DECEMBER 2021 E-NEWSLETTER |
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Still grappling with the challenges 2020 brought, we entered 2021 cautiously optimistic. Who knew, now nearly two years later, that we’d still be adapting to – and facing new challenges – brought on by a myriad of issues, including the COVID-19 pandemic, society’s reckonings with racial and social justice, the fluctuating economy, and more. Despite the uncertainty that continues today, 2021 was overall a year of incredible growth, achievement, and impact here at Orr Group.
Most notably, we celebrated our 30th anniversary. Since our beginnings in 1991, we’ve grown exponentially to become a leader in the nonprofit sector and partner to now over 1,000 nonprofits across the country and globally. In celebration of this milestone achievement, we launched two video series – our “Cor(r)e Values” series which featured reflections from members of our senior leadership team on the firm’s core values, and a second ongoing series, “Partner Perspectives”, which highlight our partners’ leadership, their perspectives on the nonprofit sector, and the impact collaborating with Orr Group has had on their missions.
In addition to our 30th-anniversary celebrations, our team nearly doubled in size, and we welcomed close to 40 new strategists, fundraisers, and innovators in philanthropy to our ranks. Heading into 2022, we’re continuing to expand our team of outstanding and energized talent at all levels. Over the past year, our team members partnered with nearly 100 nonprofit organizations, representing diverse missions across the globe to amplify their impact. Our work spanned from executing transformational fundraising campaigns of all sizes, hybrid fundraising events, outsourced HR and recruitment support, transforming boards, and designing comprehensive strategies that set our partners up for long-term, sustainable success.
Of the many trends that emerged in philanthropy this year, we kept our fingers on the pulse. We saw transformational giving, mega-philanthropy, and collaborative, trust-based giving practices take the sector by storm as donors were inspired to meet the most pressing needs of the moment. We leaned into the emerging focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) in the nonprofit sector as well as the opportunity for organizations to accept cryptocurrency as a donation strategy and the importance of being financially literate as a fundraiser. Diversity, equity, and inclusion in philanthropy and the workplace continued to be top of mind this year and we shared our perspectives on donor ethics and funder policies, as well as the importance of pay equity and transparency and engaging in the dialogue on race. Additionally, in the face of the so-called “Great Resignation”, we challenged organizations to apply their fundraising skills to talent recruitment and retention and explore the benefits of outsourcing. And in a year that continued to challenge the sector and shift the way we approach philanthropy, we discussed the impact of hybrid events as a revenue driver, steps for transforming your board successfully, and last but certainly not least, our series on "Leading the Business of Philanthropy".
As we reflect on this past year and the past 30 years, and now look ahead to the next 30, we remain driven by our mission of improving the world we live in. We’re honored to work alongside the biggest disruptors, change-makers, and social innovators in the sector and we’re committed to continuing to support our partners and their missions. As we head into our next decade, we look forward to continuing to transform and define what it means to be in the business of philanthropy.
Thank you for following us along in our journey. Wishing you happiness and health in 2022!
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Nobody predicted the pandemic, but crises or catastrophes of one sort or another are inevitable. With a nimble mindset, nonprofit leaders can prepare for the inevitable next crisis, whatever it is, and institute a culture of resilience so that systems remain functional during and beyond unexpected events that the universe throws our way.
In the second essay of our "Leading the Business of Philanthropy" series, Managing Partner, Steve Orr applies Orr Group's business mindset to offer five crisis-management recommendations that will help organizations thrive in the face of disaster. |
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At Orr Group, we stay curious and are always hungry to learn more. Beyond conversations with our teammates and partners, we often turn to books to help us better understand and improve the world we live in. As 2021 comes to a close, our Senior Leadership Team has shared some of their favorite reads they’ve enjoyed over the past year. Check out their recommendations using the link below. 👇 |
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(01/06/22) The Giving Block's Partner Webinar Series, "Talking to Boards about Crypto" |
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- How to explain cryptocurrency and Crypto Philanthropy to board members.
- Crypto Philanthropy and its role in board development.
- Cryptocurrency’s role in capital campaigns, major gift programs, and more.
- Young professionals boards and cryptocurrencies.
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(01/27/22) Orr Group TALKS Crypto Philanthropy and Donations |
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Introducing our 30th Anniversary "Partner Perspectives" series!
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As we continue to celebrate 30 years in the business of philanthropy, we've recently launched our “Partner Perspectives” series featuring reflections and insights from several of our partners on leadership, lessons learned in philanthropy, and how the unique value add of working with Orr Group has helped them to achieve their goals.
Listen to our first two conversations below, and stay tuned for more in 2022!
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Earlier this month, Steve was featured in iHeartMedia DC's "CEOs You Should Know" podcast segment. In his interview, Steve explains what it means to approach philanthropy from a business mindset and shares how Orr Group was founded, what the firm has believed in over the past 30 years, and our vision for the future.
Learn more and hear the full interview by clicking the link below.
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On December 8th, Vice President, Tisha Hyter was interviewed on LadyLike's "December PowHER Hour, Black Women Rise". Tisha joined EmpowHERment Lead Shekinah Young to share her journey as a leader in philanthropy, reflect on 2021, and look forward to 2022. LadyLike is an initiative to inspire and empower African American women in Tisha's hometown across the greater Des Moines, Iowa area. To hear Tisha's words of wisdom, click the link below! |
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Associate Director, Indiana Thompson was elected to AFP-NYC's 2022 Emerging Leaders Committee |
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Congratulations, Indiana!
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NEW TEAM MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS |
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ORR GROUP PARTNER SPOTLIGHT |
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We're teaming up with National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) to design and implement a robust fundraising strategy as the organization prepares to launch a new strategic plan. Our team is assessing NFHA’s current state and the resources it needs to grow fundraising and will develop a strategic and actionable roadmap to help the organization achieve its ambitious philanthropic goals. Orr Group is excited to partner with NFHA on this project to amplify its mission of eliminating housing discrimination and achieving equitable opportunities for all! |
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Join our team of passionate, vibrant, and motivated nonprofit professionals! Orr Group is continuing to hire at all levels in both our DC and NY offices, as well as in our emerging markets. Visit our Careers Page to view our current job openings. |
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Careers with Our Nonprofit Partners |
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December Job Highlights 💡
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- 10+ years of experience in marketing strategy development and execution, brand management, communications, social media, storytelling, and public relations. Nonprofit experience is a plus.
- Responsible for building and managing a new organizational function to enhance FUSE Corps’ brand awareness and perception among target audiences such as major donors, local government leaders, and fellowship candidates.
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- 10+ years related experience demonstrating work with quantitative and qualitative research methods and ability to understand how research questions affect programmatic outcomes along with the ability to articulate the impact of research.
- Responsible for leading the strategic development and execution of the applied research function at Prosperity Now, which seeks to identify and better understand both the barriers to prosperity and the promising solutions and strategies to help households overcome those barriers.
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Other Current Job Openings |
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As part of our Recruitment and Outsourced HR services, we specialize in recruiting top talent and work with our partners to address their immediate and long-term hiring needs. Check out our other current client job openings below to learn more. |
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Arena Stage
DoSomething.org
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DC-CAP
GlobalGiving
Niagara University
Prosperity Now
Taproot Foundation
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