Dear friends,

All of us at Avalon were dazzled by the first images from the James Webb Space Telescope, and it was wonderful to have something so historic and exciting bring people together all over the world. As NASA administrator Bill Nelson said, “We’re going to be able to answer questions that we don’t even know what the questions are yet.” Amazing!

Here on earth, we’ve reached the middle of summer. And that means fall fundraising is coming. I hope that each of you can take a break before it gears up in earnest. I have learned over the years that it’s beneficial to pause and decompress before the busy season begins. (If you’re vacationing and worried about COVID, NPR just published a helpful piece on what to do if you test positive while away.)

Everywhere, nonprofits are managing a complex economic outlook. Avalon is working closely with each client to mitigate the impact of major factors, which include the paper supply, postal rates, shipping logistics, labor issues, and inflation. Last week, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the June consumer price index increased 9.1% over June 2021 (up 1.3% since May 2022).

Also last week, senior VP and director of client services Jackie Biancolli Libby published an article in The NonProfit Times: 7 Steps to Staying Ahead of What’s Next. She emphasized the importance of knowing your organization’s history, key metrics, and current challenges. In addition, she gave three recommendations for fundraising in uncertain times: implement proactive strategies, streamline operations, and educate your leadership. Well done, Jackie. I particularly like this call to action:

The point is not to control every crisis in advance, which would be impossible. Instead, your goals are to prepare where you can, incorporate new information, and respond strategically when change happens.

On the client side, there are some fun events happening soon! The National Museum of African American History and Culture is hosting an inaugural Hip-Hop Block Party on August 13, the one-year anniversary of the Smithsonian Anthology of Hip-Hop and Rap. It’s free, but you need to reserve tickets on the museum’s website. That same weekend (August 12-15), Farm Sanctuary will be competing in the GOAT games, a multi-sanctuary fundraiser. To participate, you can donate to their team or join as an athlete. And, of course, our performing arts clients are back in full swing. Take a look at these impressive summer lineups for The Kennedy Center and Wolf Trap.

Finally, in honor of Avalon’s 25^th birthday, we created a round-up of 25 things you don’t know about Avalon. For example, do you know why we chose our name? Who has the second-longest tenure, after me? Or why I almost wasn’t hired in the first place?! I’m so grateful I was. It has been such an adventure and a privilege to lead this incredible company.

Allison Porter, President (she/her/hers) Avalon Consulting Group 202-429-6080 ext. 102 allisonp@avalonconsulting.net