Thought Leadership

Whether it is the prompt of a CRM conversion or an annual budget review, it is essential to understand the full costs of technology. Particularly in the buying and implementation of new software, additional fees often feel like they come out of the proverbial woodwork. Understanding the reason for these costs, evaluating your needs, and negotiating with vendors is key.

The power of AI in fundraising is being harnessed further, accelerating the progress of our organizations and the causes we hold dear. Looking ahead and to ensure fundraising’s future is hopeful, good “citizens” are needed to harness the power of AI and use it for good, and quickly. Embracing the potential of our AI neighborhoods and a brighter, more data-driven future for nonprofits is taking shape. This article takes a look at the evolving landscape of AI in fundraising and how best to harness it for your organization.

BWF conducted a research project across the philanthropic landscape to gain contemporary views of campaigns. Through a combination of qualitative and quantitative analysis, we landed on some overarching themes worthy of consideration.

When conducting prospect research, a fundraising professional may reference many different data points as wealth indicators of a prospect. Research professionals often use real estate as a central data point to assess capacity, since it is very easy to identify. This article will help establish a baseline for the new normal of the real estate market in the United States and how it affects the prospect research professional’s day-to-day.

How do you make sure that your strategic plan does more than sit on a shelf and gather dust? How do you know when your organization is ready to write its first strategic plan or update its existing plan? BWF’s Tracey Storey answers the questions you should ask yourself as you consider undertaking a strategic planning process.

Massachusetts General Hospital (Mass General, MGH) is constantly optimizing its fundraising team and resources so the organization can continue to do amazing things. The key questions the team asks to inform direction have evolved over time, as have their data-related needs. Today, the team takes a data-first approach in all decision making. Since 2010, their strategic counsel has been provided by BWF, who has served as Mass General’s analytics team and trusted partner.

You’ve come a long way in a year as you prepare to launch your campaign. You’ve developed core messages, struck upon a powerful campaign theme, and created a graphic identity. As great as your achievements are, there is still a long way to go to launch. Now is the time to take your great concepts and turn them into products.

Equally important to an organization’s ability to reach increased fundraising goals is operational readiness. After all, even if an organization has an excellent relationship with a potential donor, a misspelled name in the database, a delay in processing a gift, ill-timed outreach, or multiple touchpoints to the same donor can all lead to embarrassing and potentially damaging incidents.

The communications countdown to a public campaign launch includes numerous critical steps that every organization must take to be successful. There is a tried-and-true approach, and there really aren’t shortcuts or workarounds that don’t come with some compromise or risk. Like the aerospace designers, engineers, and astronauts who are making plans to go into space, the initial steps are essential in ultimately achieving a successful liftoff and splashdown.