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Attention, fundraiser friends! CCS Fundraising just published seven new regional philanthropic landscape reports for the Central United States. Each is a deep dive into the giving trends and strategies shaping regional philanthropy. As a nonprofit fundraiser working with foundations, I found CCS's philanthropic landscapes incredibly helpful for understanding the bigger picture of individual giving, foundation support, and corporate philanthropy. Now, CCS has built on 2024 Philanthropic Landscape insights to offer region-specific data, best practices in local fundraising, and the latest trends. Read now, download for later, or share with your team - these reports are such helpful tools for navigating your community's unique philanthropic environment. 📍 Reports include: Greater Chicago, North Texas, Greater St. Louis, Greater Cleveland, Metro Detroit, Twin Cities, Greater Milwaukee 🔗 Access your region’s report today: https://bit.ly/3ZjtUE8 #philanthropy #nonprofit #giving #chicago #northtexas #stlouis #cleveland #detroit #twincities #milwaukee

Waco friends, Today is Giving Tuesday—a moment to pause after days of deals and shopping to consider the power of giving back. This year has been especially challenging for nonprofits, with data always pointing to election years being the toughest for fundraising. While I realize my personal stance in this, I'm speaking on behalf of nonprofits outside of mine as well. What many don’t realize is that even a small gift can make a huge impact. From providing meals to those facing homelessness, supporting youth leadership programs, and expanding arts and culture, to creating spaces where our community can thrive—every dollar matters. I invite you all to take a few minutes and consider a gift before the end of this year. If you have questions on nonprofits and their missions, feel free to reach out to the local foundations, Waco Foundation and Cooper Foundation are well versed in who is doing what and also offer some amazing ways to give their their community funds (which goes back to the community). They also provide year-round training for us as we often feel so isolated on our islands doing the work we do. Without them, we'd be wandering around like chickens with socks on. Giving today won’t solve every challenge, but even a $5 gift can be the catalyst of creating future impact, as we all work tirelessly to make a difference in the community. Explore local nonprofits, find causes that align with your values, and give in whatever way you can. And while this may not be true for all nonprofits locally, volunteers are just everything, your time contributes so much for us. We all depend on local philanthropy, and your support—big or small—drives meaningful change.

Do you think your life hasn't been touched by philanthropy, think again! I love this graphic from the National Council of Nonprofits that highlights some of the more common ways that we engage with nonprofits everyday. And let's not forget, nonprofits are a vital part of the philanthropic community. Funders - both individual donors and institutional funders - need nonprofits. Too often nonprofit leaders fall into the trap of putting the needs of funders above their organizations' needs. We need to shift the narrative! Stop focusing on the wonky power dynamics, and lean into the power of partnership. No, it's not easy, but it is necessary for your organization and the sector as a whole. You can get started by... ↪ Inviting funders to engage with your organization through events, tours, and conversations ↪ Asking funders (current, past, and prospective) for advice outside of funding requests ↪ Not treating funders as ATMs ↪ Sharing your organization's authentic story - the good, the bad, and the ugly ↪ Offering your ideas and insights to funders as they navigate community needs

A quick reminder for GivingTuesday: organizations like school PTOs, small farms, and local food banks need donations today just as much as larger nonprofits. When I worked in corporate, I led programs encouraging employees to give back and amplified impact with generous employer matches - not just for Giving Tuesday, but for the entire week! Now, as an entrepreneur, my focus has shifted closer to home supporting my local community, kids’ schools, and small nonprofits that make a big difference. So today, I want to encourage you to: ✅ Don’t forget about the small but mighty organizations in your community ✅ Leverage your employer’s matching programs to increase your impact Your gift has the power to create meaningful change. Let’s show up for the causes that matter most to us. Go give! #GivingTuesday #CommunityImpact #SupportLocal #Philanthropy #GoGive

Featuring a DPP member! For 96 years, Southside Mission has served Peoria, Illinois’ most vulnerable residents with compassion and opportunity. Rich Draeger, the nonprofit’s development manager, shares insights into their enduring impact and future endeavors. 1️⃣ Embracing Change: Southside Mission is evolving to better serve its neighborhood, exploring new opportunities and embracing diversity at all levels of operation. 2️⃣ Community Support: Draeger emphasizes the importance of community support, encouraging donations, volunteering, and prayer to uplift those in need. Financial gifts, volunteerism, and mentorship all contribute to their transformative work. 3️⃣ Turning Challenges into Opportunities: Fundraisers like Draeger see challenges as opportunities for innovation and growth. By adopting an optimistic outlook and seeking innovative solutions, Southside Mission continues to make a profound impact. Key to Success: Listen attentively to donors' passions and interests, and effectively connect them with the mission's work. By prioritizing donor engagement and embracing diversity, nonprofits can foster lasting community impact. Southside Mission's century-long dedication to its community is a testament to the power of compassion and resilience. Their story inspires us to listen, adapt, and continue striving for positive change #CommunityImpact #NonprofitSuccess #EmpoweringVulnerability

F. R. Bigelow Foundation, Mardag Foundation and the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation have awarded more than $10 million to Minnesota nonprofits in our second round of 2024 community grantmaking! 🎉 These grants will provide crucial funding resources to community organizations making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families across the East Metro and Greater Minnesota. Some of the incredible organizations funded in this round include: 🔹 Urban Bird Collective 🔹 Hmong Early Childhood Coalition 🔹 (Neo)Muralismos de Mexico en Minnesota 🔹 Family Values for Life (FVFL) 🔹 Ain Dah Yung Center Read more about these organizations and the good work they're doing in the community ➡️ https://hubs.ly/Q02ZKcGs0 #CommunityImpact #philanthropy #grantmaking #Minnesota

Philanthropy comes in all shapes and sizes, but it’s always about making a difference. 🌍 At the Stuller Family Foundation, we see firsthand how grassroots nonprofits, powered by passionate volunteers and limited resources, create lasting change. Philanthropy isn’t just for the wealthy—it's for all of us, in every community. 💡 Whether through time, expertise, or donations, each of us can contribute to making our world better. On #NationalPhilanthropyDay, let’s celebrate the impact of giving—and ask ourselves: What local projects can we support to make our community stronger? 🤝 #Philanthropy #CommunityImpact #GivingBack #StrongerTogether

Recently, Form Follows Studio connected with a networking collective that required a $1,000 onboarding fee for us to join. While we recognize the value of network leaders in fostering community connections, we couldn’t help but feel that this initial fee (on top of monthly dues) could be better spent directly supporting those who are making the most impact in our city. So, instead of joining, we’ve decided to invest that $1,000 into some of the most impactful organizations and individuals right here in North Texas. North Texas Giving Day can feel like a tough ask, especially when so many of us work tirelessly for far less than we deserve. At Form Follows, we’re constantly helping our clients streamline their overhead to maximize impact, so we’re taking our own advice this quarter. We’re redirecting our operational costs into donations for the following organizations: North Texas Giving Day Participants: Deep Vellum Publishing DOWNWINDERS AT RISK EDUCATION FUND Philanthropy for Kids Child Poverty Action Lab (CPAL) Non-NTXGD Participants That Deserve Our Support (We’re also donating our time to these incredible groups): 4DWN Dallas For Change Take Care Health and Wellness United People’s Coalition City Departments We’re Collaborating With, Despite Facing Budget Cuts: Integrated Public Safety Department At Form Follows, we believe that meaningful change comes from investing directly in the people and organizations creating real impact. By pouring resources into those who need it most, we’re reinforcing our commitment to strengthening our community.

Exponent Philanthropy is exploring new ways funders can increase their impact! Read and download "How Grantees Think Funders Can Improve" today. This report surveyed over 400 nonprofits across six foundations over the last two years. It highlights how funders can improve in effect and process. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/4aCklUc.

#GiveffectViews & #NonprofitNews According to the 2024 Nonprofit Fundraising Study by NonProfit PRO, 30% of nonprofits are opting out of Giving Tuesday. Why? At #Giveffect, we've noticed nonprofits are moving toward strategies that better align with their goals and audiences. And some found that competing on a single day can be less impactful than a tailored year-end campaign or another more meaningful fundraising day. Key Insights: 💚 High competition makes it tough for smaller nonprofits to stand out. 💚 Mission-aligned days can engage supporters more effectively. 💚 Spreading efforts over a season boosts donor relationships and avoids fatigue. Is the future of Giving Tuesday shifting toward personalized, strategic year-end fundraising? At Giveffect, we empower nonprofits to succeed in what works best for them—whether that’s embracing Giving Tuesday or broader, mission-focused strategies. #NonprofitTech #YearEndFundraising #GivingSeason