Avalon Dispatch 02.03.2026

Dear friends,

The past weeks have been difficult for the nation, and my heart goes out to those on the ground in Minnesota. As we proceed with our fundraising work, which we must, we do so with heavy hearts and concerned minds. I hope we will treat one another with extra kindness and patience, and that we continue to find inspiration and purpose in the nonprofits we serve.

Avalon leaders met in person last week for strategic planning, where we were able to discuss these challenges. It was a comfort to be with caring colleagues who are committed to democracy, justice, and human rights, and it is empowering to work with them on strategies that will make a meaningful impact. We look forward to sharing our insights, beginning with Avalon’s State of the Industry Town Hall for clients on February 19.

Avalon’s senior leadership team at dinner in Scottsdale.

“What Do We Say to Our Audiences?”

In his latest On Message blog, Frank O’Brien addressed the question on every fundraiser’s mind: “What do we say to our audiences in a moment like this?” He recommends that progressive nonprofits (1) speak to audiences’ complex emotions, (2) deliver on every promise, and (3) follow their audiences’ attention, rather than attempt to redirect it. For apolitical organizations, he advises thinking carefully about timing and focusing communications on “concrete, urgent, and uplifting” work. Your Avalon teams are reviewing timelines, selects, and creative materials to ensure sensitivity and relevance across every campaign and fundraising touchpoint.

“People tend to remember what the causes and candidates they care about say and do in high-profile moments like this. So, it’s important to be intentional, strategic and nimble in your communications in the days and weeks ahead.”

– Frank O’Brien

Technology and Ethics

Senior VP and digital director Mary Meredith shared a helpful ethics resource: The Center for Humane Technology. They are particularly focused on the impact of technology on human psychology and how business incentives in tech align (or don’t) with ethics. If you haven’t seen their Emmy-winning documentary The Social Dilemma, it is a great explainer for how social media design hacks users’ attention and impacts mental health. More recently, their systemic analysis of AI underscores the importance of ethical design and intentional, measured adoption by end-users.

RFP Resource

Kudos to The Nonprofit Alliance and its ADRFCO Member Council for creating a new resource for fundraising RFPs. Their RFP Best Practices Guide was designed to help nonprofits both streamline the RFP process and identify the best fundraising partner(s) for their needs. Special thank you to Avalon marketing VP and ADRFCO Member Council volunteer Barb Perell for her participation and valuable contributions to this document.

Small Steps = Big Meaning

Senior director of HR Melissa Ferrell shared three skills for making work meaningful: communication, contribution, and challenge. According to Psychology Today, habits that support these skills help us make meaning and sustain motivation at work. To access this, we don’t need grand gestures; rather, consistent and intentional actions provide the strongest foundation.

“In 2026, let’s remember that meaningful work and real growth come from steady, human-sized steps, not a burst of New Year energy that burns out by February.”

– Melissa Ferrell, Avalon Senior Director of HR

Super Bowl LX

On Sunday the New England Patriots will face the Seattle Seahawks during Super Bowl LX in San Francisco. For marketers, Forbes Agency Council outlined 14 Trends to Watch during this year’s event, including AI-generated content, trust-building messages, and multichannel strategies to broaden reach. It will also be important to observe how the NFL and other brands respond (or not) to political events, as they continue to unfold. GO PATS!!