Alford Group

08/26/2026

Is your board built for the organization you were — or the one you're becoming?

After 18 months benchmarking governance models across the nonprofit sector, we found no universal blueprint for a "high-performing board." The strongest boards weren't the ones following a template — they were the ones asking hard questions about whether their structure still fit where the organization is headed.

If you've seen one board, you've seen one board.

In our latest blog, Alford Group's President & CEO Brenda Asare and Consultant Frances Jacobson, break down what benchmarking actually reveals (and what it doesn't) 👇 https://bit.ly/4ioGb4g

Benchmarking reveals there's no single blueprint for nonprofit board excellence. Learn why intentional, fit-for-purpose governance beats copying "best practices."

08/24/2026

🌟 Meet our new Director of Sales and Business Development, Adam Hoover 🌟

A naturally curious relationship-builder, Adam approaches business development by first understanding the people, challenges and goals behind an organization. He believes the strongest partnerships are built through thoughtful discovery, genuine trust and a willingness to ask better questions.

His experience spans technology, healthcare, manufacturing, creative services and enterprise sales, giving him a broad perspective on how different organizations make decisions and pursue growth.

Please join us in welcoming Adam to the team and connect with us online to get a conversation started!

08/17/2026

Happy Black Philanthropy Month! This month, we're revisiting the Lowry family's story — three generations of "Bill" (Big Bill, Commissioner Bill, and Bill Jr.) and a legacy of giving that spans decades.

In conversation with our President & CEO Brenda B. Asare, the Lowrys reflect on philanthropy as something bigger than wealth: it's about values, community, and generosity passed down through generations.

Expansive. Intergenerational. Rooted in lived experience. Their story is Black philanthropy at its core.

Read the full conversation on how three generations built a legacy of community impact - and what it means for the future of generosity: https://bit.ly/4gu5znG

08/14/2026

💡Did you know donor advised funds now make up 20–25% of individual giving? In our latest conversation, Sharon Tiknis sat down with Dr. Danielle Vance-McMullen (DePaul University, Donor Advised Fund Research Collaborative) to break down who DAF holders really are — and how nonprofits can build stronger relationships with them.

From the "tubs, tanks, and towers" framework for understanding donor behavior, to what the One Big Beautiful Bill means for charitable giving strategy — this is a must-watch for any fundraising team.

🎥 Watch now: https://bit.ly/3SbqLWe

08/12/2026

📊 Giving USA 2026 is here and U.S. giving reached $617.2 billion in 2025, the second-highest total on record. But donor numbers keep declining, even as dollars go up.

In our latest blog, Alford Group's Lauren Ranson and Brenda B. Asare break down the key findings, including individual giving, the rise in bequests and steady growth in foundation and corporate giving. They offer insights from our expert panel on engagement, legacy giving and what it takes to reach everyday donors while maintaining major gift relationships.

Read our full summary to learn how you can rewrite your philanthropy playbook and improve your development strategy 👇
🔗https://bit.ly/4gqyadE

07/31/2026

Donors think they have to know everything before they make that first gift. There's an opportunity to learn by doing." - Cecilia Conrad

"The key is giving people a real sense of belonging." - Stephanie Ellis-Smith

"Fail fast — that experience is going to help them grow into amazing philanthropists." - Laura Coy

These were just a few powerful moments from yesterday's Giving USA 2026 webinar.

From unpacking this year's historic $600 billion milestone to navigating the wealth transfer, the rise of DAFs, and what AI means for our sector, our speakers offered clarity, insight and inspiration.

✨ A huge thank you to our panelists for sharing your wisdom and energy:
- Dr. Danielle Vance-McMullen
- Laura Coy, William Blair
- Dr, Cecilia Conrad, Lever for Change
- Stephanie Ellis-Smith, Phīla Engaged Giving

Check out the recording and webinar resources below!

This comprehensive 90-minute webinar will draw insights from experts in their fields. These experts work directly with high-net-worth individuals, families, corporations, and foundations. They will…

07/29/2026

Today’s the day! Join us for a free webinar + panel at 12 p.m. CDT to explore Giving USA 2026 and what it means for your fundraising strategy.

🎙 Hear from speakers Brenda B. Asare, Sharon Tiknis, Laura Coy, Stephanie Ellis-Smith, Dr. Cecilia Conrad and Dr. Danielle Vance-McMullen.

✅ Earn 1.5 CFRE certification points

There’s still time to register: https://hubs.li/Q04q9yQn0

07/28/2026

For 40+ years, arts & culture has held steady at 4% of U.S. charitable giving. That's not a coincidence — it's a signal.

In our latest blog, ArtsFund President & CEO Michael Romy Greer joins Alford Group's Jaron Bernstein, MBA Bernstein to unpack the 2026 Giving USA report and what it really means for arts fundraisers: why "innovation capital" barely exists in this sector, why unrestricted multi-year funding matters more than ever, and why the answer isn't chasing a bigger slice — it's rethinking how that 4% gets deployed.

📖 Read the full conversation - https://hubs.li/Q04qY1Sw0

🎙️ Want more on GUSA? Join us Wednesday for our live webinar — save your seat!
https://hubs.li/Q04qX-BG0

07/27/2026

It's almost time...

We've been counting down to the Giving USA 2026 Webinar: Rewriting the Philanthropic Playbook, and now we are only 2 days away! It's not too late to register (and earn CFRE credit). All registrants will receive the webinar recording. 😃

Join hundreds of other nonprofit professionals as we hear from our panelists Danielle Vance-McMullen, PhD , Stephanie E. Smith, Cecilia Conrad, Laura Coy, and Alford Group President & CEO Brenda Asare and Chief Client Experience Officer Sharon Tiknis.

🗓️ July 29, 12 PM CT
✅Approved for 1.5 CFRE credits
Register here: https://hubs.li/Q04qXxDM0

07/22/2026

❗ One week from today ❗

Next week we'll unpack the trends behind the Giving USA 2026 Annual Report with an incredible panel of leaders representing philanthropy, corporate giving, donor research, and nonprofit strategy.

If you're planning for the year ahead, this conversation belongs on your calendar.

🗓️ July 29, 12 PM CT
✅Approved for 1.5 CFRE credits
Register here: https://hubs.ly/Q04qc7K00