Disrupting what’s expected is uncomfortable. But when it comes to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), the choice for nonprofits is simple: Interrupt autopilot and build a more diverse coalition to support your mission or keep doing what you’re doing and quickly become an echo chamber that’s out of touch. To address this challenge, Avalon […]

This post is part five of a five-part series on DEI-informed fundraising. In part one of this series, we explored the connection between list strategies and DEI—and concluded that lists alone cannot make an organization more diverse. In part two, we offered six principles for DEI-informed messaging. Part three was a dive into the connection […]

This post is part four of a five-part series on DEI-informed fundraising. In part one of this series, we explored the connection between list strategies and DEI—and concluded that lists alone cannot make an organization more diverse. In part two, we offered six principles for DEI-informed messaging. In part three, we applied a DEI lens […]

  Dear friends, Happy pride month to all! I am thrilled that this year’s events will feature more in-person gatherings. I hope you have fun with your celebrations. 🏳️‍🌈 While I enjoy the month’s festive atmosphere, I also want to honor ongoing work for LGBTQIA+ justice. One issue I’ve been learning more about is the […]

  This post is part three of a five-part series on DEI-informed fundraising.    In part one of this series, we explored the connection between list strategies and DEI—and concluded that lists alone cannot make an organization more diverse. In part two, we offered six principles for DEI-informed messaging.    In this post, we apply a DEI lens to direct marketing data processes. Data and […]

This post is part two of a five-part series on DEI-informed fundraising. In part one of this series, we explored the connection between list strategies and DEI—and concluded that lists alone cannot make an organization more diverse. They are only part of a larger strategy; DEI goals require serious commitment across the entire organization. We […]

Good news for the economy equals good news for nonprofits. This update from the Chronicle of Philanthropy backs up what Avalon is seeing with our clients in Q1 of 2021. Our nonprofit clients’ fundraising programs are 36% ahead of last March and 13% ahead cumulatively for the calendar year so far. Digging deeper, acquisition is […]

This post is part one of a five-part series on DEI-informed fundraising.   One of the best levers that a nonprofit can use to impact donor acquisition performance is list strategy. Avalon has long believed in the power of a good list, and we love to collaborate with list partners who excel at matching nonprofits […]

An internal task force leads the Avalon process for continuous improvement in DEIB. The group is staff-led, receiving guidance from DEIB consultants. You can read about Avalon’s commitment to DEIB here. We assert that a substantive DEI commitment is not static, and we are committed to taking a harder look at how we do business, […]

This is part two in a two-part series on women in philanthropy. Read part one here. Frequently, charitable giving by women, directly or through women’s funds, focuses on improving the quality of life and opportunity for girls and women. Women have long understood that the key to building and raising up communities is through empowering […]