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BlogCharitable Giving Continues to Rise Despite Uncertainty

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Charitable Giving Continues to Rise Despite Uncertainty

Stacked gold coins representing charitable givingThroughout the course of the pandemic, our AMPERAGE fundraising consultants have often been asked, “How is fundraising going?” The answer is quite well. In fact, the Blackbaud Institute reports charitable giving grew 9% in 2021; the largest year-over-year increase since 2012.

AMPERAGE Marketing & Fundraising clients have also benefited from charitable giving generosity, raising $10.5 million in 2021. This includes two capital campaigns that exceeded feasibility study recommendations and concluded in the year. AMPERAGE is also providing fundraising counsel on two additional campaigns that launched since the pandemic began and are expected to conclude in the first half of 2022.

Despite economic unrest, concerns over international relations and uncertainty on the end of the pandemic, individuals and corporations continue to support the nonprofit sector. To do so, nonprofits have had to learn to expand their outreach opportunities to donors and look for new sources of revenue.

Two campaigns counseled by AMPERAGE received Enhance Iowa grants in the fall of 2021. The Grinnell Veterans Commission was awarded $350,000 to renovate the Grinnell Veterans Memorial Building. Nahant Marsh Education Center in Davenport was awarded $400,000 to enhance its community footprint, adding an educational facility, 2.5 miles of trails and educational signage and amenities along its trails. Other nonprofits may see opportunities of support in 2022 from their local communities through funds dispersed from the American Rescue Plan Act.

The beginning of the decade also enhanced the need for nonprofits to raise funds digitally. According to the Blackbaud Institute, online giving has increased 42% in three years. This is attributed to nonprofit organizations of all sizes raising over 10% of their revenue online. Digital fundraising became a vital tool for nonprofits at the beginning of the decade as special events were canceled and social distancing limited the ability to engage supporters in person. Nonprofits increased their online presence making donating on websites more accessible, raising funds on social media platforms, implementing online auctions to enhance event revenue and employing text-to-give messages on mobile devices. Last year, 28% of online contributions were made from a mobile device, signaling donors are becoming more comfortable giving with a swipe of a finger.

Did your organization experience similar fundraising growth as the nonprofit sector in 2021? If not, perhaps it’s time to consult with one of our fundraising advisers at AMPERAGE Marketing & Fundraising. Contact Jennifer Rubel, director of fundraising, at jrubel@amperagefundraising.com, to schedule a no-obligation consultation to discuss your nonprofit needs.

Written by:

Melissa provides fundraising counsel for AMPERAGE’s nonprofit clients, leading feasibility studies and providing solutions that drive successful fundraising campaign results.

A Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), she uses her experience and extensive skill set to continually advance her fundraising practices and develop campaign-specific strategies, materials and training to help clients reach their campaign goals and advance their mission.

Melissa has vast experience working in the nonprofit sector, having served in development and leadership roles with Sisters of Mercy and the Alzheimer’s Association. In addition, she has served as a volunteer and board member with local nonprofits, such as the Catherine McAuley Center. Faith-based organizations and causes are of particular interest to Melissa.

Melissa moves the needle by always looking for new opportunities and ways to improve professionally. She is currently president of the Eastern Iowa Planned Giving Council and a past president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals-Eastern Iowa Chapter.

Melissa holds a Master of Strategic Leadership degree from Mount Mercy University.

This busy professional, wife and mother enjoys sports and live music in her free time. A fan of Cubs baseball and Iowa Hawkeye football, Melissa and family enjoy football tailgating, where she’s known for her breakfast burritos. She enjoys the local band scene but says a Foo Fighters concert is her all-time favorite.