Follow the Leaders: Learn From Charities Making the Most of Digital Giving
The Chronicle asked experts and readers to identify charities that stand out in their use of the Internet to gain support and sell their causes.
Ask the Expert: GoFundMe’s Crowdfunding Secrets
David Hahn offers tips on what kind of campaigns work best and how nonprofits can maximize their chances of reaching their goals.
By Heather Joslyn
Contributor
Some charities like the Audubon Society have found ways to further their mission by creating an app, but experts say most nonprofits should focus on building a better mobile site.
By Heather Joslyn
Contributor
How Technology Transformed a Legacy Charity
The conservation group’s president says its digital upgrade shows how venerable charities can leave old, slow, and ineffectual communications methods behind.
By David Yarnold
Contributor
A Big Bet for Change in America’s Heartland
How David Gundlach’s $150 million bequest could transform Elkhart, Ind. — if the county’s community foundation gets it right.
By Drew Lindsay
Senior Editor, Special Projects
Using Cardboard and Ingenuity to Help Kids in Need
The Adaptive Design Association is spreading its model of creating affordable, custom equipment that allows kids with disabilities to experience the joys of life and higher levels of independence.
By NICOLE WALLACE
Features Editor
Follow-Up Pitches Can Hurt Fundraising in the Long Run
Reminders can increase cash flow in the short term, but future revenue is lost as multiple pitches move people to click “unsubscribe,” according to a study.
By Alex Daniels
Senior Editor, Foundations
Fellow Billionaires: Let’s Listen to the Poor
The creator of 5-Hour Energy drinks urges his fellow philanthropists to measure results, not dollars spent, and to stop pretending that putting their names on buildings is an act of humanity.
By Manoj Bhargava
Contributor
Charity’s Co-Founder Risks Upending Her Successful Program
Kirsten Lodal, who helped launch the antipoverty group Lift while she was a college sophomore, says the group initially tried to be all things to all people but had better success after it narrowed its focus.
By NICOLE WALLACE
Features Editor
How Foundations Can Help Big Cities — Just Like Detroit’s Grand Bargain
Pension troubles could hobble some of America’s biggest urban areas, so philanthropies should step up to use their assets to help.
By HOWARD HUSOCK
Contributor
In Political Philanthropy, We Should All Fear the Dark
Jane Mayer’s book Dark Money, about Charles and David Koch, illustrates the tensions in both liberal and conservative giving, especially the importance of transparency.
By Benjamin Soskis
Contributor
Make the Most of a Fundraising Event to Honor a Departing Leader
Nonprofits can embarrass themselves and the person they’re trying to recognize if they don’t plan carefully.
By Debra E. Blum
Contributor
A Leader’s Fond Farewell Becomes a Fundraising Bonanza
Retirements of popular executives present opportunities to engage supporters, tout an organization’s accomplishments — and raise money.
By Debra E. Blum
Contributor
6 Steps to Implement an Alternative Admissions Policy at a Museum
The Museum of Photographic Arts in San Diego outlines the steps any museum can take to move beyond traditional admissions fees to alternatives like a pay-what-you-wish policy.
By Angela Venuti
Contributor
Museum’s ‘Pay What You Wish’ Admission Policy Pays Off
Revenue from admissions rose 20 percent and attendance rose 69 percent at the Museum of Photographic Arts in San Diego after guests were invited to decide the value of a visit.
By Megan O’Neil
Contributor