Imagine a philanthropic movement quietly reshaping communities across the country — fueled not by billionaires, but by women of all giving abilities pooling resources, expertise, and passion for change. […]
Standing Out with Your Social Impact Story: A Guide to Crafting a Compelling Strategy Narrative
In today’s competitive landscape, a powerful narrative is crucial for companies to effectively communicate the entirety of their social impact work and inspire action. A well-crafted narrative not only clarifies your purpose but also rallies employees and resonates with stakeholders. It ensures alignment, consistency, and efficiency across your many different communication channels and materials. But […]
Leveraging Stakeholder Engagement to Design Impactful Employee Engagement Programs
As employees continue to seek purpose-driven companies, corporations face growing pressure to create meaningful engagement programs that align with business goals and employee passions – all while driving social impact. One of the most effective ways to meet these goals is through stakeholder engagement, a critical component of your overall employee engagement strategy. By incorporating […]
Laying the Groundwork: Cultivating Win-Win Nonprofit Partnerships
In today’s evolving landscape of corporate responsibility, companies are increasingly seeking to create meaningful social impact through collaborative relationships with nonprofits. The most effective of these partnerships strike a balance between corporate goals and nonprofit missions, resulting in a win-win for both parties. As teams such as marketing, branding, and HR begin to manage more […]
Embracing Change: Adaptability in Nonprofit Fundraising
In an increasingly dynamic world, the nonprofit sector is now facing unprecedented challenges. The landscape of nonprofit fundraising is constantly evolving, driven by rapid technological advances, shifting donor expectations, economic fluctuations, donor constituencies moving further apart, and the impact of global crises. Yet, within this turbulent sea of change lies an opportunity for innovation and […]
Ethics in Action: What You Need to Know About AFP’s Updated Code of Ethical Standards
The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) recently released an update to its Code of Ethical Standards. While AFP members commit annually to upholding these standards, they serve as a critical ethical framework for anyone engaged in philanthropic work. Following these standards fosters confidence in the fundraising profession and strengthens the relationships between donors and the […]
The Authenticity Imperative: Anchoring Authenticity in a Sea of Skepticism
In 2018, Changing Our World conducted a study of Americans aged 18-65 to explore people’s perceptions of – and expectations for – authenticity in corporate citizenship. We found that while consumers and employees expected companies to act responsibly and invest in building a better world, they were skeptical in their belief that companies actually followed […]
Beyond the Basics: The Nuance of Campaign Success
Several years ago, I was contacted by a reporter covering philanthropy for our city’s leading newspaper. Researching her assignment, she was struck by an interesting fact. “Why,” she asked, “are so many nonprofits engaged in capital campaigns?” In reply, I shared a sentiment well-known in the nonprofit sector: If you are not in a campaign, […]
Looking to Engage Employee Volunteers? Lead with Program Impact
For many corporate social responsibility (CSR) practitioners, engaging employees is a key responsibility. In particular, employee awareness of – and participation in – volunteer programs are often KPIs used to gauge overall workforce engagement and employee satisfaction. While such stats are important for measuring volunteer program success, an over-emphasis on participation can overshadow the community […]
Four Key Trends and Tips for Arts & Culture Nonprofits to Know in 2024
Among the many lessons reinforced over the past few years is the critical role our cultural institutions – from our museums and parks to science centers and the performing arts – play in American life. Together, these institutions help shape our collective identity and foster a more creative and compassionate society by preserving, interpreting, and […]