Thought Leadership

BWF is a recognized and respected thought leader in the philanthropic sector. We are constantly assessing the fundraising landscape and providing timely guidance and insights.

BWF is a recognized and respected thought leader in the philanthropic sector. We are constantly assessing the fundraising landscape and providing timely guidance and insights.

From Eternal Drafts to Strategic Action—How to Stop Drafting Your Strategic Plan and Start Acting on It  

Have you ever wondered why your organization’s strategic planning process never seems to cross the finish line? Sometimes organizations struggle with completing their strategic planning process and producing a final strategic plan that can guide the organization’s decisions and activities for the next several years. If you’ve experienced this or are uncertain about how to avoid a long and arduous strategic planning process, consider these suggestions about how to tackle strategic planning efficiently and successfully. 

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A nonprofit professional uses a computer to leverage predictive AI

What is Predictive AI? How to Produce Data-Driven Insights

Predictive AI uses machine learning to anticipate future outcomes based on past data trends. Learn how to effectively drive results with this analysis method.

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The Comprehensive Impact of New Tech: Why Fundraising Offices Should Evaluate the Total Cost of Tech

In the dynamic realm of university fundraising, the potential of advanced technology is incredibly exciting. Vendors present the promise of streamlined operations, precise outreach, and increased donations. However, before committing to the latest fundraising software, it is essential to consider this: The unseen expenses associated with adopting new technology can strain your budget and impact long-term success.

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Two coworkers discuss nonprofit AI solutions while looking at a laptop

The 2024 Nonprofit AI Quick-Start Guide: Tips for Success

How can your nonprofit get started using AI in 2024? This nonprofit AI quick-start guide offers the practical, how-to tips you need for fundraising success.

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Giving USA 2024 Report Insights

BWF is pleased to share key findings and analysis from Giving USA 2024: The Annual Report on Philanthropy . Presented by the research team at the Indiana University Lilly School of Philanthropy and fundraising professionals at Giving USA Foundation, the Giving USA report is the longest-running, most extensive report on philanthropy in the United States. BWF is proud to be a member of The Giving Institute.

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10 Steps to Mastering Software Implementation: From Pre-Planning to Post-Implementation Success

In this article, we’ll delve into the essential pre-planning activities and post-implementation strategies that can make all the difference in the success of your software implementation project.

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AI and Data Science

Optimizing Nonprofit Fundraising with Integrated Business Intelligence Tools

In the ever-evolving landscape of nonprofit fundraising, leveraging data effectively is paramount. At BWF, we’ve focused on embedding and integrating the best business intelligence (BI) tools into Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) systems. But why is this integration so crucial?

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Revitalizing the Donor Pipeline Through Annual Giving

Navigating the evolving philanthropic terrain is imperative for organizations to recalibrate their focus. Investing in base-level giving is not merely a tactic for immediate gains but a strategic imperative for pipeline development. BWF looked at a data set from 12 different colleges and universities to uncover trends and provide evidence to support investment in the donor pipeline. This whitepaper discusses key takeaways and recommendations for your organization.

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The Unseen Costs of Winging It: Four Reasons Why Strategic Planning is Crucial for Nonprofits

The primary goal of every nonprofit is to make a tangible difference. Strategic planning facilitates this by helping organizations measure their impact, identify areas for improvement, and refine their strategies accordingly. It also enhances reporting to donors and stakeholders, potentially leading to increased support and enhanced credibility. This article explores four critical reasons nonprofit organizations cannot afford to “wing it”.

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