{"id":38287,"date":"2025-11-24T14:48:09","date_gmt":"2025-11-24T19:48:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/?p=38287"},"modified":"2025-11-24T14:56:27","modified_gmt":"2025-11-24T19:56:27","slug":"beyond-fundraising-building-nonprofit-strength-through-people-data-and-purpose","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/insights\/beyond-fundraising-building-nonprofit-strength-through-people-data-and-purpose\/","title":{"rendered":"Beyond Fundraising: Building Nonprofit Strength Through People, Data, and Purpose"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"block-hero alignfull  has-breadcrumb\">\n    <div class=\"outerwrap\">\n        <div class=\"wrapper\">\n            <div class=\"copy\">\n\n                                    <ul>\n                        <!-- Breadcrumb NavXT 7.0.2 -->\n<li><a property=\"item\" typeof=\"WebPage\" title=\"Go to Insights.\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/insights\/\" class=\"post post-page\" aria-current=\"page\"><span property=\"name\">Insights<\/span><\/a><meta property=\"position\" content=\"1\"><\/li>                    <\/ul>\n                \n                                    <h1>Beyond Fundraising: Building Nonprofit Strength Through People, Data, and Purpose<\/h1>\n                \n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"block-insights-detail \">\r\n\t<div class=\"intro\"><p>Last month, DHR Global hosted senior fundraising leaders from across the nonprofit industry to share how they are building organizational resilience, protecting mission impact, and driving sustainable growth during a period of intense uncertainty.<\/p>\n<p>Fundraising leaders Michele Walsh (UNICEF USA), Tina Yoon (The Nature Conservancy), Myrna Mulholland (St. Jude\u2019s Children\u2019s Research Hospital), and Jethro Miller (Jethro Miller &amp; Associates LLC) joined Sara Lundberg, Managing Partner of DHR Global\u2019s Nonprofit Practice, and co-hosts, Partners Michele Counter and Kris McFeely, to discuss what is working today and what must evolve as the sector builds its foundation for tomorrow.<\/p>\n<\/div>\t<div class=\"meta\">\r\n\t\t<p class=\"date\">November 24, 2025<\/p>\r\n\t\t<p class=\"type\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/insights\/#\/type\/nonprofit\">Nonprofit<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/insights\/#\/type\/insights\">Insights<\/a><\/p>\t\t<p class=\"author\">Authors:<\/p><ul><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/consultant\/sara-garlick-lundberg\/\">Sara Garlick Lundberg<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/consultant\/michele-counter\/\">Michele Counter<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/consultant\/kris-mcfeely\/\">Kris McFeely<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\t<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"is-style-underlined has-dark-blue-color has-text-color\"><strong>People and Trust Are the Core of Performance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Every organization rightly emphasizes its mission, but the most enduring results come from people. Fundraisers, leaders, and staff are not only the largest investment in a nonprofit\u2019s ecosystem, they are also the key differentiator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During the conversation, our fundraising leaders emphasized that visible leadership, transparency, and consistent communication influence morale, retention, and donor confidence. High-performing teams share similar traits: curiosity, resilience, and alignment to organizational priorities. These teams move faster, adapt better, and sustain impact over time.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"block-testimonial has-dark-blue-background-color alignfull alignfull\">\n\t<div class=\"maybe-wrapper\">\n        \n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>\u201cWhen people feel connected to the mission and to each other, they bring their best ideas forward\u2014and that\u2019s what drives real impact.\u201d<\/p><cite><strong>&#8211; Michele Walsh <\/strong><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p>Donor expectations are shifting as well. Funders are looking to partner and co-create the path forward. Organizations that demonstrate purpose, communicate clearly, and build trust deepen relationships and unlock meaningful investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"is-style-underlined has-dark-blue-color has-text-color\"><strong>A Smarter Approach to Data<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Data has always been central to fundraising, but how organizations use it is changing. Many are focusing more on multi-year planning models and syncing metrics across development, finance, and strategy functions to drive prioritization and transparency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Traditional KPIs and activity dashboards remain essential in the fundraising process. However, leaders have highlighted a shift toward \u201cmilestone metrics,\u201d which track the quality of outreach, movement through the pipeline, and conversion points across the donor journey. These measures provide a clearer picture of momentum, help prioritize portfolios, and inform coaching and resource allocation.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"block-testimonial has-dark-blue-background-color alignfull alignfull\">\n\t<div class=\"maybe-wrapper\">\n        \n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>\u201cData isn\u2019t just about numbers\u2014it\u2019s about insight. When we use it to understand behavior and anticipate needs, we can build stronger, more meaningful donor relationships.\u201d<\/p><cite><strong>&#8211; Tina Yoon<\/strong><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p>The strongest data cultures encourage curiosity, not criticism. When performance lags, top teams are asking: What did we learn? What changed? What adjustments are needed? That mindset drives accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"is-style-underlined has-dark-blue-color has-text-color\"><strong>Technology and AI: Efficiency Without Losing the Human Connection<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Technology is reshaping how development teams operate. AI supports donor research, portfolio management, and personalized outreach, which reduces administrative time and enables fundraisers to focus on meaningful conversations, strategic planning, and effective stewardship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Leaders agreed that AI should serve as a strategic partner, but as Myrna Mulholland shared, \u201cit can\u2019t replace the empathy and trust that comes from human connection.\u201d In fundraising, relationships will always matter most.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"block-testimonial has-dark-blue-background-color alignfull alignfull\">\n\t<div class=\"maybe-wrapper\">\n        \n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>\u201cAI can help us work smarter, but it can\u2019t replace the empathy and trust that comes from human connection.\u201d<\/p><cite><strong>&#8211; Myrna Mulholland<\/strong><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"is-style-underlined has-dark-blue-color has-text-color\"><strong>The Modern Fundraiser Mindset<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Today\u2019s most effective fundraisers share a few characteristics: they are curious, persistent, adaptable, and deeply aligned with the mission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The strongest growth still comes from existing donors. Fundraisers are prioritizing personalized communication, tailored engagement strategies, and data-backed storytelling that makes the impact clear. At the same time, building a diverse pipeline protects long-term sustainability and reduces reliance on a narrow donor base.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Retention matters as well. Experienced teams carry institutional knowledge and long-term donor relationships. When organizations invest in talent and culture, fundraising outcomes improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"is-style-underlined has-dark-blue-color has-text-color\"><strong>Donor Engagement in a Shifting Landscape<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Donors have become more selective, more informed, and more intentional about measurable outcomes. Many want an active role in shaping how impact is delivered, not just underwriting it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Flexible and unrestricted funding is becoming increasingly important for mission-driven work. It gives nonprofits the ability to innovate, respond quickly to change, and pursue emerging opportunities. Leaders acknowledged that it can be challenging to make the case for unrestricted support, particularly for smaller organizations, but the value is clear: it drives agility, stability, and greater long-term impact.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"block-testimonial has-dark-blue-background-color alignfull alignfull\">\n\t<div class=\"maybe-wrapper\">\n        \n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>\u201cUnrestricted funding is what gives nonprofits the freedom to innovate and respond to the unexpected. It\u2019s not just flexibility\u2014it\u2019s resilience.\u201d<\/p><cite><strong>&#8211; Jethro Miller<\/strong><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"is-style-underlined has-dark-blue-color has-text-color\"><strong>Culture, Connection, and Morale<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Connection still matters. Even in virtual and hybrid environments, in-person team time, retreats, and donor visits strengthen culture and reinforce shared purpose. Recognition and visibility also make an impact. Small moments of acknowledgment increase motivation, strengthen collaboration, and help teams stay engaged. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"is-style-underlined has-dark-blue-color has-text-color\"><strong>Looking Ahead<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The external environment will continue to shift, yet our fundraising leaders agreed that the fundamentals remain constant. Nonprofits that invest in people, build trust, and stay anchored in mission will not only withstand uncertainty, but they will also be positioned to grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At DHR Global, we see organizations rethinking what resilience looks like: smarter data, more intentional leadership, stronger donor partnerships, and teams empowered to do their best work. These are the nonprofits building impact that lasts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"is-style-underlined\">Featured Experts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-container-4 wp-block-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-container-1 wp-block-column\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Michele-Walsh.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-38289\" width=\"333\" height=\"466\"\/><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-container-2 wp-block-column\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Tina-Yoon.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-38290\" width=\"336\" height=\"471\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Tina-Yoon-213x300.png 213w, https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Tina-Yoon-320x450.png 320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 336px) 100vw, 336px\" \/><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-container-3 wp-block-column\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Myrna-Mulholland.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-38291\" width=\"333\" height=\"467\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Myrna-Mulholland.png 728w, https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Myrna-Mulholland-213x300.png 213w, https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Myrna-Mulholland-320x450.png 320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 333px) 100vw, 333px\" \/><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-container-7 wp-block-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-container-5 wp-block-column\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Jethro-Miller.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-38292\" width=\"335\" height=\"472\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Jethro-Miller.png 728w, https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Jethro-Miller-213x300.png 213w, https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Jethro-Miller-320x450.png 320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 335px) 100vw, 335px\" \/><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-container-6 wp-block-column\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Sara-Lundberg-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-38293\" width=\"339\" height=\"476\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Sara-Lundberg-1.png 728w, https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Sara-Lundberg-1-213x300.png 213w, https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Sara-Lundberg-1-320x450.png 320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 339px) 100vw, 339px\" \/><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>People and Trust Are the Core of Performance Every organization rightly emphasizes its mission, but the most enduring results come from people. Fundraisers, leaders, and staff are not only the largest investment in a nonprofit\u2019s ecosystem, they are also the&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":38329,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1,19],"tags":[167,74,166],"insights_type":[49],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38287"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/25"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=38287"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38287\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":38391,"href":"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38287\/revisions\/38391"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/38329"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=38287"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=38287"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=38287"},{"taxonomy":"insights_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/insights_type?post=38287"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}