Chapter Leadership Brief 12.3.2021

By Steve Jacobson, AFP-NYC President
CEO, JCA, Inc.

This past Tuesday marked the 10^th anniversary of GivingTuesday. Launched back in 2012 by the 92^nd Street Y, and later spun off into its own nonprofit organization, GivingTuesday this year broke all prior giving records.  According to the GivingTuesday Data Commons, a group of more than 300 partner organizations that pooled contribution data, over 35 million adults in the U.S. participated in GivingTuesday 2021, up about 6% from last year.  In terms of dollars raised in the U.S., nonprofits earned $2.7 billion on GivingTuesday, a 9% increase from last year and a 37% increase over GivingTuesday 2019.  And, while these figures are for the U.S. only, nonprofit organizations in 80 countries participated in this year’s GivingTuesday.  GivingTuesday has truly become a global phenomenon.

However, GivingTuesday is not all about the money.  It’s also about giving time and energy through volunteering.  The organization projects that volunteering on GivingTuesday increased by 11% from last year and gifts of goods, such as clothes, food and supplies, saw an 8% increase compared to 2020.

Asha Curran, the co-founder and CEO of GivingTuesday (and an AFP-NYC speaker and supporter) summed it up perfectly: “Giving is an important metric of civic participation, a way to build the kind of society we want to live in. Our hope is that this boost of generosity is an inspiration for continued giving, kindness, and recognition of our shared humanity each day of the year.”

Some organizations, however, feel as if the competition to fundraise on GivingTuesday may reduce the amount of money that they can raise.  As a result, for example, some colleges have shifted their giving days to the spring, when they feel they have more of their alumni’s attention.  Other organizations have shifted their GivingTuesday strategy from asking donors for money to thanking them for their support. 

Regardless of what side of the fence you are on, one thing is clear: you can’t afford to stand still.  You need to engage with your existing donors, acquire new supporters and raise more money.  Here at AFP-NYC, we can help. From peer-to-peer networking to our stellar professional advancement sessions to Fundraising Day in New York, we have the programs and expertise to aid in your success. Please join us!

Chapter Leadership Brief 11.5.2021

By Michele Hall-Duncan, AFP-NYC Secretary
CEO and President of enCourage Kids Foundation

I was reading a recent Classy blog which highlighted Big Results for Nonprofits That Embrace Flexible Work Environments. The blog went on to extol the virtues of remote work as it pertains to overhead reduction, employee retention, and employee morale. With a fundraising turnover rate of nearly 20% I thought about how my own staff has been affected during the pandemic.

At the beginning of 2020, I led a team of 14. As of next week, there will be six employees on the payroll. Half of them were furloughed due to revenue decreases during the pandemic, with the remainder leaving for various pursuits.  I responded by increasing the number of consultants to balance out areas of need, however the adjustments to this new world order have been quite challenging.

With the continued uncertainty around returning to the office, I began to embrace remote work as a long-term option for the organization. One opportunity that I did not foresee with the remote work option is the ability to expand geographically, and to ultimately build a more diverse team. Without geographical constraints there is an expanded pool of viable candidates that can also help advance your organization’s IDEA objectives, including race, ethnicity, gender identity and disabled individuals for whom traditional commuting may prove challenging.

As always AFP-NYC is at the forefront of highlighting the most relevant topics in the fundraising today. I look forward to hearing more about how we can all continue to understand and embrace IDEA and move our organization’s forward.

Please join me at “Breaking Down Barriers: Evolving Beyond the Origins of Philanthropy” Thursday, November 18th from 8:30 – 10:00 am.   Join a conversation with philanthropy and DEI experts to explore ways to substantive change to make the field more inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible.  To register and learn more, click here.

Be well,

Michele

Chapter Leadership Brief 10.22.2021

By Jill Scibilia, CFRE, AFP-NYC President-Elect
Vice President, Development, Phelps Hospital, Northwell Health

AFP-NYC recently launched a new “AFP-Member Virtual Coffee Chat” series.  I had the opportunity to join the first session on October 1^st, and I am so glad I did.

Prior to COVID, I would have never thought about a coffee chat on ZOOM.  Programs like these are a positive outcome.  Don’t get me wrong—I enjoy meeting folks for coffee in person very much.  For brief gatherings, these online options allow us to come together without travel time from the comfort of our homes, offices…or wherever we may be.

Led by our Member Engagement team, this is a new monthly networking opportunity to build community, meet and engage with peers from the NYC chapter, and discuss current and evolving fundraising trends.  There are many reasons I value being a member of AFP-NYC. The connections I am able to make with development colleagues has always been the most meaningful part of this membership for me. 

In this non-recorded, relaxed gathering, our organizers Catherine Valero, Sarah Weatherly and Kirstin Uptegrove facilitated the conversation.  Participants were polled to select the initial fundraising topic.  While I did not know everyone on the meeting initially, I left the session feeling like I made several meaningful new connections and friends. 

The next in this series of Virtual Chat Series is on Friday, November 5^th at 8:00.  It is free and open to all AFP-NYC Members, and I encourage you to join if you are able. Click here to learn more and register.

Not yet a member of AFP-NYC?  I invite you to join us and become a part of the world’s largest community of charitable fundraisers.

Thank you for your leadership and commitment to professional fundraising.

With gratitude,

Jill

P.S. – Don’t miss “Breaking Down Barriers: Evolving Beyond the Origins of Philanthropy” Thursday, November 18^th from 8:30 – 10:00 am.  This National Philanthropy Day, join a conversation with philanthropy and DEI experts to explore ways to substantive change to make the field more inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible.  To register and learn more, click here.

Chapter Leadership Brief 10.8.2021

By Steve Jacobson, AFP-NYC President 
CEO, JCA, Inc.

A new study released just this past week by the Urban Institute revealed that charitable giving in 2020 declined significantly for small nonprofits while larger organizations tended to fare better.  Until now, we’ve seen a number of studies, surveys and anecdotal references that have pointed to the level of giving varying widely based on nonprofit sectors.  In 2020, as in other years, giving was impacted by current events.  The murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and others spurred giving to social justice organizations.  The pandemic prompted increased levels of giving to hospitals and health care foundations.  But, on the flip side, according to Giving USA, 2020 giving was down by 8.6% to arts and culture institutions.  Overall, 2020 could be summed up as the “year of unequal giving.”

But back to the small organizations, which did not fare as well as their larger counterparts.  Why was that?  One theory is that new and infrequent donors are more familiar with large “brand name” organizations and choose this direction as a safe choice for their money.  But another theory, advanced by Laura Pierce, the executive director of Washington (state) Nonprofits, and reported by the Chronicle of Philanthropy, is that small nonprofits often lack the full-time fundraising staff and expertise needed to adapt to changing conditions. I believe that both theories are true.

While the AFP NYC chapter can’t do much to change the mindset of donors and prospects, we can help small organizations become more effective in their fundraising efforts.  If you work for a small nonprofit, with an annual budget of $1 million or less, you may want to consider an AFP Small Nonprofit Organization membership. For only $175 per year, you’ll have access to a wealth of educational resources and opportunities. Additionally, you’ll enjoy the member discount for our chapter’s professional advancement events, beginning with our next event on October 20^th:  “Where Do We Go from Here? The Evolving Landscape of Special Events.”  And, you’ll also gain the member discount for our signature in-person, full-day educational conference, Fundraising Day in New York, which will be held on June 17, 2022. 

I hope to see you soon!

Chapter Leadership Brief 9.24.2021

By Craig Shelley, CFRE, AFP-NYC Treasurer 
Managing Director, Orr Group

I’ve got a job that I love.  Work that feels meaningful and that I’m proud of.  My kids look at me with some modicum of respect.  I’ll often tell myself I’ve worked hard, and I “deserve” it (whatever “it” is).  There’s probably some truth to that but if I’m being honest, what I have achieved I’ve achieved because I’ve benefitted from the leadership, tutelage, and camaraderie of some great mentors.

Gary Laermer was kind enough to answer a million questions a day about why we were doing things when all he was doing was paying me to stuff envelopes; a day does not pass that I don’t consider the things I learned when all I was supposed to be doing was folding papers.  Gary taught me a profession when all he needed to do was tell me how he took his coffee.  Bruce DeSandre instilled a need to strive for excellence that drives most of my coworkers nuts to this day.  Bill Sullivan helped me see fundraising was an art and how I connect the dots across the canvas ensures I end up with the painting I want.  Diego Aviles taught me the value of infectious energy and how the people you infect with that energy will make or break any undertaking.  Steve Orr gave me a business mindset and a worldview I’d never even had access to, he redefines “entrepreneurial” for me daily.  The list goes on.  I stand on the shoulders of great men or some other such cliché.

I was lucky, or better yet privileged, to be in the positions I was in to access the mentors and friends I have.  I recognize, because I’ve had a few myself, that you won’t always end up with a great boss who will invest in you personally and professionally for the long term.  I think a lot about the role of the Association of Fundraising Professionals New York City Chapter.  It’s value proposition and the things we can bring to fundraisers in this City.  The chapter has a unique opportunity and an obligation to bring things to professionals that we know they should have but that they may not be getting in their current roles.  We can contribute to the holistic development of all of us via networking, professional development, and mentoring.  Formal mentorship programs are hard, but they are necessary because you may not work for Gary or Bruce or any of those I’ve been fortunate enough to intersect with.

The chapter has put together a great mentorship program (more info here).  It’s an intensive, cohort model that will match you with the right fit for you via a customized matching process, recognizes institutionalized racism permeates every corner of our industry and factors that into the whole program, and provides opportunities not just for professional development but building your brand.  We’re accepting applicants now.  I’d encourage you to apply.  The program and the mentor it will bring into your career will be an experience you’ll never forget and that will stay with you.

Oh, and thank you to EVERYONE who has been a part of my journey.  I’ve valued your friendship and mentorship and will continue to do so.

Chapter Leadership Brief 9.10.2021

By Michele Hall-Duncan, AFP-NYC Secretary
CEO and President of enCourage Kids Foundation

Fall events will be starting soon. Galas, tastings, festivals, and other events are planned for the end of the year. But as the Delta variant brings us all back into a cautionary space – what do we do? Some organizations have decided to revert to virtual or hybrid events after planning fall in-person events. Zoom is even trying to cash in on that trend by finally adding a donate button for nonprofits.

Still, there are those who really want to go back to a sense of normalcy. Many nonprofits were able to enjoy their annual golf events in the summer and now early fall, because the weather permits the event to be held predominantly out of doors. It’s been great to interact with donors again in that space. Additionally, a new opportunity has presented itself with the recent law which will require proof of vaccination to access restaurants, gyms, and event venues. While no guarantee against potential COVID-19 exposure, the odds appear to be more favorable for attendees.

The phrase “comfort level” is the phrase du jour and boy do levels vary! I attended a wedding recently, where masks were provided, and wristbands in three colors (red, yellow, and green) were available to indicate the guests’ comfort level with interaction. Fully vaccinated, I slipped on green; however, I noticed there still weren’t many full-on body hugs being delivered that day. I had a blast.

We are still planning to hold our in-person tasting event next month, however we’ve moved from Current into The Lighthouse with its large outdoor veranda and terrace which can open to the veranda. We are also providing guests with masks that have straw holes in them to facilitate safer consumption of beverages. While not a requirement, they will hopefully indicate that we are taking our guests' concerns seriously.

As we execute our events--be they virtual, hybrid or in-person--let’s understand comfort levels and plan accordingly, leading with flexibility and creativity.

Watch for more details about our upcoming program on October 20^th as we discuss this subject and more. We have a great panel with guests from a hospital foundation and other great nonprofits.

Chapter Leadership Brief 8.27.2021

By Jill Scibilia, CFRE, AFP-NYC President-Elect
Vice President, Development, Phelps Hospital, Northwell Health

There is one more week before Labor Day—the traditional end of summer in New York. 

Do you remember the last day of summer vacation before going back to school in the fall?  I do.  It always seemed to be the very best day of summer.  At least that is how I remember it.  It never rained.  The weather was just hot enough, but not too hot.  Our friends and all of us who hung out in the neighborhood where I grew up were on the best of terms.  Arguments were forgotten.  We were all suddenly the best of friends—at least for the day.  We played all day with abandon knowing it was the final day of vacation.  We stayed out as late into the evening as our parents allowed.  Every year I had the same thought, if only summer could last forever…

When I look back on my childhood, it is often that final day of summer that I recall.  Of course it was not as perfect or idyllic as my rose-colored memories. But it makes me smile to remember it that way.  Throughout my fundraising career, summer has also meant a break of sorts.  Most donor activity has been Labor Day through about mid-June.  While there is always plenty of work to do in fundraising and summer is an excellent time for meaningful donor engagement, it has usually been less intense for me.

This summer and last summer have not really allowed for that normal break in intensity with all that is happening in the world.  It has been a weighty time to say the least. As fundraisers we know that our work and attention during times like these can and does make a huge difference.  Our intensity and focus has been needed.  Our missions and those we serve are counting on us during these unprecedented times.

We know we cannot do our best work if we do not take the time to unwind and dare I say it: have fun. 

What do you remember about summers from your childhood?  Did you, like me, want summer to last forever? 

I repeat…there is one more week left before the end of summer.  How do you plan to spend it?  I am going to invoke those last days of summer vacation from my childhood and seek to make every moment count.  I hope you can find a way to do the same.  I know I will be better-positioned to give my mission and those we serve the energy and intensity they deserve. 

Thank you for your leadership and commitment to professional fundraising.

-Jill

P.S. – Don’t miss AFP-NYC’s next professional development session, “Setting up a Major Gifts Program” scheduled after Labor Day on Tuesday, September 14^th.  Click here to register and learn more.

Chapter Leadership Brief 8.13.2021

By Steve Jacobson, AFP-NYC President 
CEO, JCA, Inc.

No, I don’t have one for you. But chances are that there may be one out there for you. In one of the bright spots for fundraisers, the job market is picking up steam.  This is welcome news to the many fundraisers out there who were let go, took reduced pay or were furloughed due to the pandemic. According to the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ (our parent organization) annual compensation and benefits survey, the pandemic resulted in fundraisers’ salaries dropping 3% since the pandemic began in March 2020.  The survey also found that layoffs or furloughs occurred at 20% of the more than 3,200 organizations who responded to the survey.

Was it all bad?  No.  In fact, when AFP delved deeper into the numbers, they found wild compensation swings.  Approximately 18.5% of respondents reported a drop in compensation, with an average decrease of $20,769. In contrast, 14.5% of respondents indicated an increase in pay averaging $7,885.  The study gave no conclusive reason for the disparity, but it seems likely that the nonprofit verticals which were hit hardest by the pandemic, such as arts and culture, had to cut back the most on fundraiser compensation. And, on the flip side, it’s entirely likely that nonprofits that did relatively well (e.g. food insecurity and health care) increased pay to fundraisers.

In terms of the local New York City market, our chapter’s jobs board is seeing a robust return to pre-pandemic activity levels.  This past month, we have seen:

• 31 new employer sign-ups (highest it’s been in the last 12 months)
• 34 new job postings (highest it’s been in the last 12 months)
• 2,747 job views (highest it’s been since March 2020)

So, if you’re a fundraiser looking for new challenges, please check out the listings on our jobs board. You never know what you might find…

Chapter Leadership Brief 7.30.2021

By Craig Shelley, CFRE, AFP-NYC Treasurer 
Managing Director, Orr Group

Does anyone ever listen to the Hamilton song, “Non-Stop” and think he could very easily be describing the life of a fundraiser? The need for our work is always there, we often do what we do at the hours most convenient to our donors and least convenient to our families and social lives, we’re perennially working on under resourced teams, and every new fiscal year the clock goes back to $0 and the goals get larger. Non-Stop has been the only pace I think I’ve ever experienced in my 20+ years fundraising, leading, and advising nonprofit organizations.

While I haven’t exactly stopped, I have had the opportunity to slow down a bit over this past month. I crammed a bunch of vacation time into a single month for the first time ever. I took advantage of the ability to “work from anywhere” and packed up the family for sandier pastures. I’ve hung out with my kids. Talked to my wife about things rather than reviewed our to do lists. Rode my bike a ton (my current preferred way to move my body and clear my mind). Read multiple books. Listened to waves crashing. Got sunburned lounging in a pool. Probably drank a few too many beers. I needed it and I’m going to be a better fundraiser and leader because of it.

Our profession uniquely requires an “all in” approach while simultaneously requiring us to be full and interesting people. We can only be either of those things if we take time for ourselves, advice I’ve ignored all too often over my career. Take a long weekend. Take a week. Take an afternoon. Take some time for yourself right now. You need it and you’ve earned it. I’m not sure what the Fall holds for us as people or fundraisers. I do know the organizations and missions we work for will need funding that we’ll have to raise. I know we’ll raise more of it if we take our feet off the gas for a minute now.

Recharge. The world is going to need you at full battery.

Chapter Leadership Brief 7.16.2021

By Michele Hall-Duncan, AFP-NYC Secretary
CEO and President of enCourage Kids Foundation

As I write this leadership brief, we are in the throes of putting the final touches on our 18^th annual golf tournament. If you’d asked me three months ago, my team, my board and even the golf committee themselves were managing expectations. No one knew what to expect between the moving target of vaccinations, venue limitations, and most importantly personal comfort level. I am so excited to share that we are nearly sold out and may even match our 2019 revenue. You know what I call that? A comeback! Was it tough? For sure. Exercising those old fundraising muscles, after months of being reactive instead of proactive required a shift, and for some, that shift was difficult.

As we head into the remaining weeks of summer, be sure to embrace the new ways that we will work while keeping tried and true methods. We’ll probably never return to “normal” which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. That is why I am very excited for the upcoming professional development event, Planning for a Comeback: Creating strategies and flexible development plans post COVID.  This event is a great opportunity to hear just how non-profit leaders are making the shift between online and personal events, modifying budgets and development plans, as well as embracing new adaptations in culture and workforce.

We have all been through quite a challenging time over this past 16 months and our resilience has been on full display. I can’t wait until we are back in person, to share our challenges, our triumphs and our collective ideas on the future of philanthropy. There’s so much to share and so much to look forward to.

Until then, “see” you all on the 21^st.