by Robert I. Evans and Avrum D. Lapin

2011 has ended and, while true challenges remain, dire predictions of especially troubled times in the nonprofit world never seemed to materialize. What lies ahead for 2012? We predict another year of growth in philanthropy and another year for more giving.

As we look at our crystal ball for the coming year, however, we find certain predictions difficult to make. The never-ending roller coaster rides in the U.S. and world economies, compounded by an election year likely to impact on policies, taxes, and other factors that directly affect nonprofits and charitable giving, will continue to shake things up regularly. We certainly hope that an improving economic landscape may help push charitable giving to an even more positive direction but recovering from the Great Recession will not be easy.

One prediction about which we can be certain is the content of our bi-weekly contributions to eJewish Philanthropy. Here is a preview of what we will address:

1. The Modern Jewish Woman Donor
   The evolution and new-found power of the MJWD are often overlooked. Studies confirm that women are increasingly influential in decisions relating to charitable giving and they routinely give better and more passionately than do men. While Judaism honors women, we will identify ways that women address philanthropy and why women are such good donors.
2. Networking: The Key to our Giving Future
   Although we have written substantially in the past about the benefits of social networking, we cannot stress enough the importance of face-to-face contact between nonprofit leaders and potential donors in the Jewish community. We will look at approaches other than social media, largely because fundraising campaigns succeed as they cultivate and draw upon the strong sense of community and interpersonal relationships. Why do people give and what impacts on their decision-making? The interests and emotional connections of Jewish donors to the agencies/projects they support and the way that they support, are changing along with our Jewish communities, so giving patterns are likely to continue to change in the times ahead.
3. Planned Giving
   While every gift is a planned gift, testamentary giving through wills, trusts and estates accounts for about $30 billion annually in the U.S. We will examine how donors can efficiently plan legacy gifts that ensure their charitable intent lives on after death. With a focus on our synagogues, we will question why we have seen a very slow development of “legacy programs.” How do we encourage deferred giving in the synagogue world, enabling them to catch up to other nonprofits that continuously advance in this arena? Why do Jewish congregations tend to shy away from talking with their members about estate gifts?
4. Dressing Up Your Campaign
   Just in time for Purim, we will talk about changing the face of a nonprofit. Experts contend that rebranding should be done every 10-12 years. While people will dress up like their favorite Purim characters, nonprofit leaders need to consider serious questions relating to presenting their agencies as contemporary organizations with crisp and meaningful messages. What does your logo convey? How can we keep the stakeholders and potential contributors “on the same page?” We will examine the many ways to make your mission and vision stand out and reach the right audiences. While successful fundraising begins with a compelling story and good packaging, we will ask some experts to address what approaches have worked in the past and what may work even better in the future.
5. What Donors are Really Thinking
   With personal tax deadlines front-and-center in April and with Passover approaching, we will talk with several philanthropists and ask a number of key questions that every nonprofit professional would like to know: how do they choose where to donate? How can a nonprofit get the attention of major donors? What are the “do’s and don’ts” when approaching a major philanthropist?
6. The Ideal Development Director
   We are familiar with the fundamental roles of an organization’s development officer, “one who implements a strategic plan to raise funds for their organization in a cost-effective and time-efficient manner.” But what sets apart the successful ones from the others? Which ones survive in the tangled webs of annual campaigns, foundation research, grant-writing and stewardship of major donors? We will dive into what we believe are the characteristics of the most ideal development director.
7. Engaging the Board
   We often wonder why so many people want to volunteer for a cause bigger than themselves. In so many JCC’s, Federations and synagogues, we hear board members discuss the importance of the Jewish community. Yet sometimes the message and direction from the organizational Boards are not always “in sync” with the organization’s mission and vision. This post will examine the role of governance, leadership and strategy.
8. The Results and Trends in Giving in 2011
   In June, The Giving Institute will confirm the annual figures on the levels of philanthropy during 2011. The annual report will include key facts and analyses of the 2011 numbers and we will use the report to highlight innovations that Jewish organizations are taking to enhance philanthropy.
9. A Jewish Look at Foundations
   An essential principle in nonprofit work is that operational costs are limited but programs are limitless. Our goal in this article is to consider how important foundations and donor advised funds (DAVs) can serve the nonprofit world. While some critics contend that these funds are warehouses for dollars, we contend that Jewish donors are especially good at securing the future through their strategic decisions and that their intentions live on beyond their years.
10. The Anatomy of a Synagogue
    As we approach the High Holidays, we will look at American synagogues and how they are addressing fundraising in new and effective ways. But are our congregations truly transparent and are they being operated as well as other types of nonprofits? Although we will not identify any one specific congregation, we will offer some insights on how a modern synagogue might and should operate in 2012.
11. Jewish Volunteer and Professional Leadership
    Strengthening and fostering volunteer leadership has taken on a new emphasis, but salary studies of nonprofit executives seem to favor men over women. What are the profiles of both volunteers and paid executives and how are they impacting philanthropy? We will focus on some provocative findings.
12. A Light Unto the Nations
    Israel-focused philanthropic support by Americans is changing, especially as research validates that younger Jewish donors look at Israel differently than did their parents and grandparents. How should Israel-based agencies actively seeking charitable support in the U.S. adjust their efforts to be more successful and relevant? As we consider social media efforts such as Facebook and Twitter and other types of technological methods to secure funds and build support, we will talk with some Millennial donors who are truly making an impact.

Because the Jewish philanthropic world is constantly evolving, we will sprinkle other topics into our bi-weekly contributions. We hope that 2012 brings growth, stability and strength to every Jewish organization. We are honored to offer our knowledge to thousands who subscribe to eJewish Philanthropy and always welcome comments, questions and suggestions.

Robert I. Evans, Managing Director, and Avrum D. Lapin, Director, are principals of The EHL Consulting Group, of suburban Philadelphia, and are frequent contributors to eJewishPhilanthropy.com. EHL Consulting works with dozens of nonprofits on fundraising, strategic planning, and non-profit business practices. Become a fan of The EHL Consulting Group on Facebook; TWITTER: @EHLConsultGrp