In today’s @AvalonFYI dispatch, president Allison Porter shares insight into Avalon’s decision, strategy, and commitment to join forces with data analytics and fundraising intelligence firm VeraData.
Dear friends,
Avalon is back at our desks after a successful all-staff retreat in Annapolis. In addition to department meetings and a fun dinner at my house, the event was a chance for us to dive deep on the state of the industry, Avalon goals, and leadership skills. Special thanks to this year’s guest speakers, Farra Trompeter from Big Duck and Helen Flannery from the Institute of Policy Studies, for their engaging presentations, to our operations team for organizing this year’s gathering, and to everyone at Avalon for their presence and participation!
During my annual “State of the Company” address and then publicly last week, I shared an exciting announcement:
Avalon has entered into a strategic merger with VeraData, a data analytics and fundraising intelligence firm built specifically for nonprofits. This partnership allows us to expand our data and analytics capabilities while continuing to operate as the same Avalon team you know and trust.
After a thoughtful and deliberate process, and with the support of Avalon leadership, I made this decision with great care and intention for the future of our company, our clients, and our team.
For our clients, this means access to deeper data, audience insight, and decision support when needed and where they add value. There are no changes to your current scope of work, your contract, your team, or how we are working together today. Rather, we are adding new capabilities in a way that strengthens our work without disrupting the strategy, partnership, and execution you already rely on. As always, we will recommend only what is best for your program and proceed only with your input and agreement.
Over time, we’ve seen a growing need for deeper data capabilities across fundraising programs—from questions around AI modeling and machine learning to more advanced segmentation beyond traditional RFM and clearer multichannel attribution. This is something many organizations, including our clients, are increasingly navigating as the landscape evolves.
For our team, this enables greater success in driving fundraising performance for the clients and issues we care deeply about. It protects the relationships, strategy, and collaboration that work so well while adding capabilities to help our clients navigate a rapidly changing landscape. It also creates new opportunities for our team to expand their expertise and demonstrate industry leadership. It’s also a strong culture fit: Like Avalon, VeraData offers “Best Place to Work” credibility and commitment to their team.
Avalon has always evolved thoughtfully in response to client needs and where the sector is heading. Our integrity, rigor, and partnership-first mindset do not change. This natural next step allows us to deepen our data capabilities and bring more resources behind the work, while staying grounded in what defines Avalon: the teams, culture, and approach our clients trust. We will continue to test, learn, and share insights, now with a broader set of tools behind that work.
On a personal note, I am so proud of what Avalon has built, grateful for the people behind it, and excited about what’s ahead. To be clear: I am not going anywhere and will continue to lead Avalon and steward the brand, relationships, and work that define who we are. It is an honor to serve as Avalon’s president during this defining moment, and I am eager to dive into the next phase of work.
On behalf of myself, Avalon leadership, our team, and our new colleagues at VeraData:
Thank you for your continued trust and support. We also appreciate your patience as we waited to make this information public, in accordance with legal requirements. I hope you will reach out to me directly if you have questions that I have not answered here or in our merger FAQ page. As always, Avalon is here for you.
