The Nonprofit Show
The Nonprofit Show is the daily live video broadcast where our national nonprofit community comes together for business problem solving, innovation, and education. Each day the panel of co-hosts and our guests cover the latest topics with fresh thinking to help you and your nonprofit amplify your social impact and achieve your mission, vision and values. With more than 1,100 episodes our library of learning is there for you and your organization.
Find us on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3A0Dqlw
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/Nonprofit_Show
The Nonprofit Show
The Myth of Declining Generosity
A clear message: “Generosity is not dead—it’s transforming”, says Ann Fellman, Chief Marketing Officer at Bloomerang. As headlines churn out fatigue-inducing stories of donor decline and uncertainty, Ann injects much-needed optimism rooted in data and strategy.
“We are in it now,” Ann declares about the $70 trillion wealth transfer, urging nonprofits to act instead of waiting for the perfect moment. Drawing from the latest Giving USA 2024 findings, she reminds us that individual giving reached a staggering $592.5 billion, with 66% of that coming directly from individuals. “Individual Americans are ready and willing to support,” she tells us.
This recent conversation navigates beyond donor behavior into practical strategy. Ann challenges fundraisers to rethink short-term vs. long-term planning and ‘get real about programming priorities: What must be done, what should be done, and what would be nice to do?’ She lays out a compelling scenario-based approach to planning for revenue shifts, especially in a landscape threatened by grant losses and funding uncertainty.
She also makes a strong case for recurring giving. “Would you rather have a one-time $100 gift or $10 a month for years?” she asks. Despite the low adoption rate, recurring programs offer sustainable, predictable revenue and are easy to implement with today’s tech. She even floats the bold concept of creating a “monthly giving officer”—a role few, if any, nonprofits have embraced but one that could radically improve outcomes.
Transparency, too, is no longer optional. Citing data from Bloomerang’s Mission: Retainable report, Ann points out that while 65% of donors crave regular impact updates, only 36% of nonprofits actually deliver them. In an era when trust is easily eroded, communicating funding gaps and showing how you're responding builds confidence and inspires donors to act.
As Ann beautifully puts it: “There is generosity. It’s alive and well.”
00:00:00 Welcome & Introduction to Ann Fellman
00:02:30 What Bloomerang Actually Does for Nonprofits
00:04:15 How Tech + People = Better Fundraising
00:06:15 The Truth About American Generosity
00:08:30 Giving USA 2024 Highlights: $592B Raised!
00:10:00 Generational Wealth Transfer: $70 Trillion Opportunity
00:13:00 Donor Communication Gaps and Impact Reports
00:15:00 Monthly Giving—The Most Underrated Strategy
00:20:00 Scenario Planning: Must Do, Should Do, Nice to Do
00:24:00 How Transparency Builds Donor Trust
00:27:00 Highlighting Funding Gaps Without Fear
00:30:00 Final Thoughts: Don’t Be Discouraged, Generosity Is Alive
Find us Live daily on YouTube!
Find us Live daily on LinkedIn!
Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_Show
Our national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!
12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PT
Send us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.com
Visit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show
