Dear friends,

Remarkably, we are turning into the summer months. This will be a critical financial time for many nonprofits, especially those who close their fiscal years on June 30. In addition, we will soon kick off fall and year-end fundraising. Given political and economic uncertainty, agility will be the name of the game—so we must prepare to think strategically, act quickly, and be responsive to new data. Avalon teams are working hard behind the scenes to ensure that our clients make the most of every opportunity.

Avalonians (and our clients!) checked in from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland during the American Museum Membership Conference.

Legislative News

Fortunately, Republicans dropped the tax bill provision—for now!—that would have given the president unilateral power to revoke tax-exempt status. This was a dangerous idea that would have put many nonprofits and their communities at risk. However, “The, One, Big, Beautiful Bill” still includes provisions expected to reduce giving and therefore levy a tax burden on the sector.

In response, The Nonprofit Alliance (TNPA), United Philanthropy Forum, Association of Fundraising Professionals, and Charity Navigator partnered to share concerns with Congressional leaders. In addition, TNPA organized a successful action alert to change the provision on tax-exempt status, and their “All the Ways” PSA is achieving more and more reach across national markets. It is encouraging to see that advocacy and education are making a difference.

“Our message about the essential role of nonprofits is resonating with the American public.”

– TNPA President and CEO Shannon McCracken

The Power of a Good Story

Jeff Brooks at Future Fundraising Now posted a reminder from Seth Godin about the power of a good story. Brooks offered this lesson for fundraisers: most fundraisers tell stories that are only factual—true, but boring tales. A few fundraisers make us all look bad by manipulating donors through falsehoods. And the most effective fundraisers tell stories that are both true and interesting. A good story does so much more than simply inform; it connects, engages, and invites donors to become part of the story by taking action.

Advertising During a Downturn

The Current reposted an interesting video that tells the history of commercial advertising during economic downturns. It traces a pattern of strategic investments by companies like Coca-Cola, which first debuted its Santa Claus ad during the Great Depression, and Clorox, which increased ad spend by 30% during the COVID pandemic. Historically, strategic investments have boosted visibility and loyalty, thereby supporting stability in crisis and setting up faster growth. While not every commercial strategy will work for your organization, the broad pattern does align with what we have seen in the nonprofit sector. Avalon will continue to advocate for smart investment in your fundraising program even—and especially—during uncertain times.

“There’s evidence spanning a century — from the Great Depression to the Covid 19 pandemic and ensuing inflation — that shows brands that keep investing in advertising during turbulent times come out ahead. Those that don’t may fall behind.”

– Chris Brooklier, The Current

Mental Health Awareness

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. To ensure our team has access to support, senior director of HR Melissa Ferrell created a roundup of resources to share and save:

• The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 support. Connect with a trained counselor by calling or texting 988, or by chatting at 988lifeline.org.
• Warmline and Hopeline offer peer support and understanding for people who need to talk, but who are not in crisis.
• SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free and confidential 24/7 service for mental health or substance abuse concerns. Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visit samhsa.gov.
• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) offers peer-led support groups, educational tools, and a helpline for individuals and families. Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or text “HELPLINE” to 62640.
• In addition, Melissa recommends checking your benefits package for options through your health insurer and/or employee assistance program. Avalon is proud to offer excellent mental health benefits to our team, and I’m happy to share more info anytime.

Yoga Night

Thank you to senior digital program manager Mya Eggert for organizing Avalon’s latest remote teambuilding event: virtual yoga. It’s wonderful when we can share responsibility for team wellbeing, and I appreciate Mya’s leadership on this. Well done and namaste!