Dear friends,

Greetings from Nashville, where I’m doing my final Pro Athlete Community (PAC) philanthropy presentation for the summer and a PAC Impact Program with The Verb Kind. I am so grateful for a career that has led me to impactful volunteer opportunities, and it’s a benefit that I want to pay forward. For this reason, Avalon offers paid volunteer days and board support to everyone on our team. (If that sounds good to you…yes, we are hiring!)

In Defense of Direct Mail

A recent article in The Chronicle of Philanthropy argued that direct mail rewired nonprofits—and America—for the worse. It’s a provocative thesis. And while it raises valid concerns about the commercialization of the nonprofit sector, it also dramatically oversimplifies and mischaracterizes the role direct mail plays in mission-driven fundraising. Avalon COO Kerri Kerr curated Avalon’s response, and it’s a must-read for every fundraiser. I encourage you to share it widely across your networks and especially with your leadership.

Contrary to the claim that direct mail runs on outrage, we’ve seen enormous success with appeals that center hope, values, and community-building—and that recognize donors are an essential part of the solution. These stories honor complexity. They trust the donor’s intelligence. And they work.

The Future of Membership

Our team continues to share out from AMMC, and this week’s insight comes from senior account director Mary Maxwell: “The future of membership isn’t transaction-based; it is community- and connection-based.” While free admission is still the most valued museum benefit, belonging, access, and shared experiences have been increasing in importance post-COVID. As you build your case for support, keep in mind that your museum not only tells stories, but also creates them. Ensure that your benefits empower your audience to become members of your community, not just ticketholders seeking a deal.

The Power of Individual Giving

My good friend and friendly competitor Mwosi Swenson, president and CEO of Mal Warwick Donordigital, has an article on “The Power of Individual Giving” in DMAW’s latest Direct Impact. She correctly points out that individual giving will be critical to nonprofit success in the current climate, when so many other factors have become unreliable. In addition, she offers five tips for strong programs in 2025: “Elevate donor relationships…Reevaluate prospective audiences…Keep testing new (and old) tactics…Care less about direct attribution…[and]…Focus on the most profitable engagements.” Fundraisers must continue to champion and maximize this increasingly important revenue stream.

Data Visualization with Professor Birnie

Analytics VP SB Birnie published a “Foundations of Data Visualization” course on NTEN’s virtual learning platform. It’s an honor to be invited to teach the NTEN community, and they are an especially dynamic presenter. This is an engaging course based on real examples that will prepare you to bring all the power of data visualization to your next big meeting. If you plan to enroll, Birnie has a 20% discount code, which you can request by replying to this email or asking your Avalon team. Well done, Birnie!

Learn more and enroll here.

Vacation Mode

Do you have something fun planned this summer? Whether it’s to a new destination, a favorite happy place, or a staycation at home, I find that getting away boosts my mood, helps me stay productive, and sparks creativity. If you need more convincing, consider this inspired testimonial: Lin-Manuel Miranda has shared that going on vacation made it possible for him to dream up Hamilton!

“It’s no accident that the best idea I’ve ever had in my life—perhaps maybe the best one I’ll ever have in my life—came to me on vacation. The moment my brain got a moment’s rest, Hamilton walked into it.”

– Lin-Manuel Miranda