In today’s @AvalonFYI dispatch, discover new data on trust in nonprofits, why stories are strategic pillars, how to say no at work, and extra appreciation for the Avalon team…and you!
Dear friends,
I hope your August has been fun and productive so far. At Avalon, we are beginning to roll out fall campaigns and continuing to extend a warm welcome to new colleagues from Faircom New York. To support their transition, an impressive tech integration is underway, led by COO Kerri Kerr, operations VP Barb Perell, operations manager Mollie Bensen, and the IT team at VeraData. They have coordinated a thoughtful execution spanning multiple weeks, and it’s going well so far. I’m beginning to see the benefits, starting with seamless communications and soon adding calendars. Well done, team, and thank you!
Public Trust in Nonprofits
A new study by Independent Sector concludes that public trust in institutions has been stable in 2026. At 56%, nonprofits stand out as most trusted on a list that also includes government institutions, corporations, small businesses, and news media. However, trust in philanthropy (defined as corporate foundations, private foundations, and high-net-worth individuals) is weaker, and it declined from 33% in 2025 to 29% in 2026. The report also highlights transparency and engagement as contributing factors, and it tracks partisan dynamics. Finally, it measures the impact of AI and finds that trust in nonprofits who adopt AI hinges on honest disclosure, data privacy, judicious use, and human oversight. Much of this confirms what Avalon has observed and advocates, but it’s helpful to see current data and nuance on this topic.
When Americans feel that they have a role in and insight into a nonprofit’s work, they are more likely to trust that organization to deliver on its promises ethically and effectively.
—Akilah Watkins, Ph.D., president and CEO of Independent Sector, as quoted in The NonProfit Times
Tell Me a Story
Writing for NonprofitPRO, Kris Johns of AdGood Foundation champions storytelling as a strategic pillar. He notes that channel strategy and reach are critical, but they do not replace strong messaging. Further, while facts and data strengthen your case, compelling stories show your donors why those numbers matter. Best of all, powerful stories go the distance. Once you identify a story that connects, you can present it to your donors in many formats. Having seen direct marketing expand from analog to omnichannel, and looking ahead to new platforms, I agree that storytelling is a clear and steady throughline. Shout out to Avalon Creative for their dedication to this essential element of fundraising!
As nonprofits continue exploring new ways to expand awareness, storytelling should remain at the center of every marketing decision. Distribution strategies will continue to evolve, and new platforms will emerge, but the organizations that consistently build support are those that communicate their mission with clarity, authenticity and purpose.
—Kris Johns, CEO and Founder of AdGood Foundation
The Power of “No”
Senior VP Melissa Roberts highlighted a blog post by Bryan Casler at 4Site, which recaps the Bridge session he co-hosted with Jade Nguyen Swanson of The Engage Group (PMG) and Joanne Wilson of Humane World for Animals: Boundaries Build Brilliance: The Power of “No.” Their big idea is that saying no is a leadership skill; done well, it elevates a team’s work. However, boundaries in the nonprofit world often get blurred, given how much we all care and how many organizations are overextended. To bridge the gap, they recommend a respectful and “strategic no” that accomplishes five things:
- Protect priorities,
- Preserve relationships,
- Create clarity,
- Redirect constructively, and
- Reinforce mission alignment.
Not only do I support this, but I encourage all of us in senior leadership to set a good example—both for the sake of our teams’ wellbeing, and for the sake of our shared mission. It isn’t easy, but it is essential. You’ve got this!
Thank You
I’ve come to appreciate these updates as a chance to reflect on what information is most pressing, what nonprofits need to succeed, and how I can best support Avalon’s staff clients, and community. They are also an exercise in hope: Zooming out, I’m inspired by the scope of our collaboration, not only at Avalon and VeraData, but across the nonprofit sector. Thank you again for your trust and support as Avalon embraces this period of change. And even more, thank you for the positive impact you make on the world! I am incredibly proud to work alongside you for a brighter future.
