Dear friends,

I recently spent a snowy weekend in Western Massachusetts at board meetings for my high school–an important personal “give back.” Supporting girls’ education is a foundational value for me, not only because it helped shape me and my leadership skills and voice, but also because these institutions are threatened, and I know my support makes a real difference.

In addition, I kicked off a new version of my philanthropy training in Miami with PAC’s Next Chapter U for former professional athletes, joined by Haley Hunt of The Verb Kind. Her personal journey and work with youth in juvenile detention centers is incredibly inspirational. I’m always so grateful for these opportunities to give back.

Protecting Nonprofits

This Earth Day, the nonprofit sector is bracing for the possibility of new executive orders targeting the tax-exempt status of environmental groups. This is big news, and step one is to understand the legal process. If you have not already, I urge you to join The Nonprofit Alliance and sign up for their updates. They are taking a critical lead on these issues and will keep you informed. I appreciated their quick action last week to educate the sector on how the IRS can—and cannot—revoke federal tax-exempt status:

[I]t is important to note that neither the President, the Justice Department, the Treasury Department, or the IRS have the ability to revoke the federal tax-exempt status of any entity through Executive Order or with the mere stroke of a pen. There are well-established procedures for revoking federal tax exemption…[and] those procedures require individual case-by-case IRS audits of each organization, with ample opportunity for the entity to defend itself, and including multiple routes of appeal. There simply is no lawful mechanism for the President, IRS, or others in the Trump administration to revoke the tax-exempt status of multiple nonprofits – or even a single nonprofit – without following this longstanding process.

In Hard Times, Focus

Frank O’Brien addressed the challenge of messaging in hard times in his On Message blog. He explained that donors will react most strongly when they feel not only general economic anxiety, but also concern for their personal situation. This may lead them to “zero in on their most cherished priorities and…let go of what they consider more marginal commitments.” When this happens, fundraisers need to meet donors where they are and help them prioritize. To make a connection and keep donors engaged, focus your message on “can’t wait” work that needs donors’ support immediately.

“Here are three key ways to respond:

• Emphasize your most concrete, “can’t wait” projects
• Avoid introducing new “grand scheme” initiatives
• Stick to your core work—the elements that people know you for and most appreciate”

– Frank O’Brien, On Message

USPS Rate Change

The USPS recently recommended a rate increase, which will go into effect on July 13, 2025. Postage for Letter-sized mailings is projected to increase by 9.6–11.6%, while postage for Flat-sized mailings (used for calendars) is projected to increase by 14-18%. The timing and expected impact to postal rates are consistent with what Avalon expected and planned for in our client’s fiscal year budget and strategy planning. In addition, Avalon will coordinate with our production partners to mail summer campaigns prior to the rate increase wherever possible.

Rising Leaders Summit

The Nonprofit Alliance’s Rising Leaders Summit 2025 is happening on Thursday, May 8, 2025 in Philadelphia, PA. This event is a must-attend for mid-level managers looking to grow as leaders, expand their networks, and gain valuable insights to make a greater impact in the nonprofit sector. Avalon Analytics VP SB Birnie is a member of the planning committee and can offer a 10% discount code. Please reply to this email if you plan to register, and we will pass along the benefit. (Thanks, Birnie!)

“I’m honored to be on the planning committee for this incredible event, and I’d love to see you there! Whether you’re looking to attend yourself or send a team member, this is an investment in growth, leadership, and connection.”

– SB Birnie, VP Avalon Analytics

Salute to the Parks

Thank you to the National Parks Conservation Association for hosting a wonderful Salute to the Parks event, and congratulations to this year’s honorees: professional climber and conservationist Tommy Caldwell and CBS Sunday Morning correspondent Conor Knighton. In these times, experiencing our clients’ impactful work is especially meaningful. Our team had a fantastic evening (and yes, we were delighted by your wine selection)!

(Left, L-R) Krissy Conway from NPCA joined Avalon’s Margot O’Leary, Mary Maxwell, Mary Meredith, and Rebecca Shapalis for a photo at Salute to the Parks. (Right) Rebecca pointing out our favorite wine of the night.