In today’s @AvalonFYI dispatch, you will find a call to action, legislative news, how brands are navigating #America250, the elements of persuasion, a Juneteenth celebration, how to stretch your time off, and more. Read it here!
Dear friends,
I hope everyone is enjoying a fun start to summer! At Avalon, we encourage our team to take time for rest and adventure, and we all take turns to ensure successful coverage. If you don’t have vacation on the books, consider this a friendly nudge to make plans now. As hectic as summer can be, fall and year-end are even more intense, so it’s wise to recharge before September. And even if you’re low on PTO, it’s still possible to “stretch your time off”!
📣 Call to Action 📣
The Nonprofit Alliance (TNPA) flagged an issue at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), which significantly impacts federal grants. A new proposal further politicizes the grantmaking process and increases both risk and compliance burdens for nonprofits. TNPA recommends that nonprofits read and sign the National Council of Nonprofits opposition letter by July 13. Thank you, as always, for your continued attention and advocacy.
Legislative News
In other federal news, Avalon is tracking two proposed bills that impact nonprofits:
- TNPA has endorsed the SECURE Data Act (H.R. 8413), citing the benefit of replacing patchwork state laws with a single national framework for data privacy. A national law could streamline compliance for nonprofits and their partners, saving vital resources for mission-focused work. In addition, the bill would help nonprofits access the information they need, while empowering them to be effective “ethical custodians” of donor data.
- The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) is supporting the bipartisan Charity Parity Act (H.R. 8783 / S. 4511). This bill would expand Qualified Charitable Distributions beyond IRAs to include employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as 401(k)s and 403(b)s. Doing so is expected to increase charitable giving by reducing barriers and extending tax advantages across a variety of assets. To take action, you can share AFP’s letter of support.
Marketing During #America250
Marketing Dive analyzed commercial brands’ challenges around polarization and Semiquincentennial marketing. One strategy they highlight is to be purposeful and clear regarding alignment between the occasion and your brand. Further, successful messaging will go “beyond flag waving” and offer an authentic, relevant point of view. In particular, the article cautions against uncritical nostalgia. Most nonprofits are ahead of this, in my opinion. Strategies should already be in place for both mission alignment and messaging. However, it’s a real tension that fundraisers should continue to track across their nonprofits’ campaigns.
Pillars of Persuasion
Fellow fundraiser and communications strategist Frank O’Brien will publish a new book on June 23: The 4 Pillars of Persuasion. In it, he teaches nonprofit communicators to leverage attention, audience, emotion, and craft with skill and purpose. Together, these pillars support the critical work of persuading audiences in our era of significant challenge and change. I love Frank’s blog and share it frequently, so I’m excited to see him guiding nonprofits through this new format. Happy reading!
Summer at the Smithsonian
Saturday, June 20 is the solstice and the official first day of summer. If you’re in the DC area on June 19-20, Smithsonian museums on the National Mall will stay open until 11pm to celebrate the longest day of the year. In addition, the National Museum of African American History and Culture will host its annual Juneteenth Community Day on June 19. This year’s event celebrates Ms. Opal Lee, the “Grandmother of Juneteenth” in the year of her 100th birthday.
Finally, Avalon will be closed on Friday, June 19 for Juneteenth. Your teams are prepared, and all deliverables will remain on schedule. We wish you the best as you welcome summer and honor Juneteenth in your communities!
