Here at PhilanthropyMiami, we love to read and to keep up with what’s going on in our sector. Here’s a roundup of some recent articles and posts that we think you will find interesting.

What Donors Are Thinking

The current issue of The Chronicle of Philanthropy reveals what fundraisers can do to inspire more philanthropy, based on the latest Burk Donor Survey.

The most popular answers to the question are demonstrate extraordinary need (33%), showcase a compelling case for support (32%), stop sending unwanted trinkets (26%), and reduce the volume of appeals (23%). No surprises in the first two, of course. It’s also no surprise that donors don’t like to see us wasting money on trinkets. Surveys have been telling us this for years. And as for the volume of appeals — here’s looking at you, national organizations.

Here are some other tidbits:

• 2 out of 3 donors expect to give the same as or less than they gave last year. BUT, 72% would actually give more if fundraisers made adjustments that captured their attention.
• 21% of donors did not respond to any fundraising appeals last year, choosing instead to make all their gifts unsolicited.
• Young donors are taking their place on the frontlines of philanthropy. 49% of Burk Surveydonors under the age of 35 intend to give more this year. How can you capture the attention of this highly motivated group who communicate differently and make giving decisions with lightning speed?
• The trend to support fewer causes with larger gifts continues for middle-aged donors.

If you have a paid subscription to the Chronicle, you can check out the article here. You may also order the study here. Unfortunately, there isn’t much for free on this one.

What to Expect in 2020

Also out of the Chronicle comes an opinion piece from Tim Delaney and David L. Thompson from the National Council on Nonprofits, on the policy actions that affect nonprofits and foundations that they are watching for this year.

The census, of course, “likely will be the most important policy matter of the year, given its influence over dollars, data, and democracy throughout the next decade.” Not surprisingly, few people in Washington expect any productivity out of Congress this year.  That’s not a partisan statement. It’s an election year and the House and Senate are under rival control. It’s a worthwhile read.

Dear Donor, How Do I Love Thee?

Yes, we know…Valentine’s Day has come and gone. Here at PhilanthropyMiami, though, we think about love — especially for our donors — every day. We can’t get enough of content about stewardship, donor relations, donor retention…just about anything related to how we can delight our donors. And yours truly can’t get enough of Claire Axelrad, who is a fundraising coach at Bloomerang. I’ve been following her for years. Take a read of her latest post.