441. Giving USA 2023 Report: Breaking Down the Philanthropy Trends - Elizabeth Abel

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Meet Elizabeth. The queen of interpreting philanthropic data reports is back in our house for year three, and today we're breaking down Giving USA's 2023 Report 📈CCS Fundraising's brilliant Senior Vice President is explaining what’s causing the decline in individual giving, and how we can turn the tide. We’re also exploring how to encourage meaningful giving from people of all generations and income levels, and the role of storytelling, advocacy, and volunteerism in engaging millennials, Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Tune in to get up to speed on all the data from this report and how we can take actionable steps to build a culture of philanthropy in our communities🤝

💡Learn

Insights into the current philanthropic landscape
Key data points from the Giving USA Report
Actionable steps to leverage knowing this latest data

Today’s Guest
Elizabeth Abel, Senior Vice President, CCS Fundraising

“I personally believe that every gift matters and every gift makes a significant difference to nonprofit organizations”

— Elizabeth Abel Position: Senior Vice President, CCS Fundraising

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Episode Highlights

Insights into the Current Philanthropic Landscape (5:30)
Other factors playing into the decrease in giving (6:35)
Two key themes (8:00)
The roles that individuals play (8:15)
The role that foundations play (9:40)
Building and strengthening relationships with foundations (11:00)
Mega gifts (15:00)
Actionable Insights (23:00)
A powerful moment of philanthropy in Elizabeth’s life (30:00)
Elizabeth’s One Good Thing: Prioritize family. (32:00)
How to connect + get the report (34:00)

Powerful Quotes

“2022 was a year that was influenced by key economic challenges.” -Elizabeth

“Individuals drive the lionshare of philanthropy.” -Elizabeth

“For the first year in recent memory, gifts by individuals have declined.” -Elizabeth

“Foundations are playing a more significant role in the philanthropic landscape. About 1 in every 5 dollars given to charity came from foundations.” -Elizabeth

“My wish is to see dollars up and donors up for people of all generations and all income levels to be giving a meaningful gift and meaningful can be defined personally, to organizations and to missions that are important to them and their families.” -Elizabeth

“I personally believe that every gift matters and every gift makes a significant difference to nonprofit organizations and the communities that they're serving.” -Elizabeth

“Last year we had this theme of dollars up and donors down, this year it is dollars down and donors are down.” -Elizabeth

“For me right now it has been about how I can teach my children about philanthropy. What is the story I want to share with them about philanthropy?” -Elizabeth

Actionable Insights

What is the story you are telling about your organization?
Who is the leadership that is sharing that story with your community?
Who are the funders that you are approaching to request the philanthropic investments that will realize the stories you are telling?