Insights
Explore practical tools, guidance, resources, and reflections on the topics that are top-of-mind for nonprofit leaders and fundraisers.
Featured Insights
AI in Fundraising
Elevate your nonprofit's fundraising strategies with artificial intelligence (AI)! CCS's newest thought leadership provides valuable insights, strategies, and tools to propel your organization and achieve…
2025 Philanthropic Landscape, 14th Edition
This report provides a comprehensive look at the current state of U.S. philanthropy, compiling and analyzing annual data from Giving USA and other prominent research…
CCS helps nonprofits plan and implement transformational development programs.
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Arts & Culture Fundraising in Practice: Findings from 2026 Pulse Survey
Of 618 organizations participating in the 2026 Philanthropy Pulse survey in late 2025, 89 self-identified as belonging to the Arts & Culture sector. Their responses provide insight into how leaders are balancing revenue stability, in-person engagement strategies, board expectations, and external funding pressures as the environment continues to change.
Faith-Based Fundraising in Practice: Findings from the 2026 Pulse Survey
Of 618 organizations participating in the 2026 Philanthropy Pulse survey in late 2025, 48 self-identified as belonging to the Faith sector. Their responses provide insight into how institutions are reinforcing donor loyalty and operational discipline while directing resources toward mission work and long-term sustainability.
Primary & Secondary School Fundraising in Practice: Findings from the 2026 Pulse Survey
Of 618 organizations participating in the 2026 Philanthropy Pulse survey in late 2025, 85 self-identified as belonging to the Primary & Secondary School sector. Their responses provide insight into how schools are focusing on operating support, steady donor relationships, and thoughtful planning as funding expectations and staffing needs change.
Human Services Fundraising in Practice: Findings from the 2026 Pulse Survey
Of 618 organizations participating in the 2026 Philanthropy Pulse survey in late 2025, 130 self-identified as belonging to the Human Services sector. Their responses provide insight into how organizations are balancing urgent appeals, donor retention, and shifting government funding expectations while positioning for greater stability in the year ahead.
Higher Education Fundraising in Practice: Findings from the 2026 Pulse Survey
Of 618 organizations participating in the 2026 Philanthropy Pulse survey in late 2025, 56 self-identified as belonging to the Higher Education sector. Their responses provide insight into how institutions are managing performance through activity-based metrics, strengthening alumni-driven giving, and investing in technology and systems to support fundraising growth.
Health Fundraising in Practice: Findings from the 2026 Pulse Survey
Of 618 organizations participating in the 2026 Philanthropy Pulse survey in late 2025, 52 self-identified as belonging to the Health sector. Their responses provide insight into how organizations are balancing major gift performance, revenue mix, donor acquisition, and retention as expectations around efficiency and engagement evolve.
Philanthropy Outlook Webinar
Produced in partnership with the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, the Philanthropy Outlook 2026–2027 delivers a research-driven forecast of giving trends. In this webinar, CCS experts translate the data into strategic guidance for resilient fundraising.
From Gap to Growth Through Interim Development Leadership
Leadership transitions are inevitable in every nonprofit. But what if they could be moments of growth rather than disruption?