From Clay Howell, Director, Development, The Blood & Tissue Center Foundation
Last week, Adriana and I participated in the Association of Fundraising Professionals annual international conference. It was packed with information on the state of fundraising across the U.S. and globally. One study revealed that charitable giving in the U.S. in 2021 increased 2.7% over 2020 and did so with a 5.7% decline in donors. While there were fewer donors in 2021, repeat donors increased by 26%. Having a donor annually renew their commitment is critical to sustainable fundraising. Of even greater significance, were large major gift donors. While we know there are other influences, large major gift donors are the principle reason for higher charitable giving in 2020 and 2021.
As members of the Board of Directors for The Blood & Tissue Center Foundation, you play a substantial role in helping us connect with charitable members of the communities we serve. We cannot thank you enough for all your work. You carry the mission into our community, engage your friends, family and colleagues, and open doorways. At this very moment, board members are helping us connect with several prominent philanthropic families that might be inclined to make significant major gifts to the Foundation. There is no guarantee, but it presents unprecedented opportunity.
This entire year represents incredible opportunity. With the success of your support of The Foundation in the Valero Texas Open Champions fore Charity, the growing momentum of interest and support for the Red & White Ball, expanded efforts in grant writing and major gift solicitation, and the introduction of new ways of giving – like a planned or estate giving, The Foundation can help save more lives than ever.
Combined with our event fundraising, we are off to a good start with grant awards from the Elizabeth Huth Coates Foundation for $150,000, Betty Stieren Kelso Foundation for $26,388, and in-kind support from H-E-B for our younger blood donor iron supplement program.
You are the reason we succeed. Thank you.
