Author: Philanthropy Wired

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We were very happy to collaborate and contribute to the wonderful work of so many nonprofits, NGO’s and philanthropists this year, and wish all our clients and our Associates, who conducted exemplary work, warmest holiday wishes and success in the New Year!

With gratitude on behalf of S. Sutton & Associates Inc.,

Susan

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North America

Europe

South Asia

The heated topic of income inequality is generating a range of perspectives globally with everyone from Bill Gates to Democratic Presidential candidates to philanthropist Sandy Weill, weighing in as he did recently when his recent gift of $106 million to fund a neuroscience hub at the University of California, Berkeley was announced. “Our government is well-served by intelligent philanthropists that are putting some of the brains that helped them make money in the private sector to really work in conjunction with the public sector to make things better,” he said. “Partnership is the real word.”

A recent episode of “The Daily Show,” the Microsoft billionaire told the host Trevor Noah that his philanthropic organization, the Gates Foundation, could mobilize faster than governments to fight the coronavirus outbreak. Gates said the top seven vaccine candidates would be picked, and then building manufacturing capacity would be built for them. “Even though we’ll end up picking at most two of them, we’re going to fund factories for all seven, just so that we don’t waste time in serially saying, ‘OK, which vaccine works?’ and then building the factory,” he said. The Gates Foundation told Business Insider it was exploring using “catalytic funding” to get the process moving alongside governments and other entities.

The UBS/PwC Billionaires Report 2019 reinforces these statements indicating self-made billionaires globally are using their business experience to drive impact through philanthropy. The report cites:

—  Traditional grant-giving is evolving into strategic philanthropy and championing some ambitious causes.

—  Philanthropists are also increasingly collaborating to make a difference, with other billionaires, NGOs, charities and governments.

—  Billionaires are using their wealth, problem-solving skills, networks and influence, to develop new models of philanthropy which achieve the greatest impact.

We also see this trend to embrace collaboration between philanthropists, NGO’s, charities and governments globally and in North America, as exemplified by two amazing organizations, The Community Foundation of Ocala /Marion County and The Impact Foundry in Sacramento California. 

Lorin Deiorio, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Ocala/Marion County recently described such a collaboration between the foundation, the hospital district, the city and county and Advent Health for a pilot program to address the growing demand for services provided to the residents of the county. Initial stages of the program are designed to evaluate existing duplication and anticipated gaps in services and to build the capacity of the approximate 350 free standing nonprofit organizations serving the residents of the county.

Key to this initiative is a grant services department within the foundation that provides sponsored nonprofit organizations strategic planning, financial and accounting resource counselling, ancillary CEO mentoring and board governance and development resources. This innovative collaboration ultimately seeks to create a continuum of services to meet the increasing needs of the community which can’t be addressed solely through the city and county, the hospital district, the private sector or philanthropy.

An Associate who recently joined the firm, Tiffany Rosso, MNA, described a similar model provided by The Impact Foundry, Northern California’s Nonprofit Resource Center, where she serves as the Director of Capacity Building. The mission of the Impact Foundry is to contribute to an effective and equitable social sector by bringing business, government, philanthropy and nonprofits together for meaningful collaboration and to provide best-practice training and technical assistance. This collaboration is allowing Tiffany to build a sustainability plan for approximately forty nonprofit organizations in Sacramento through immersion in five key areas of support; revenue structure, change management, operational framework, brand and constituent engagement and cultural responsiveness.

Pro Bono Australia reports The Ian Potter Foundation (IPF) and The Myer Foundation (TMF) announced joint funding of a new national centre to be an independent source of water and catchment policy advice, leading to improved management of Australia’s land and water management. Craig Connelly the IPF Foundation CEO, explains the national centre would convene experts, policymakers, industry, and communities to assist government to deliver policy settings to achieve improved and sustainable management of Australia’s freshwater resources.“It is envisaged that the centre will utilise a unique approach that prioritises decision-making processes and uses models of collaborative policy co-design to identify solutions. Philanthropy was perfectly placed to deal with such significant, challenging and socially important issues”.

Another report by Pro Bono Australia profiles an innovative collaboration to tackle the complex social issues of chronic homelessness. The Journey to Social Inclusion (J2SI) social impact investment transaction was developed by Sacred Heart Mission (SHM), the National Australia Bank and the Victorian government in 2017/2018. It is the first transaction in Australia to include guarantees from philanthropy in the delivery of a government pay-for-performance contract.

Each of these examples underscores how important innovation is to address some of our most complex social and environmental challenges. Impact investment in coordination with community, private, government, and philanthropic sectors, can collectively tackle the growing complexity of issues facing the world on a local and global scale.

S. Sutton & Associates Inc.’s global network of consultants provides customized Innovation Teams of subject experts with specific technical expertise, uniquely positioned to help nonprofit organizations, philanthropists, public and private sector entities maximize their partnerships to achieve significant impact. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation.

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Impact Assessments:

The Purpose and Value of Impact Assessments for Nonprofit Organizations

Harvard Business Review recently published a brief article detailing new research being conducted on donor behavior during fundraising campaigns. “Idea Watch” reveals that donors were more likely to give if they knew their donation created a “tipping point” towards achieving a specific goal. Put simply, donors are more likely to give when told how their contribution impacts the fundraising campaign, and when they know where they stand relative to other donors. As donors become more interested and outspoken about transparency, impact assessments become a significant tool for nonprofits to communicate achievements to stakeholders, and to show the value of contributions. Impact assessments help measure and evaluate the overall effect that a nonprofit has made in its sector.

Impact assessments include complex metrics but different stakeholders care about different metrics. For example, donors may prefer assessment measurements related to the overhead of a nonprofit’s operations, while board members may prefer data on total donations accrued during fundraising initiatives. Researchers from McKinsey &Company note that even when metrics are collected and communicated, they might not accurately capture the progress made towards a goal, or offer commentary on the overall success of a nonprofit’s mission. Balancing quantitative and qualitative evidence to analyze overall impact can be a challenge that some nonprofits, especially small limited-capacity organizations, are not equipped to take on.

Nonprofits need impact assessments to clearly demonstrate their progress in fulfilling their mission and meeting short- and long- term goals. To accomplish this, McKinsey & Company describes three different categoriesof performance metrics to measure: mobilization of resources; staff or volunteer effectiveness; and, fulfillment of mission statement and goals.

“Philanthropy Impact” indicates that donors can effectively hold nonprofits accountable for: measuring metrics; openly communicating the results; and committing to improvement. To monitor the efficacy of a nonprofit, donors should look beyond anecdotal evidence and focus on evidence from a nonprofit’s publications, monitoring reports, survey and questionnaire results, third-party audits, and impact assessments.

Impact assessment should communicate achievements and shortcomings to improve service offerings, support, and operational practices. In the last decade, donors and non-donors alike have been outraged by ethnical misdeeds, crises, scandals,and other unsavory behavior in nonprofit circles. Skepticism abounds when organizations lack transparency or are unwilling to admit to faults or limitations. These sentiments become stronger if an organization actively avoids or covers up problems. Even the most successful and reputable nonprofits need to acknowledge their shortcomings and commit to improvement. Admitted weaknesses revealed by candid impact assessments bolster consumer confidence when accompanied by a strategic plan for improvement. Resilient and productive nonprofits don’t shy away from self-improvement, which requires critical analysis and reflection, coupled with strategic action.

S. Sutton & Associates Inc. can help you assess your impact. Contact us for more information.

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Institute for Integrated Transitions 

Campaign Feasibility Study, Facilitation and Training 

Formed in 2012 and influenced by the optimism and exigency that surrounded the Arab Spring movements, the Institute for Integrated Transitions (IFIT) guides states through the complications and challenges inherent to the negotiation process that occur during transitions from conflict to peace, from upheaval to stability, and from crisis to order.

IFIT’s objective is to help bring about the individual and collective benefits of increased national stability, inclusiveness, and dynamism that arise from the increased cohesion and effectiveness of local and national policymakers and civil society leaders vis-à-vis the intended final beneficiaries (namely, affected populations).

From its headquarters in Barcelona and with a regional presence in Bogotá, IFIT nurtures and facilitates the creation of global and local networks of policymakers, experts, practitioners, and influential civil society members who work together to negotiate peace and reconciliation in conflict zones around the world. IFIT has established itself as the leading international NGO focused on the integration of policymaking in contexts of negotiation and transition in fragile and conflict-affected states. It serves as an independent and impartial platform for generating creative, realistic, and principled ideas with the aim of expanding the range of perceived options available to advance peace, transitional justice, and reconciliation. 

The Institute’s global team of experts currently includes 25 fulltime and part-time staff, 25 Board and International Advisory Council members, and an additional 150 expert-practitioners belonging to its purpose-built thematic practice groups and in-country brain trusts. 

S. Sutton & Associates Inc. was enlisted in 2019 to conduct a Campaign Feasibility Study with the following deliverables: 

• Organizational assessment of existing fundraising activities, structure, and opportunities for future development 
• Back office operations review to evaluate the capacity of IFIT to support fundraising initiatives and recommendations to enhance these efforts
• Growth analysis with strategic recommendations that include priority levels, associated timelines, and opportunities for revenue growth in the areas of restricted program and/or operating support, endowment, and keystone projects such as the treaty framework
• Donor and stewardship database review to determine opportunities for giving and engagement among current and future supporters, including evaluation of organizational partners in focus countries
• New prospect identification assistance to help identify new donors and potential campaign cabinet members
• Campaign Goal and Framework that encompassed the above findings and informed strategies and implementation for a large-scale capital campaign 

Our subsequent project in 2020 built upon the Campaign Feasibility Study to:

• Develop and facilitate a prospect screening survey with select IFIT leadership and volunteers.
• Develop a Case for Support.
• Conduct prospect research on individual, foundation, and corporate prospects. 
• Work with IFIT leadership and volunteers to develop gift strategies for top prospects and provide training to engage and activate leadership and volunteers in a robust multi-channel institutional advancement enterprise.

To best address IFIT’s unique needs and fundraising goals, S. Sutton & Associates Inc. assembled a strong Innovation Team of Associates as follows:

Anandita Ghosh, Prospect Research, Data Analytics

As a Junior Associate with more than five years of experience, Anandita Ghosh has expertise in the following areas: Advancement Services, Business Process Improvement, and Information Science.

Anandita has an impressive track record of applying her research skills to the nonprofit sector, helping philanthropies to employ data and analytics to advance development initiatives and hone their strategic policy.

Beth Heiter, Development Program Review & Expansion Strategies

Beth Heiter is an Associate with more than 12 years of experience, specializing in Development Program Review and Expansion Strategies, Pipeline Development, Direct Marketing, and Strategic Program Development. Beth is a seasoned development professional who consistently applies an analytical framework to development strategy enabling nonprofits to achieve strong fundraising results and grow their donor portfolios.

Brittany Gataveckas, Donor and Constituent Engagement

For the past seven years, Brittany has worked with elite clients in Canada’s private, higher education, and nonprofit sectors. As a Junior Associate, she specializes in the design and application of complex projects and is skilled in mixed-methods research, critical analysis, and strategic communications.

Carrie Wallinger, Donor & Constituent Engagement, Corporate Social Responsibility

With more than ten years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Carrie Wallinger is an Associate with S. Sutton & Associates Inc. She specializes in: Donor & Constituent Engagement, Corporate Social Responsibility, and Fundraising and Strategic Planning. Carrie is a skilled strategist with an aptitude for storytelling and engaging different audiences.

Christopher Clinton Conway, Fundraising Campaigns & Strategic Planning

As a Senior Associate with more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Christopher Clinton Conway possesses expertise in the following areas: Fundraising Campaigns & Strategic Planning, International Fundraising, Major & Principal Gifts, and Planned & Legacy Gifts. Christopher is a highly sought-after, globally engaged nonprofit leader with extensive experience advising and overseeing multimillion-dollar fundraising campaigns for elite clients.

Debbie Perrone, Corporate and Foundation Relations

As an Executive Associate, Debbie Perrone is a nationally recognized fundraising professional with more than 35 years of experience. She specializes in corporate and foundation relations. Her skills include strategic planning, program management and innovation, proposal preparation, and professional training.

Michelle Mazzoni (Thomas), Project Manager

With more than 17 years of experience in project management, marketing, and business development, Michelle Mazzoni is an Associate with S. Sutton & Associates Inc. As a Certified Associate of Project Management from the reputed Project Management Institute, Michelle is highly capable of overseeing complex projects and producing quality results that advance stakeholder engagement.

Sherryl Fisher, Prospect Research

With more than 30 years of experience in the nonprofit sector specializing in Advancement Services, Sherryl Fisher is an Associate who brings a wealth of knowledge to the field of Prospect Research. She also has extensive experience in project management.

This example of the customized Innovation Team S. Sutton & Associates Inc. assembled for each specific project is illustrative of the collective expertise and collaborative efforts enabling organizations to further their fundraising goals. We can help with a customized Innovation Team to fit your unique circumstances. Let’s talk!

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The Dos and Don’ts of Nonprofit Data Analysis

Why These Metrics Matter

While nonprofits come in many shapes and sizes, the use of data is common and, in many cases, required across the industry. In order to bolster a nonprofit’s reputation, increase accountability, adhere to public disclosure requirements and maximize their file of donors, philanthropic professionals are increasingly trained in data collection, analytics, and reporting. In fact, having a data-driven fundraising approach often makes the difference between a thriving nonprofit and one that leaves money and opportunity on the table. However, the challenges and questions inherent within the science of analyzing raw data can easily overwhelm philanthropic professionals: 

1. How much data needs to be collected and how frequently?
2. Are you collecting the right data?
3. What is the best way to measure and evaluate impact?
4. What information do donors want to see reported?
5. What purpose does collected and analyzed data serve?

A number of organizations and consultancies have developed guides, toolkits, software, and informational articles designed to help philanthropic professionals tackle these difficult questions. Some of these approaches, like that of Jacobson ConsultingApplications (JCA) and IBM target specific areas such as fundraising; others, including BizTech and DLN have a more holistic or systematic approach and describe how data analytics can be used to drive many indicators or goals within a nonprofit organization.

In order to use data effectively, nonprofit organizations need to begin by collecting the right information. Metrics related to donor contribution, retention, attrition, moves, engagement, capacity, and frequency are all important to identify and understand broad and minute trends in giving. Moreover, different nonprofit departments or individuals will require different metrics to drive success; the metrics required by marketing to plan an upcoming campaign will not be the same as the metrics required by IT to implement a new fundraising application. Identifying the specific metrics that matter to everyone in your organization might be a challenge, but the sooner you begin collecting, tracking, adjusting, and analyzing data, the sooner you can benefit from these findings to fine- tune your fundraising campaigns, marketing strategy, and operational platform.

There are a vast array of data analytics tools that are designed to help nonprofits solicit donations and launch fundraising campaigns. Wealth screening and predictive modelling tools are vital when it comes to intelligent fundraising and elevating your analysis capabilities above the competition. While nonprofit professionals may be tired of hearing about wealth screening, it has created a more streamlined and intuitive system for approaching prospective or new donors.

A wealth screen tool can provide you with ample information on how to strategically engage a new donor for effective cultivation before you begin the process. Likewise, predictive modeling tools can help drive targeted fundraising campaigns by examining the behaviors of your donor base and using these results to determine other like-minded potential donors. Identifying key traits and behaviors common to your donors lowers the risk of ineffective fundraising campaigns and wasted dollars spent on engaging those unlikely to give. It’s remarkable what data analytic tools can add to your fundraising and development arsenal! 

At the same time, the data analytics process can be convoluted, and confusion can abound for a number of reasons. One of the most prevalent “bad practices” among nonprofits is the disorganization of collected data. 

Oftentimes, organizations store similar data in multiple places, and many employees or volunteers have access to this information without tactics for coordination. Organizations must be diligent in avoiding the duplication and mishandling of resources by crafting a widely communicated and clearly delineated data management plan that discusses the maintenance of a database of record, how relevant data should be transferred to the database, and an accessibility policy to avoid the problem that comes from having too many unregulated users. Formulating a comprehensive data management strategy can ensure that employees and volunteers have the most up-to-date information when approaching donors, funders, and recipients, leading to more robust fundraising drives, donor engagement, and reputational awareness.

While quantitative metric is the name of the game when it comes to data analytics, qualitative analysis is key to mobilizing data in support of your broader mission, goals, and initiatives. Figures may reveal ebbs and flows over time, but these trends must be critically evaluated not just for internal causes, but within a broader perspective. For example, let’s say marketing analytics is one of the key metrics your nonprofit measures; over the course of a year, you have measured the average donation amounts for three different marketing campaigns. If you analyze the data with an internal lens, you may find that donations are influenced by the type, length, timing, sequence, and message of a specific marketing campaign. These are valuable differentials that can help you plan future campaigns moving forward. At the same time, by extending your analytical lens to appraise conditions outside of your nonprofit organization’s control, such as the economic climate, fundraising drives by competing nonprofits, or the development of a major scandal within the nonprofit sector, you can develop a more nuanced understanding of success and shortcoming. 

A number of business intelligence tools and technologies have been designed as efficient, proactive platforms for nonprofits to collect and analyze relevant data to drive decision-making, inform strategic planning, and communicate results to diverse stakeholders. At their core, business intelligence tools help nonprofits answer the question: what purpose does data serve? Without a goal driving the process, the collection and analysis of data lacks focus or intention. Without an overarching objective or plan, amassing data for data’s sake can result in incomplete or unorganized databases, the hoarding of unfiltered information, and missed opportunities for growth and improvement.

Business intelligence tools can provide a foundation so that nonprofits can identify gaps and strengths in performance, inform strategic goals for years to come, and secure buy-in from different stakeholder audiences.

While S. Sutton & Associates Inc. believes in capitalizing on the latest advances in technology, we also understand that nonprofits can benefit from a more individualistic approach to data collection and analysis. Our team at S. Sutton & Associates, Inc. has the know-how to assist your nonprofit not just in the collection, management, and analysis of data, but in the transformation of data into strategic action. Contact us for more information.

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— Market Watch reports unequitable allocation of nonprofit dollars in the United States with only 45,000 of the more than 1 million nonprofits focused on women and girls and only 1.6% of charitable dollars allocated to women-focused nonprofits.

— Melinda Gates recently announced a $1 Billion gift to strategically fight barriers facing women while encouraging others to make financial contributions toward alleviating inequality for women and girls in the United States and around the world.

— According to the Charities Aid Foundation, Charitable Giving in the USA report, there is a rise in charitable activity across the United States, moving from 55% in 2017, to 62% in 2018 and rising to 70% in the last 12 months.

— According to the 10-year CAF World Giving Index, the charitable giving climate in Canada is favorable with Canada’s Social Sector comprising 8.1% of its national GDP and employing 11% of its economically active population. Canadian optimism in its charities is evident in that 4 out of 5 Canadians indicate “a lot” or “some” trust in Canada’s social sector.

— Ranked 7 out of the 10 most generous countries in the CAF World Giving Report, the United Kingdom is one of the most charitable countries across the spectrum with 87% of its population donating or volunteering last year according to the YouGov Analysis on Charity in Britain whitepaper. While the study reports an optimistic outlook on charitable giving over the course of the last decade, the Telegraph UK reports that while the worldwide generosity scale is highest in Europe, there has been a downward trend in donations. Some point to the continued aftermath of the financial crisis in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, and the Netherlands, as well as the United States.

— France has been known to have the most favorable legal and fiscal environment to support philanthropy. There are approximately 2500 foundations contributing 11 billion Euros each year to advance social change. However, Europe today is facing a shrinking space for civil society that can pose a threat to French foundations. To address this issue, more than 800 representatives from French foundations and the public-benefit sectors were invited by Centre Français des Fonds et Fondations to attend a debate entitled, “In the Face of Social Challenges Foundations Acting at the Heart of the Public Interest,” at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. The former President of France, François Hollande, was among the speakers at the debate. This event mobilized foundations dedicated to serve the general public interest to shared action.

— Across Europe, there are attempts to create strong cross-party alliances to support philanthropy. Members of the European Parliament, representatives of the European Commission and the European Economic and Social Committee, and relevant stakeholders from philanthropy met in Brussels in early October to discuss ways of encouraging cross- border generosity. Nicola Beer, the European Parliament’s Vice-President, believes there is much untapped potential for foundations and civil society organizations. Maria Da Graca Carvalho, Member of the European Parliament for Portugal, indicated that foundations play a vital role in society as they concentrate on areas that are neglected by the for-profit and public sectors, and can make significant progress redressing inequality and social and political divisions.

— Mastercard Foundation is making an initial investment of $200 million in Senegal and Ghana to create 60 million jobs by 2030. The “Young Africa Works” initiatives are part of Mastercard Foundation’s overarching commitment to building sustainable communities in Africa with 10 country-focused initiatives throughout the continent of Africa.

The Foundation is working with Ghana’s government to institute the Young AfricaWorks in Ghana initiative, which is aligned with the Republic of Ghana’s 2018 Agenda for Jobs: Creating Prosperity and Equal Opportunity for All that lays the framework to position the country as a global entrepreneurship and technology hub, paving the way for 30 million youth to be employed by 2030. Similarly, the Young Africa Works in Senegal initiative is aligned with the Senegalese Government’s Plan for an Emerging Senegal (PES) to employ 30 million youth with substantial, meaningful work by 2030. The focus will be on small business, improving the agricultural value chain, and improving education and training in the country. 

— Jack Ma, founder and former CEO of the Chinese multinational conglomerate, Alibaba, is redirecting his life’s work toward education through the Jack Ma Foundation. Ma will focus his efforts on empowering African youth and to discover young entrepreneurs and business leaders who can uplift Africa in the decades to come. “The goal is to make these African entrepreneurs the ‘heroes,’because entrepreneurs are the ‘most important element to develop a society,’” said Ma.

—  A 2019 study published on the state of giving in South Africa found that 8 of 10 South Africans had provided charitable donations in the last 12 months. While South Africans are less likely to volunteer their time, 73% of those studied donated cash. Women and young people compose more than 80% of those providing charitable donations in South Africa. The study suggests that the country will continue to develop its rate of giving and that the majority of giving is focused on providing support for the economically challenged, children, and religious organizations.

— Azim Premji became India’s and one of the world’s most generous billionaires earlier this year by announcing a $21 billion donation to Wipro’s charitable arm, the Azim Premji Foundation. The funds will be allocated toward educational initiatives and he has hinted at giving more through the Giving Pledge. The $21 billion donation reduces Premji’s wealth by 80% to 4.4 billion. 

 — Premji’s gift came at an auspicious time when India’s mega-rich are being encouraged to be more generous with their wealth. By 2027, India’s cumulative wealth is estimated to reach $25 trillion. According to The Economic Times, compared to American Times,

compared to American billionaires such as the Gates, Rockefellers, and Mellons, India’s billionaires view philanthropy as a means of tax-planning. The Economic Times reports that “wealthy families in India – excepting the likes of Premji, Nandan Nilekani, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw or Nadar – put aside less than 0.2% of their wealth for philanthropy, compared to at least 2% by their US counterparts. It is anticipated that the generosity of Premji, along with his fellow Indian philanthropists committed to contributing their wealth to philanthropy will inspire a trend of giving in India in coming years.

— The 2019 Israeli Philanthropy Conference unveiled a number of findings on Israel’s present-day philanthropic trends as follows. More than half of major foundation gifts in Israel are directed to education and with a significant portion to research universities. Low dollar donors focus on opportunities for collaboration between organizations compared to high dollar donors.

A full study on these findings will be published by the Jewish Funders NetworkIsrael in coming months. Further, according to Jewish Post, urban philanthropy has escalated as Israel focuses on meeting the needs of its cities and inhabitants and away from allocating nation building resources, which has been the focus of Israel since its founding in 1948.

— The United Arab Emirates participated in the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly to contribute, address, and arrive at solutions in advance of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of 2030. A highlight of the meetings included the announcement of Aziz Al Ghurair of the UAE’s $10 million donation to ensure the Global Muslim Philanthropy Fund for Children to achieve its Sustainable Development Goals.

— Environmental issues such as plastic waste in the world’s oceans have provoked Forbes to call for a social enterprise to ameliorate the crisis. Emerging economies in East Asia lack recycling and waste management infrastructure, and it is estimated that these countries contribute 45% of the world’s plastic leakage into the ocean. Forbes calls for philanthropic social enterprise to focus on “incubating, measuring, and amplifying the ecosystems of local innovative solutions” and asserts that “philanthropic capital can strengthen the pipeline of future investable solutions by proving concepts and ultimately giving institutional investors the playbook they need to unlock investment at scale” to help solve the ocean’s plastic waste crisis.

— The South China Morning Post reports that mainland-Chinese property firms collectively donated $8.1 billion in charitable donations, which has more than doubled the last two consecutive years of giving. This data suggests a growing trend toward philanthropic giving in China.

— Japan Today, posits why Japan is considerably less charitable than the US, UK, and Korea, suggesting two historical societal factors at play. Following WWII, Japan was able to sustain a predominantly middle class society that lasted for half of a decade, equalizing society and reducing the perceived need for charitable support. In the 1990s the Kakusa Shakai “gap society” between the rich and poor began, but a growing lack of adherence to Buddhist principles and a lack of tax incentives have contributed to comparatively low philanthropy.

— Vox.com reports Venezuela’s heightened political strife, government reallocation of resources, discouragement of charitable dollars and programming from outside of the county and economic disruption have led to donors turning to cryptocurrency to transfer funding in support of civil society using the Bitcoin for Venezuela Initiativeand EatBCH. Further, Venezuelan refugees are also being supported through the Latino philanthropic group: Hipgive.org.

— According to the 2018 World Giving Index, Brazil ranks 122 out of 146 countries in the study however, CAF’s Brazil Giving 2019suggests that philanthropic giving is on the rise with 70% of all Brazilians participating in charitable giving and volunteering in the last year.

— Sandals Foundation located in Jamaica reports $7 million invested in the island’s students and educational institutions for the academic year 2019-2020. The funds are restricted to infrastructure upgrades valued at $5 million and book grants and scholarships valued at $2 million. The foundation will develop an education system that fosters holistic development of the nation’s children including emotional, social, artistic, and creative capacity. The Executive Director, Heidi Clarke, believes that the infrastructure improvements will create conducive learning spaces that enable children to reach their full potential.

— According to Pro Bono Australia’s recent reporting, the Ian Potter Foundation and the Myer Foundation have established a joint funding effort to solve Australia’s freshwater crisis resulting from a growing population. Additionally, Pro Bono Australia is focusedon innovative practices to tackle the complex social issues of chronic homelessness. The study suggests that impact investment and coordination of community, financial, government, and philanthropic sectors can cohesively work together to collectively tackle the growing complexity of social issues facing Australia.

— In New Zealand “Generation Give” is challenging more traditional philanthropic models by instituting a campaign to encourage youth support of other youth. Three recent high school students have banded together under the Wakatipu Community Foundation to establish a model of giving for youth by youth. And, according to the Otago Daily Times, these youth inspired a recent $1 million pledge to the Wakatipu Community Foundation from renowned New Zealand philanthropist, Sir Eion Edgar.

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The world has changed, and the new coronavirus economy is reshaping how we work and live. A compelling article in The Washington Post lays out the short- and long-term shifts that affect us all and in some cases, provide opportunity. From inception, S. Sutton & Associates Inc. has provided our clients local perspective and global knowledge enabled by operating remotely.

As a fully remote firm, we can provide access to a global network of subject experts to help nonprofit organizations and philanthropists maximize their philanthropic efforts and achieve significant impact. And, as can be seen from the notices of amazing philanthropic activity in this edition of Philanthropy Wired Abbreviated, those with financial capacity and ability are stepping up. The firm has been part of this call to action as we have seen a surge in activity with the philanthropists that we advise and are honored to be facilitating such generosity.

That said, the challenges ahead for the nonprofit arena are now even more pronounced. A recent article in Canada’s Globe and Mail shocked with the headline Canadian Charities call for $10-billion stabilization fund to weather coronavirus crisis. The news was sobering and the ramifications for all those employed and served by the nonprofit sector can’t be understated.

We can help. S. Sutton & Associates Inc. differentiates itself from other consulting firms through customized Innovation Teams of highly skilled technical experts assembled to meet the client’s unique needs. This highly flexible proprietary model allows us to apply the time and talent of the technical experts assembled, to the specific area of need, for only as much time as required. Our teams thus outperform high-level generalists by providing deep subject expertise, which would otherwise be cost-prohibitive, while also assuring the clients only pay for what they need and are not charged for unwarranted services and expertise beyond the scope of their requirements.

Thanks to our network of subject experts, we stand ready. It’s going to be a long road, but together we’re better.

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– Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced his charitable organization, Bloomberg Philanthropies, will be donating $40 million to coronavirus-related causes. The former presidential candidate said the charity would be organizing a Coronavirus Global Response Initiative to ensure that low- and middle-income nations have rapid funding to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus in their countries with a focus on helping nations in Africa.

– The Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Foundation announced the publication of a digital handbook that shares lessons and experience from frontline doctors, medical administrators and staff in fighting the coronavirus in China. The report focuses on the experience of the First Affiliated Hospital at the Zhejiang University School of Medicine.

– Billionaires around the world are contributing to efforts to counter the COVID-19 pandemic and the damage it is dealing to the global economy, but Italy’s wealthiest have been focusing on the battle at home. Altogether, Italy’s billionaires have given more than $44 million in donations to hospitals, healthcare facilities and government agencies since the crisis began in February.

– Khalaf Al Habtoor, founding Chairman of Al Habtoor Group (AHG), has announced a generous aid to help fight the novel coronavirus, Covid-19, in UAE. Al Habtoor is donating 50 ambulances to the UAE health authorities, to be used in the country’s fully integrated response against the coronavirus. In addition to the ambulances, the AHG Chairman has also allocated a fully equipped building of more than 100 rooms to Dubai Health Authority (DHA), for the purpose of quarantining coronavirus affected patients. He has also committed to building a specialized laboratory for research on viruses and epidemic control, in collaboration with the DHA and Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU).

– In a major philanthropic gesture, Emirati businessman Abdul Rahim Al Zarooni, Chairman of the Board of Al Zarooni Group, announced the donation of Dh10 million to ensure all healthcare centers and clinics have adequate medical supplies during the current sensitive period. Al Zarooni stressed the importance of UAE citizens contributing to the fight against coronavirus, noting that it is their national duty to come together to ensure the country remains a model for security, safety and happiness.

– Lemonade, the insurance company powered by artificial intelligence and behavioral economics, announced the formation of The Lemonade Foundation, a nonprofit organized under IRC section 501(c)(4). Lemonade, Inc., a for-profit Public Benefit Corporation, by unanimous vote of its board and shareholders, has donated shares valued at over $20 million as a founding endowment to The Lemonade Foundation. This is in addition to the company’s embedded Giveback program, in which it donates a portion of its underwriting profits to nonprofits chosen by its customers.

– The New York Community Trust, a community foundation, announced a $75 million fund to support New York City-based social services and cultural nonprofit organizations affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The fund’s donors include a host of billionaires such as media titan Michael Bloomberg, medical equipment company heir Jon Stryker and hedge fund founder Ken Griffin. The fund, administered by the New York City Community Trust, will provide grants and interest-free loans to small and mid-size nonprofits with annual budgets up to $20 million (not including government contracts).

– Wells Fargo will donate $175 million to help communities deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, the bank said Friday. The contributions will focus on housing stability, small business and financial health. Donations will be made through an expedited grant-making process, the bank said. While most have yet to be made, the bank announced that it would give a $1 million grant to Feeding America.

– Businesses, large and small, have had to close their doors in a collective effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. While the economic impact of prolonged closures is predicted to be drastic, it hasn’t stopped some of Baltimore’s most recognizable businesses from lending a hand during the pandemic. Under Armour, BGE, T. Rowe Price, Ravens and Orioles are just some of the Baltimore businesses and organizations that have donated money and resources to help fight the new coronavirus.

– The foundation of Greenwich billionaire Ray Dalio and his spouse Barbara announced Friday it will devote $4 million to support Connecticut hospital workers statewide and address immediate food needs during the coronavirus pandemic, joining a growing list of corporate and private philanthropy efforts.

– Singer Rihanna’s non-profit organization, the Clara Lionel Foundation, has donated $5 million to coronavirus response efforts. The charity will be supporting Direct Relief, Partners In Health, Feeding America, the International Rescue Committee and World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund as they continue to fight the pandemic in the US, the Caribbean and Africa. The funds will help to provide communities with critical protective gear, medical supplies, equipment and access to food.

– To fight the coronavirus pandemic, Vedanta chairman Anil Agarwal has pledged a sum of Rs 100 crore. Agarwal said he wants to do his bit in helping the people who are facing uncertainties and especially the daily wage earners after many districts across several states go under a lockdown threatening those at the bottom of the pyramid of the economy.

Without question, one of the most enjoyable aspects of my role is to welcome new Associates to the firm via video conference calls. Informal and wide- ranging, these conversations provide a window into the life, experiences, academic, and professional careers of each person. The sum is nothing less than awe-inspiring, but also indicative of the mosaic of talent required to be an Associate with S. Sutton & Associates Inc.

Our proprietary model is based on a global network of consultants from which customized Innovation Teams of subject experts, with specific technical expertise, are assembled to help nonprofit organizations and philanthropists maximize their philanthropic efforts and achieve significant impact.

On what basis do we assess potential Associates, and how do we curate the customized Innovation Teams assembled for our clients? Contemporary parlance refers to the art and science of the discipline, hard and soft skills, and personality profiles. We look for a composite.

Recently, I had a great conversation with one of our new Associates regarding his background and liberal arts education at New York University. Shortly thereafter, an article appeared in the New York Times entitled, “Engineers Sprint Ahead, but Don’t Underestimate the Poets“.

Of particular interest to me were the three attributes employers consider most important, written communication, problem- solving, and the ability to work in teams. Quantitative and technical skills both made the top ten alongside other “soft” skills, like initiative, verbal communication, and leadership. The article argues these attributes and skills are built through the liberal arts tradition, forming a set of foundational capacities that serve students well in a rapidly changing job market.

I couldn’t agree more and when assessing the right fit for our firm and for our clients, we draw heavily on these characteristics.

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That said, the technology required by the contemporary concepts of New Power, Next Generation-Enterprise and Blitzscaling, creating a contemporary “Trifecta” requires the deployment of Associates with hard skills as well. We thread this needle by looking for the “poets” in our Associates with backgrounds in the hard sciences, such as mathematics and physics, computer systems technology, biochemistry, and engineering mechanics.

Evaluating the composite of the life experiences of our Associates, we look to the personal and professional journey and inflection points which have taken them far and wide, to dozens of countries, accruing facility with languages and cultures, as well as those who have taken deep dives into their local communities and the endemic challenges therein, establishing proving grounds for models which can be applied universally.

So, whether our Associates are Certified Fund Raising Executives, hold a Masters in Philanthropy and Development, a PhD in Philanthropic Studies, a Bachelor or Master of Arts in Public Relations, Journalism, Refugees and Forced Migration, Gender and Warfare, Innovative Campuses, or the plethora of other quantitative and technical, or other disciplines in the liberal arts tradition, our clients are assured of a highly curated team of subject experts, with specific technical expertise assembled to meet their unique circumstances.

Our Associates are also assured a meaningful experience as recently voiced by Associate Beth Heiter. “S. Sutton & Associates Inc.’s Innovation Team concept is just fantastic.

I get to become part of a team that allows me to work with other people from around the world who are experts in their specific content areas. That means I get to expand my own understanding and learn from others, specifically people who are not in my professional network, or work with every day in my full-time job. It really makes being part of the S. Sutton team so different from anyone else I’ve worked with.

I’m also discovering my own passion for client projects. I’m currently involved with the Institute for Integrated Transition (IFIT) project. Every time I meet with members of the S. Sutton team, have a call or get an update from Mark Freeman, the leader of IFIT, I get more inspired. Inspired not only to do my specific work for the project, but also to see the project succeed. I always say that fundraising is easy for institutions you believe in, and that is exactly what IFIT has become for me. I’m grateful to be part of this Innovation Team.”

If you are a Client interested in our services and our talent, or if you are a subject expert in the art and science of philanthropy, and interested in becoming an Associate, we encourage you to be in touch so we can begin a meaningful conversation.

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Building Institutional Capacity:

The Growing Presence of American Universities

Whether it is by establishing satellite branches, research centers, or specialized offshoot programs, prominent American universities have exponentially increased their foothold in Africa in recent years.

The construction of Carnegie Mellon University’s new campus on the outskirts of Rwanda’s capital Kigali, Stanford University’s Seed initiative to scale local businesses in Ghana, or Harvard University’s executive program for African business leaders are all indicative of changing perceptions of and attitudes towards Africa on the world stage.

To be sure, the export of education or knowledge to the continent is not a new phenomenon. Africa has experienced missionary activity for centuries, sometimes as a by-product of the colonial or imperial enterprise; other times as its harbinger.

Religious zeal was, however, not the only reason that the Western world exported education to Africans, who, it should be noted, had their own rich history of education and learning. Political and economic drivers gained in prominence, particularly during the latter half of the 20th century.

The Cold War conflict between the United States and Soviet Union prompted American institutions, often under the guise of modernization, to fund scholarship and exchange programs, or to set up their own training centers on the ground.

Yet for all its similar characteristics, it would be wrong to situate the United States’ current interest in African higher education on the same historical continuum. A number of unique circumstances form the backdrop to the latest expansion.

Foreign direct investments in higher education often result in a “brain drain” of talent from less-developed to developed countries, thereby increasing the dependency of the former on the latter. In the case of African countries, limited funding and previous investment strategies had also insufficiently equipped universities (except for a few notable South African ones) with the resources to compete in a global marketplace. Enter the American university,rich in funding and resources, and looking to capitalize on an upcoming surge of innovative energy emerging from outside of Silicon Valley.

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A conscious attempt to “educate African students in Africa, for African applications” as Carnegie Mellon University Africa director Vijayakumar Bhagavatula put it, has permeated the latest round of educational experimentation. American universities have embraced their newfound roles as engines of progress: By strengthening local businesses, training a new generation of African leaders, and fostering innovation in capital-intensive research fields.

Much of this change in mindset has been a reaction to current political events and economic realities. The current U.S. administration’s visa restrictions and travel bans effectively forced American universities to relocate their recruitment efforts abroad. Yet for all its nationalist and populist rhetoric, the United States owes its status as the world’s preeminent superpower to the forces of globalization. To fend off suitors for this title – first and foremost China, who long ago realized and capitalized on the economic potential of Africa – the United States requires continued access to the talent pool and resources of an entire continent.

Seen from this perspective, American universities, such as Stanford, Carnegie Mellon, Harvard, and Columbia, are fulfilling a strategic imperative in the service of the state.

The task of strengthening the locals in Africa, but also integrating it into a U.S.- dominated world market, is a steep one. American universities have run into a host of challenges, ranging from local issues equipping classrooms with high-end computers to teach courses on robotics, to legal concerns navigating disparate regulatory framework, and logistical problems keeping up with rising demand.

Regardless of the industry or the size of an organization, growth and expansion can seem like an insurmountable challenge. Whether you are looking to enhance programmatic offerings, or expand your services to new communities, regions, or countries, our global team of experts at S. Sutton & Associates Inc. can help you achieve your philanthropic vision. Contact us for more information.

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Comprehensive Communications Strategy:

Building Brand Awareness

S. Sutton & Associates Inc. has recently launched a comprehensive communications strategy utilizing various online platforms and social media sites to build brand awareness in the countries we serve. In the coming months, we will be increasing our communications to our Clients and Associates with up-to-date trends and information. Some of our new communication tools include:

—  Philanthropy Wired, our monthly e-newsletter, features insights into key developments and trends in the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors.

—  Thought Leadership, our monthly LinkedIn article, examines leadership styles, models and frameworks within the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors.

—  Weekly updates posted to social media sites, including Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. 

—  Biweekly informational emails featuring the latest trends, research and insights in philanthropy.

For our staff and Associates, we are providing style guides and support for image continuity in both our internal and external communications. This will be key in reinforcing our brand.

Be sure to follow us on social media and share our information with potential Clients.

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—   Nonprofit Quarterly makes a case for ensuring donors’ values align with institutional values in the wake of the controversy around Jeffrey Epstein’s donations to MIT. While many institutions face increasing pressure to raise more and bigger gifts, the temptation to compromise institutional integrity in the name of a good outcome has proved risky for more than a few organizations.

—  Philanthropic giving in America set a record in the year 2018 with approximately US $428 billion in total donations. Matt Kupec outlines how the $58.72 million Americans donated to education in 2018 was used to increase enrollment, retain students and highly qualified faculty, expand learning facilities, reinforce academic programs, and invest in ground-breaking research and development.

—  October 1 marked the European Day of Foundations and Donors, first established by the Donors and Foundations Network Europe (DAFNE) in 2013. The day celebrates the approximately 147,000 charitable foundations operating in Europe. 

—  A group of European foundations have come together to create the Clean Air Fund, a US $50 million initiative with the goal of improving global air quality. The initiative was announced at the recent UN Climate Change Summit. The Fund has an ultimate fundraising goal of US $100 million and is supported by charities such as the IKEA Foundation, the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, and the FIA Foundation, among others.

— Philanthropic donations have grown in Ireland for the eighth year in a row, according to a recent report prepared on behalf of the Community Foundation of Ireland entitled, “The Irish Not-for-Profit Sector Fundraising Performance Report 2018.” The report also indicates that transparency in the sector continues to decline with more nonprofit organizations filing abridged accounts.

— Inside Philanthropy reports that the Mastercard Foundation has become one of the largest supporters of African Youth through their Young Africa Works strategy, which in 2018 helped 30 million Africans find meaningful work. The foundation recently announced a US $200 million commitment to Young Africa Works in Ghana, with more countries to follow by the end of the year.

— The Global NGO (non-governmental organizations) Technology Report 2019 shows how NGOs are taking full advantage of technology to accelerate their humanitarian efforts. Africa is embracing technology like cryptocurrency, chat

applications such as WhatsApp and social media platforms like Facebook to communicate with supporters and donors. The report highlights that 64% of NGOs in Africa are accepting credit card payments through their website; 28% accept mobile money; and 5% accept cryptocurrency. As for chat applications and social media, 44% use WhatsApp to communicate with their donors, and 87% use social media like Instagram stories, Tweet chats, Messenger bots, and YouTube live. A striking statistic is that 33% of NGOs use a Client Relationship Management system to closely monitor their donations as well as manage effective communications with their donors.

— Chantal Sajan challenges the idea that Asia is less philanthropic than the West, pointing to different tax structures, the still-developing nonprofit industry, and the prominence of faith-driven philanthropy as reasons why Asian and Western philanthropy cannot be evaluated using the same yardstick.

— Sumit Agarwal, Economics Professor of the National University of Singapore, indicates that wealth is soaring in the Asian region, but the level of giving remains sluggish.He points to the low or non-existent levels of inheritance tax, allowing individuals to pass wealth to their descendants. China and Indonesia do not have inheritance tax and many Asian countries have abolished the inheritance tax entirely.

— Approximately 25.8 million of the 70.8 million people who have been displaced are refugees, and half of these refugees are under the age of 18. United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), is supporting these refugees through the Refugee Zakat Fund. UNHCR issued the UNHCR Zakat Program: 2019 Launch Report that recorded receiving US $14.4 million funds globally from the years 2016 to 2018. This fund supported 6,888 displaced families across distressed countries in the Middle East. Houssam Chahine, UNHCR’s Head of Private Sector Partnerships in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, said that this reliable funding program impacts the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in the world.

— UNICEF and the Islamic Development Bank have partnered to create The Global Muslim Philanthropy Fund for Children (GMPFC) to facilitate various forms of Muslim philanthropy in support of emergency response and development programs. The lead donor, Abdul Aziz Abdulla Al Ghurair, has committed US $10 million over three years to support refugee education programs in the Middle East and North Africa. The fundraising goal is US $250 million.

— Saahil Kejriwal reports on the rise of individual giving in India. According to current estimates from Sattva, 90% of charitable giving in India is “informal” – giving through religious or community organizations and direct assistance to acquaintances. But the rise of “formal” individual giving can be seen through the expansion of DaanUtsav, a weeklong celebration of giving, which has witnessed participation increase by five to six million people over the last decade. Local nonprofits in India face stiff competition from international organizations, and are challenged by the resources and reach of their larger counterparts.

—  YourStory issued a list of the top ten billionaire philanthropists in India. These billionaires are extending a helping hand to the underprivileged in their country. Shiv Nadar, an industrialist and philanthropist, was recognized as the ‘Most Generous Indian Philanthropist,’ due to his donations of approximately US $108,493,000.

— In September, the Rainforest Foundation issued a request for support to cryptocurrency holders to counter the devastating impact of deforestation and forest fires in the Brazilian Amazon. The Rainforest Foundation is currently developing a blockchain transparency pilot with Regan Network and accepts donations in Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin or Bitcoin Cash.

— President of Hispanics in Philanthropy (HIP) Ana Marie Argilagos is an influential leader who is successfully linking donors with foundations and nonprofits that are contributing towards the growth of Latino communities. She believes that these donations will offer Latino people the tools and resources to build collective power. This power lies in steady progress made in employment, education, and small enterprises. The HIP has initiated the Power Up Fund with a goal to raise US $58 million to build community wealth.

— PRObono Australia identified documentarian Malinda Wink as one of their changemakers. Wink is one of the founding directors of Good Pitch Australia and the Shark Island Institute. Her work with Good Pitch has resulted in AU $14 million raised and 19 social impact documentaries created, covering topics like youth homelessness, healthy eating and sugar consumption, and global warming.

—The philanthropic sector in New Zealand is addressing the shortage of funds for social services. The Government is supporting two- thirds of the cost; however, 83% of social services rely on philanthropic funding, which is recognized as the biggest contributor towards these services. Today, the philanthropic sector is taking a proactive approach by working collaboratively with the Government across all sectors. They are working together on a 2020 Government Budget that will effectively tackle the shortage of funds.

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Board Training, Management, and Governance:

Boards Excel in Governance and Leadership

Most people join a nonprofit board of directors because they care about the mission of an organization or, perhaps, because they enjoy volunteering their time to a cause. But serving on a nonprofit board goes beyond volunteering time or making an annual contribution to a charity. Nonprofit organizations need trained board members who will actively govern, leverage their professional skills and connections for the organization, and who will work with the organization’s CEO or Executive Director to set the vision to ensure future success. If you are a CEO, developing your board of directors is key to achieving your organization’s mission. Ongoing board training is essential for engagement and moving the organization forward. The more a board member understands their role, responsibilities and legal obligations within an organization, the more effective and engaged they will be as a director.

S. Sutton & Associates Inc. offers clients in- depth board training covering management and governance, fiduciary duties, roles and responsibilities, legal obligations, and current best practices. We are committed to providing the tools and support your board needs to govern effectively.

S. Sutton & Associates Inc. also provides staff with the training to properly manage meetings, prepare concise reports in a timely fashion and implement processes and procedures to support the success of the board. With our well-crafted training, your staff and board will gain a clear understanding of the team and board’s roles within the organization and how to work collaboratively to achieve your organization’s mission.

Contact us to learn more about how our services can help maximize the effectiveness of your board of directors.

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The St. Matthew’s United Church:

Campaign Feasibility Study and Strategic Fundraising and Finance Plan

The United Church of Canada’s long history of working to create unprejudiced economic and social systems for all, has made it a leading agent of change in the lives of society’s most vulnerable people. St. Matthew’s is a community church that partners with a wide range of educational, social, health, creative arts, and recreational community organizations to create a community hub. These partnerships are commercial and provide a significant portion of the operating budget for St. Matthew’s United Church. S. Sutton & Associates Inc. was appointed to determine the feasibility of a fundraising campaign to support the redevelopment of the church and its property and to enable a more robust social enterprise through additional revenue-generating spaces and low-income housing, followed by a Strategic Fundraising and Finance Plan.

The feasibility study demonstrated all the possibilities of raising the critical funds needed for redevelopment. We completed stakeholder interviews, conducted prospect research, identified community members and organizations whose involvement would be crucial, presented escalation scenarios for the church’s donors, demonstrated how to leverage more from corporate donations and social enterprise partnerships, and presented key findings and recommendations on how to raise awareness within the community.

The Strategic Fundraising and Finance Plan provided a step-by-step roadmap to execute on a successful initiative including:

— Job descriptions for both staff and volunteer committee members to recruit the right people to support the fundraising objective.

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— Recommendations for systems, tools and processes to fundraise effectively.

— Plan to grow the develop a major and planned-gift pipeline, while also delivering a consistent source of unrestricted revenue.

— A visual guide to the strategic fundraising priorities, tactics, by priority and estimated time to implement.

— Revenue and expense budget summary by program, by year.

— Case for Support.

Proper governance leads to proper strategic planning, which in turn informs operating plans and all critical decisions within the nonprofit arena. In this case, St. Matthew’s had done the groundwork leading to our involvement and are now positioned to ultimately achieve a successful campaign.

If you or your organization are considering a campaign, we can help. Let’s talk!

Download Printable PDF

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S. Sutton & Associates Inc.’s September 2019 issue of Philanthropy Wired is brimming with updates and trends from the world of philanthropy.

Our Trending/Special Topic looks at “Democratizing Innovation: The Science by Women Program”. Nobel prize winning scientist Tim Hunt’s controversial statement about the need for labs to be gender segregated sparked outrage throughout the scientific community. Partially due to this viral controversy, discussions related to women’s involvement in STEM subjects – science, technology, engineering, and math – have remained prevalent. The gender gap in science is startling, and UNESCO recently reported that only 28 percent of those working in research and development are women.

We also explore the nonprofit, nongovernmental, and philanthropic sectors with whom S. Sutton & Associates Inc. works and the challenges they face. We explain how S. Sutton & Associates Inc. can help to overcome these challenges working together as a team in our Client Target Markets section.

Our Spotlight on Services takes a closer look at Counsel and Support for Philanthropists. Savvy philanthropists can develop a strategic and thoughtful plan with S. Sutton & Associates Inc.’s guidance.

For our Firm Update, S. Sutton & Associates Inc. is focusing on recruiting talented Regional Account Managers across North America. Our team is growing, and we are thrilled to introduce our highly qualified team members in this edition. In addition to our Regional Account Managers, meet Junior Associate, Brittany Gataveckas. She holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy from McMaster University. Brittany is an ambitious professional who specializes in: Prospect Research and Proposal Writing, Donor and Constituent Engagement, Alumni Relations and Giving, and Development Program Review and Expansion Strategies. She is also the recipient of several scholarships and awards. Read more about Brittany’s accomplishments in the Associate Profile section.

Philanthropic activities taking place across the globe are robust and innovative. In this edition, we bring you selected insightful regional developments. The Regional Trends highlight the following:

— The Giving Report 2018 focused on Canada.
— Rick Dunham, Chair of Giving USA Foundation says that the environment for giving has dramatically changed.
— Trust in any charitable institutions is at an all-time low in the UK.
— The need for a Single Market for Philanthropy in Europe and the European Philanthropy Manifesto launched in March 2019.
— Mo Ibrahim’s role in the realm of higher education and career investment across Africa.
— The World Giving Index 2018 indicating Singapore’s ranking and significance.
— The most substantial investment in philanthropy in the Middle East.
— The Stanford Social Innovation Review in Pakistan.
— India’s pledge to fulfill the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have seen a rise in social sector funding.
— Brazil passes a new law outlining a framework to govern the creation and management of philanthropic donations.
— A significant shift of women’s roles in philanthropy in Latin America.
— Philanthropic giving in the realm of higher education in Australia and New Zealand.

We would also love to hear from you! Get in touch and let’s see how we can work together to realize your humanitarian potential.

Democratizing Innovation:

The Science by Women Program

It was only four years ago when the Nobel prize winning scientist Tim Hunt made the controversial statement that labs should be gender-segregated, because women scientists will “fall in love with you and when you criticize them, they cry.” Hunt’s comments provoked outrage far and wide, prompting women scientists to respond with photos of themselves wearing lab equipment, captioned with the derisive hashtag #distractinglysexy. This viral controversy has spawned many discussions related to women’s involvement in STEM subjects – science, technology, engineering, and math. More often than not, these discussions revolve around the lack of women pursuing, studying, and working in the fields of science and technology. The gender gap in science is startling by any measures, but UNESCO recently reported that only 28 percent of those working in research and development are women.

In many ways, the challenges facing women in science and technology are the same across the globe: persistent gender biases that result in a lack of opportunity, adverse work environments, and the absence of mentors or sponsors. However, these challenges become more pronounced in African countries where, in some cases, the gender gap is wider due to political, cultural, and economic realities, as well as functional practices like brain-drain.

With these challenges in mind, the Women for Africa Foundation (FMxA), a Spanish nonprofit organization, launched the Science by Women program with the intention of advancing and encouraging women’s leadership in scientific and technological research. In its fifth year, the Foundation’s program will provide funding for 15 African women to complete six-month fellowships at an eligible international research centre in Spain. The senior research fellows will conduct important work in diverse fields including: health and bio-medicine; energy, water, and climate change; agriculture and food safety, mathematics, information and communication technologies; economic science; physics and material sciences; and nanotechnology.

In offering these fellowships, FMxA is fostering the rich, but often overlooked the history of African women as scientific innovators. Take Dr. Wangari Muta Maathai, for example, a biologist, veterinary anatomist, and the first African woman to be awarded the Nobel Prize for her work as an environmentalist. Another prominent African scientist, Dr. Quarraisha Abdool Karim, is an epidemiologist whose worldrenowned research on AIDS has helped treat AIDS patients and curtail the spread of the disease. Dr. Rajaâ Cherkaoui El Moursli is a physicist who was instrumental in proving the existence of the Higgs boson, known as one of the fundamental building block particles of the universe.

The Science by Women program is one way that FMxA is on the frontline of the movement to foster scientific and technological innovation, ensure that African countries are able to meet future challenges head-on, and engage women as scientists. As the future of work becomes increasingly geared towards adapting to rapid technological innovations including automation, autonomous systems, and artificial intelligence, nonprofits can play a role in diligently supporting the democratization of STEM skills. Enabling the participation of those who are typically prevented, impeded, or unable to contribute to scientific and technological learning and development today will be a key factor in establishing more equitable and progressive societies of tomorrow. Just as different industries need to meet the challenges of future work, the nonprofit sector must be tuned in to these developments and devise innovative ways to help people around the world adapt and thrive.

Introduction to our Regional Account Managers

The Regional Account Managers (RAM)s for S. Sutton & Associates Inc. initiate contact with nonprofit and philanthropic clients, as well as professionals interested in joining our team as Associates. The RAMs are responsible for strategy and execution to ensure there are more than enough Innovation Team members in each target city and a full pipeline of clients in place within their region.

We are thrilled to announce that our team is growing and take this opportunity to introduce the members of the team:

CRAIG MORRIS, CFRE

Team Lead

With more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Craig Morris is a Senior Associate with S. Sutton & Associates Inc. and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE).

Craig is an expert in managing the donation process, working with donors and board members including corporate donors, and planning campaigns that exceed targeted results.

Throughout his career, he has specialized in strategic planning, development operations including CRM systems, disaster response campaigns, and program evaluation. Most recently, Craig was the Senior Manager for YMCA, Chicago, Illinois, where he contributed to annual revenues of $50+ million, supervising CRM managers and metric specialists. While Director of Development for the Illinois Action for Children, Craig was responsible for a five-year strategic plan to increase fiscal sustainability and decrease dependence on state funds.

Craig graduated from the University of Chicago with a Master of Arts in Social Service Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences from Indiana University. Craig is an accomplished fundraising professional, who contributes his deep knowledge and expertise to S. Sutton & Associates Inc. supporting our client work, while also leading the team of Regional Account Managers.

Contact Craig at:
[email protected]

Joining us this month as Craig’s fellow RAMs are Anne Reiss, Darlene Dwyer and Mark Pankey.

ANNE REISS

Senior Associate & Regional Account Manager

As a Senior Associate with more than 25 years of experience, Anne Reiss is a highly motivated philanthropic professional who possesses expertise in: strategic planning, targeted fundraising campaigns especially involving major donors, and creating engaging development or fundraising copy. Since graduating from the University of California Los Angeles with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English, Anne has held several significant senior fundraising positions such as: Vice President for Investor Development at Venture Philanthropy; Vice President for Graham-Pelton Consulting; Assistant Vice President of Major Gifts for CCS Fundraising, and Senior Manager & Partner Marketing Consultant at Salesforce.

Currently, she is an independent Philanthropic Consultant planning and executing successful fundraising campaigns and community-based philanthropic investments. Having raised $100 Million in sponsorships, Anne also has extensive experience advising high net-worth individuals, including CEOs, Senior Executives and Senior Volunteering Leaders in best practices in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors. She has worked with significant foundations including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, 9/11 Memorial – World Trade Center Memorial, and Continuum Health Partners.

One of the roles she has found most meaningful during her career included being Vice President for the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership at City College of New York where she worked closely with General Colin L. Powell and corporate CEOs. Anne is exceptionally tactful working with organizations to achieve full potential and impactful results.

Contact Anne at:
[email protected]

DARLENE DWYER

Senior Associate and Regional Account Manager

With more than 24 years of experience, Darlene Dwyer is a specialist in supporting organizations build trusted relationships with their constituents. Darlene possesses expertise in: maximizing the capacity of existing development programs, creating effective campaigns that engage international donors, and counseling businesses and philanthropists on creating a return on their investment. Before joining S. Sutton & Associates Inc., Darlene held several Senior Executive nonprofit positions including: Managing Director at Laureus U.S.A.; Executive Director at Windows of Hope Family Relief Fund; and Fundraising Board of Directors at High Museum of Art.

Currently, Darlene is an Independent Consultant at DD17 Consulting LLC, where she advises nonprofit organizations on how to create significant financial, environmental and social impact. She is adept in fundraising, brokering deals, branding, event management, crowdfunding and marketing.

In addition to her well-established experience, Darlene graduated from the University of Melbourne, Australia; RMIT University of Technology, Australia; and the Institute of Culinary Education in New York. Darlene is the recipient of several U.S. National Awards that include: A Caring Hand Humanitarian Award, James Beard Foundation Humanitarian Award, and Honor Recognition for 9/11 support by New York Mets and New York State Attorney General. During her career, Darlene has been successful in developing strategic alliances involving local businesses, global partners and other sponsors that aim to drive high impact and create more leverage by association.

Contact Darlene at:
[email protected]

MARK PANKEY

Senior Associate & Regional Account Manager

As a Senior Associate with more than 28 years of experience, Mark Pankey is an accomplished and performance-focused leader who possesses expertise in: campaign planning and management, comprehensive program analysis, and management of volunteer boards. Before joining S. Sutton & Associates Inc., Mark held Senior Executive positions as Executive Director of Development at Florida International University; Associate Dean for Development at Florida State University Foundation; and Director of Development for Colleges of Communication/ Information Studies.

Currently, Mark is the Director of Major Gifts at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute in California where he manages a portfolio of high-level prospects.

Mark is technically proficient with tools such as Blackbaud CRM, Salesforce, Nexis for Development Professionals, and WealthEngine.

In addition to his well-rounded professional experience, Mark graduated from the California University of Pennsylvania with a Master of Science Degree in Business Administration and James Madison University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Marketing. Mark is the recipient of several local awards including the ‘Foundation Fundraiser of the Year’ from Florida State University.

Contact Mark at:
[email protected]

Going forward, S. Sutton & Associates Inc. is focusing its efforts on recruiting talented Regional Account Managers for regions across the U.S. and Canada as well as key regions abroad. The RAM position requires a seasoned development professional with a range of skills from business development and relationship cultivation to strategic planning and cross-functional leadership in support of our proprietary Innovation Team Model.

This model, since its inception, has proven to provide cost-effective and customized solutions to our clients’ unique needs and challenging projects.

If you or a colleague is interested in a RAM position, please see our website – Join Our Team and look for the position description for the Regional Account Manager.

— The Giving Report 2018 published by CanadaHelps has revealed that over one-third of donations received in Canada are focused on charities which provide social services. Most donations are targeted towards healthcare (26%) and religion (21%) while serving Indigenous peoples (1%) and protecting the environment (6%) secure the least amount of funding. The top five causes receive approximately 20% of all donations, in comparison to the bottom five, which all fall under 10%, indicating a sharp disparity

When observing data from CanadaHelps, a trend worth noting is the timing of donations. Approximately half (47%) of all giving is undertaken during the last two months of the calendar year, with 30% generated in December alone. The last three days of the year attract more charitable donations, as compared to any other months except November and December. This can pose a challenge for small charities operating on a calendar fiscal year since half the value of donations are received at the very end.

As a result, planning new initiatives and projecting the following year’s budget can be challenging.

— Rick Dunham, Chair of Giving USA Foundation indicates that while giving in the United States was record-breaking in 2017 and 2018, the environment was far more complex than most years, with shifts in the tax policy and the volatility of the stock market. This is particularly true for the wide range of households that comprise individual giving and provide over two-thirds of all giving.

— Elizabeth Boris, Director at the Center of Nonprofits and Philanthropy at the Urban Institute, also brought to light a key trend in giving, indicating larger gifts are received from wealthier donors in the U.S., while mid-level and smaller donors are slowly vanishing across all organizations.

— Research has revealed how trust in any institution is at an all-time low. Only under half (48%) of the British population surveyed believe in a charity’s overall mandate and deem them trustworthy. Those saying they do not think charities to be trustworthy significantly increased from 19% in 2016 and 2017 to 21% in 2018. Women (50%), when compared to men (47%), are more likely to consider charities to be trustworthy. Nevertheless, a decrease in trust has been noted in all groups.

— Europe has approximately 147,000 philanthropic organizations with an annual giving of nearly 60 Billion Euros. As European Union (EU) members, it makes sense for all these organizations to combine

resources, strengths, networks and national knowledge for a greater impact. Earlier this year, European foundations, philanthropic organizations and policymakers joined forces to implement a Single Market for Philanthropy in Europe.

The European Philanthropy Manifesto launched in March 2019 is a joint initiative by the Donors and Foundations Network Europe (DAFNE) and the European Foundation Centre (EFC). The goals of this initiative are to increase recognition of philanthropy in EU legislation and at the national level; promote cross-border philanthropy; and leverage the impact of private resources for the public good.

— Renowned billionaire and philanthropist, Mo Ibrahim has played a prominent role in the realm of higher education and career investment across Africa over the past decade. The Mo Ibrahim Foundation, established to focus on the importance of leadership and governance in Africa, is currently presenting fellowship opportunities to future leaders to work in the African Development Bank, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) or the International Trade Centre (ITC). Fellowship recipients will receive an annual stipend of US $100,000.

— A Vancouver-based charity, One Girl Can, aimed at supporting education for, and mentoring young women in Kenya and Uganda has adopted a new approach to giving. Initially, their mission highlighted one goal, which spoke to the entire mandate of giving for girls’ education. Recently, breaking down their overall goal into micro-projects (i.e. fundraising for a single girl’s education among many or a donation for furthering a single cause for a group of young women) has garnered enthusiastic support from their donor community.

— In the World Giving Index 2018, Singapore has risen from 114 in 2012 to seventh in 2018. Growth in disposable income and overall wealth has contributed, however, the Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society’s “The Doing Good Index” 2018, has credited favourable policymaking as a major factor.

Barriers for charitable organizations have been lowered through an expeditious registration process. Additionally, Singapore is applying a solutions-driven approach to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through disclosure of impact driven by gifts.

—  The most substantial investment in philanthropy in the Middle Eastern and North African region is in educational initiatives. Launched last summer, The Abdullah Al Ghurair Foundation for Education successfully showcased the alignment of commerce and philanthropy. This billiondollar venture based in UAE, aims to place over 15,000 students in universities over the next decade. The U.S. $27 million initiative is keen to focus on children affected by any form of humanitarian emergency in the Middle East.

—  The month of Ramadan receives the highest level of philanthropic giving in the Gulf region.

In Oman, a surge in giving is also attributed to the launch of the Donations Portal for Charitable Organizations. Driven by the Information Technology Authority and Sultan Qaboos, the platform simplifies the donation process and creates awareness for multiple charities. Some charitable organizations listed include: Al Noor Association for the Blind, Oman Hereditary Blood Disorder Association, Omani Association for Elderly Friends, Oman Diabetes Association, Omani Bahjah Orphan Society, etc. The portal is bilingual and can be used by any individual who has an account at a bank in Oman, and allows individuals to filter their giving by either cause or charity.

—  The Stanford Social Innovation Review describes Pakistan as a generous country contributing more than one percent of GDP to charity in 2018, similar to giving trends in Canada and the United Kingdom. The Pakistan Centre for Philanthropy has revealed that Pakistanis give more than U.S. $2 billion to charitable causes per year. However, despite the deep-rooted tradition of giving, most gifts are directed towards individuals and not charitable organizations.

— India’s pledge to fulfill the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have seen a rise in social sector funding, which has grown at a rate of 11%, While the most significant contribution is received from the government (6%), private philanthropy is expanding. Bain has published a report indicating gifts received from individuals comprise 60% of private funding with a large portion from a select few pioneer philanthropists.

— Despite the political turmoil in Brazil, the government has passed a new law, which establishes a framework to govern the management of philanthropic donations. Endowments supporting public interest – such as education, the environment, or health are required to be used in a transparent manner. Funding received to further the mandate of cultural institutions receive additional beneficial tax consideration.

— Across Latin America, a significant shift is being observed in the paramount role of women in philanthropy. Women from various generations, social classes and ethnic minorities are campaigning and transforming issues on topics such as equal opportunities and reproductive justice. Their voices have inspired new legislations in Latin America to provide services for battered women ensuring this will be a high priority issue. Premio Generosas 2019 is an award as part of the ELLAS – Women and Philanthropy Program created in Argentina that supports the diversity and role of women in shaping the future of philanthropy across Latin American, in addition to the Latino communities in the U.S.

— Research indicates female donors are more likely to contribute to animal welfare (20%) when compared to men (13%). Men are more likely to support overseas causes (17% versus 10%) and anti-corruption initiatives.

— Another trend in Australia and New Zealand is philanthropic giving in higher education. In 2017, the University of Queensland launched a major campaign, “Not if, when.” This AUD $500 million campaign focused on change in the community, research and leadership training.

Counsel and Support for Philanthropists

Developing Savvy Philanthropists

Savvy philanthropists are strategic and disciplined in creating and executing a thoughtful plan. They know their top priorities – the causes and sectors they want to invest in – and they know how to measure the social impact that their gift has made.

S. Sutton & Associates Inc. develops savvy philanthropists. We work with our clients to understand their charitable inclinations, articulate their motivations, further define their objectives, and develop and implement sound strategies that create measurable societal value and achieve results. With our expertise, our clients are able to develop a plan that is consistent with both their personal values and financial goals, but flexible enough to allow for evolution as times and circumstances change. At the core of our relationships with our clients is a commitment to maximizing philanthropic investment to achieve significant positive effects.

S. Sutton & Associates Inc. does more than just ensure that your gift makes a positive difference. We also assist you in protecting your reputation as a savvy philanthropist by ensuring your gift is used as intended, protecting your legacy, and structuring the gift so that funds are used exactly as you wish.

S. Sutton & Associates Inc. represents you and your values, identifies opportunities that align with those values, provides the information you need to make informed giving decisions and certifies that your gifts create the results you desire. We offer in-depth expertise to structure, establish and manage your philanthropic activities optimally.

Contact us to learn about how our services can help you maximize your philanthropic investments.

Our Five Sectors

S. Sutton & Associates Inc. works with nonprofits, non-governmental organizations, and philanthropists in the following sectors: Arts and Culture, Education, CommunityBased Membership and Advocacy, Healthcare, and International Development.

Arts and Culture, as well as design, form a tapestry of opportunity for philanthropic support in multiple domains, from the visual and applied arts, to the performing arts, such as theater, opera, dance, music, festivals and celebrations. Cultural settings such as archives and libraries, heritage museums, historical sites and buildings, and natural heritage sites such as parks and reserves, zoos, aquaria and botanical gardens, require the same vigilant engagement and development of constituents, members and donors. One of the unique challenges Arts and Culture organizations face is communicating the value and impact of the arts on society. S. Sutton & Associates Inc. not only understands the important contributions of this sector to the milieu of society, we are also able to articulate that value in a way that resonates with arts patrons resulting in increased giving.

A decline in public funding for Educational Institutions, at all levels, has made private philanthropic support even more critical. Both private and public institutions compete for philanthropic dollars to meet operating costs and address student needs. The key to a sustainable future lies in adapting to a changing and increasingly challenging fiscal environment. S. Sutton & Associates Inc. brings experience and expertise to this sector to design high-performance programs that build sustainable growth.

The Community-Based Membership and Advocacy nonprofit sector is vast and heavily dependent on private giving. It includes organizations focused on the environment, social services, sports, advocacy, civic and public affairs as well as associations, membership organizations and faith-based institutions. The same principles of best practices that apply to other sectors apply here. S. Sutton & Associates Inc. brings experience and expertise to this sector and donors in their pursuit of community support and impact.

International Development speaks to the issue that the poor are hungry and their hunger traps them in poverty. Nearly half the world’s populations, more than 3 billion people, live on less than $2.50 per day. More than 1.3 billion live in extreme poverty, on less than $1.25 per day. This includes 1 billion children worldwide, and each day 22,000 die due to poverty.

The Global Goals for Sustainable Development set by the United Nations seek to implement long term solutions by helping to create the capacity to provide sustainable solutions. The unifying thread of the 17 goals and 169 targets is the commitment to eradicating poverty.

Hunger, inadequate access to clean water and sanitation, insufficient shelter and a lack of good health and well-being are but a few of the consequences of poverty which will be addressed. The goals address quality education, gender equality, affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, industry, innovation and infrastructure, reduced inequalities, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, climate action, life below water and on land, strong peace and justice institutions and partnerships.

Civil society, government, private sector and academic multi-stakeholder partnerships, backed by financial investment and philanthropic support will ensure the ambitious goals are met. S. Sutton & Associates Inc. understands the need to think globally and act locally. We have the knowledge, expertise and passion for supporting the international development sector in raising funds to support these ambitious goals.

Contact us to learn more about how our Innovation Team Model offers solutions for challenging projects in each of these sectors.

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Welcome to the S. Sutton & Associates Inc. Philanthropy Wired, August 2019 newsletter! 

S. Sutton & Associates Inc. brings decades of experience to all aspects of your humanitarian initiatives, providing the best possible strategies and approaches to help you realize your philanthropic potential. We’re delighted to share our Client success stories, Associate profiles, and exciting announcements and updates that spotlight our services and highlight informative news and trends from the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors across the globe.

Joining our newsletter community keeps you connected with S. Sutton & Associates Inc. and our suite of services which include: 

— Advancement Services
— Alumni Relations and Giving
— Annual Giving and Direct Marketing
— Board Training, Management and Governance
— Corporate Social Responsibility
— Counsel and Support for Philanthropists

— Data Analytics
— Development Program Review and Expansion Strategies
— Donor and Constituent Engagement
— Fundraising Campaigns and Strategic Planning
— Interim Program Management
— International Fundraising
— Major and Principal Gifts
— Planned and Legacy Gifts
— Project Management
— Risk Management and Fundraising Governance

Whether you need help with planning a fundraising campaign, engaging donors and constituents, or managing multiple projects, we can get you there. 

For Clients, we assemble the right customized Innovation Team of experts to support you from start to finish. 

We would also love to hear from you! Get in touch and let’s see how we can work together to realize your philanthropic potential. 

The Vanguards of Philanthropy:

Women’s Influence on the Third Sector

Two months ago, Vancouver hosted the triennial Women Deliver conference, the world’s largest gathering of advocates for the advancement and empowerment of women and girls. Among the 6000+ attendees from different countries and industries, philanthropic organizations were well represented.

Robust third sector involvement in the movement to advance gender equality is not surprising, given the modern history of women and philanthropy in North America. Prior to the Second World War, women’s professional aspirations were largely restricted by strictly defined gender roles. However, many considered philanthropic work to be an appropriate field of service for women – especially those that were married or affluent – because it was not seen to challenge traditional notions of women as compassionate or compliant.

Recent research, however, has contradicted this image, revealing that some women were able to push the boundaries of “respectable” female behavior by volunteering their time and resources. This was especially true of those who traveled to the frontlines of conflicts or insurrections to deliver relief, or for wealthy, ambitious women like Anne Morgan or Mabel Boardman who were able to carve out executive careers in the philanthropic sector.

With the exponential growth of North America’s nonprofit sector over the last century in response to international conflicts, natural disasters, and the human rights movement, women have become a more consistent, visible, and powerful presence at all levels of the philanthropic enterprise.

Today, women remain vital to the success of the philanthropic sector as donors, volunteers, and employees. American and Canadian women have been driving entrepreneurship and steadily increasing their share of financial wealth. This is particularly significant for the third sector because women are more likely than men to donate funds to philanthropies that support poverty reduction, health care, children and women’s rights, education, animal welfare, and the arts. Moreover, when it comes to volunteering, North American women are almost twice as likely to volunteer their time and services than men (approximately 13.7 million women volunteer compared to 6.9 million men).

These and other trends point towards the substantial role women have played and will continue to play in the functioning of the philanthropic ecosystem. Nonprofit organizations would be wise to focus on policies, strategies, and agendas that resonate with women on both ends of the donor-grantee spectrum.

— In the global philanthropic arena, women comprise an enormous force. The United States of America has observed a shift in the control of the nation’s personal wealth since the past decade. Women manage more than half of all of the wealth ($14 trillion), and these numbers are expected to increase in the future.

— Women are exercising leadership in large-scale donations as they leverage their philanthropic influence through collaborative networks that play a part in deepening their impact. Women Moving Millions, a global philanthropic community of people committed to large-scale investment in girls and women, released a study in 2014 stating that by 2030 women will be in charge of an estimated $33.5 trillion in the U.S., and their charitable giving could accelerate to $569.5 billion annually. 

This is crucial for fundraising, as research has revealed that women are twice more likely than men to describe giving to charity as among the most satisfying element of having wealth.

— In Canada, a key focus for philanthropy is indigenous youth and education. And, Indigenous youth are leading the way through organizations such as the Canadian Roots Exchange. Indspire, also established and driven by the Indigenous community, focuses on Indigenous education, essential as Indigenous youth are among the fastest-growing demographic in Canada.Both organizations present donors opportunity for targeted philanthropy, strong partnerships and investment in short-term and long-term goals to impact this cohort, critical to the future of Canada. 

— The 2019 Global Trends in Giving Report highlighted that 32% of donors are most influenced to give by social media with Facebook (53%) having the most significant impact, followed by Twitter (21%) and then Instagram (16%). The European Fundraising Association shared a recent report from Salesforce indicating that more than nine out of ten nonprofit leaders were using social media in their fundraising efforts. The study also found that three-quarters of them are using digital avenues to raise awareness of their brand or cause, while 59% also use it to engage with their community, and 57% fundraise. In addition, nearly half (47%) use it to showcase impact. Amidst a generational phenomenon, a significant amount of wealth in Europe is being transferred from an aging population to a younger one.

This shift has, in part, inspired a change in the focus of organizations from simply making money to demonstrating how that money creates a positive impact. This is a direct response to the younger generation’s key focus on impact and sustainability.

— In today’s entrepreneurial society, there is a real desire for strategic philanthropy. James Magowan, a specialist in foundation philanthropy across Europe, shared the deep roots that giving to secular causes has in the U.K versus religious giving in continental Europe, specifically in Spain and France in an interview. Central and Eastern Europe differ from each other In that giving focuses more on corporate and local foundations, alongside other forms of formal and informal donor engagement.

— The 2018 Global Trends in Giving report revealed that 32% of donors in Africa prefer to give cash and in person, which is the highest in any region. Because organizations focused on charity in Africa have limited access to traditional online fundraising technology, three-quarters of people in South Africa engage in cash donations in person. However, as the sector grows, and technology evolves, Africa is moving towards online and mobile giving.

— Strive Masiyiwa, Zimbabwe’s wealthiest man has established a $100 million fund to support rural entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe. In a press statement, he expressed his pursuit for philanthropists to join him to expand entrepreneurship across Africa. Instead of outright gifts, his model provides loans ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. Before receiving a loan, prospective entrepreneurs will undergo educational training in a variety of topics.

— Donors in Asia give via digital communication channels, primarily because of rapid advancement in technology resulting in a platform for the donor community. China is home to the world’s largest number of internet users and the fastest emerging e-commerce market. Increased access to technology has boosted online donations.

— The AI You Foundation is the country’s most prominent platform to promote venture philanthropy and impact investments and has won the China Charity Award twice. Some other popular platforms in the field include Tencent Online Donation platform and Sina Micro- Philanthropy.

— The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is emerging as a dominant force in the global philanthropic space. The Harvard Kennedy School reports that this rapid increase is driven by various factors beyond simply the growth in wealth. It also reflects cultural and religious beliefs pertaining to charity. Foundation donors influence how funds are invested and subsequently, distributed, often in a Sharia (Islamic Law) compliant manner. Strong leadership from ruling families, who use philanthropy as a means of establishing leadership in the realm; and tremendous economic growth play a part in giving as well.

— Because of Boston Consulting Group’s estimation of the growth of personal wealth of $590 billion by 2022, the number of millionaires in the UAE by 2023 will likely increase to approximately 61,292. With a rapid acceleration in prosperity, charitable giving is gaining traction. However, concerns are surrounding the legal and policy environment for private philanthropy.

— There is confusion in the UAE on how to legally fundraise and donate to charity. Government authorities and fundraisers say strict laws are necessary to make sure the money is going to the right place. Consequently, UAE has introduced a guide on how to donate legally in the country.

— In India, people would be more likely to give if they understood how their money is being used, saw an increase in transparency from within the nonprofit sector and had more disposable income.

Young people between the ages of 25-34 are more likely than any other demographics to give towards a specific cause for which they feel passionate about (34% vs. 28% average). They would also prefer having access to improved methods of giving (26% vs. 20% average).

— Guyana Páez-Acosta’s report for the Worldwide Initiatives for Grantmakers Support (WINGS), describe contributions of philanthropy in Latin America and the Caribbean focusing on the following areas: human rights (overcoming gruesome labor conditions, violence, racial and minorities exclusion) and social development, good governance, transparency and accountability. However, there are challenges for philanthropists to understand how and to whom to give, since social funds and community foundations are the sole organizations that connect donors to the community.

Lack of trust between the government and these organizations has also limited their effectiveness. While this is concerning for the organizations themselves, it also poses a threat to other philanthropic organizations.

Sharing of information and knowledge, robust connections with other International Human Rights Organizations and/or access to qualified legal assistance are critical to the success of the philanthropic sector overall. These priorities give focus to the sector and to donors who seek to address these critical systemic issues.   

—According to a Charities Foundation Aid report in Brazil, three-quarters among the participant sample surveyed (76%) stated that charities have an overall positive impact internationally. The Brazilian society aged between 18-24 are more likely than average to perceive a positive impact from charities based in Brazil. They are also much more likely to describe the positive impact internationally (82%) and within their local community. 

—The 2018 Global Trends in Giving reportindicated that 31% of donors are inspired to give by social media in the region. Simultaneously, Facebook released fundraising tools in Australia, which include the key features such as 100% fee-free donations and the ability to add a donate button to live videos when streaming on Facebook.

— As per the 2019 Australian Communities Trends report, Australian givers are “need responders” meaning that they give when they are informed about a cause that demonstrates a definite need. 

Among those surveyed, 40% are likely to give when they hear about a particular need-based issue and give directly rather than to those causes which focus primarily on raising awareness. Additionally, 61% are most likely to support local/national issues.

Older Australians prefer to support traditional charities over social enterprises, while the younger generation sees value in both types of organizations since both reflect passion.

Fundraising Campaigns and Strategic Planning:

Learning the Lexicon Leading to Success

Fundraising campaigns are a powerful driver to address institutional needs, enlist and engage the support of constituencies and elevate philanthropic performance. Planning and preparing for a campaign is just as important as its execution, because it can determine short-term and long-term success. Elements of planning a successful campaign include:

— Strategic planning for a campaign often incorporates needs assessment and priority setting, developing the case for support, campaign branding and marketing, evaluation of the existing donor pipeline, training gift officers and development staff, and executive coaching for volunteer and staff leaders.

— Feasibility studies or readiness assessments gauge both internal and external readiness. Internal readiness is assessed in terms of staffing, campaign structure, donor pipeline, processes and funding priorities articulated in the case for support. In other words, how can your operations be improved to increase your fundraising effectiveness?

— External readiness evaluates your constituents’ opinions, attitudes and engagement, which is essential to developing a roadmap for your campaign’s success.

S. Sutton & Associates Inc. can assist your organization with all facets of strategic planning, preparation, and execution, as well as, pre- and post-campaign assessment. Based on both internal and external readiness, our Innovation Team makes evidence-based recommendations for ambitious yet achievable campaign goals. We evaluate the likelihood of both philanthropic and volunteer support for your proposed campaign, enthusiasm for the strategic goals of the campaign, and confidence in your institution, its leadership, and its fundraising programs to achieve the mission and impact of your organization. 

Contact us to learn more about how our services can help you raise more money, more efficiently.

POV 3rd Street

In 2007, members of the film, TV and commercial production industries established POV as a result of an interest in increasing access for at-risk youth (18 to 29) to gain employment in the media industry and broaden its diversity. POV is dedicated to educating, connecting and supporting young people from traditionally underrepresented communities and nurturing their talent and creative passion into possible careers in the TV and film production industry. 

In 2012, POV ran twelve modules in partnership with 3rd Street, forming POV 3rd Street. This collaboration proved very successful and led to the development of a combined training program that not only equips students with valuable technical skills but also imparts critical thinking and soft skills. POV 3rd Street runs several different programs for students and alumni, including the Media Training Program, the 3rd Street (Critical Thinking) Program, and the Next Steps Program. 

POV 3rd Street has an impressive student graduation rate of 87%, and 62% of their alumni are working in the film and media industry as a direct result of their participation in POV 3rd Street. Another 13% are working in related fields. 

To achieve POV 3rd Street’s ambitious plans, S. Sutton & Associates Inc. developed a Three-Year Strategic Plan with five goals and a step by step workplan. Subsequently, the firm developed a Fundraising Plan with three strategic fundraising priorities, focused on systems and processes, recruitment, training, mentoring the right team, and growing the donor base.

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