SSIR Guide to Fundraising and Philanthropy During a Chaotic 2020

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Nonprofits and NGOs have faced unprecedented challenges in 2020 with the COVID-19 pandemic triggering changes in the delivery of services, a massive shift to remote work, and a shake-up of fundraising and philanthropy. At the same time, protests against racism shook the United States while the presidential election laid bare the extreme polarization roiling American society. As 2020 nears its end, organizations are striving to obtain support to keep them going through 2021. To help them make the most of their efforts, here is a list of SSIR articles featuring innovative approaches to fundraising, philanthropy, and nonprofits’ finances:

1. Rehumanizing Fundraising With Artificial Intelligence

As nonprofits emerge from the shock of the pandemic and financial crisis, there is an opportunity to rethink fundraising and improve donor retention rates by embracing emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.

2. Lessons on Running Virtual Events From Nonprofit News Organizations

With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing civil society groups of all types to take fundraisers online, nonprofit news outlets’ efforts with virtual, discussion-based events can provide additional ideas for any organization seeking to foster community and maintain financial viability.

3. Solving the Mystery of Board Engagement and Fundraising

Nonprofit boards still have a long way to go in engaging their board members to improve fundraising.

4. Behavioral Economics and Donor Nudges: Impulse or Deliberation?

Charitable organizations can use insights from behavioral economics to help people follow through on their impulsive and deliberative intentions to give.

5. Membership Programs for Nonprofits

What NGOs can learn from the private sector about increasing earned income for sustainable recurring growth.

6. To Boost Individual Donor Giving, Nonprofits Need a Plan

A report shows that creating a fundraising plan is paramount for organizations looking to increase individual donor gifts.

7. Rediscovering Fixed Amount Awards

With pending changes to the federal grantmaking regulations promoting results-oriented accountability, now is a good time for grant makers and grantees to see how using fixed amount awards can promote performance over compliance.

8. Data-Driven Connections for a Better World

For nonprofits to succeed in a transformed world, they need to use technology and data to create and sustain relationships with the people who believe in them. 

9. Inclusive Philanthropy (Subscribers Only)

Limiting what counts as philanthropy has curtailed our understanding of its scope and social value. A more expansive approach shows how it is essential for creating a more equitable and democratic society. Learn more about subscribing to SSIR. 

10. The Mindsets and Motives of New Donors

There is enormous potential for the social sector to help new donors become more self-aware, intentional, and strategic in their giving.

11. Eight Myths of US Philanthropy (Subscribers Only)

By examining the eight common myths of philanthropy—including who gives, how, and with what impact—we can better comprehend the breadth and diversity of giving. Learn more about subscribing to SSIR.

12. Ten Nonprofit Funding Models

With an understanding of these 10 funding models, nonprofit leaders can use the for-profit world's valuable practice of engaging in succinct and clear conversations about long-term financial strategy. From SSIR's Essentials of Social Innovation collection.

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