Welcome back to The Carter Connection,

an e-newsletter for nonprofit professionals.

Before we get into this issue, we want to take the opportunity to remind you of the incredible power of what you do every day. You provide hope. In times that feel divisive and uncertain, hope is a connector; hope brings people peace. You and your work restore faith in communities and in each other.

It’s a big responsibility, but you are up for the task!

On that note, let's get into this issue of The Carter Connection. Below, you'll find resources and guidance to support your work, a look at our new website, celebrations of some of our partners who are doing remarkable things, and upcoming opportunities to connect in person. We hope you find this edition insightful, helpful, and hopeful.

Thank you for following along and for your commitment to philanthropy and to making the world a better place. 

Sincerely,

Bob Carter & Steve Higgins

Bob Carter, CFRE, Chairman

Steve Higgins, CFRE, President & CEO

Carter Crystal Ball: Predictions for Philanthropy in 2026

Back by popular demand, Bob Carter, CFRE - Chairman and Steve Higgins, CFRE - President & CEO broke out their mostly trusty and somewhat foggy crystal ball to share their predictions for the nonprofit sector in 2026.

In this post, Bob and Steve share conversation starters, opinions, and predictions for the world of philanthropy in the year ahead, along with practical tips for navigating potential change. As the philanthropic sector looks ahead to the remainder of the year, organizations that invest in people, relationships, and thoughtful innovation will be best positioned to thrive.

The Campaign for Great Futures

Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Baltimore (BGCMB) received an incredible philanthropic commitment that enabled them to prepare for and launch a major campaign to build additional clubs and transform the organization.

Carter began working with BGCMB to complete a campaign planning study to build a campaign around this extraordinary opportunity. Recognizing that the development program needed to be strengthened in order to maximize campaign results, Carter also conducted an audit of the organization’s internal development function.

BGCMB achieved its ambitious campaign goal of $44 million, allowing the organization to: construct a brand-new 30,000-sq-ft recreational facility and club in West Baltimore, the Baltimore Ravens Boys & Girls Club at Hilton Recreation Center; plan a new club on the Eastern Shore set to open in Fall 2026 to serve 1,500+ youth; and fund their first-ever endowment. Learn More

Ignite Connection: Transforming Passive Participants into Passionate Partners

In their decades of working alongside organizations to create stronger cultures of philanthropy and raise more major gifts, Managing Director Kerry Bartlett, MBA, CFRE, and Director of Marketing and Communications Becky Brandt embrace the process of helping close stakeholders discover the deeper meaning and power of their organization’s core values and brand.

In this blog post, Kerry and Becky share examples of ways guided values and branding discussions can lead to elevated philanthropic commitment and greater impact.