Fundraising at the major gift level is a relationship-driven business.| blog.twbfundraising.com
The recent rescinding of $1.1 billion in federal funding to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting is not the death knell of public broadcasting.| blog.twbfundraising.com
The YMCA of Metro Chicago seeks a transformational leader as Chief Development Officer.| blog.twbfundraising.com
Executive Search | The latest news, announcements, and thought leadership from the TWB team.| blog.twbfundraising.com
If you’ve worked in the nonprofit sector for some time, you know how critical major donor fundraising is to achieving your organization’s most ambitious goals. You’ve likely also realized from experience that you need to know potential major donors well in order to successfully solicit contributions from them.| TWB Fundraising Blog
Directors of development are in high demand right now. You may recall that in January of this year, the article "LinkedIn Jobs on the Rise 2025: The 25 fastest-growing jobs in the U.S." listed directors of development at number 7. You may have also seen the widely shared statistic that the average tenure for a director of development, or senior development roles in general, is 18 months. This high turnover results in nonprofits frequently posting job descriptions and hoping for a pool of top-...| TWB Fundraising Blog
Have you ever been turned down for a job you really wanted? Or faced the infamous line, “It’s not you, it’s me”?| TWB Fundraising Blog
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Whether you evaluate year-end giving campaign participation, website engagement, or directly conduct prospect research, your nonprofit learns about existing and potential donors in various ways. The more you know about these individuals, the better your chance of engaging them and securing their loyal support. But how?| TWB Fundraising Blog
Sometimes a capital campaign doesn't exactly go as planned. So what can you do if your campaign loses steam? First, make sure you’re really stalled. Are you in a lull or stuck? Understand your situation before creating a narrative that may make volunteers nervous and before taking any action to course correct.| TWB Fundraising Blog
We are pleased to welcome Tom Wick, who has recently joined the TWB team as Senior Counsel. We asked Tom a few questions to learn more about his expertise, serving as an introduction for anyone seeking a seasoned development professional to partner with.| TWB Fundraising Blog
The Foundation of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) serves as a national advocate and primary source of clinical and scientific information and education for its members. It represents over 3,000 physicians in all 50 US states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and 63 countries.| TWB Fundraising Blog
Since 1829, McCormick Theological Seminary has been a leader in theological education, preparing transformational leaders who champion faith, justice, and meaningful change. Located in Chicago’s vibrant Hyde Park, McCormick is a diverse and inclusive community, uniting students and faculty from a broad spectrum of Christian traditions to answer God’s call in the world.| TWB Fundraising Blog
It’s no secret that today’s donors are much more discerning about how they show their support for nonprofits. It’s not enough for your organization to have a compelling mission; you must also be honest, transparent, and accurate in all communications to maintain supporters’ trust. That includes your nonprofit’s annual report, one of the most crucial public-facing documents you publish annually.| TWB Fundraising Blog
More and more nonprofits are embracing the opportunity to evaluate and share the effects their work has on their communities through a process called impact reporting. This process makes it much easier for you to stay accountable to your stakeholders and provide evidence that your organization is truly making a positive difference in the lives of your beneficiaries.| TWB Fundraising Blog
Online fundraising campaigns present a valuable opportunity for nonprofits to connect with a larger audience and engage them in a new and exciting way. One of the best ways to get started is through a peer-to-peer fundraising program, where you enlist loyal supporters to garner donations on your organization’s behalf.| TWB Fundraising Blog
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago (HSDC) is home to some of the most incredible dancers and is a place where inclusion is the engine that drives the company. With a first-rate artistic product and a new strategic plan, Mission, Vision and Values, HSDC is experiencing rapid growth and is looking for a charismatic and results-driven Director of Development to lead its fundraising efforts.| TWB Fundraising Blog
Today’s nonprofit donors have come to expect total transparency when it comes to their gifts. They want to know how their donations are being used and ensure they are being used properly. Donors also presume that their data will remain safe and confidential when they contribute to your nonprofit. Balancing these two elements is crucial in maintaining donor confidence and trust.| TWB Fundraising Blog
Major donors are critical to your higher education institution’s success. Whether they provide funding for capital campaigns, research projects, scholarships, fellowships, or academic programs, their financial support and commitment allow your university to achieve its goals and advance its mission.| TWB Fundraising Blog
The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington (Y), a passionate and vital organization, offers a wide array of programs designed to promote overall health and well-being and empowers individuals of all ages to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. From fitness classes and wellness workshops to nutrition education and chronic disease prevention, the Y offers a comprehensive approach to nurturing the mind, body, and spirit. Additionally, the Y is one of the largest preschool, afterschool, and camp prov...| TWB Fundraising Blog
Started in 1954 by a group of multi-denominational Hispanic pastors to meet the needs of newly arrived immigrants, Casa Central has grown into one of the largest Latino social service agencies in the Midwest. The organization's programming centers on inspiring lifelong learning among children and youth, providing safety and self-reliance for individuals and families and promoting active, healthy lifestyles for older adults.| TWB Fundraising Blog
The College of Lake County (CLC) is a comprehensive community college committed to equitable high-quality education, cultural enrichment, and partnerships. The College endeavors to meet the ever-changing needs of the diverse communities of Lake County, Illinois.| TWB Fundraising Blog
Today’s donors are very discerning when it comes to their relationships with nonprofit organizations. Above all, they seek personal alignment with the mission, values, and goals of the organizations they support. They want evidence that their support results in outcomes and lasting impact. While they expect to see facts and metrics that substantiate impact, they especially appreciate well-crafted stories that illustrate how real people and communities are benefiting.| TWB Fundraising Blog
Studies show that candidates spend under a minute from the time they open a job posting to decide whether the opportunity is a good fit for them. With such little room to make an impression, it’s critical that your nonprofit optimizes your job descriptions, so you can engage the top candidates and compete with for-profit businesses for talent.| TWB Fundraising Blog
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We are pleased to welcome Nancy Herman, who has recently joined the TWB team as Senior Counsel. We asked Nancy a few questions to learn more about her expertise, serving as an introduction for anyone seeking a seasoned development professional to partner with.| TWB Fundraising Blog
If you’ve ever been involved in hiring new employees, you know that recruitment and onboarding are often time-consuming and expensive. This is especially true for nonprofits, which have limited resources to begin with but also run many initiatives that benefit from additional professional expertise.| TWB Fundraising Blog
Data should be at the root of all major nonprofit decisions. When you take a data-driven approach to marketing and fundraising, you’ll be more in tune with supporter interests and preferences, allowing you to connect with them and earn more for your cause.| TWB Fundraising Blog
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With heavy hearts TWB announces the passing of Larry Ter Molen, a founding partner of Ter Molen Watkins & Brandt, now known as TWB Fundraising. Larry was a pioneer in the fundraising world and a philanthropic inspiration to many of us. "Larry was a respected leader, but it was his demeanor and thoughtfulness that helped set the tone for our firm. He took everyone's challenges seriously, while responding with warmth and humor," said Clyde Watkins, one of the firm's founding partners. Before ...| TWB Fundraising Blog
Fundraising for nonprofit healthcare organizations comes with additional regulations, and nuances like HIPAA privacy considerations may affect how an organization is able to convey its impact. However, like every other nonprofit organization, to acquire support, healthcare organizations must build a case for support. In this guide, you’ll discover how to write a compelling case for support and what data to include to make your case more compelling. First, let’s explore exactly what a ca...| TWB Fundraising Blog
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Our team at TWB Fundraising is thrilled to announce the launch of our new name, brand, and website. Developed through a collaborative process that involved examination of our values and goals, this rebrand goes well beyond a change in logo and colors. It represents a strategic evolution that showcases our unique leadership, adaptability, and innovative spirit. It marks a significant milestone expressing our unwavering dedication to making a positive impact in the nonprofit sector. Continu...| TWB Fundraising Blog
When preparing for a campaign, nonprofits have two main options to consider -- capital campaign (also called a focused campaign) or comprehensive campaign?| TWB Fundraising Blog
Austin Seminary seeks a Vice President for Institutional Advancement to oversee its comprehensive and integrated alumni engagement program and provide strategic direction for cultivating philanthropic giving. Located in Austin, Texas, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary prepares pastors, educators, missionaries, and chaplains for the work of Christ’s church, offering graduate degrees and lifelong learning programs for those seeking leadership development and spiritual renewal. The id...| TWB Fundraising Blog
As an innovator in mental health education, The Chicago School seeks a Director of Major Gifts to help their university expand into integrated health through the College of Osteopathic Medicine (IllinoisCOM), the first new Chicago medical school in 100 years.| TWB Fundraising Blog
Ter Molen Watkins & Brandt and boodleAI are excited to announce the first major gifts coaching program incorporating AI technology to analyze real-world prospects and donors.| TWB Fundraising Blog
Back in the “before times,” glittery galas were unquestionably a fundraising staple in the nonprofit world. But of course, the pandemic turned everything topsy-turvy, and virtual events became the name of the game.| TWB Fundraising Blog
What is a donor-advised fund? With donor-advised funds (or DAFs), donors can make a contribution to a fund and receive an immediate charitable tax deduction. The fund can grow tax-free, while the donors can distribute gifts (or grants) to nonprofits from the fund over time. Donor-advised funds are managed through a sponsoring organization, which commonly are commercial investment management companies or community foundations.| TWB Fundraising Blog
A recognized leader in animal conservation and welfare, Born Free USA is a national advocacy nonprofit that also manages one of the largest primate sanctuaries in the United States. The organization is global in reach and has partnerships with Born Free UK, South Africa, Ethiopia, and Kenya. Born Free USA is seeking a dynamic and passionate Director of Development to strategically drive national fundraising efforts and build a comprehensive fundraising program. The Director of Development wi...| TWB Fundraising Blog
The Wetlands Initiative (TWI) designs, restores, and creates wetlands by innovating, collaborating, and employing sound science to improve water quality, habitat for plants and wildlife, and our climate. TWI is tackling exciting new projects across the Calumet region in Southeast Chicago and Northwest Indiana, including turning a vast floodwater detention corridor into a natural and scenic asset for communities.| TWB Fundraising Blog
Aspire is a nonprofit organization that makes boundless inclusivity possible for people with disabilities. Since 1960, Aspire has been recognized as a leader in providing bold, pioneering services to individuals with disabilities and their families in the Chicagoland community. Their programs include:| TWB Fundraising Blog
“Acting is not about being different. It’s finding the similarity in what is apparently different, then finding myself in there.” – Meryl Streep| TWB Fundraising Blog
As we saw from employment data published earlier this month, job openings continue to surge, fueling a strong demand for workers.| TWB Fundraising Blog
Aspire is a nonprofit organization that makes boundless inclusivity possible for people with disabilities. Since 1960, Aspire has been recognized as a leader in providing bold, pioneering services to individuals with disabilities and their families in the Chicagoland community. Their programs include:| TWB Fundraising Blog
IFF partners with nonprofits across the Midwest and enables them to achieve their missions, support their communities, and increase their financial stability. The Vice President of Resource Development position is an exciting opportunity for an experienced fundraiser or nonprofit manager to play a pivotal role in the organization’s cultivation and stewardship of funder relationships, shaping strategy and leading and supporting outreach efforts to raise grant funds from a diverse funder base...| TWB Fundraising Blog
The Development Leadership Consortium Announces the Class of the 2022-23 Annual Fellows Program| TWB Fundraising Blog
We are pleased to welcome Jewanna Apawu, our newest adjunct staff member, to the firm. We asked her a few questions to share with our readers looking to learn more about Jewanna's remarkable expertise, and for those who may be seeking a seasoned development professional to partner with.| TWB Fundraising Blog
There’s a lot in the news about student loan forgiveness of $10,000 or $20,000, and if you've looked into student loan forgiveness programs, you might have come across potential scamming sites. Below, we're sharing an application for public service loan forgiveness, and tips to avoid potential student loan forgiveness scams. If you do not have student loans, be sure to share this with your colleagues!| TWB Fundraising Blog
This September, I hopped on a plane to Reno to embark on my first Burning Man event. While I expected to enjoy the weekend, I quickly discovered that it far surpassed anything I'd imagined. I also came to the surprising (to me, at least!) realization that Burning Man is essentially one big philanthropic adventure.| TWB Fundraising Blog
It is well known in fundraising circles that a written case for support is a “must have” tool to be used in a comprehensive or capital campaign. The case does what its name suggests: it makes the case for why donors should give to support your campaign priorities.| TWB Fundraising Blog
Search: Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations and Annual Fund Manager| blog.twbfundraising.com
The latest news, announcements, and thought leadership from the TWB team.| blog.twbfundraising.com
Is nonprofit fundraising the right career field for your personality? See if these traits describe you.| blog.twbfundraising.com