Thought Leadership

BWF is a recognized and respected thought leader in the philanthropic sector. We are constantly assessing the fundraising landscape and providing timely guidance and insights.

BWF is a recognized and respected thought leader in the philanthropic sector. We are constantly assessing the fundraising landscape and providing timely guidance and insights.

AI Fundraising Use Cases: Ways to Propel Your Giving Efforts

Ready to start using AI for fundraising? This guide explores common AI fundraising use cases and strategies to make the most of your innovative solutions.

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BWF and George Washington University Case Study

This partnership helped GWU evolve with the market, the changing needs of the donor base, and the complexity of their annual giving programs. The past three years of collaboration between GW and BWF have yielded exciting results.

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Prospect Development: Tips to Build a Smarter Donor Pipeline

This guide will help you enhance prospect development through donor qualification, ethical practices, and tech tips to boost your fundraising success.

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4 Innovations to Accelerate Healthcare Prospect Identification

In recent years, we’ve seen an emergence of innovations to identify new prospects for giving to healthcare. And while AI is one of them, it is not the only one. Studies of donor breadth of connection, community building, social norming, and psychometrics have all opened up new possibilities. BWF’s Josh Birkholz share tools and innovations that are here today.

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Philanthropy as a Strategic Revenue Stream

Philanthropy as a Strategic Revenue Stream: A Path to Financial Resilience in Uncertain Times

Across sectors—from higher education to healthcare to mission-driven nonprofits—leaders are looking for ways to close the growing revenue gaps. In a world of mounting complexity and volatility, resilience is no longer a luxury; it’s a strategic imperative. That’s why many organizations are shifting their mindset around philanthropy: from supplementary income to a core pillar of long-term financial health.

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The Impact, if Any, of Hybrid Work on Fundraising Performance

At the outbreak of COVID-19 in March of 2020, fundraising teams were confronted with empty offices and a sudden shift to Zoom meetings. Gift officers who had only ever met with donors face-to-face had to quickly transition their relationship building and solicitation to a video screen or phone. By 2024, it seemed hybrid working environments were here to stay. However, this new normal hadn’t been studied for its impact on fundraising. We decided to change that.

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Why Predictive AI in Fundraising Works Best with Human + Machine Collaboration

In today’s evolving philanthropic landscape, predictive AI has emerged as one of the most powerful opportunities to provide both scale and focus in fundraising. From predicting donor behavior to prioritizing outreach, from suggesting next-best-action to creating business simulations that align with a changing world, AI can transform how organizations build and sustain relationships with their supporters. Here are three key reasons why predictive AI is most effective when it can amplify human expertise and design thinking.

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This image shows a stethoscope on a desk in front of a healthcare professional.

Healthcare Fundraising: The 2025 Playbook for an Enhanced Experience

Healthcare fundraising is essential to continue delivering a high level of care and resources to your patients and community members. In this guide, we’ll cover strategies to improve your healthcare fundraising approach, better connect with donors, and serve your community more effectively.

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Back to the Future: Executive Decision-Making in the Age of Business Intelligence

As leaders, the question isn’t whether you want better outcomes, it’s whether your current approach to decision-making is built to deliver them. The future of your organization’s philanthropic success depends less on your technology and more on your ability to make consistently better decisions. And that is where data science and business intelligence come in.

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Building Donor Loyalty: Strategies for Long-Term Engagement

Loyal donors propel your nonprofit’s mission with reliable support. This guide offers tips for building donor loyalty and inspiring long-term commitment.

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