Alford Group

10/07/2026

Alford Group's Maree Bullock , Michelle Bibbs and Jill Zimmerman were honored to attend the Michael Reese Health Trust's Health Matters Here luncheon last week. Congratulations to Deputy Governor Grace Hou who received the John F. Benjamin Exceptional Service Award in recognition of her leadership tackling critical initiatives such as implementing the state’s plan to eradicate medical debt, coordinating public health approaches to decreasing gun violence, establishing a Multi-Sector Plan on Aging, creating a cross-agency Justice Cabinet and the launching of the “first of its kind” Illinois Accountability Commission, amongst others. ✨ Maree, Michelle and Jill loved being with friends from The Ark and Sinai Hospital Chicago, amongst others, too. ✨

10/07/2026

🤔 Did you know Alford Group has partnered with more than 3,000 mission-driven organizations across all 50 states?

From strategic planning and fundraising to campaign consulting and leadership development, we've helped nonprofits strengthen their impact for more than four decades.

Every organization is different—but lasting impact starts with the right strategy.

Learn more about our work: https://bit.ly/4h4QEkm

09/23/2026

💡Did you know?

Alford Group partners with organizations across nine nonprofit sectors, including:

🎭 Arts & Culture
🎓 Education
🏥 Health Care
🌱 Environment & Conservation
🤝 Human Services
🏛️ Foundations
📚 Associations
🌍 Public & Societal Benefit
⛪ Faith-Based Organizations

No matter the mission, our focus remains the same: helping organizations build capacity, strengthen philanthropy, and create lasting impact.

Explore our case studies: https://bit.ly/47akQVg

09/22/2026

This September, Alford Group is proud to spotlight our partnership with the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF). Alford Group has been working with the PFF to assess fundraising and stewardship practices and identify ways to increase fundraising success as the organization prepares to embark on its ambitious "The PFF is Me" strategic plan.

As it works toward a cure for pulmonary fibrosis (PF), the PFF is committed to accelerating research, supporting its community, and improving care so everyone with PF can live a better life. The PFF is uniquely positioned as a research engine; a convener of patients, caregivers, families, researchers and clinicians; and a provider of resources and expertise in a single mission-driven organization.

Community connection is a vital component of the PFF’s work and "The PFF is Me" strategic plan. A diagnosis can feel isolating, but with the PFF, no one is on their journey alone. In addition to its 135 support groups worldwide, the PFF holds PFF Walks in seven cities (and counting) across the country, bringing together thousands of patients, family members and supporters. On September 26, to close out a busy Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month, the PFF is holding a National Walk Day, inviting participants to join a virtual opening ceremony before walking in neighborhoods throughout the world. This year’s awareness month theme is “Today, not someday” reminding us to take steps towards our goals and make positive, healthy choices today, not someday.

Awareness months and events do more than raise funds—they build visibility, welcome individuals into a connected community, and create moments where supporters, patients, and staff can stand together, honor loved ones, celebrate progress and remind everyone involved why the work matters. For an organization working to accelerate a cure, moments like these are essential to empower the community and deepen its resolve, ultimately ensuring that no one facing a life-threatening prognosis is facing it alone.

Alford Group celebrates the PFF’s efforts during this Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month and is cheering on anyone who has participated or is participating in a walk. Thank you for all you do and for allowing Alford Group to play a part in your journey towards a cure.

Join National Walk Day on September 26, 2026! Walk virtually in your local neighborhood, park, or trail to support pulmonary fibrosis research and care.

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…