Balancing Demands of the Moment with a Focus on the Future

January 2020 was full of anticipation for MMS Advancement Associates and our clients. Together, we were busy developing fundraising strategies for operational support, major gifts, and capital campaigns. But the year didn’t progress as planned once COVID arrived. By the end of March, the nonprofit sector was racing to respond to the shifting needs of…

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What’s My Pole? On Institutional Racism in Our Fundraising Practice

What does it mean to question “best practices” and dismantle institutional racism in our organizations and our fundraising?  Shawn Mack, Development Officer and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Coordinator at Valley Youth House, and I will address three fundraising “best practices” during an online conversation sponsored by the Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations (PANO) on Wednesday,…

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Inspiring Generosity: Creating a Culture of Philanthropy

Philanthropy means literally “love for humankind.” When we invite others to give and volunteer, we are giving them the opportunity to be part of something bigger than themselves and to make a difference in the world. How can we nurture a culture within our organizations that inspires generosity and transforms the lives of those we…

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Engaging Stakeholders for a Successful Capital Campaign

Planning to attend the LeadingAge Annual Meeting and Expo in New Orleans? MMS Advancement Associates, in partnership with United Church Homes and Services, will present a session on Engaging Stakeholders for a Successful Capital Campaign. Join us Wednesday November 1st at 8 am.  Learn how UCHS engaged key stakeholders to set the stage for major…

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Marci Schick to present at LV Philanthropy Institute May 17

Marcella Moyer Schick, ACFRE, will present a session at the Lehigh Valley Philanthropy Institute entitled Donors in the Middle, Gems Hidden in Plain Sight. We would like to hear your thoughts on this topic. Join the conversation @https://lnkd.in/dqF_zxV Marci’s premise is that organizations seldom have a cultivation strategy aimed at mid-level donors, those in the mid-range of…

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Fundraising Leadership: Congrats Ann Marie!

This morning, it was my honor to present an award for Excellence in Fundraising Management to our good friend and fundraising colleague Ann Marie Surovy. This recognition came as part of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Eastern PA Chapter National Philanthropy Day celebration. During the event, several people talked about change. There’s no denying that…

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Good News for Nonprofits

There’s been good news amidst the gloom and doom that dominates public rhetoric these days. Here are some highlights…   Charitable giving will grow in 2016 and 2017.  Fundraising campaigns are on the rise and driving success.  Research is giving teeth to relationship building efforts.  Giving is expected to increase 4.1 percent in 2016 and…

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