Issue 36: Turning A New Leaf
Tim Sarrantonio
Generosity Experience Design | Empowering nonprofits to build a community of generosity
I woke up this morning to a notification on my phone that it was time to check in for my flight.?
I only dread that morning buzzer when I make trips to Washington, DC like this. Walking on the plane, generally having a row to myself, and then getting right on public transportation to get to my hotel or meeting location by 9am is pretty fantastic.?
This is a big trip—a group of people is gathering both virtually and in person for the bi-annual meeting of the Fundraising Effectiveness Project to decide how to manage things moving forward. Two years of work are coming together, and I couldn’t be more proud of the team that has worked so hard on this.?
There are still some things to work out, but I’m excited to share some information to help educate nonprofit leaders about FEP and how they can use it to inform their strategies and tactics.?
Generosity in Action
The Fundraising Effectiveness Project (FEP) is preparing to adopt a new governance structure, developed collaboratively by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and GivingTuesday over the past two years. This new framework is designed to enhance FEP’s ability to deliver trusted data insights and strengthen its impact on the nonprofit sector. The structure incorporates diverse perspectives from practitioners, data providers, consultants, researchers, and government relations professionals to ensure more inclusive decision-making.
The Steering Committee will play a central role in guiding FEP’s priorities, with representatives from key areas such as practitioners, fundraising consultants, and data providers. Each member will lead a dedicated sub-committee focused on their respective expertise. An Executive Committee will also be established, serving as the primary operational contacts to support the work being done by AFP and GivingTuesday.
This governance structure is supported by expert staff from GivingTuesday and AFP, including roles in data science, communications, and research. Together, they ensure FEP continues to provide high-quality data and insights to help nonprofits grow. This new structure reflects the extensive consultation and collaboration over the past two years and aligns FEP’s leadership with the evolving needs of the nonprofit sector.
Below, I outline some of the process to get to this point and some Big Questions for nonprofit leaders in particular to consider. It is critical we continue public discourse to ensure everyone has a seat at the table.?
Tips & Tricks
One of the resources that the Fundraising Effectiveness Project developed last quarter was around a sharing guide that helps give context to interested supporters of the work we’re doing on the quarterly report’s insights.?
When putting that together, I hunted down all the guides and resources that the data providers put together focused on retention. I’m thrilled to outline these below.
My general rule is that when speaking about or on behalf of the Fundraising Effectiveness Project, I’ll prioritize the work of our supporting data providers over companies that have not invested in FEP.
I’m proud to spotlight the work of all our data partners and hope that you check out these resources.?
Data Dive
The Fundraising Effectiveness Project (FEP) oversees an extensive dataset that includes contributions from over 8,800 nonprofit organizations and 11 million individual donors, providing deep insights into donor behavior and fundraising performance. These datasets, primarily from organizations with annual contributions ranging from $5,000 to $25 million, offer a comprehensive view of the sector.*
FEP's reports are developed by a team of experts in nonprofit data analysis, working collaboratively to ensure accuracy and relevance. The data management process is overseen by the GivingTuesday Data Commons, a leading global initiative that coordinates data collection and analysis, ensuring the highest standards of data integrity. This partnership helps FEP produce reliable, actionable insights that nonprofits can use to improve their fundraising outcomes and better understand giving trends.
*This is data I have at the ready, but it should be noted that we’ve added data providers since this was last updated.
Community Spotlight
Over the past two years, the Fundraising Effectiveness Project (FEP) has undergone a comprehensive research and development process to design a new governance structure that better aligns with the needs of the nonprofit sector. This process has been collaborative and participant-focused, drawing on a wide range of inputs to ensure we’re addressing the sector’s most pressing challenges.
How We Listened
In developing the new governance framework, FEP conducted:
This thorough research enabled FEP to build a governance structure that not only serves as a guidepost for internal priorities but also expands representation and engagement with diverse participant groups, from data providers to practitioners. However, this is just the beginning.
Expanding How We Listen
As FEP moves forward, we are committed to continuing this listening process and broadening the ways we engage with the nonprofit sector. We believe there are still untapped opportunities to support organizations in adopting data-driven strategies that enhance donor retention and generosity. To foster this engagement, we want to ask nonprofit leaders:
Blue Sky Thinking for the Future
At FEP, we believe the future of fundraising lies in deeper, more actionable insights that empower nonprofits to create lasting relationships with their donors. As we embark on this new governance journey, we invite nonprofit leaders to think boldly about how we can collectively drive change in the sector. By integrating data at every level, from strategic decision-making to on-the-ground donor engagement, we believe nonprofits can transform not just their fundraising results, but the entire culture of giving.
The conversation starts now, and we look forward to working with you to shape the future of philanthropy.
Upcoming Events
I am so excited about my upcoming episode of Generosity Experience Live! I’ll be doing it remotely from Arlington, Virginia as we gear up to shift to the next evolution of the Fundraising Effectiveness Project, and I’ll be joined by the one and only Sheleiah Phillips and Jessica Johnson, Neon One’s amazing director of customer support.?
Board Builder’s Symposium
September 26, 2024 | 11:00 am - 6:00 pm ET
I’m thrilled to be participating in Christal M. Cherry ’s dedicated event focused entirely on board development. I’m going to be doing some light coaching on KPIs for boards next week and hope you can join me for my session.?
Back to Basics: Grant Writing Success for Small Nonprofits with Big Goals
September 30, 2024 | 1 PM ET
In this hands-on coaching workshop, join me and Philip Deng of Grantable as we dive into the art and science of grant writing tailored for small nonprofits. You’ll learn how to manage your grant applications effectively, ensuring that your organization’s unique story resonates with potential funders. With real-time feedback and practical insights, this session will guide you through the critical elements of creating a compelling, comprehensive narrative—even when resources are limited.
Neon CRM Monthly Release: September 2024
September 30, 2024 | 2:30 PM ET
Unlock new possibilities in volunteer and donor management with Neon CRM’s enhanced volunteer management solution. By unifying your systems, you can streamline your operations and cultivate generosity more effectively.?
Final Thoughts
At the heart of FEP’s mission is the belief that data can serve as a guiding light—a North Star—for nonprofits navigating the complex landscape of fundraising. As we move forward, our goal is to ensure that every nonprofit has access to the tools, insights, and support they need to grow and thrive.?
By centering our work around data-driven decision-making, we aim to inspire a future where generosity is not just a moment but a movement, sustained by deeper connections and lasting impact. Together, we can chart a course toward a more generous world, where every fundraiser's path is illuminated by actionable insights.
Puzzle of the Week
In the spirit of collaboration and problem-solving, here’s a challenge for you:
You have 100 donors. 75 of them renewed their gifts this year, and 15 are new donors. What’s your donor retention rate?