Successful fundraising starts with a solid foundation—and builds upward through interconnected, strategic elements. At Latz & Company, we help nonprofits craft winning fundraising strategies that drive growth, engagement, and long-term impact.

Read more to explore one of our core components of fundraising success and how a well-structured framework supports every layer of development.

As fundraising partners, we are honored to work with a number of theater and arts organizations. With Chicago Theatre Week upon us, (February 6 to16) we wanted to shed a spotlight on the challenges and future opportunities for nonprofit theater in America. While events like this rekindle enthusiasm, nonprofit theaters face post-pandemic challenges, including declining audiences, donor shifts, and reduced funding but there is hope for the future.

We’ve all experienced changes and challenges in the philanthropic landscape and at Latz & Company, we are dedicated to helping our partners navigate donor objections. We have probably all been there. You are engaged in conversations with donors, encountering both positive and challenging feedback. While positive feedback is common, we often have donors identify both "conditions" and "objections" that can create barriers to giving.

The key to a successful campaign is to build a strong partnership both within the organization as well as with donors and supporters. Helping teams work together is an important part of the process. Fundraisers and marketers must first commit to working together for a common cause and the better good for your organization. Both must have a clear understanding of your brand as well as any Case for Support and they must also know your audience—including donors. But above all they have to respect each other’s work and together build your brand.

In honor of all the wonderful volunteers who support our nonprofit clients, I have identified five ways to engage volunteers to cultivate a pipeline of leaders and donors for your organization’s future. As a recent graduate, young professional at Latz and Company, and a brand-new resident in the great city of Chicago, this blog reflects on what a young adult seeks when volunteering with a nonprofit. It is important to note that these are applicable to all ages to better connect volunteers to the mission your nonprofit serves.

After a global pandemic and unprecedented 2020, many nonprofit organizations were left with a lot of questions – “How will this affect our funding?” “Will we be able to fund our mission?” “How will we make up for lost revenue from our special event being cancelled?” However, in light of so much uncertainty, many Americans were asking, “What can I do to help?”  

In 2020, a new record was set for charitable giving - $471.44 billion dollars. Here are our top 3 takeaways from this record-breaking year.   

Nonprofit organizations have faced unprecedented challenges over the last year. As a result,  Board member communication, engagement and alignment has never been more important. In addition to helping those in need during a global pandemic, driving diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, and promoting social justice; all nonprofits should use this time as an opportunity to renew expectations and re-engage board members in new ways.

How can you ensure that your organization’s board is aligned, engaged and ready to change with you?

On March 23rd, we joined partner organization ALUMinate to host an engaging exploration of ways data analytics resources can augment fundraising strategies for our clients. The webinar, “Data-Driven Approaches to Post-Pandemic Fundraising” was attended by more than 50 professionals from across the sector, including social services, education, the arts, and other nonprofit organizations.

The past year challenged mission-driven organizations like never before—but it also opened the door to bold new possibilities. As we move toward recovery, now is the time to rethink, retool, and reimagine what’s next. At Latz & Company, we believe 2021 is the year for innovation, transformation, and renewed vision.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it’s a time not only to honor progress, but to recognize the work still ahead. Despite making up the majority of the nonprofit workforce, women remain underrepresented in leadership roles. By committing to mindful hiring, diverse boards, and intentional leadership development, organizations can close the gender gap—and build stronger, more inclusive futures.