FYI Blog

DEI-Informed Fundraising: Hiring and Change

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 […]

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July 7, 2021

DEI-Informed Fundraising: How Digital Marketing Can Further Your DEI Goals

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 […]

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June 22, 2021

Avalon Dispatch 06.08.21

  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 […]

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June 8, 2021

DEI-Informed Fundraising: Data Processes Should Support Your DEI Goals

  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 […]

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May 19, 2021

DEI-Informed Fundraising: 6 Principles for Messaging

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 […]

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May 12, 2021

First Quarter of 2021 Offers Good News for Nonprofits

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 […]

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May 7, 2021

DEI-Informed Fundraising: List Strategy and Donor Diversity

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 […]

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May 7, 2021

DEI-Informed Fundraising: A Five-Part Series

An internal task force leads the Avalon process for continuous improvement in DEI. The group is staff-led, receiving guidance from DEI consultants. You can read about Avalon’s commitment to DEI 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, […]

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May 6, 2021

Three Trends to Watch in Women’s Philanthropy

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 […]

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April 12, 2021

COVID-19 Response and Resources

  In this unprecedented time, Avalon is here.   Here for our staff.   Our first priority is the safety of Avalon staff and clients. On March 2nd Avalon ceased company travel, and on March 12th we shifted fully to remote work. We have been telecommuter-friendly for 20+ years, which helped make this a seamless […]

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January 27, 2021