We had a great time in Toronto connecting, brainstorming, and learning with other nonprofit professionals.
There was a lot going on, and a lot to learn! So, we’re going to break it down and focus on three key takeaways from the Conference.
Amplifi your outreach with AI.
There was a lot of talk about how AI can help fundraisers be more efficient with their strategies. However, there’s a concern over the ethical basis of the AI models.
You also need to ensure outreach doesn’t lose its empathy or relevance by reducing the “human layer” in the process when embracing AI. Think of the way you personalize your mailers with variable data printing. AI is just another way to automate a time-consuming process without damaging the value of the content itself.
Fundraisers that find ways to embrace AI in a similar, and positive way that resonates with their audience are on the right track!
Click here to learn more about what this could look like for your nonprofit!
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
We love to see a continued focus on DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) in the nonprofit industry. And these initiatives were front and center in workshops and casual conversations at AFP ICON.
It was a great feeling to share a space with so many like-minded nonprofit professionals that are working to right the social wrongs in our society. As a community, let’s continue to amplifi the voices that have been stifled for far too long.
We can achieve more, together, with voices from all walks of life contributing to the conversation. And it was refreshing to see this sentiment shared by everyone at AFP ICON.
Recurring giving is a must!
As you know, a recurring giving program will help you retain donors at a higher rate, diversify your donor base, provide a more consistent cash flow, and results in higher annual gift amounts over time.
And on Monday night, the second to last day of the conference, NeonOne released their Recurring Giving Report 2024. The report further emphasizes the critical need for nonprofits to launch and promote recurring giving programs, regardless if you are small, midsize, or a large nonprofit.
Over the last 5 years, The average nonprofit’s recurring donor base grew 127 percent and recurring donors have been retained at a rate of 78 percent.
So, the question isn’t if recurring giving is right for you. It’s how do you get started!
Until next time!
It’s a treat anytime you can get so many like minded fundraisers together with a shared goal – lifting each other up to advance our strategies so we can all make the world a better place.
There was only one downside, the clouds blocked our view of the April 8 eclipse in Toronto! So, unfortunately, we don’t have any stunning photos of the eclipse to share with you from the event.
However, the excitement over the natural phenomenon was eclipsed by the energy of everyone at the Conference. So, we’ll consider that a win!
We’ve got two more AFP Conferences on the schedule for the year. And we’re excited to continue our support of AFP as a sponsor of AFP NYC and AFP NJ. We hope to see you there!
AFP NYC – Fundraising Day in New York 6/14/24
AFP NJ – Conference on PhilanthropyNovember 2024
