Learn more about analytics and research best practices, as well as real world examples and solutions for nonprofits.

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Jul 27, 2020

The People Behind Nonprofits: Part One

Unlike many careers, there is no clear path to nonprofit work. There are few university courses and even fewer majors dedicated specifically to nonprofit management. While this may be common knowledge, it became increasingly clear as our experts rattled off degrees ranging from journalism to education to economics and many, many more. This emphasizes the bigger question, how does one pave their way to a career in the elusive nonprofit industry? Luckily, we’ve compiled an answer of sorts; have an understanding of service and compassion, or a craving for a purpose beyond the traditional. 

For our first group of nonprofit experts, it was the latter which propelled them into the nonprofit industry. Their experiences in the commercial world provided them with the business savvy to run nonprofit organizations, which despite common misconception is still a business. However, even short periods of time spent working for large companies in notoriously stress-inducing industries left them bogged down by the grueling work and little to no sense of purpose. To make a true difference, many transitioned to careers which utilized their skillsets while also benefiting the greater good. 

Our second group of nonprofit experts can trace their interest back to childhood influences or volunteer experiences. Some grew up with parents that instilled a sense of service and compassion, or church groups encouraging the transition to faith-based nonprofits. Others first became involved through volunteering, eventually transitioning to full-time jobs utilizing some aspect of their degree. Nonprofit work became a way to employ their skills while giving back.

The varied paths to the nonprofit industry are a testament to the need for varying skill sets and histories. While the reasoning for entering the industry may be varied, one cannot deny the fulfillment and satisfaction deriving from a career in nonprofit work. It’s what not only draws employees to the industry-but keeps them working for the cause.

One More Gift from Sustainers

I think we’d all agree that sustainers are great. Having a group of donors that have committed to giving every month is like money in the bank. And, not surprisingly, a lot of organizations are careful to limit additional appeals to this group so not to alienate any...

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Early Returns

We are knee-deep in analyzing last fall’s results. While there is of course some variation in results by organization, the general narrative is that last fall wasn’t great . . . but it wasn’t awful either. It was just OK. What we are seeing is that overall revenue was...

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How Fundraising Will Evolve

In honor of International Data Week, I’m sharing how the future of fundraising will evolve. Many people are concerned about fundraising (I’m not btw). For nearly two decades, the “experts” have been predicting the death of direct mail fundraising. Eventually, the...

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