Okay, true confession: cryptocurrency donations was one of those topics I wanted to research but kept putting off. I think a lot of nonprofit professionals are in the same boat–we know cryptocurrency may affect our fundraising operations but it seems a little abstract right now. The issue started to feel more immediate when Facebook announced… Continue reading August 2019: What Is Facebook Libra and How Could It Affect Fundraising?

by Amelia Aldred Ah, December–that time of year full of end of year gifts from donors and a barrage of “year in review” and “best of” listicles from media platforms.  For prospect researchers, those lists can be a great way to catch up on any news or resources you missed during the year.  Here’s the Philanthropologist’s… Continue reading December: 2018 Top Five List!

By Amelia Aldred This month the Philanthropologist features three pieces about assumptions nonprofits make regarding our supporters.  In the day-to-day grind of work, it is easy to fall into habitual ways of thinking about our donors, volunteers, and other supporters.  Since nonprofits’ ability to operate relies on these relationships (and our supporters may also be… Continue reading November 2018: Reexamining Assumptions about Our Donors, Volunteers, and Patrons

By Amelia Aldred Happy Halloween!  The Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement-Illinois Chapter (APRA-IL) put out a call for spooky short stories with a fundraising theme to be included in their October blog.  My co-worker Katie Fanning and I wrote a fun piece that is an homage to a certain classic vampire novel.  Enjoy it… Continue reading October 2018: A Treat for the Trick or Treat Season!

By Amelia Aldred Happy fall!  This month The Philanthropologist features a short review of the Science of Philanthropy Initiative (SPI) conference. The Science of Philanthropy Initiative (SPI) is an academic research and outreach project that utilizes quantitative methods and partnerships with the philanthropic community to explore the motivations behind charitable giving. Currently, the SPI conference… Continue reading September 2018: Takeaways from the Science of Philanthropy Initiative Conference

By Amelia Aldred Welcome back to the Philanthropologist! For this month, we will review four different studies on philanthropy, all of which incorporate ethnographic interviewing and analysis in their research.  The studies include a more traditional participant-observation study on people who straddle the “recipient/nonprofit worker” divide, a corporate interview project with high net worth philanthropists,… Continue reading August 2018: A Review of Recent Ethnographic-ish Studies on Philanthropy

This month, The Philanthropologist features a guest post aimed at fundraising and grantmaking professionals who are struggling to answer questions about philanthropy from friends, family, and colleagues.  Our guest writer, Sarah Brandywine Johnson, is a Senior Research Analyst in the Alumni Relations and Development office at the University of Chicago; she previously served the University… Continue reading July 2018: Guest Post on Helping Friends Learn How to Give

This month’s post is a recap of the Great Lakes Prospect Development FORUM, a conference for prospect development professionals that took place June 20-22.  The conference format is innovative–rather than going to lectures, attendees participate in small group discussions that are focused on a particular theme. The feeling is a cross between a graduate seminar,… Continue reading June 2018: The Great Lakes Prospect Development FORUM Recap