Anticipated Trends for 2013

It’s not easy tracking what’s on the philanthropic horizon, especially when you are focused on the day to day concerns of running a philanthropic organization. Campbell & Company’s consultants have reviewed a number of year-end industry reports to identify trends that will help you plan for 2013 and beyond. 

The primary takeaways:

• Expect slow but steady growth that will track with the pace of the economy.
• Successful philanthropy will engage and retain donors via multi-channel communication strategies.
• The nonprofit world is shrinking but the need for donor support is still great.

Here’s how we break those down.

Slow and steady growth

Growth in the philanthropic sector is traditionally dependent on the health of the overall economy. The most recent recession was significant but we are beginning to see some light. According to Giving USA 2012, the philanthropic sector reported about 4 percent growth (0.9 percent in inflation-adjusted dollars) in charitable giving in 2011 from 2010.

Some sectors have experienced a stronger rebound than others. Giving USA reports increases of 7.6 percent in International Affairs, 2.5 percent in Human Services, 4.0 percent in Public-Society Benefit, and 4.0 percent in Education.

Many forecasts suggest a 2013 GDP growth of 2.3 percent. Given that philanthropy as a percentage of GDP generally amounts to 2.0 percent, the philanthropic sector could anticipate a similar modest growth as well.

Donors & technology

Donor retention is vital to the health of any nonprofit organization, and the best acquisition and retention numbers are coming from donors who are engaged in multiple channels of communication. By that we mean not only the traditional reach-outs by phone and direct mail, but more importantly via the web, email, text and social media outlets.

Fundraisers should also make sure their web presence translates effectively to mobile devices, since many potential donors are relying more on their smartphones for email and web browsing. Also of note: Razoo reports that fundraisers who employ videos on their sites and in their communications raise four times more funds than those who still rely on static photographs.

Fewer competitors

The nonprofit world is shrinking through consolidation, collaboration and closings. According to the Internal Revenue Service, the number of 501(c)(3) organizations decreased 15.6 percent from 2010 to 2011. That means that there are fewer not for profits competing for donors’ attention. However, the need for donor support is still great and with 1.1 million nonprofits and shrinking government support, fundraising professionals must find opportunities to constantly strengthen relationships with their donors, communicate with their organization’s constituents and reaffirm mission and program plans.

We will be commenting on these trends throughout the year. Please feel free to add any trends that you predict for 2013 below.  We welcome your comments.

CDO Confidential: What CDOs Want You to Know About Retention - Upcoming Webinar

Nonprofit chief development officers (CDOs) play a crucial role at their organizations and institutions, driving fundraising growth and philanthropic support, stewarding the board members, helping define organizational strategy, advising the Head, and shaping a range of policies.

On Wednesday, April 24, at 12:00 PM CST Andrew Smerczak-Zorza, Consultant, Executive Search will present qualitative and quantitative findings from a nation-wide survey regarding chief development officer retention conducted by Campbell & Company. Mr. Smerczak-Zorza will lead a panel discussion regarding the results of the survey, as well as panelists’ experiences at their current and past organizations.

Register for the CDO Confidential webinar.

About Campbell & Company

Campbell & Company is a national consulting firm offering advancement planning, fundraising, marketing communications and executive search services to nonprofit organizations in nearly every sector. Through thirty-six years and more than a thousand engagements, we have helped our clients anticipate and manage the challenges of the philanthropic marketplace. Our offices are located in Chicago, Boston, Portland, Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area and Washington, DC. For more information, please call toll-free (877) 957-0000, email info@campbellcompany.com or visit www.campbellcompany.com.

Effective Strategies for Case Development: Upcoming Webinar

Got a case for support that you’d like to take to the next level?

Join Campbell & Company’s Andrew Brommel, Director of Communications Consulting on Wednesday, March 13 at 12:00 PM CST as he takes a close look at some of the most common challenges that organizations face in developing and refining their philanthropic messages.

This session builds on the ideas introduced in our Case Development 101 webinar to go deeper on some of the most common challenges that organizations face in developing and refining their philanthropic messages.

Register for the Case Development 201 webinar.

About Campbell & Company

Campbell & Company is a national consulting firm offering advancement planning, fundraising, marketing communications and executive search services to nonprofit organizations in nearly every sector. 

Through thirty-six years and more than a thousand engagements, we have helped our clients anticipate and manage the challenges of the philanthropic marketplace. Our offices are located in Chicago, Boston, Portland, Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area and Washington, DC.

For more information, please call toll-free (877) 957-0000, email info@campbellcompany.com or visit www.campbellcompany.com.

Simple Guide to the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012

After months of debate regarding tax rates and other budget issues that could measurably affect philanthropy, Congress passed the American Taxpayer Relief Act (ATRA) on January 1, 2013. The bill resolves, for now, several issues affecting charitable giving, and in ways that appear favorable to philanthropy overall.

Congress will continue the debate about the budget, and issues affecting the charitable deduction may resurface. But ATRA imposes no major limitations on charitable deductions or caps on deductions. By making most of the Bush tax cuts permanent and by resolving gift and estate tax rates in a favorable manner, donors can consider charitable giving in relation to financial planning with confidence. In addition, by extending the IRA Rollover provision for 2012 and 2013, new opportunities for charitable giving are presented.

“As the dialogue about tax rates and deductions unfolded, nonprofit leaders across the country voiced their opinions regarding the value of the charitable deduction,” Campbell & Company President and CEO Peter J. Fissinger says. “The ATRA reflects the nonprofit sector’s advocacy, and acknowledges the importance of philanthropy to maintaining the critical services offered by nonprofit organizations across the country.”

Now that tax rates and the deductibility of gifts have been resolved, it is important for nonprofits to understand those provisions of ATRA that impact philanthropy and explain them to donors. “Many donors will have questions and doubts,” Fissinger says. We should work hard to let them know how ATRA works to extend most aspects of charitable deductions.”

Below, we summarize the most important takeaways more fully.

Itemized Deduction Limits
During final negotiations, lawmakers agreed not to impose a cap of 28%, or a hard dollar cap, on itemized deductions or other major limits on tax savings from charitable gifts.

Pease Amendment
While ATRA retains the charitable deduction, it reinstates an esoteric Clinton-era provision known as the Pease Amendment. Under this provision:

• Itemized deductions will be reduced by 3% of a taxpayer’s income above a specified threshold: $250,000 for individuals or $300,000 for married couples. In other words, a couple earning $400,000 per year ($100,000 over the $300,000 threshold) could see the value of its itemized deductions reduced by $3,000, and a couple earning $1.3 million per year ($1 million above the $300,000 threshold) could see the value of its itemized deductions reduced by $30,000. 

The Pease Amendment may impact the cost of large gifts made by very wealthy donors.  History suggests the overall impact on philanthropy will be relatively small.

Gift and Estate Taxes

• The $5 million exemption amount (with indexed increases) for gift and estate taxes is now permanent. The IRS is expected to announce an exclusion amount of around $5.25 million for 2013. 
• The top rate for gift and estate taxes is 40%.

IRA Rollover
Since 2006, IRA owners age 70½ and older have been able to make a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) up to $100,000 each year. ATRA extends and expands this option for 2012 and 2013 in multiple ways. 

• For individuals who made QCDs directly from their IRA custodian to charities in 2012, with the hope that the law would be extended and made retroactive: These QCDs are now qualified retroactive to January 1, 2012. 
• For individuals who did not make a QCD in 2012, there is now an opportunity to do so during January of 2013. Donors who make a QCD in January 2013 are eligible to make a second QCD in the remaining 11 months of 2013. 
• For individuals who had hoped to make a QCD in 2012 but instead received their required minimum distribution (RMD) in December, this new legislation offers an opportunity to transfer those funds to charity during January of 2013 without reporting the IRA distribution as income. With ATRA the December 2012 RMD can be converted to a January QCD that qualifies for 2012. 

This is a great opportunity to receive additional cash gifts this January. This incentive ends on January 31, making it important for nonprofits to move quickly to reach out to potential donors who received a December RMD and inform them about the opportunity to make a January cash gift, with significant tax benefits. 
If a donor chooses to take advantage of this opportunity, you will want to send a letter of confirmation that the donor is electing the QCD. 

Income Tax Rates

• Individuals with higher incomes are now facing larger taxes. The existing tax brackets of 10%, 15%, 25%, 28%, 33% and 35% will be extended, but there is a new 39.6% bracket for married persons with $450,000 of taxable income, heads of household with $425,000 of taxable income and single persons with $400,000 of taxable income. 
• High-income donors may make larger gifts in 2013. The tax savings from a charitable gift for individuals with state and federal tax brackets from 40% to 46% are now increased. 

 Capital Gains Tax Rates

• For the majority of taxpayers, the current capital gains rates will be extended: 0% for those in the 10% and 15% bracket and 15% for those in higher brackets. 
• Individuals in the 39.6% tax bracket will have a 20% capital gains rate. They will also be subject to the 3.8% Medicare tax making the capital gains rate for upper-income persons (married persons with $450,000 of taxable income, heads of household with $425,000 of taxable income and single persons with $400,000 of taxable income) 23.8%.

Conclusion
Though other Congressional showdowns loom—particularly over spending cuts that could impact nonprofits’ funding and work—the first hurdle has been cleared, and the American Taxpayer Relief Act is generally kind toward philanthropic giving. This is an opportune time to engage in conversation with your donors.  

• Although the higher marginal tax rates reduce disposable income for upper-income taxpayers this may be offset by the opportunity to deduct charitable gifts at the full bracket percentage.
• The extension of the IRA Rollover will continue to be an attractive giving incentive for some individuals with a special opportunity in January to increase giving in 2013. 
• Because the gift and estate tax rates and exemptions have been made permanent, nonprofits will now be able to have substantive discussions with donors about their charitable bequests.

At least for now, nonprofit leaders have a clear set of favorable outcomes. It is time to begin new conversations with top donors. 

About Campbell & Company
Campbell & Company is a national consulting firm offering advancement planning, fundraising, marketing communications and executive search services to nonprofit organizations in nearly every sector. 

Through thirty-six years and more than a thousand engagements, we have helped our clients anticipate and manage the challenges of the philanthropic marketplace. Our offices are located in Chicago, Boston, Portland, Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area and Washington, DC.

For more information, please call toll-free (877) 957-0000, email info@campbellcompany.com or visit www.campbellcompany.com.

Inspired by #GivingTuesday Stories, Campbell & Company Gives Back

“What we spend, we lose. What we keep will be left for others. What we give away will be ours forever,” stated David McGee, pastor, author, musician.

These are the words that come to mind as we enter the hoiday season. It was in this spirit that not long ago we asked you to share your story of #GivingTuesday: a day that celebrates and encourages charitable activities that support nonprofit organizations. In celebration of #GivingTuesday, Campbell & Company requested submissions from people, asking to share how they contributed on the first official day of giving in the history of the United States. Campbell & Company pledged to donate 25 dollars to three charities representing three diverse missions. We were delighted to hear so many caring stories come our way from all corners of the nation. Your stories varied from supporting animal life in Rwanda and helping local Salvation Army efforts to backing social causes and promoting philanthropy by hosting events. Whether it was a donation to the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project made by Sally Zelonis, Barbara Linek’s time dedicated to plan a retreat for a group of Christians, or gift cards from Six Degrees so all of Susan McLaughlin’s family members could donate to their charity of choice, we applaud and thank you for your time and generosity. Campbell & Company donated $25 to each of the following organizations:	Barbara Linek Susan McLaughlin
• Family Bridges • Huntingdon County Humane Society • Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project	Sally Zelonis

About Campbell & Company

Campbell & Company is a national consulting firm offering advancement planning, fundraising, marketing communications and executive search services to nonprofit organizations in nearly every sector.

Through thirty-six years and more than a thousand engagements, we have helped our clients anticipate and manage the challenges of the philanthropic marketplace. Our offices are located in Chicago, Boston, Portland, Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area and Washington, DC. For more information, please call toll-free (877) 957-0000, email info@campbellcompany.com or visit www.campbellcompany.com.

The Federal Budget Debate: What You Need to Know and What You Can Do

As Congressional Republicans and the Obama Administration continue negotiations over the best ways to both reduce the federal deficit and place the U.S. on a long-term path of sustainable growth, positions on raising tax rates and reducing tax deductions for wealthy households shift regularly. Nevertheless, while the evolving debate can be difficult to follow, it is one that nonprofit leaders must not only be aware of, but contribute to—especially as lawmakers move closer to a final deal.

Since 1976, Campbell & Company has worked with thousands of nonprofit organizations to navigate the philanthropic marketplace, including in challenging economic situations. In addition to our on-the-ground experience, we are a founding member of and active participant in the Giving Institute, which produces the annual Giving USA report on philanthropy, and have sponsored a report by the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University on the impact of proposed tax policy changes on itemized charitable giving.

In this article, we draw on both our experience and our expertise to provide the key information nonprofit leaders need to know to become a part of the discussion over the federal budget. After summarizing competing positions on tax rates and deductions, we explore their implications for philanthropy and suggest key steps you can take to prepare for potential policy changes.

What Could Happen?

In a shift from his earlier position, President Obama recently announced that he does not support any limit on charitable deductions in an attempt to raise revenue. Prior to this position, the President was in favor of capping charitable deductions at 28 percent. Additionally, the Obama Administration proposes to allow the Bush-era tax cuts to expire on incomes greater than $200,000 (250,000 for families), effectively raising top rates from 35 percent to 39.6 percent; according to the Congressional Budget Office, this could increase revenue by more than $820 billion over the next decade.

Congressional Republicans have held that a plan limiting all deductions—including healthcare, mortgage, state and local taxes, and charitable giving—and closing tax loopholes could save $800 billion over the same period. The GOP has cited three policy options from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget(CFRB), a bipartisan nonprofit organization:

• Limiting deductions to $25,000 for high earners: Under this option, individuals making more than $200,000 and families making more than $250,000 per year could not deduct more than $25,000 each year. A more progressive variant of this proposal would allow individuals making between $200,000 ($250,000 for families) and $400,000 ($500,000 for families) to completely deduct expenses up to $25,000 and partially deduct additional expenses over that limit. Individuals making more than $400,000 (or families making more than $500,000) would not be able to claim any partial deductions.
   
• Limiting after-tax value of high earners’ tax expenditures: A second option would limit the value, after taxes, of all tax expenditures, including deductions, tax exemptions and tax credits. (The CRFB cites examples including “all itemized deductions, the child tax credit and exclusion for employer-provided health insurance.”)
   
• Limiting expenditure values for the 28 percent bracket: The final option in the CRFB paper would limit the value of certain tax expenditures, again including deductions, credits and exemptions, for individuals and families in the 28 percent tax bracket. Individuals and families in higher tax brackets would have progressively lower limits to expenditures, and those with an annual income of $1 million or more unable to receive any value from expenditures.

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

  
  
  

Most importantly, nonprofit leaders need to remember that donors give, first and foremost, because of their generosity. A variety of economic and social science research has shown that charitable intent—not tax considerations—are the primary drivers of philanthropic support, and regardless of policy changes, the large majority of donors will continue to support the causes closest to them.How could this affect giving?

At the same time, tax policy affects the amount of philanthropy that even the most generous donors are able to contribute. The national average for all deductions exceeds $26,000, and proposed limits may leave some donors unable to deduct all or part of their gifts. According to the 2011 Center on Philanthropy study that Campbell & Company sponsored, capping itemized deductions at 28 percent for top earners would cause a $0.82 billion decline in charitable giving in the first year and a $1.31 billion decline in the second.

In addition, overall tax rates impact charitable giving, particularly since upper-income households provide a disproportionate amount of individual charitable gifts. According to Giving USA, aggregate individual giving closely tracks disposable personal income, which could be affected by increased marginal tax rates. The Center on Philanthropy’s analysis found that allowing the Bush tax cuts to expire for high earners could decrease itemized charitable deductions by $1.69 billion in the second year.

Finally, it is important to keep the overall economic picture in mind. Giving USA has consistently found that aggregate philanthropy hovers around 2 percent of GDP, and regardless of tax policy, a growing economy should increase disposable income and therefore charitable giving. This suggests that policies placing the U.S. on a path of economic growth will be critical to philanthropic giving and the long-term strength of the nonprofit sector.       

What can I do?

This is a unique partnership between philanthropy and public policy, and it presents an opportunity for nonprofit organizations to engage in dialogue with their board members, donors, community and Congressional representatives. We’ve provided you with some easy steps to take to add your voice to the evolving conversation:

• Communicate with your donors about these issues now, advising them not to panic, reminding them of the reasons they support your organization, and discussing their opportunities to give this year. Top donors should also be encouraged to contact their financial advisers.

• Explain to your staff, donors and volunteers the opportunity and importance of participating in the dialogue, both in your community and with your elected representatives.
   
• Contact your U.S. Representatives and U.S. Senators and ask them to support nonprofits and communities by protecting the charitable giving incentive.

Above all else, we urge nonprofits to ask significant donors for gifts before the end of the year and begin longer-term conversations with board members and other leading donors about proposed changes to the tax policy and their effect on their giving. We also urge them to actively participate in the ongoing debate and ensure that it accounts for nonprofit organizations and charitable giving.

Resources

www.GiveVoice.org provides a great resource for finding your U.S. Representatives and U.S. Senators

Chronicle of Philanthropy

About Campbell & Company

Campbell & Company is a national consulting firm offering advancement planning, fundraising, marketing communications and executive search services to nonprofit organizations in nearly every sector. 

Through thirty-six years and more than a thousand engagements, we have helped our clients anticipate and manage the challenges of the philanthropic marketplace. Our offices are located in Chicago, Boston, Portland, Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area and Washington, DC. For more information, please call toll-free (877) 957-0000, email info@campbellcompany.com or visitwww.campbellcompany.com.

The Two Year Itch: Questions about CDO Tenure

In the past decade, according to the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the average tenure of nonprofit Chief Development Officers (CDOs) has shortened to about two to three years. Nonprofit human resources and executive search professionals have grown increasingly curious about why this has been happening. Some have suggested that this presents organizations with problems; however, we could be seeing a trend that will require nonprofits to evolve.   

My colleagues in Executive Search and I are undertaking a focused project to explore this question, including a broad-based survey of nonprofit CEOs and CDOs and an extensive review of corporate models for optimal tenures of C-Suite executives. Along the way, we welcome insights from our friends in the development world. Please feel free to leave your comments and ideas down below.

An Organizational Challenge?

Many development professionals spend two to three years in a position before moving on to assume progressively greater fundraising responsibilities. The CDO position has often been construed as the highest-level development role; however, as this table from the Chronicle of Philanthropy shows, CDOs assume significant strategic responsibilities beyond fundraising. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some see the CDO position as too large of a step from prior development roles, and cite a variety of potential issues with this model, including unreasonable expectations, inadequate support from leaders and Boards, and insufficient recognition 

If this is the case, then the question becomes how to better “care and feed” for CDOs to ensure that they can remain with organizations for longer periods of time.

An Emergent Trend?

But perhaps we should not assume that this is a problem. Nonprofit development professionals may be telling us two to three years is ideal for CDOs. If so, we need to determine how to maximize CDOs’ time in the position and to ensure that nonprofits are prepared for quicker turnover.

We hope that our research will help illuminate these questions.  We will be continuing this conversation through:

2013 AFP International Conference
Campbell & Company Webinar
Published articles following the conference and webinar

If you have questions concerning this topic, please contact me at marian.deberry@campbellcompany.com.

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Marian Alexander DeBerry is the Director of Executive Search at Campbell & Company and has more than 14 years of search experience in the nonprofit and corporate sectors.

The Future of the Arts: Sustainability and Resiliency

In the world of memes, mashups, popups and flash mobs, is there still a place for the traditional cultural arts? A panel convened to discuss that for Campbell & Company’s recent webinar, The Future of the Arts: Strategies for Sustainability. Joining the discussion were Robert Alpaugh, Senior Consultant at Campbell & Company; Carroll Joynes, Co-Founder and Director of the Cultural Policy Center, Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago; and Ben Cameron, Program Director of the Arts at the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.

Campbell & Company Helps “Get Out the Give” As Part of #GivingTuesday

It is giving season and for the first time in the history of U.S. philanthropy, Tuesday, November 27 is announced as the day to volunteer and give!

Campbell & Company is part of the inaugural #GivingTuesday, a nationwide movement that harnesses the power of a unique blend of partners—charities, families, businesses and individuals—to transform how people think about, talk about and participate in the giving season.

“As we approach the holiday season, our firm is grateful for the many client organizations, donors and volunteers with whom we work,” says Peter Fissinger, President and CEO at Campbell & Company. “#GivingTuesday is a great opportunity for us to express our gratitude by supporting the organizations with which we are involved.”

#GivingTuesday has already inspired over 1,400 organizations and people in all 50 U.S. states and around the world to take collaborative action. Each aims to improve their local communities and give back in better, smarter ways to the charities and causes they support and help create a better world.

Scheduled for November 27, 2012 – the Tuesday after Thanksgiving – and the day after the famed “Black Friday and “Cyber Monday” shopping days, #GivingTuesday will leverage the power of social media to create an opening day for giving.

From pilots to teachers, parents to celebrities, #GivingTuesday inspires and unites to give.

“Imagine if #GivingTuesday was celebrated every Tuesday, and not just a single day in November!” says Dirk Sellers, Vice President at Campbell & Company.  “Think of all the challenges we might finally solve if charitable giving and volunteerism became routine.”

“As we are bombarded with the annual frenzy of calls to buy more and more stuff, #GivingTuesday provides us with both a reminder and an opportunity to embrace the season with the spirit of joyful giving and gratitude that the end-of-year holidays are meant to represent,” states Jeff Wilklow, Vice President, Campbell & Company.

Members of Campbell & Company have made their commitment for the giving season.

“As we contemplate our role in the larger society, every one of us who has the capacity to give, should give,” says Robert Alpaugh, Senior Consultant at Campbell & Company. “I am personally committed to hunger relief, AIDS/HIV education and awareness and the arts. I serve on an arts Board and find that very rewarding. Giving of my time and my money is a fulfilling and necessary endeavor,” shares Alpaugh. “I encourage everyone who can, do make a personal commitment to give and give generously. It will give you joy.”

Although selfless giving has been rooted in the Thanksgiving tradition, generosity has a boomerang effect. “We think that giving is for the receiver; it is as much for the giver,” says Marian Deberry, Director, Executive Search at Campbell & Company.

How are you giving back this #GivingTuesday? Share with us how you are giving back and your charity of choice will be eligible to receive $25 donation from Campbell & Company! Click here to submit. 

About #GivingTuesday

#GivingTuesday is a movement to celebrate and provide incentives to give. It will culminate with a national day of giving on November 27, 2012. This first-of-its-kind effort harnesses the collective power of a unique blend of partners— charities, families, businesses and individuals—to transform how people think about, talk about and participate in the giving season.  #GivingTuesday will inspire people to take collaborative action to improve their local communities, give back in better, smarter ways to the charities and causes they celebrate and help create a better world. #GivingTuesday will harness the power of social media to create a national moment around the holidays that is dedicated to giving, similar to how Black Friday and Cyber Monday have become days that are synonymous with holiday shopping.

A team of recognized experts and influencers, initially convened by leaders of 92nd Street Y and supported by a core group of founding partners, are spearheading this effort. Founding partners include United Nations Foundation, DonorsChoose.org, Mashable, Blackbaud, charity: water, GlobalGiving, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), Kiva, Darden Restaurant Group, Groupon, Unilever, United Way, The Case Foundation and VentureThree Capital. Leaders in philanthropy, social media, innovative giving, grassroots organizing, marketing and communications are providing counsel and resources to help build this movement.

To learn more about #GivingTuesday participants and activities or to join the celebration of giving, please visit:

Website: www.givingtuesday.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/GivingTuesday
Twitter: twitter.com/GivingTues

About Campbell & Company

Campbell & Company is a national consulting firm offering advancement planning, fundraising, marketing communications and executive search services to nonprofit organizations in nearly every sector.

Through thirty-six years and more than a thousand engagements, we have helped our clients anticipate and manage the challenges of the philanthropic marketplace. Our offices are located in Chicago, Boston, Portland, Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area and Washington, DC. For more information, please call toll-free (877) 957-0000, email info@campbellcompany.com or visit www.campbellcompany.com.

Edith Falk Quoted in Crain’s Chicago on Board Diversity

Diversity, or rather the lack of, on nonprofit boards has been and remains a serious issue.  Too many nonprofits are represented by predominantly white male professionals.

Edith Falk, Chair of Campbell & Company, recently shared her view on diversity and the boardroom with Crain’s Chicago. “What happens on so many boards is that they recruit people who look like themselves—that's their circle of friends,” says Edith Falk, Chair of Campbell & Company.  With such homogenous recruiting, “you're not getting the rich conversation that you would if you had” a more diverse group, she says.

Some argue the minority, female candidates are already taken. In many instances, the same high ranking professionals serve on several boards. Crain’s Chicago Business gives the issue a close look by sitting down with a number of industry leaders. Among them is Campbell & Company’s Chair Edith Falk who warns against tokenism.

Click here to read "Why white men still dominate nonprofit boards."

About Campbell & Company

Campbell & Company is a national consulting firm offering advancement planning, fundraising, marketing communications and executive search services to nonprofit organizations in nearly every sector. Through thirty-six years and more than a thousand engagements, we have helped our clients anticipate and manage the challenges of the philanthropic marketplace. Our offices are located in Chicago, Boston, Portland, Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area and Washington, DC. For more information, please call toll-free (877) 957-0000, email info@campbellcompany.com or visit www.campbellcompany.com.