How to Keep Donors Close When Fundraisers Leave

Plus, a family loss drove billionaires Dan and Jennifer Gilbert seek a cure, and how post-disaster crowdfunding campaigns can exacerbate social inequities (opinion) ADVERTISEMENT [Philanthropy Today Logo]( You can also [read this newsletter on the web](. Or, if you no longer want to receive this newsletter, [unsubscribe](. FUNDRAISING [How to Hold On to Prospective Donors When Fundraisers Leave: a Conference Debrief]( By Rasheeda Childress Other hot topics at APRA’s annual meeting: the promise of A.I. and due diligence on donors to prevent reputational damage. ADVERTISEMENT BIG GIFTS [After a Family Loss, Billionaires Dan and Jennifer Gilbert Seek a Cure]( By Maria Di Mento Their $375 million gift will build two medical centers, one named for their son, who died at age 26 of neurofibromatosis. OPINION [Do Post-Disaster Crowdfunding Campaigns Exacerbate Social Inequities?]( By Jeremy Snyder Recent climate crises show the power of online tools like GoFundMe to help people get on their feet — providing they have robust social networks and the resources to effectively tell their stories. NONPROFIT NEWS [Journalism Has Seen a Substantial Rise in Philanthropic Spending Over the Past 5 Years]( By David Bauder, AP Media Writer More than half of funders in a recent survey said they had increased their journalism grants, and most nonprofit and for-profit news organizations reported more funding. TRANSITIONS [A Former Executive at the Starr Foundation Returns as Its President]( By M.J. Prest Also, Save the Children U.S. has tapped a new chief operating officer, and NPR CEO John Lansing will retire at the end of the year. Webinar [Top Ways to Thank Donors and Inspire Loyalty]( Before the critical year-end giving season begins, join us on Thursday, September 28, at 2 p.m. Eastern to learn how to freshen your donor communications and donor recognition efforts. We’ll share insights from the latest research in donor psychology and offer practical advice on how to apply the findings. Get inspired by real-world examples of creative and fun ways nonprofits thank their donors. Plus, our expert guests will offer guidance on how to build a culture of gratitude at your organization. [Sign up today.]( SPONSOR CONTENT | The James Irvine Foundation [Why Incarceration Doesn’t Have to be a Barrier to Economic Equity]( VIRTUAL FORUMS & BRIEFINGS [Understanding the Basics and Benefits of AI]( As Artificial Intelligence captures headlines, experts acknowledge its power but urge nonprofit leaders to ensure its use is ethical and equitable. What are the fundamentals to understand about A.I., and how can nonprofits use A.I. to streamline and grow? Join us on September 12 at 2 p.m. Eastern for a free online forum that will help you develop a foundational understanding of this technology, offer examples and tips for how to harness it, and share guidance on pitfalls to avoid. [Register today.]( [Leveraging Data Analysis to Boost Major Gifts]( Ideally major-gift fundraisers should focus only on supporters who are affluent, generous, and committed to their cause. Yet this requires data on donors’ involvement with an organization as well as their giving history and financial capacity. Smart leaders understand this and ensure that they analyze and organize donor data to make it actionable. Join us on September 19 at 2 p.m. Eastern to learn how savvy nonprofits are making the most of their data to boost major gifts. [Register today.]( SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHRONICLE Enjoying the newsletter? [Subscribe today]( for unlimited access to nonprofit news and analysis. Nonprofit News From Elsewhere Online A group of presidential centers representing most former presidents since Herbert Hoover made a historic call to protect democracy. The 13 centers and foundations released a first-of-its-kind statement urging respect for democratic institutions, safe and secure elections, and “the importance of compassion, tolerance, pluralism, and respect for others.” Leaders of the centers say the decision to issue a joint declaration came about because of urgent concerns about the state of the nation’s democracy. ([Associated Press]( Opinion: An additional $500 million in philanthropic dollars for local journalism is welcome, but grant makers need to rethink their usual approach. Hyperlocal, nontraditional news sites have increasingly become valuable resources, particularly for people of color, writes Tracie Powell, founder of the Pivot Fund. Grant makers need to support news outlets centered in their communities — or otherwise risk “recreating the inequitable systems of the past.” ([Poynter]( Background from the Chronicle: [Can Local News Heal a Divided Country? 22 Foundations Are Betting $500 Million It Can Help]( More News - The Sierra Club Hired Its First Black Leader. Turmoil Over Racial Equity Followed. ([Washington Post]( - Iowa Nonprofits Concerned Over Proposed Commission Cuts ([Axios]( - Kansas’s New $2 Million Anti-Abortion Fund Will Be Run by a Nonprofit Led by Rep. Tim Huelskamp ([Topeka Capital-Journal]( — subscription) - HHS Rule Could Have ‘Chilling’ Effect on Religious Charities, Says U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops ([Christian Post]( - Scottish Museum V&A Dundee Erases Mentions of Opioid-Linked Sackler Family ([Guardian]( - Dream Jobs in the World of Culture and What You Get for Doing Them ([New York Times]( Opinion - Philadelphia Has a Rich Black History. It Deserves a Robust African American Museum. ([Philadelphia Inquirer]( - Planning for Leadership Succession Is Imperative for Jewish Nonprofits ([Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle]( Legacies - Hugh Hoffman, a Quiet Millionaire, Leaves Behind a Big Legacy. ‘It Was Very Shocking’ ([Cincinnati Enquirer]( — subscription) - The Remarkable Life and Legacy of South Australian Philanthropists James and Diana Ramsay ([Advertiser]( EDITOR'S PICKS OPINION [‘The Bear’ Should Be Required Viewing for the Nonprofit World]( By Eboo Patel A TV show about creating a restaurant is a reminder of why we need to stop criticizing each other and recommit ourselves to a shared mission. FUNDRAISING LEADERSHIP [The Donor Pyramid May Be Bad for Giving. Can We Do Better?]( By Drew Lindsay How a dominant fundraising theory took root, what it gets wrong, and how to change. FOUNDATION GIVING [Can Local News Heal a Divided Country? 22 Foundations Are Betting $500 Million It Can Help]( By Alex Daniels Press Forward aims to repopulate and diversify newsrooms and advocate for policies like making subscriptions tax deductible. ADVERTISEMENT RECOMMENDED WEBINAR [Join our next webinar]( — Are you sending out templated thank-you letters to donors? If so, you’re missing out on an opportunity to connect more deeply with your supporters. Savvy fundraisers take the time to customize communications that speak directly to a donor’s heart and inspire loyalty. How can you thank donors in ways that energize connection to your cause and further commitment to your organization? Join us September 28 at 2 p.m. Eastern to learn the latest research in philanthropic psychology and learn how you can easily apply it to thank-you letters and campaigns to increase donor retention. We’ll share real-world examples and proven tips that work, no matter the size of your budget. Plus, you’ll learn about creative, fun ways nonprofits are showing gratitude that will likely spark your own ideas for fostering love for your organization. [Register now.]( JOB OPPORTUNITIES [Apply today](http://). [Senior Major Gift Officer, School of Science]( Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute [Major Gift Officer, School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences]( Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute [Executive Assistant]( Hunter College High School Alumnae/i Association [Senior Major Gift Officer, School of Engineering]( Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute [Director of Development, Cancer Campaign]( Lucile Packard Foundation for Children's Health [National Director, Foundation Relations (Remote - USA)]( Pancreatic Cancer Action Network [Search other jobs.]( [Chronicle of Philanthropy Logo]( This newsletter was sent to {EMAIL}. [Read this newsletter on the web](. 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