GIVING USA 2022

What Do Current Philanthropy Trends Teach Us About Effective Interim Nonprofit Leadership? 

Proudly presented in alliance with Interim Executives Academy and The Benefactor Group

As all corners of society recalibrate following the pandemic years, shifts are taking place that have substantial impact on how nonprofit organizations can evolve with diverse communities and their needs. The formula for providing excellent leadership to these organizations is changing; and that is partly shaped by the changing fundraising landscape.  Giving USA is the nation’s longest-running, most comprehensive research study available on the State of Philanthropy in America. 

This year’s report reveals data that points to some decisive trends taking place that are changing the fundraising landscape: 

• There are declines in giving that haven’t been seen in decades
• Most nonprofits report the fundraising function is severely under-resourced with expected higher attrition on the horizon
• The economic factors, political climate, and world affairs of 2022 are creating a mixed bag of reactions from people and organizations
• The portfolio of funding sources and types of organizations being supported is seeing a shift

Every interim chief executive leading a nonprofit organization walks into a unique fundraising culture that is simultaneously operating within a larger community fundraising climate. Third Sector Company, in association with Interim Executives Academy and the Benefactor Group, invites interim leaders across the country to discuss the implications of this year’s Giving USA report on the profession.

About The Research

For the past 11 years, The Benefactor Group in Columbus, Ohio has been publishing an eye-catching and highly respected infographic representation of the Giving USA data to help donors, fundraisers and nonprofit leaders understand trends and navigate present-day philanthropy. Third Sector Company is especially proud to welcome a team from the Benefactor Group to present their findings and interpretations of this year’s report.

Some of the recommendations coming from this year’s study include:

• Debunking the overhead myth
• Adopting policies that value all gifts
• Question fundraising traditions that favor exclusivity
• Embrace a revised definition of philanthropy

We hope you’ll join us for a national discussion about how interim leaders could or should assume a game-changing leadership role in the changing picture of fundraising. We encourage all interims to reach out to quality consulting firms like The Benefactor Group to be trusted allies and advisors. For more information about The Benefactor Group, visit their website at Benefactor Group | Serving Those Who Serve the Common Good and also download this year’s infographic in advance of the Forum.

Our Commitment To Equity And Belongingness

Third Sector Company, Inc. is committed to advancing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion as foundational to its programs.

We acknowledge and honor the fundamental value and dignity of all people; and we pledge our individual and organizational efforts to build respect, dignity, caring, and equitable treatment for all. As an organization, we are committed to transforming the world into one that promotes social justice and freedom from oppression, including but not limited to, racism, sexism, classism, heterosexism, ageism, and ableism.

Thus, we aim to be adaptable, actively anti-racist, embracing cultural differences, and to be accessible for people who are differently resourced and differently abled. Since we do not want financial hardship to be a barrier to participation, there are several seats reserved in each of our fee-based programs for confidentially awarded scholarships. We encourage those from historically underserved communities to apply.