Dear friends,

Several Avalon team members are attending NTEN’s Nonprofit Technology Conference this week, and we will gather our full staff in retreat in Annapolis at the end of April. Not only does professional development empower us to meet the moment, but spending time with colleagues reminds us that we’re all in this together. Thank you to everyone who organizes and participates in these opportunities to learn, connect, and support one another. They are essential.

Budget Season

It’s budget season for many nonprofits, and, as you know, this work is especially critical in challenging times. Avalon’s goal is to develop strategies that will both support stability and generate growth to advance our clients’ missions. Even as we manage costs, we continue to champion strategic investment—not despite uncertainty, but because of it. Supporting this, NonProfit PRO recently affirmed the strategic importance of individual giving for weathering changes to federal funding. Thank you to our clients and the Avalon team for your hard work to develop and advocate for the best possible strategies.

“[Donors will support] nonprofits with foresight and courageous and bold leaders…because they’re on the frontlines of a very transformative time in the social good sector.”

–Paul D’Alessandro, NonProfit PRO

Checklist for Tough Times

In response to rising uncertainty, The Agitator’s Roger Craver shared a “checklist for fundraisers in tough times.” Drawing on 60 years of fundraising experience (navigating multiple recessions), he outlined 10 strategies to see nonprofits through today’s challenges:

Roger Craver’s Checklist for Fundraisers in Tough Times

1. Do not cut acquisition or retention spending.
2. Patch the leaky bucket.
3. Reevaluate and reassert your case for support.
4. Cut costs with a scalpel, not an axe.
5. Mine your database.
6. Lead your board to water—and get them to drink.
7. Stay visible and keep asking.
8. Segment smarter.
9. Try something different—but not everything new.
10. Farm for the future.

From protecting acquisition to educating boards to careful cost management, Roger’s advice reinforces Avalon’s recommendations to our clients. I also echo his words of encouragement: “We fundraisers aren’t just revenue generators. We’re stewards of trust, growth, and mission. And like a committed farmer who rises early to plant in spring, even after a brutal winter, we do the work because we believe in the harvest.”

The Curse of Knowledge

Jeff Brooks and Ann Handley recently addressed “the curse of knowledge” on their blogs, Future Fundraising Now and Total Annarchy. One of our jobs as fundraisers is to translate insider nonprofit knowledge to a language that donors understand. Here’s the problem, according to Brooks: “You over-explain. Under-emote. Focus on processes and details that donors are unlikely to care about.” We’ve all seen it—and we know we need to make our work accessible, not just regurgitate facts. The extra effort to interpret and make an emotional connection will pay off big in donor engagement.

Enhance Your Speaking Voice

Senior director of HR Melissa Ferrell shared a helpful resource on public speaking. Just like musicians fine-tune their skills through practice, public speakers can refine their voices with the right techniques. Voice coach Jessica Cooper emphasizes the importance of breath control and mindful repetition to develop a strong, dynamic speaking voice. She also highlights the need to break habits like speaking from the throat or in monotone, which can weaken your delivery. This ties in with Avalon’s upcoming training by voice expert Sammi Sadicario, which will take place at our retreat in a couple of weeks. I’m excited to learn more.

Music to Refine To

Avalon digital VP and Severance fan Catherine Wallwork shared a focus music remix made by Apple TV+ and electronic duo ODESZA to promote the show. This “music to refine to” lasts exactly eight hours and “is perfect for your innie’s workday.” I’ll admit, both the playlist and the show are too creepy for me!