Session 1: “Fundraising and Development in 2021: Old Truths & New Trends”
We have witnessed nonprofit fundraising “trends” through the years that have circled back around to old truths: the critical nature of stewarding donor relationships, the need for unrestricted giving (while acknowledging the compelling opportunity to develop programmatic and capital giving), awareness of the “donor pyramid” and the 80/20 rule. But at the same time—no one can question that the world changed in 2020 —and so have we.
In this session we will consider some of the time-honored building blocks that contribute to a well-rounded and robust fundraising and development program. We will also examine some of the ways our approaches have and must adapt— from virtual events to public/private partnerships; from the opportunity to lean on support from a handful of major donors while also building online platforms to garner broader support.
The session format will allow us the opportunity to compare notes regarding each of our particular organizational successes, challenges and trends.
About the Presenter
Stuart Mellan is a Philanthropic Advisor working with Funders and Nonprofit CEOs though his consulting firm, www.StuartMellan.com. He served for twenty-five years as the President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona, having retired in May of 2020. In this role he established strategic partnerships and played an advisor role with numerous nonprofit organizations, many of whom received funding from the Federation or its Foundation.
During his time in Tucson, the Federation excelled in financial resource development, creative programming, strategic planning and community collaborations. Annual fundraising more than doubled, and the assets of the Foundation grew from $10 million to over $100 million; over $30 million in capital campaigns were conducted during his tenure. Under Stuart’s leadership, the Federation conducted a population study and various strategic plans, and it helped to develop new programmatic initiatives to create an even more vibrant, collaborative and inclusive community.
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