How can non-profit leaders stay current on philanthropic trends?

These are great tools to use but I highly recommend in-person meetings, networking in person and joining your local chamber of commerce. Plenty of connections, like-minded non-profits and a plethora of knowledge.

Subscribing is good but not enough to stay truly current. Read the trends and data from subscriptions and then discuss with colleagues and donors and see what is applicable and real with those who are making philanthropy happen. While this exercise often confirms the data, this also leads to enhanced perspective of what the data reports and understanding of the processes and realities that donors experience in their philanthropic journeys. I also share articles and books with donors which enhances our conversations. This also develops deeper and long-lasting relationships.

I agree to some extent. One major factor that come into play for me to make newsletters and blogs relevant is timing. Philanthropy will always have foundational principles and a framework that’s consistent in terms of the overall goal of bettering this or that, but the application method, donor & grantor base is ever-changing. We as fundraisers have to pivot and adapt quickly to the needs of donor interests and the cyclic pattern of funding priorities. Newsletters and blogs must be relevant to existing and future forecasted conditions. I find newsletters more valuable than blogs. I feel as though blogs are often personalized and contextual to an individual experience so its application and/or importance isn’t always relevant.

Nonprofit leaders can stay current on philanthropic trends by regularly engaging in industry conferences, networking with peers, subscribing to relevant publications, and participating in webinars or online forums focused on nonprofit and philanthropy topics. Additionally, staying connected with donors and leveraging social media for information sharing can help leaders stay abreast of current trends in the nonprofit sector.

According to my experience, participation to conferences, networking with other leaders, seminars and receptions dedicated to the sector, especially those organized by embassies, is a crucial source of information. These events provide unique opportunities to meet key players and stay informed about the latest philanthropic trends. Partnerships established with organizations and think tanks related to philanthropy offer privileged access to strategic information. In summary, an integrated approach that combines digital engagement, participation in physical events, and collaboration with key partners enriches the perspective of non-profit organization leaders and strengthens their ability to stay at the forefront of philanthropic trends.

Non-profit leaders should consider joining professional organizations such as the National council of nonprofits and the association of fundraising professionals to stay informed about the latest trends and developments in the field.

Consider communities and networks at both the micro and macro level to get both the local and broader picture of best practices within your affinity group.

This is an easy way to get feedback from all over the country, even all over the world. I belong to interest groups on both LinkedIn and Facebook. I find them full of useful information and a great place to share your own wisdom, and to ask questions.

Professional networks are wonderful to engage with and discuss the realities of philanthropic journeys including challenges and successes. These connections help us understand beyond our own experiences. Even more enlightening is engaging in multi-sector and multi-discipline networks like the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy Study Groups (#CAP) which The American College of Financial Services has across the country. We host one with a financial and legal partner in Central Florida. Philanthropy outcomes are maximized when a trusted team of advisors to the donor are collaborating.

The nonprofit community is very specific and segmented; however, the end goal is to serve the community. This purpose should create a network of dedicated people who effectively innovate and pursue excellence. Creativity comes through open communication and ex change of best practices. Lastly, continuing education opportunities need to be explored so employees and leaders can continually benefit from new ideas, current laws and industry perspectives.

To maximize the best use of your time; attend webinars or podcasts that target gaps in your knowledge or skill set. Set strategic goals around closing these gaps and make sure time you spend aligns with that strategy.

I highly recommend attending events from the Grant Professionals Association (grantprofessionals.org) and the Association of Fundraising Professionals (afpglobal.org). Their international/national as well as local meetings are a fantastic opportunity to not only learn but network as well. Many of the chapters for both organizations are still holding remote meetings so you can attend chapter presentations across the country.

Webinars and conferences provide educational information as well as the opportunity to network with other professionals in the field of philanthropy. In addition to those listed some multi-sector and multi-discipline networks which offer webinars, seminars and online learning we also have Advisors in Philanthropy and The American College of Financial Services. Many communities also have Nonprofit Leadership Institutes which focus on regional trends. In Central Florida we have the Edyth Bush Institute for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership at Rollins College.

Stay informed on philanthropic trends with podcasts like "The Business of Giving" for insightful interviews. "The Philanthropy Roundtable's Trend Tracker" offers concise updates. Videos from TED Talks on philanthropy and social impact provide diverse perspectives. Engage with "Chronicle of Philanthropy" for in-depth discussions.

Books are fantastic for helping us keep up with trends. It is nice to have them available online and in the traditional hard or paperback. Books provide us different perspectives from the author’s experiences. Many authors will also do presentations which are helpful to further discuss the data. Reach out to them on LinkedIn or their publishers to learn about the opportunity to engage with them in person or virtually.

Reading is a great way to continue learning. Build your own library. Ask what others are reading and swap books. Have a book club (nowadays can be online). Budget time to read daily. If you read just one chapter a day, you will get through a lot of books each year.

To stay current on philanthropic trends, explore "The Givers" by David Callahan for a comprehensive overview. "Give Smart" by Thomas J. Tierney and Joel L. Fleishman provides practical insights. Reports from The Giving USA Foundation offer annual updates on philanthropic giving trends. Additionally, Stanford Social Innovation Review and Chronicle of Philanthropy are valuable sources for in-depth analyses. Regularly consulting these resources ensures a well-rounded understanding of the evolving landscape in philanthropy.

And do not underestimate asking your donors. More and more, donors want to partner with you and not just be your ATM. I think most donors will be happy to chat, will feel more connected and maybe even increase their giving.

Keep in touch regularly with your Foundation Centers. Staff can be a wealth of information on trnds, as they are in touch with donors regularly.

The biggest change in philanthropy is engaging the younger donors. The way today’s donor chooses where to give their money is very different than the philanthropist of old. Spending time with this next generation and offering new exciting experiences they can pay for seems to engage a whole new younger generation.

I’ve found that when I’m asked to create content and present at conferences or workshops…which happens often…I gain more than I give. I spend about one hour for original content creation and preparation time for every ONE MINUTE of presentation time. I work incredibly hard at curating a professional development experience that is content rich, is engaging and interactive, has real world relevance, and has easy take away applications. This intense focus on preparation is an amazing learning opportunity for me—while I am digging in and reflecting on my own knowledge and experiences, and researching to prepare best practice examples and emerging philosophies, I am also learning. “To teach is to learn twice.” Joseph Joubert

Join other non-profit boards of directors to expand their perspectives while helping others reach their potential. It would also allow them to network strategically with other leaders in the same industry.

There is no substitute for personal relationships with people who are part of the philanthropic community. Membership in local leadership networks that include diverse representatives can provide nonprofit leaders with access to valuable information about current trends in giving. And, these relationships are also foundation for getting the word out about your work and expanding your giving network.

To be most on top of things, you need to encompass all of the above, which in summary is through reading, research and networking with peers. It may be hard to find time, but I set aside an hour block on my calendar each week to scan through and read articles that seem most relevant and helpful. It takes some discipline, but it makes it a routine part of my week. I also keep in touch with and periodically reach out to former colleagues, maintaining an informal network of peers, who are often a great and willing source of information!