CCS Fundraising

Type: News

 New York, NY – CCS Fundraising, a leader in nonprofit fundraising and strategic consulting, proudly announces the release of their latest position paper, AI in Fundraising. This comprehensive report examines the rapidly growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in the nonprofit sector. 

In the dynamic and ever-changing philanthropic landscape of today’s nonprofit sector, harnessing the power of AI is paramount to enhancing operational efficiency and fundraising impact. This paper – researched, written, and produced by CCS’s Data Analytics team – explores how AI enables nonprofits to leverage data, automation, and personalized communication to engage prospects and donors effectively, ultimately advancing their mission and achieving financial goals. 

“As the nonprofit sector continues to evolve, it’s essential for organizations to embrace the innovative applications of AI to achieve fundraising efficiency, increased generosity, and more impactful philanthropy,” stated Greg Hagin, Principal and Managing Director at CCS Fundraising. “I’m excited to share this research by CCS to leaders in the nonprofit industry, as it provides invaluable guidance on leveraging AI to drive meaningful impact and achieve long-term success.” 

The AI in Fundraising position paper comprises five insightful themes for nonprofits to study: 

  1. Understanding AI: Tracing the evolution of AI from traditional algorithms to modern generative AI, providing a historical context and overview of key advancements. 
  2. AI Fundraising Applications: Exploring how both types of AI, machine learning and generative, empower nonprofits to acquire, segment, upgrade, and retain donors, with real-world examples and case studies. 
  3. Implementing AI in Your Fundraising Strategy: Offering a practical framework for nonprofits to effectively integrate AI into their fundraising initiatives, including goal setting, infrastructure development, and ethical considerations. 
  4. Harnessing Your Fundraising Power with AI: Advocating that with the power of AI, nonprofit organizations can automate and optimize their fundraising practices to more effectively engage donors and make a more significant impact. 
  5. Generative AI Use Cases: Showcasing how AI can be implemented to help with fundraising tasks, such as identifying prospects, generating proposals, and developing cultivation strategies. 

Ashutosh Nandeshwar, Senior Vice President and Head of CCS Data Analytics, emphasized the practical applications of AI highlighted in the report, saying, “AI offers unparalleled opportunities for nonprofits to optimize fundraising efforts, from predictive modeling to personalized communication. By integrating AI into their strategies, organizations can enhance donor engagement and streamline operations.” 

What industry leaders are saying about AI in Fundraising: 

“Traditional AI and generative AI are moving the efficiency frontier in many industries, fundraising included. With these technologies, organizations will be able to create more personalized and deeper donor relationships while being able to use their resources more effectively.” ~Nicolaj Siggelkow, David M. Knott Professor, Vice Dean MBA Program, and Co-Director, Mack Institute for Innovation Management at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, and co-author of Connected Strategy 

“It’s a very thorough and easy to understand overview of how AI can be used in the fundraising space. I imagine many nonprofits are overwhelmed with where to start, and this can serve as a useful roadmap.” ~Jeff Kula, Senior Vice Chair, Philanthropy, Cleveland Clinic 

“Elevate your nonprofit’s potential with AI in Fundraising. This insightful guide examines how AI technologies, from predictive modeling to generative AI, can be implemented to boost fundraising efforts, enhance donor satisfaction, and secure a sustainable future for nonprofits.” 

~Max S. Bennett, co-founder of multiple AI companies, author of A Brief History of Intelligence 

For further information on AI in Fundraising and to download the report, visit CCS Fundraising Data Analytics. 

About CCS Fundraising 

CCS Fundraising is a strategic consulting firm that has partnered with nonprofits for transformational change for more than 75 years. CCS provides various services to support and strengthen nonprofit fundraising programs, including campaign management, strategic planning, data analytics, gift planning, systems and change management, and major gift strategy. The firm’s expert consultants, skilled in campaign and development strategy, work closely with organizations of all sizes across nonprofit sectors and geographies. 

For more information on CCS Fundraising, please visit www.ccsfundraising.com. 

New York, NY – CCS Fundraising, a leader in nonprofit fundraising and strategic consulting, is thrilled to announce the promotion of five new Partners. These elevations are reflective of decades-long careers of client impact and reflect CCS’s ongoing commitment to recognizing talent, dedication, and expertise within its leadership team.

Adam Miller, Aashika Patel, Natalie Skinner, Ian Swedish, and Kate Villa have been instrumental in driving fundraising success and lasting community impact for CCS clients, and their contributions have been invaluable to the firm.

Adam Miller is a leader in providing strategic guidance to national and international nonprofits across all sectors, designing innovative fundraising initiatives, directing extraordinary campaigns, and advising on resource development models. He is an expert in board engagement, campaign methodology, principal and major gift strategies, growth and sustainability planning, among others. His engagement as a presenter at global development conferences and as a published author in numerous journals and business publications has helped both his clients and the firm achieve transformative impact. Adam earned a JD from Loyola University Chicago and a BA from Indiana University.

Aashika Patel brings over 12 years of fundraising experience working with CCS, supporting clients with financial targets totaling over $1 billion. Guided by measurable, actionable plans, Aashika leverages fundraising strategy, data analytics, staffing assessments, pipeline development, and leadership engagement to grow fundraising capacity for nonprofits across every philanthropic sector. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and South Asian Studies from Syracuse University and holds a master’s degree in Fundraising and Grantmaking from New York University.

Natalie Skinner joined CCS in 2011 and has since conducted numerous capital campaigns, feasibility and planning studies, development assessments, annual fund enhancements, strategic plans, and special development projects that cumulatively raised more than $1 billion for her clients, including multiple $100 million gifts. Her expertise and strategic insights have played a pivotal role in optimizing fundraising efforts for nonprofits across various sectors and won her recognition with the Dennick M. W. Skeels Memorial Award for her work in CCS’s Mid- and South-Atlantic Region. Natalie earned her Honors Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from University of Delaware.

Ian Swedish has been a key member of CCS for over 14 years, counseling nonprofit clients in strategic planning initiatives, feasibility analysis, data analytics, capital campaigns, and broad scale plan activation. His work spans organizations that are regional, national, and global in scale across all philanthropic sectors. He maintains a deep skillset in both data and fundraising strategy and was instrumental in standing up a data analytics shared service line for the firm. Ian holds an MBA and MPP from the Ross School of Business and the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan and a BA from the University of Vermont.

Kate Villa has been helping to design, plan, and implement successful fundraising campaigns for more than 25 years. She excels at creating and executing campaign plans that connect donors’ passions with projects that change the world. Her expertise in comprehensive campaign design and management, planning studies, assessments, and leading staff and volunteer teams to develop tailored strategies to achieve ambitious fundraising goals have consistently contributed to the growth and success of CCS’s clients. Kate graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy and Columbia University.

“I am excited to see Adam, Aashika, Natalie, Ian, and Kate elevated to the role of Partner,” said CCS Fundraising CEO, Jon Kane. “Their dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to our clients exemplify CCS’s values. I’m confident that they will continue to drive transformational change and make a lasting impact in their new roles.”

These promotions come at an exciting time for CCS Fundraising as the firm continues to expand its reach and impact in the nonprofit sector. With the addition of these five partners, CCS strengthens its position as the world’s leading fundraising and strategic consulting firm.

About CCS Fundraising

CCS Fundraising is a strategic consulting firm that has partnered with nonprofits for transformational change for more than 75 years. CCS provides various services to support and strengthen nonprofit fundraising programs, including campaign management, strategic planning, data analytics, gift planning, systems and change management, and major gift strategy. The firm’s expert consultants, skilled in campaign and development strategy, work closely with organizations of all sizes across nonprofit sectors and geographies.

For more information on CCS Fundraising, please visit www.ccsfundraising.com.

NEW YORK, NY— CCS Fundraising released the twelfth edition of its Philanthropic Landscape report, the premier resource for nonprofits and associations that compiles and analyzes industry research from Giving USA and other leading sources. The report provides commentary and a synthesis of the current state of philanthropy in the U.S. from the country’s leading fundraising and philanthropy experts to help nonprofit leaders create informed and nimble fundraising strategies for the new year.

CCS’s 2023 report takes a deep dive into the expected flattening of US charitable giving after the pandemic era and racial justice movement of 2020 and 2021 spurred record giving levels nationwide. The report analyzes this readjustment in giving coupled with economic fluctuations, and reveals what new and reemerging trends nonprofit leaders and fundraisers will want to monitor as they set strategy for next year and beyond.

“In this year’s report, we also included a new chapter, ‘Innovations in Data and Technology for Philanthropy,’ which closely examines the dynamic world of data, analytics, and the emerging impact of artificial intelligence.” said Lindsay Marciniak, CCS Managing Director and Report Co-Chair. “Particularly, we offer greater insight on how data, analytics, and AI intersect in our increasingly technology-reliant world and how they will continue to impact our philanthropic ecosystem.”

Giving USA’s initial 2023 data reveals charitable giving appears to have decreased by 3.4% in 2022 to $499.33 billion. However, when assessing multi-year trends, philanthropy has steadily grown when accounting for inflation activity and factoring in additional data. Donors continue giving, and Americans are still generous.

Ruyi Lu, CCS Senior Vice President and Report Co-Chair, remarked, “While the current philanthropic landscape is nuanced and complex, we’ve seen in our work with client partners that motivated donors will continue rising to the occasion with their giving, and nonprofit organizations will continue expanding their reach and making an impact in the communities they serve. It is an exciting time to be part of the advancements bettering our world.”

The 2023 report discusses essential findings from across the field of philanthropic research, including:

  • Individuals, foundations and corporations donated $453.73 billion in 2022.
  • Giving across five sectors of philanthropy grew in current dollars in 2022, with two—international affairs and foundations—outpacing inflation.
  • Individuals were the largest drivers of US philanthropy in 2022, giving $319.04 billion.
  • The total amount donated by individuals and the number of donors both decreased in 2022.
  • Foundation giving grew by 2.5%, to an estimated $105.21 billion in 2022.
  • Corporate philanthropy as a giving source increased by 3.4% in 2022, totaling $21.08 billion.
  • Bequest giving increased by 2.3% over 2021 to $45.60 billion in 2022.
  • Grants from DAFs increased by 9% to $11.2 billion in 2022.

Anyone can download a free copy of the CCS Fundraising 2023 Philanthropic Landscape.

About CCS Fundraising

CCS Fundraising is a strategic consulting firm that has partnered with nonprofits for transformational change for over 75 years. CCS Fundraising provides a wide range of services that support and strengthen nonprofit fundraising programs, including campaign management, strategic planning, data analytics, systems and change management, and major gift strategy. The firm’s expert consultants, skilled in campaign and development strategy, work closely with organizations of all sizes across nonprofit sectors and geographies. For more information on CCS Fundraising, please visit www.ccsfundraising.com.

New York, NY – CCS Fundraising, the world’s leading fundraising and strategic consulting firm, is proud to announce the elevation of five new partners in the firm. These individuals have demonstrated exceptional leadership, expertise, and a deep commitment to advancing the mission of the clients they serve.

Suzanne Eden, Barri Kass, Douglas London, Tim Nurvala, and Sarah Sochacki have been instrumental in driving fundraising success and lasting community impact for CCS clients, and their contributions have been invaluable to the firm. CCS is thrilled to recognize their accomplishments and welcome them into the new role of Partner.

Suzanne Eden has been with the firm for over a decade, providing leadership to clients in the areas of campaign management, strategic planning, major gifts, and more. She has worked with a diverse range of nonprofit organizations, from small community-based nonprofits to large national institutions, and across all client sectors. Her engagement as a presenter at national development conferences and as a published author for CCS thought leadership has helped both her clients and the firm achieve transformative impact. Suzanne received her B.A. from Trinity College of Arts & Sciences at Duke University and an MBA from New York University’s Stern School of Business.

Barri Kass joined CCS in 2010, bringing with her eight years of experience in the legal profession. During her tenure, she has counseled multiple organizations through nationwide planning studies, intensive campaign goal setting, case development, and pipeline building. She has a deep understanding of the philanthropic landscape and has helped clients navigate complex fundraising challenges with success. Barri received her B.A. from University of Michigan and her JD from Brooklyn Law School.

Douglas London has built his entire professional career in fundraising and strategic consulting. His areas of expertise include fundraising planning, inclusive philanthropy, major gift strategy, donor stewardship, and development staff coaching and management. He has a strong track record of guiding clients through transformational initiatives, helping them to achieve ambitious goals and build lasting relationships with donors. Doug is a native Chicagoan and received his B.A. in Communications & Politics from Lake Forest College.

Tim Nurvala has over 35 years of experience working with nonprofit organizations, governmental agencies, and international technology. His strategic approach and focus on impact have helped clients achieve sustainable growth and success. He has worked with nonprofit organizations spanning numerous industry sectors including education, healthcare, faith, environmental, and human services. Tim has a B.A. and M.A. from the University of Florida and a M.A., Ph.D. (ABD) from American University.

Sarah Sochacki has been a key member of our team for nearly a decade. With an expertise in case development and major gifts strategy, she has executed campaign planning studies, facilitated multi-million-dollar campaigns, directed development assessments, and coached client staff and volunteers through securing transformational gifts. As part of her continued commitment to philanthropy, Sarah regularly presents at various industry events and on CCS sector- and region-specific webinars. Sarah holds a B.A. from the University of Notre Dame and a M.S. in Fundraising Management from Columbia University.

“We are thrilled to promote Suzanne, Barri, Doug, Tim, and Sarah to partner,” said CCS Fundraising CEO, Jon Kane. “Their dedication to our clients and the firm has been exemplary, and we are confident that their leadership will help us continue to grow and provide transformational impact to our partners and communities around the globe.”

With the addition of these five partners, CCS Fundraising continues to strengthen its position as the world’s leading fundraising and strategic consulting firm.

About CCS Fundraising

CCS Fundraising is a strategic consulting firm that has partnered with nonprofits to create transformational change for over 75 years. CCS Fundraising provides a wide range of services that support and strengthen nonprofit fundraising programs, including campaign management, strategic planning, data analytics, and major gift strategy. The firm’s expert consultants, skilled in campaign and development strategy, work closely with organizations of all sizes across nonprofit sectors and geographies. For more information on CCS Fundraising, please visit www.ccsfundraising.com

NEW YORK, NY – Today, CCS Fundraising, the world’s leading fundraising consulting firm, announced the arrival of Ashutosh Nandeshwar, the firm’s new Senior Vice President of Data Science & Analytics.

Nandeshwar joins CCS with extensive experience and expertise in systems engineering, artificial intelligence, and design thinking, and has built solutions to improve fundraising results at the world’s top higher education institutions, including the University of Michigan, the California Institute of Technology, and the University of Southern California. He is the author of multiple books, including a co-authored book titled Data Science for Fundraising, which has been lauded as an “invaluable addition to any serious data scientist’s library” by fellow data scientist, Bala Deshpande, Ph.D.

Nandeshwar will lead CCS’s Data Science & Analytics Practice, which helps nonprofit clients maximize their fundraising success by pairing critical technical capabilities – including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Design Thinking – with deep expertise in fundraising strategy and implementation. Nandeshwar’s leadership will deepen CCS’s ability to provide data science & analytics solutions for its clients, and over the next several months the firm will announce plans for expanding its service offerings to nonprofit partners.

Speaking about the impact that data science & analytics can have on CCS’s clients, Nandeshwar said, “CCS works with many of the world’s leading nonprofit organizations, and a data-driven approach is critical to their ongoing fundraising success. I am excited to have the opportunity to work closely with CCS’s Data Science & Analytics Practice to build on their excellent work and help expand our offerings so that we can continue to deliver high-value, data-driven insights for our partners.”

“We are delighted to have Ashutosh join our team of leading fundraising professionals,” said Jon Kane, CCS President & CEO. “In our increasingly data-oriented world, it is critical that we keep building our unique expertise and cutting-edge offerings in this space to ensure we’re delivering the best possible results for our clients. I look forward to working closely alongside Ashutosh to ensure CCS remains at the forefront of data science and analytics solutions for fundraising.”

About CCS Fundraising 

CCS Fundraising is a strategic consulting firm that has partnered with nonprofits for transformational change for 75 years. CCS provides a wide range of services that support and strengthen nonprofit fundraising programs, including campaign management, strategic planning, data analytics, and major gift strategy. The firm’s experts, skilled in campaign and development strategy, work closely with organizations of all sizes across nonprofit sectors and geographies.

New York, NY (May 23, 2022) – CCS Fundraising announced today that it has received an investment from Abry Partners to accelerate the company’s rapid growth. Terms of the investment were not disclosed.

Headquartered in New York, with offices around the globe, CCS Fundraising is the world’s leading fundraising consulting firm. For 75 years, CCS Fundraising has empowered nonprofit organizations across all sectors in their efforts to advance critical causes. As a firm of experts in fundraising campaigns and philanthropic strategy, CCS plans and implements initiatives that help nonprofit organizations strengthen their impact locally, nationally, and globally.

“This partnership will allow CCS to enhance all aspects of our business – from growing the impact we have on every client to strengthening the professional home we build for our employees,” said Jon Kane, CEO of CCS Fundraising. “This investment means we can think expansively about our work and how we best serve clients, including investing more aggressively in technology and data analytics, pursuing new markets, and building stronger talent management and professional services capabilities. We are incredibly proud of the depth and breadth of the work that CCS has accomplished over the last 75 years. This investment is a testament to the caliber of that work and will help us to build on that track record in the years and decades to come.”

“At CCS, our clients are central to our mission and ethos. We exist to ensure they are able to continue advancing their work – whether that’s enhancing higher education, ensuring excellent healthcare, preserving arts and cultural institutions, strengthening faith-based organizations, or beyond,” said Rick Happy, Chairman of CCS Fundraising. “This investment gives us additional tools and resources to continue to provide our clients with exceptional services and bolsters our ability to continue hiring best-in-class professionals committed to delivering transformational change for nonprofits.”

“We are excited to partner with the market leader in the not-for-profit fundraising services sector,” said Tyler Wick, Partner at Abry Partners. “The Company’s established client base of leading global nonprofits, universities and health systems is a testament to the skill with which CCS delivers its mission-critical services. We look forward to working closely with management to help build value in this next leg of the journey.”

William Blair & Company served as financial advisor and Shearman & Sterling LLP served as legal advisor to CCS Fundraising. BrightTower served as financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal advisor to Abry Partners.

About CCS Fundraising 

CCS Fundraising is a strategic consulting firm that has partnered with nonprofits for transformational change for 75 years. CCS Fundraising provides a wide range of services that support and strengthen nonprofit fundraising programs, including campaign management, strategic planning, data analytics, and major gift strategy. The firm’s experts, skilled in campaign and development strategy, work closely with organizations of all sizes across nonprofit sectors and geographies. For more information on CCS Fundraising, please visit www.ccsfundraising.com.

About Abry Partners 

Abry is one of the most experienced and successful sector-focused private equity investment firms in North America. Since its founding in 1989, the firm has completed over $90 billion of leveraged transactions and other private equity or preferred equity placements. Currently, the firm manages over $5 billion of capital across its active funds. For more information on Abry, please visit www.abry.com.

New York, NY (May 22, 2022) – Today, CCS Fundraising, the world’s leading fundraising consulting firm, announced a series of transitions within its Executive Leadership Team.

The firm announced the retirement of outgoing Chairman Bob Kissane who has been crucial to the success of innumerable philanthropic and development projects for over 40 years. Bob will continue to support CCS and its clients in an advisory capacity for the foreseeable future.

Rick Happy will become Chairman of CCS Fundraising. Rick has been with the firm for over three decades and has established himself as a philanthropic leader in the U.S. and abroad. Rick will continue to lead the firm’s work throughout the Western United States.

“I want to thank Bob for his incredible service to the firm for over 40 years, and his pivotal role in its strategic evolution over that period. I wish him a happy and well-deserved retirement,” said Rick Happy, incoming CCS Chairman. “These last three decades, it has been an honor to serve our incredible clients and I’m looking forward to continuing that work as well as the exciting challenges ahead in my added capacity as Chairman.

Jon Kane, who has served as President of CCS since 2016, will become President & CEO. Jon Kane brings over 25 years of expertise in business, management, and strategic consulting, and deep pride in CCS’ work and commitment to its clients to his new role.

Tom Kissane and Robert (“Bo”) Rice, Principal & Managing Directors with over 30 years each with CCS, and leaders in the sector, are taking on the additional title of Vice-Chairmen.

The firm also announced the elevation of Sarah Krasin and Edward Van Saders to the role of Partner. Sarah leads the firm’s Boston office and has been instrumental in growing CCS’ presence and client partnerships across the New England region. Edward Van Saders is the firm’s Chief Financial Officer and has over 30 years of leadership experience. Sarah and Edward join a partnership comprised of 25 leaders in the philanthropic sector.

“I’m delighted to welcome Sarah Krasin and Edward Van Saders to our esteemed group of CCS partners, and to be expanding our leadership team overall,” said Jon Kane, CEO & President. “Both Sarah and Edward have been instrumental in the firm’s development, and their expertise and immense knowledge of the nonprofit sector will continue to be incredible assets as we look toward the firm’s growth in the future.”

About CCS Fundraising

CCS Fundraising is a strategic consulting firm that has partnered with nonprofits for transformational change for 75 years. CCS Fundraising provides a wide range of services that support and strengthen nonprofit fundraising programs, including campaign management, strategic planning, data analytics, and major gift strategy. The firm’s experts, skilled in campaign and development strategy, work closely with organizations of all sizes across nonprofit sectors and geographies.

We are pleased to present the third edition of Perspectives on Catholic Fundraising, a magazine for executives, development officers, and anyone navigating the current Catholic philanthropic terrain.

In this publication, our experts from the field report on pressing high-level challenges facing Catholic institutions today. These pieces will provide practical tools and actionable solutions to help bolster development programs of any size.

Within the magazine, you will find an infographic detailing the Catholic giving landscape, an accompanying analysis, case studies from some of our partner institutions, and the following articles:

5 Easy Steps Before Planning a Parish Campaign

Taking on a parish campaign of any size requires careful planning. Campaigns rarely fail in the middle or at the end. Success typically hinges on proper preparation prior to launching a major fundraising initiative.

How Adopting Technology Can Help Personalize Outreach

Technology is not meant to supplant personal encounters; it is meant to facilitate them. By incorporating technology into your communications and fundraising plans, you can reach out to a large audience of parishioners in ways that are both faster and more personal than previously imagined.

Considering an Increased Offertory Program for a Sustainable Future

If circumstances currently prevent your parish from conducting a large or extensive campaign, it would be wise to consider an alternative approach: conducting a campaign to increase weekly collections.

Three Keys to Implementing a Successful Giving Day Strategy

Executing a giving day strategy can be a useful tool to raise awareness and funds, as long as you make the right preparations and have reasonable and achievable goals.

Effective Leadership: Maximizing the Impact of Your Campaign Chairs

As a crucial leadership position, the campaign chair should be open to maximizing relationships to assist with major gift prospect visits.

To access our full suite of perspectives, publications, and reports, visit our insights page. To learn more about CCS Fundraising’s suite of services, click here.