In today’s @AvalonFYI dispatch, find new 2026 benchmarks, nonprofit trailblazers, social media buzz, leading at every level, and a fun focus challenge. Read more below!
Dear friends,
I love this time of year, when it’s still summer, but we also begin to reestablish routines. Soon enough, many families will start another school year, and fundraisers will be heads down on fall campaigns and the work leading up to year-end. But for now, I’m making the most of long days and warm weather here in Annapolis. Enjoy this time! Thank you to everyone providing coverage in the weeks ahead for back-to-school and August vacations.
2026 Q1 Benchmarks
Fundraising Effectiveness Project (FEP) has released 2026 Q1 benchmarks. The report’s biggest headline is hopeful: Donor attrition appears to be slowing. 2026 Q1 donor counts declined by -0.8%, which, though not ideal, is significantly improved from -2.3% in the first quarter of 2025. Total revenue for the quarter increased YOY by +4.3%, and retention held steady. New donor retention remains a challenge, however. To offset this, FEP recommends sustainer strategies at the point of and/or immediately after acquisition. In addition, they advise preparing for weaker performance during the second half of 2026, due to the likelihood that 2025 year-end was inflated by tax changes.
At Avalon, these trends reinforce the importance of strong retention and sustainer strategies as we head into year-end. We’re working with clients to build on current momentum while preparing for a fundraising environment that may look different from last year.
Growth is broadening beyond the biggest donors – but it’s not yet sticking.
—Fundraising Effectiveness Project, 2026 Q1 Report
2026 Power & Influence Top 50
The NonProfit Times 2026 Power & Influence Top 50 recognizes leaders who, in an exponentially challenging time for nonprofits, are “not just leaders at their organizations, but trailblazers for the entire sector.” I was thrilled to see AARP Foundation President Claire Casey on the list, representing an Avalon client. In addition, NPT honored multiple association leaders, including Avalon friend and The Nonprofit Alliance President and CEO Shannon McCracken. This year’s list highlights not only the incredible work of individual nonprofits, but the heightened importance of sharing information, showing up in solidarity, and coalition building. Congratulations to all this year’s winners!
What’s Old Is New
Could MySpace make a comeback? The “vintage” platform’s monthly users have jumped from 200,000 to 6 million since 2023, and its owners recently confirmed a full relaunch that “won’t have an algorithm, won’t have an endless scroll, and won’t be engineered to keep you trapped.” Michael Tasnor at Inc. observed that, whether or not MySpace resurges, increased demand signals consumer fatigue with the attention economy and nostalgia for human-to-human communication. None of this means that nonprofits should automatically hop on the latest fad. However, it does confirm the importance of engaging donors as valued individuals who share your purpose. As always, fundraisers will accomplish this with real stories, compelling messages, meaningful opportunities to help, and genuine appreciation—both online and off.
Leading at Every Level
Leadership in an organization isn’t limited to our position levels or job titles. We all have opportunities to make an impact through the way we make decisions, communicate, solve problems, and support those around us. To encourage this, senior director of HR Melissa Ferrell shared great advice from Smart Brief with our team, outlining four ways to practice leadership from any seat, in any organization:
- Clarify decision-making roles.
- Recommend action, rather than only asking for direction.
- Build influence through thoughtful questions.
- Help create confidence in action.
The Art of Focus
The New York Times has been running a focus challenge for the last few months, which is a surprisingly simple exercise that trains sustained attention in this environment that is increasingly fragmented. Participants spend 10 uninterrupted minutes looking at a single work of art, with no scrolling, no clicking, and no multitasking. Full confession: On my first attempt, I only lasted two minutes and thirty-six seconds, but I’ve been getting better at it with time. The August 2 challenge involved one of my favorite pieces of art and has a fun connection to Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, the Gen X classic that turned forty (!!) this year. Enjoy!
