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.

hree nonprofit professionals sit at a conference table to discuss their fundraising feasibility study process

How to Conduct a Fundraising Feasibility Study: 8 Steps

A fundraising feasibility study is the essential first step in capital campaign planning. Use this guide to conduct an informative study to guide your plans.

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The Role of Prospect Research in Fundraising and Institutional Protection

Protecting a nonprofit’s reputation is crucial—it’s the most valuable asset an organization possesses. In this article, BWF and Xapien explore how prospect researchers can analyze potential donors not just from an opportunity perspective, but also from a legal and reputational standpoint.

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Understanding Generosity: A Look at What Influences Volunteering and Giving in the United States

The University of Maryland School of Public Policy’s Do Good Institute recently released a report focusing on what influences volunteering and giving in the US. The study sought to understand the relationship between “micro-level variables (characteristics of the survey respondent) and macro-level variables (characteristics of the survey respondent’s community or place)” and philanthropic behavior, specifically examining monetary donations and volunteering time. 

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Nonprofit professionals view charts and graphs to plan for a comprehensive campaign

Comprehensive Campaigns vs. Capital Campaigns: What to Know

What are comprehensive campaigns, and how are they different from capital campaigns? Explore key differences and pros and cons of these campaign types.

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Selecting the Right CRM System for Your Nonprofit

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems play a pivotal role for modern nonprofits. They strengthen donor and constituent relationships, enhance data-driven decision-making, and streamline operational processes. This guide will help you navigate the critical considerations for choosing a CRM system that not only meets your current needs but also supports future growth and technological advancements.

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Birds of a Feather–Taking Flight with Natural Partnerships in Data Governance

The power to fully leverage data governance is found in the collective. Building crucial natural partnerships is essential in developing a successful data governance program. However, these key alliances are often overlooked for various reasons—sometimes for the sake of speed or a lack of foresight, while at other times they are entirely omitted due to cultural challenges and heavily cemented institutional silos.

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Moving Donor Due Diligence Further Up the Fundraising Process with AI

Philanthropic organizations are paying closer attention to the background of their donors. Donor due diligence is now a fundamental part of the fundraising lifecycle. Why? Because it’s much easier to prevent a donor scandal than it is to deal with the fallout later. BWF and Xapien are working together to help you reduce risks before they become a threat to your mission.

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Case Study: BWF and Whitman College

The work that Whitman College and BWF have done together over the past five years has been designed to improve efficiencies and effectiveness, strengthen ROI and impact, and move the organization forward and upward. Ensuring that the team has all the tools and resources it needs—and is leveraging them for greater success—has been a years long effort that culminated recently in the launch of the largest campaign in the College’s history.

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How to Ensure Your Strategic Planning Powers Organizational Success

Are you ready for a strategic plan? Strategic plans are incredibly valuable tools, particularly for nonprofit organizations that are always trying to balance meeting the needs of those they serve with often increasingly fewer resources. BWF’s Tracey Storey dives into the questions you should ask yourself as you consider undertaking a strategic planning process.

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