Dear friends,

December is flying by, and I feel like my lists have lists! Avalon (and every fundraiser I know) is working hard on year-end campaigns, 2026 planning, and the final push for this year’s goals. That’s all in addition to holiday activities, so be sure to take a moment when you need one. I’m rooting for you, and Avalon is here to support you. We will get through our lists together and have a bright new year to look forward to.

Nonprofit Resilience

Nonprofit PRO reported back from this month’s Nonprofit POWER conference, which began with an opening keynote by Indiana University Lilly School of Philanthropy nonprofit management specialist Erik J. Daubert. In his talk, Daubert outlined five major changes in fundraising, to which nonprofits must adapt:

• A “K-shaped economy” and growing income gap,
• The upcoming universal tax deduction,
• Growth in millennial giving,
• Enthusiasm for donor advised funds, and
• Fundraising AI.

To close the conference, The Nonprofit Alliance CEO Shannon McCracken addressed the critical issue of nonprofit resilience. She framed this as a serious challenge that not only demands perseverance but also invites us to dig deep and strengthen the sector. As with individuals, organizational resilience goes beyond survival, so we can learn, grow, and ultimately thrive. I agree and will continue to support the work Shannon laid out:

• Lead with vision and passion,
• Communicate impact (see TNPA’s “Own Your Value” framework),
• Deepen trust with stakeholders, and
• Implement a resilience strategy for your nonprofit.

“We will be stronger, we can be more trusted, and we can be better and stronger communicators about our value, not despite the headwinds that we face, but because of them.”

– Shannon McCracken, The Nonprofit Alliance

Ode to an Envelope

In a recent post for Future Fundraising Now, Jeff Brooks shared an envelope he received from Chuck Schumer, which employed an unusual texture and an insistent teaser: “PLEASE sit down, OPEN this envelope, and READ IMMEDIATELY!” Brooks observed that the envelope was designed to accomplish the first task of any direct mail campaign, which is to avoid the recycling bin. It’s a good reminder to consider a donor’s experience from start to finish. Even the best letter can’t succeed if it never gets opened, so make that first impression count.

Gifts that Give Back

I love a thoughtful gift guide or specialized shop that captures the spirit of an organization. Avalon clients are great at this, and their shops are a huge help during the holidays. Best of all, each purchase supports an incredible nonprofit. Find fantastic presents for the people you love here:

💚 Farm Sanctuary’s ultimate, compassionate holiday gift guide

💚 Monterey Bay Aquarium’s gifts with purpose

💚 National Parks Conservation Association’s holiday gift ideas for park lovers

💚 National Trust for Historic Preservation’s preservationist gift guides

💚 Smithsonian museum and exhibition stores

💚 The Trustees’ unique, local gifts for the loved ones in your life

💚 Yellowstone Forever’s holiday gift guide 2025

Dispatch Wrapped!

Each year, I share hundreds of resources for fundraisers through The Avalon Dispatch. Marketing and operations manager Mollie Bensen has crunched the numbers to uncover 2025’s most-clicked articles. (Thank you, Mollie!) In case you missed them, here are this year’s winners:

Avalon Dispatch 2025 Greatest Hits

#5 Inc. Magazine, 90 Smart Ways to Radically Boost Your Productivity

#4 Avalon, Why Direct Mail Still Delivers

#3 Big Duck, Words to Avoid 2025

#2 The Nonprofit Alliance, Mobilizing Support for Nonprofit Federal Funding

#1 Association of Fundraising Professionals, Fundraising Effectiveness Project Data for Q1 2025 Shows Increases in Dollars Raised, but Declining Numbers of Donors

Happy Holidays!

Avalon will be closed on December 24 – 26 and December 31 – January 2. In addition, this will be my final dispatch of 2025. All client deliverables will remain on schedule.

In what has been a deeply challenging year for nonprofits and the nation, I continue to find hope in Avalon’s clients, our team, and this community of fundraising colleagues. Your work—and our work together—makes a tremendous positive impact. Thank you all, and happy holidays!