Throughout this journey, I want you to know that we’re not just building tools—we’re building relationships. That shared evolution is exactly why I have stepped into the newly created role of Chief Community Officer. 

Putting your voice front and center

But let me start by introducing myself. I’ve been part of the Kindsight community for almost a decade, and it’s been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I grew up in Alaska, now call Southern California home, and love spending my free time hosting Shabu nights or chasing adrenaline with skydiving and heli-skiing.

My mission is straightforward: to ensure our client community is heard, supported, and championed at the highest levels of Kindsight. You fight a lot of uphill battles to secure funding and build relationships for your organization, and you deserve a technology partner that actively listens and responds quickly to your feedback. As your ambassador and advocate, my primary focus is to guarantee that our leadership team understands your daily challenges and builds solutions that directly address them. 

Real-world experience you can rely on

I’ve had the good fortune of being part of this community for almost a decade, and have fully embraced a community defined by immense heart, dedication, and collaboration. I’ve seen your passion firsthand—whether it’s at a conference, during a late-night call, or in the field. I know firsthand the passion you bring to your mission every single day. I also understand the technical hurdles you overcome. 

Having been deeply involved in countless CRM conversions—transitioning from legacy systems like Blackbaud, Ellucian, Agilon, and Millennium to our Ascend CRM—I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges, the hard-earned lessons, and the triumphs along the way. These journeys have taught me so much, sometimes the hard way, about what it truly takes to make these transitions successful. With every project, my goal is to create outcomes where everyone wins—our clients, our partners, and Kindsight. That’s what drives me every day.

Supporting our industry through rapidly changing times

Change is never easy, but it’s something we’re all navigating together. Whether it’s the rapid evolution of AI, shifting donor habits, or the challenges of adapting to political and economic shifts, I want you to know that Kindsight is here to walk this path with you. We’re committed to listening closely and understanding your unique needs, so we can help you not just adapt but thrive.

One of the most exciting opportunities we have is using data to uncover the “why” behind giving—what motivates donors, what inspires them, and how we can connect with them in meaningful ways. This isn’t just about technology; it’s about building deeper relationships and creating tools that truly make a difference in your day-to-day work.

At the heart of it all, my role is to ensure that your voice shapes the future of Kindsight. Together, we’ll rethink how we engage, innovate, and grow—so that this community remains not just relevant but impactful for decades to come.

My commitment to the Kindsight Community

I want to express my deep appreciation to Ross Beattie and the entire Kindsight leadership team for continuing to recognize that our clients are the absolute most important part of our organization. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to nurture and grow this remarkable community. As we look toward the coming years, I plan to roll up my sleeves and engage directly with every single one of you. I will be out in the community, asking questions, gathering feedback, and turning your insights into tangible improvements that help you achieve your goals.

My ultimate goal is to advocate for you so fiercely and communicate with you so frequently that you eventually have to say, “George, please leave me alone!” Once that happens, I will know I am on the right track. I enthusiastically invite you to share your thoughts, your frustrations, and your success stories with me. Your insights fuel our progress, and we are ready to achieve amazing things together. 

I can’t wait to see many of you at our upcoming CRM Community Summit on April 16, and keep an eye out for upcoming community forums, feedback sessions, and direct outreach from me in the coming weeks. 

See you soon,

George Wu
Chief Community Officer
Kindsight

The post A letter to the Kindsight community: Navigating our future together appeared first on Kindsight.

With more than a decade of hands-on experience using iWave, Sok brings a seasoned, practitioner-led perspective on how fundraising intelligence platforms drive real value inside advancement offices. As an early adopter, she recognized early on that strong research isn’t about chasing more data—it’s about having the right data, structured in a way that enables confident decision-making.

Why iWave is foundational to prospect research at Pomona College

When asked which tool has had the greatest impact on her work, Sok is unequivocal.

At Pomona College, iWave serves as the primary entry point for prospect discovery and capacity assessment. Sok relies on the platform to aggregate and synthesize critical data sources—including real estate holdings, external charitable giving, business affiliations, and contact information—into a single, trusted view. She also uses iWave to locate a foundation’s external charitable giving.

Rather than toggling between disconnected tools, iWave allows Sok to evaluate prospects efficiently while maintaining depth and rigor. She also uses ZoomInfo as a stepping stone to help locate individuals within companies, board memberships, and related affiliations. “Prospect researchers do not leave any stones unturned,” she says.

Driving efficiency, accuracy, and depth in Fundraising Intelligence

iWave plays a central role in how Sok supports frontline fundraisers and advancement leadership. The platform enables her to:

• Assess donor capacity using real estate, giving, and business indicators
  
• Identify external philanthropic activity to inform solicitation strategy
  
• Surface employment and affiliation data that strengthens engagement planning
  
• Validate assumptions with multiple corroborating data points
  

Sok continues to uncover new ways to query and analyze data within iWave—an indicator of both the platform’s flexibility and her own commitment to continuous learning. “Even after years of using iWave, I’m still discovering new ways to search for information that isn’t always obvious,” she states. That ability to move beyond surface-level insights is essential in major and principal gift research, where accuracy, context, and confidence directly influence outcomes.

An early adopter’s mindset: Technology as a strategic advantage

While Pomona College leverages multiple tools across its advancement technology stack, iWave remains Sok’s “jumping-off point”—the system she trusts to frame the research process before deeper analysis begins.

That trust is built on consistency, data coverage, and iWave’s ongoing evolution alongside the advancement sector. Sok views fundraising technology not as a static utility, but as a strategic asset—one that must grow with institutional needs, fundraising strategies, and donor expectations.

Kindness, collaboration, and community

Beyond technology, Sok places deep value on the collaborative nature of the advancement profession. “Kindness encompasses treating each other well, being polite, sincere, and compassionate. The advancement sector is incredibly collaborative.”

For Sok, kindness shows up in the willingness of peers to share ideas, workflows, and lessons learned. That openness accelerates collective progress and reinforces best practices in prospect research and fundraising intelligence—areas where iWave often serves as a shared foundation across institutions.

One innovator, many ripples of impact

Sok Tng exemplifies what it means to be a Client Innovator: an early adopter who understands technology’s potential, a practitioner who applies it with rigor, and a community-minded leader who believes collaboration and kindness strengthen the entire sector.

Her work at Pomona College continues to demonstrate how thoughtful use of fundraising intelligence can turn data into insight—and insight into meaningful advancement outcomes.

The post Client Innovator Spotlight: Sok Tng, Pomona College appeared first on Kindsight.

“Growing up, I benefited from scholarships, grants, and small acts of generosity that helped me get an education and access healthcare,” she shares. “Philanthropy is a hand up, an investment, and it’s about creating long-term impact.”

That deeply rooted understanding of generosity informs everything she does at AltaMed. As one of the nation’s largest federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), AltaMed provides care to anyone who needs it—regardless of their ability to pay. But Kerith’s team sees philanthropy as the bridge that closes the gap between essential care and truly equitable health outcomes.

The 70% that transforms lives

While government funding covers a portion of AltaMed’s mission, Kerith points out that it only accounts for about 30% of what determines a person’s health. The other 70%—factors like housing, education, nutrition, and community—are shaped through philanthropic investment.

“Philanthropy allows us to address gaps and scale solutions beyond basic care,” she explains. “Our donors help fund programs that provide food, educational pathways, specialty care, and services tailored to community needs.”

These investments turn into stories of hope—like Ishmael, a young patient whose life was saved when AltaMed doctors caught his eye cancer early, thanks to accessible, proactive care and philanthropic resources that funded his specialized treatment. Hear more about his story here.

Redefining healthcare philanthropy with data intelligence

Kerith and her team are pioneering a new model for healthcare fundraising—one informed by data, efficiency, and foresight. With Kindsight’s Ascend CRM, AltaMed is poised to transform the way it identifies opportunities, nurtures relationships, and measures impact.

“Ascend allows us to implement and shape best practices in healthcare philanthropy,” Kerith says. “We can identify trends, predict donor interests, and personalize engagement. It gives us the right tools to be at the table and advance best practices—especially in underrepresented communities.”

This forward-thinking approach reflects AltaMed’s larger mission: to close gaps in access, equity, and opportunity across the communities it serves.

Why Kindsight recognizes Kerith

Kerith embodies the spirit of a Client Innovator—combining data-driven insight with kindness, empathy and leadership. She is redefining what healthcare philanthropy looks like in the 21st century: strategic, community-focused, and relentlessly human.

Her commitment to building a culture of innovation and equity perfectly aligns with Kindsight’s mission to empower changemakers who make philanthropy smarter, more connected, and more impactful.

When asked for one word that describes Kindsight, Kerith doesn’t hesitate:

The post Client Innovator Spotlight: Kerith Dilley, AltaMed Foundation appeared first on Kindsight.

This isn’t a hypothetical scenario. It is the current reality for fundraising organizations.

For years, we’ve operated under the assumption that the biggest barrier to fundraising is donor willingness. We worry about donor fatigue. We worry about economic uncertainty. We worry that people just don’t care enough. But the data tells a different, more optimistic story. 

This month, Kindsight asked 512 qualified donors across the United States about donor engagement, their willingness to give, and the importance of timing. From occasional givers to frequent philanthropists, these respondents provided a clear window into how donors perceive—and react to—fundraising outreach today. 

Here’s what they said. 

The readiness gap: What donors told us

The headline finding of this research might transform fundraising outreach as we know it: 66% of active donors say they have been ready to give to a cause but chose not to because the outreach was mistimed, irrelevant, or disconnected from their moment of intent.

In other words, two-thirds of donors have experienced a “readiness gap.” They had the capacity and the inclination to support a cause, but something about the interaction stopped them cold.

When we asked these donors why they didn’t complete their gift despite being ready, their answers pointed directly to a breakdown in communication and trust.

• 37% weren’t sure where their money would go. Transparency remains the bedrock of trust. When a donor is ready to act but can’t see the path from their dollar to impact, they hesitate.
• 16% found the request generic or impersonal. In an era of hyper-personalization, a “Dear Friend” letter sent to a long-time supporter signals a lack of care.
• 15% felt the timing was wrong. The request arrived too early, too late, or felt completely disconnected from what was happening in their lives.
• 14% felt overwhelmed by too many requests. Volume is not a substitute for precision.

The impact of these missed moments isn’t temporary. When asked if these experiences made them less likely to donate in the future, the average response score was 55 out of 100. This suggests that missing the moment doesn’t just cost you a single gift—it causes moderate, cumulative damage to the long-term donor relationship.

This data reveals that our current “spray and pray” tactics could actually be working against us. By prioritizing volume over relevance, we aren’t just missing gifts; we are training our most valuable supporters to tune us out.

The revenue opportunity hiding in plain sight

It is easy to look at missed opportunities and feel discouraged. However, the flip side of this data is incredibly encouraging. If we can close the readiness gap, the potential for increased revenue is substantial.

We asked donors: “Would you donate more if organizations understood when you’re ready?”

Nearly half—47%—said yes. Let that sink in. Nearly half of your donor file is telling you that they have more to give, and the key to unlocking that capacity is simply understanding their timeline.

Crucially, this isn’t about shifting money from one charity to another. This is about incremental giving. Among those who said they would give more:

• 58% would give “modestly more.”
• 39% would give “moderately more.”
• 3% would give “substantially more.”

This shatters the myth of the “tapped out” donor. Your supporters are not ATMs with a fixed withdrawal limit; they are partners who want to invest when the time is right. When you align your ask with their life events and readiness signals, you aren’t pestering them—you are facilitating their desire to do good.

How donors actually experience fundraising outreach

We’re uncovering a stark difference between how fundraising organizations think they are communicating and how donors perceive it. We asked respondents to rate how well charitable organizations understand when they are ready to give. The average score? 45 out of 100.

In other words, donors perceive our timing as below average. They feel like we are guessing—and often guessing wrong. This perception gap is fueled by outreach that feels robotic rather than relational.

When we analyzed open-ended responses about how fundraising organizations could improve, three themes were consistent and loud:

1. Transparency is non-negotiable. Donors want to know the “how” and “why” of their gift. As one respondent put it, “Share real stories that show the difference being made, be open about how funds are used.”
2. Authenticity beats formality. Donors are craving genuine connection. They want to hear from humans, not institutions. One donor advised, “Be less formal and much more natural with how they approach communications.”
3. Respect their history. Nothing kills readiness faster than asking a loyal donor for a first-time gift amount or ignoring their past support. “Remember how much and when the person has donated,” one respondent urged.

The frustration is palpable. Donors want to be seen as individuals with unique lives, not just rows in a database segment. So many fundraising organizations have incredible impact stories to tell. But when outreach ignores donor context—blasting them during tax season or asking for another gift days after a donation—it makes them feel like the organization cares more about its own goals than the donor’s experience.

The healthcare signal

Nowhere is the importance of timing more critical—or more frequently missed—than in healthcare philanthropy. Our study found that healthcare organizations are the most supported cause, with 49% of respondents directing their giving to this sector. This makes sense; health is personal, emotional, and urgent.

However, despite healthcare giving being tied directly to specific life events (a diagnosis, a recovery, a grateful patient experience), the outreach is profoundly out of sync.

Among donors who experienced a health situation involving themselves or a loved one:

• 28% were never contacted by the healthcare organization
• 25% don’t recall being contacted
• 22% were contacted after a month or more
• 17% were contacted within weeks
• 8% were contacted within days

You read that right: only 25% received timely outreach within days or weeks of their experience.

This is a massive missed opportunity for grateful patient programs. When a patient or family member has a positive outcome, the gratitude is often immediate. But that feeling has a half-life. If you wait months to reach out—or never reach out at all—that emotional momentum fades.

Healthcare donors are telling us that they want to express gratitude, but the systems aren’t in place to receive it. By tightening the loop between care and connection, healthcare foundations can honor the patient’s journey while securing vital support.

What this means for fundraisers: Practical takeaways

The data is clear: the old playbook of “more volume, more frequency” is broken. To capture the 66% of donors who are ready but waiting, we need to shift our strategy from volume to precision.

Here are three actionable steps you can take today to close the readiness gap:

1. Prioritize timing over frequency

We can worry less about how often we email and start worrying about when. The “right time” isn’t just “End of Year.” It’s when a donor has had a meaningful interaction with you, when they’ve hit a milestone, or when they are showing digital signals of interest. Use your data to identify these triggers. A single, well-timed personal note is worth more than ten generic blasts.

2. Radical transparency is your best hook

Since 37% of ready donors walked away because they didn’t know where the money would go, make impact the centerpiece of every ask. Don’t just ask for $50; tell them exactly what that $50 achieves. Specificity builds trust, and trust converts readiness into action.

3. Personalization must go beyond the name tag

“Dear [First Name]” is no longer enough. True personalization means acknowledging the relationship. If they gave last month, start your next email by saying, “Thank you for your gift in January.” If they are a long-time volunteer, mention that service. Show them that you know who they are. The data shows that acknowledging past support is a top driver of donation decisions.

A (brief) Kindsight perspective

At Kindsight, we conducted this research because we believe the future of fundraising isn’t about shouting louder; it’s about listening better. We built our platform to solve exactly this problem—to help organizations move beyond static lists and understand the dynamic signals that indicate when a donor is ready to engage. You can learn more here. 

Final thoughts

This gap between donor readiness and organizational action represents a significant loss—but more importantly, a massive opportunity. By understanding the “when” and “why” behind these missed connections, fundraisers can unlock a new level of support that has been hiding in plain sight.

The generosity is out there. The donors are ready. It’s time we met them in the moment.

The post Two-thirds of donors were ready to give, but didn’t. Here’s what that means for fundraising. appeared first on Kindsight.

Whether you experienced the action up close or missed the festivities, here’s a look at the transformative themes that defined the conference. These are the conversations that will shape how we connect with donors, leverage technology, and drive generosity forward.

So buckle up! Here are five key takeaways from KindCon 2025 to help your mission soar.

1. AI is redefining philanthropy

The integration of artificial intelligence is no longer a far-off concept; it’s a present-day reality transforming how we approach fundraising.

 “What used to feel like some distant future, like the Terminator or Tron or something like that, has now woven into our everyday lives. And those of us in philanthropy, that means donor expectations, behaviors, and the tools we use to engage them are evolving so, so rapidly. Yet, at the same time, donors are telling us that they want some sort of human connection, not less,” explained Kindsight’s Cherian Koshy. 

In his “Intersection of Innovation and Impact” panel discussion with Vanderbilt University’s Jill Baltz and Hoag Hospital Foundation’s Alyce De La Cruz, a sentiment was clear: AI is a powerful ally in our mission to do more good—when it’s used properly.

The discussion centered on how AI can enhance, not replace, the human element of fundraising. By automating data analysis and personalizing outreach at scale, AI frees up fundraisers to focus on what they do best: building meaningful relationships. You can now harness vast amounts of data to understand donor motivations in real time, allowing for more precise and timely engagement. The key is to utilize AI as a tool that provides the insights needed to act with greater confidence and make every interaction count.

See the full conversation here:

2. Understanding donor psychology unlocks generosity

Why do people give? Kindsight VP Cherian Koshy asked that question in his session, “Unlocking Generosity: The Neuroscience Behind Donor Decision-Making”, based on his upcoming book, Neurogiving: The Science of Donor Decision-Making. Looking into the minds of donors, Koshy revealed that giving is often an emotional decision, rooted in deep-seated psychological triggers. Understanding these drivers is critical to crafting messages that truly resonate.

The session explored how concepts like empathy, social connection, and a sense of personal impact influence a donor’s decision to contribute. By aligning your fundraising appeals with these core human motivators, you can create a more powerful and compelling case for support. It’s a reminder that behind every data point is a person. When you connect with them on a human level and show them the tangible difference their generosity can make, you inspire them to become dedicated partners in your cause.

3. Data is the foundation of modern fundraising strategy

Gut feelings have their place, but sustainable fundraising success is built on a foundation of data. Mattie Snell and Chris Speier from Texas A&M Foundation drove this point home. Their session, The Art and Science of Portfolio Strategy, demonstrated how a data-informed approach to portfolio management leads to more effective and efficient fundraising.

By analyzing donor data, you can identify hidden gems in your database, prioritize prospects with the highest potential, and tailor your cultivation strategies. This isn’t just about looking at past giving. It’s about understanding the full picture: a donor’s capacity, their affinities, and their engagement history. When you combine the “art” of relationship-building with the “science” of data analysis, you empower your team to focus their efforts where they will have the greatest impact, ultimately driving better results for your organization.

This sentiment was echoed in Kindsight CEO Ross Beattie’s opening remarks during the KindCon keynote. “There are individuals primed to give to your organizations, but they’re hidden. They’re hidden behind stale records, poor targeting, lack of personalization, fragmented workflows, and disconnected systems,” he says. 

“We call this the fundraising blind spot. That is absolutely an internal challenge today in most fundraising organizations. Data needs to be powering your success, not hindering it.”

4. Tech adoption and CRM success require a human-centered plan

Are you seeing a (human-centric) theme here? Another KindCon takeaway is that technology is only as good as the people and processes that support it. Echoed through the KindCon halls was the importance of a thoughtful approach to implementing and managing new systems; in other words, simply launching a new CRM isn’t the finish line; it’s the starting block.

True success comes from strong leadership, clear communication, and a commitment to user adoption. The “After the Confetti: Stabilization Strategies for CRM Success” panel, featuring Jeff Baynham of NC State University, Kate Maloney of Northwestern University, and Shalonda Martin of Pomona College, and moderated by Kindsight’s Caroline Chang, highlighted that stabilization after a CRM launch is a critical phase. It requires building communities of practice, establishing collaborative reporting, and ensuring that the technology serves the team—not the other way around. As leaders, focusing on empowering your team to use these tools effectively is key to realizing the full return on your technology investment and building a sustainable system for success.

5. Storytelling drives deeper engagement

Throughout KindCon 2025, presenters emphasized the pivotal role of storytelling in connecting with donors on a meaningful level. By sharing authentic stories—whether from scholarship recipients, community beneficiaries, or passionate volunteers—you can humanize your cause and help supporters see the real-world difference they make. Leverage narrative-driven appeals and personal testimonials to evoke emotion, build trust, and cultivate loyalty among your supporters. Remember, it’s not just about the data; it’s about using that data in meaningful ways to highlight the impact you make—and illuminating that impact through the stories you choose to tell.

Feeling inspired?

Visit the KindCon resource hub to get slides and recordings from our sessions, and sign up for our 2026 mailing list!

Head to the hub

6. Collaboration accelerates innovation

One standout theme across sessions and panels was the power of collaboration. Organizations that break down silos and foster cross-functional teamwork—whether between advancement services, technology teams, or frontline fundraisers—are better positioned to adapt quickly and solve challenges creatively. 

In the “Building Communities of Practice” breakout with Marianne Siess, Chief Information Officer at Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association, demonstrated how institutions that openly exchange donor engagement strategies, stewardship tactics, and reporting tools often discover innovative solutions that a single team might overlook.

By actively seeking opportunities to collaborate not just within your immediate team but also across departments or even organizations, you can accelerate learning, adopt successful processes faster, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving field. The future belongs to those who share knowledge, pool resources, and rally around common goals. When you champion collaboration, you’re not just adapting—you’re setting the pace for what’s possible in philanthropy.

—

KindCon 2025 may have wrapped up, but the energy, ideas, and inspiration are just getting started! This year’s event was a celebration of innovation, collaboration, and the human connections that drive philanthropy forward. Now it’s time to take what we’ve learned and put it into action. Whether it’s uncovering hidden opportunities with data, crafting stories that tug at heartstrings, or embracing technology in a way that empowers people, the future of fundraising is in our hands. And the best part? We’re not doing it alone. Collaboration and shared knowledge are the keys to unlocking what’s possible.

So, let’s keep the momentum going! Together, we can turn these big ideas into even bigger impact. Here’s to pushing boundaries, driving generosity, and making a difference—one connection at a time. See you at KindCon 2026!

The post 6 Key Takeaways from KindCon 2025 appeared first on Kindsight.

This is an exciting milestone on our journey to fulfill a bold vision—a vision sparked by the belief that people like you, working on the frontlines of philanthropy, deserve every possible advantage to create change in the world. We had a clear north star: make fundraising smarter, simpler, and more powerful, so you can do what matters most—drive impact. That goal has energized us for three decades, and led us to become the market leader in Fundraising Intelligence. Our mission is to help you achieve yours: by leveraging internal and external donor data to eliminate fundraising blindspots, and make the right ask, to the right donor, at the right time. 

These are unprecedented times in the world of fundraising and advancement for higher education, healthcare, and nonprofits alike. There’s more data at our fingertips than we could have imagined just a few years ago. And we’re all navigating a landscape shaped by economic uncertainty, shifting policies, and evolving donor expectations.

That’s why Affinaquest joining Kindsight is so important—it’s about building on the mission that has driven us for over 30 years and doubling down on our ability to support yours. 

Why Affinaquest, and why now?

Because we owe it to you to raise the bar—again. Together, we’re creating the most robust, flexible, and empowering fundraising ecosystem ever built. No more picking sides between two market leaders in the advancement and enterprise fundraising space. Now you get both: the trusted advancement and athletics expertise of Affinaquest, the innovation engine of Kindsight, all working in tandem for your success.

Affinaquest brings proven strength in advancement operations, data strategy, and constituent engagement. Its Advancement RM platform has streamlined fundraising workflows and elevated donor insights, while its best-in-class Athletics Data Platform brings unique data and analytics capabilities, setting the standard for integrated engagement across higher education. Kindsight brings enterprise-level,  automation-first technology fueled by real-time data, and a relentless passion for unlocking new opportunities for higher education, healthcare, and nonprofits alike. This isn’t just matching skill sets. This is two organizations driven by the same purpose—helping nonprofits thrive—coming together to deliver game-changing results. 

We’re now in a position to give you the kind of support that mission-driven, fundraising organizations truly deserve: 

• More innovation. Affinaquest joining Kindsight brings together decades of fundraising and advancement expertise to deliver more innovation, deeper support, and faster impact.
• Enhanced capabilities. Whether it’s campaign management, gift processing, or end-to-end donor journeys, we’re more equipped than ever to meet the complexity of your needs.
• Strength at scale. Our unmatched expertise in fundraising operations, data strategy, and intelligent donor engagement is powered by our shared native Salesforce flexibility.

But let’s be real: all this talk about tech and transformation comes down to people working with people. And let me tell you, the Affinaquest crew are rockstars. We’re building not just a technology powerhouse, but a culture of care and relentless optimism.

What’s next? 

What’s next? This is the moment to supercharge our collective mission. We’re accelerating toward a future where fundraising intelligence breaks every barrier: lightning-fast insights, AI-powered recommendations that anticipate your needs, effortless donor engagement, and tools that not only match your ambitions but propel them forward. And if your vision reaches even further, we’re here to listen—because that’s the kind of dynamic, forward-thinking partnership we’re building together.

I want you to know, this move isn’t disruption for the sake of change. It’s years of listening, learning, and now, acting boldly for your benefit. We’re ready to deliver a roadmap that turns today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities, and meet you wherever you are on your fundraising journey—backed by a team that knows your world and is relentlessly focused on your mission.

Thank you for believing in us, for inspiring us, and for letting us be part of this once-in-a-generation leap forward in fundraising. I can’t wait to see what we achieve together. The future is brighter than ever, and we’re just getting started.

With excitement and gratitude, 

Ross 

The specialist CRM built for advancement.

AdvancementRM delivers powerful alumni, stewardship, and gift management tools, trusted by advancement offices and backed by a proven community of higher-ed experts.

Learn more

The post A letter from CEO Ross Beattie: A new chapter for Kindsight appeared first on Kindsight.

Scottsdale, Arizona – Affinaquest, a leading provider of fundraising and engagement solutions for higher education and healthcare organizations, announced today the sale of its Matching Gifts offering, HEPdata, to Impact Ventures, DBA Double the Donation, a leading provider of corporate matching gift technology. 

This strategic divestiture reinforces Affinaquest’s commitment to innovation and positions the company to concentrate its resources on its core platform offerings: Advancement RM, Athletics RM, and Central Intelligence, its Customer Data Platform, which directly address the evolving fundraising and data management requirements of Institutional Advancement offices, Collegiate Athletic Departments, and Academic Medical Centers nationwide. 

“Affinaquest is the only provider of a comprehensive advancement platform for higher education, collegiate athletics, and healthcare institutions,” said David Marr, Chief Executive Officer of Affinaquest. “This divestiture positions both Affinaquest, HEPdata, and Double the Donation to better serve the distinct strategic needs of our respective clients.” 

Current Matching Gifts clients will experience uninterrupted service and ongoing exceptional support under Double the Donation’s dedicated HEPdata team.   

“We’re excited for this new chapter of HEPdata, and the fundraising opportunities this presents for its users,” said Adam Weinger, President of Double the Donation. “This transition provides a renewed focus on maximizing the impact of employer matching gifts, and we look forward to supporting our clients as they continue to grow their fundraising efforts.” 

As an independent entity, HEPdata is uniquely positioned with expanded resources, enhanced technologies, and a dedicated focus on corporate matching gifts, positioning nonprofits and educational institutions for greater fundraising outcomes. 

Affinaquest is grateful for HEPdata’s contributions to its community of users and looks forward to HEPdata’s continued growth and impact under Double the Donation’s leadership. 

For additional questions or information regarding this transition, please contact the dedicated client success team at: clientsuccess@hepdata.com. 

About HEPdata:  

HEPdata has been a pioneer in matching gift solutions for over 20 years.  Reinvigorating the HEPdata brand, Double the Donation strengthens its dedicated to helping nonprofits unlock their corporate giving potential. With top-rated sales, client success, and partnerships teams, Double the Donation’s top priority is helping you maximize your results. 

About Affinaquest: 

Affinaquest powers constituent engagement for higher education institutions, academic medical centers, and collegiate athletics departments driving engagement and philanthropy through long-lasting affinity. We offer advanced predictive analytics, innovative data insights, and purpose-built CRM software native to the Salesforce platform. Affinaquest equips clients to be the architects of their success by surfacing opportunities for increased and more personal engagement, driving meaningful revenue growth. Our approach to innovation is not about reinventing the wheel – it’s about thinking differently to enable our clients to transform their constituent’s experience. 

For media inquiries or more information, contact: 

HEPdata Media Team 
media@hepdata.com 

press@kindsight.io

The post Affinaquest Matching Gifts Solution (HEPdata) Acquired by Double the Donation appeared first on Kindsight.

20M job changes, including 1M CEO transitions
14M address changes
648K phone numbers updated
13% of email lists decaying
25M new donation records becoming available

Without real-time updates, nonprofits risk missed opportunities, inefficient outreach, and poorly timed gift asks. Traditional donor screening is a valuable tool for segmentation, but it provides only a snapshot in time. Once that data becomes outdated, fundraisers are left in the dark.

That’s where iwave’s live profiles come in.

Live profiles provide real-time donor data updates, ensuring that you always have the most accurate and actionable insights at your fingertips. Instead of manually updating records or relying solely on periodic screenings, live profiles continuously monitor and refresh donor information, notifying you when key changes occur.

During our recent webinar, Your Secret Weapon for Success in 2025: Introducing Live Profiles, we received many thoughtful questions about how this feature works. While we couldn’t get to every question live, we’ve compiled the most frequently asked ones below to help you make the most of live profiles.

Let’s dive in!

Functionality

Q: How should I decide which constituents to activate live profiles for?

A: Start by screening your donors and prospects to get their ratings, then segment them based on engagement strategy. Your live profile count should align with the number of donors you actively manage, considering factors like time, staffing, and resources.

A good approach is to include your active donors plus a percentage of potential donors who could become active if their giving behavior changed. For example, if you have low-affinity, high-capacity donors, enabling a live profile can help you track whether they make a gift in your cause area—giving you a timely opportunity to engage.

Q: Do individual donor updates count toward my live profile limit?

A: No, individual updates do not count against your live profile limit. Each iwave account has a designated number of live profiles they can activate based on their subscription level, but once a profile is activated, you receive unlimited notifications and updates whenever new donor data is detected.

Q: Can live profiles be set up to send email notifications when a new record is found, rather than only showing alerts within iwave?

A: Yes, users can enable profile notifications to receive an email whenever meaningful donor data updates are detected, ensuring they stay informed in real time.

Q: How is the accuracy of the data?

A: The accuracy follows the same criteria as the underlying iwave matching logic. Donations are the trickiest when the name is common, and users can configure the Confidence of Match to adjust results. For more details on iwave data, visit this page.

Q: Do live profiles track changes in stock ownership for publicly traded securities?

A: Yes, live profiles provide automatic updates when new stock transaction records are detected, helping you monitor an individual’s or institution’s stock holdings and transaction history to assess giving potential. This data is sourced from original forms filed with international securities commissions, including all U.S. insider activity (SEC filings), Canadian insider filings (SEDI), and international insider filings.

Q: How frequently are live profiles updated, and how will I be notified of donor data changes?

A: Live profiles are updated continuously as new donor data becomes available. When a change is detected in a donor profile, you will receive a notification within iwave, and if email notifications are enabled, you’ll also receive an alert directly in your inbox.

Q: Can a single live profile monitor multiple names, such as spouses or a family foundation?

A: Foundation profiles do not have the live profile feature just yet, but two names can be included (and iwave infers them).

Q: Are live profiles available for both individuals and corporations?

A: Currently, live profiles are only available for individuals.

Q: Do live profiles include updates from news alerts and obituaries?

A: Currently, live profiles do not update with news alerts or obituary data.

Q: How does iwave track donor-advised fund (DAF) giving, and can it identify individual donors contributing to a DAF?

A: iwave can track donations made from a DAF to a cause if they are listed as a donation, providing insight into which DAFs are supporting specific organizations. However, we do not have visibility into the individuals contributing to a DAF, as that information is not publicly disclosed.

Availability & Coverage

Q: Are live profiles available for users in both Canada and the U.S., or just the U.S.?

A: Live profiles are available to all iwave users, regardless of country. 

Q: Are there any limitations in live profiles when tracking data for Canadian constituents?

A: Yes, live profiles may have more limited real-time updates for Canadian constituents due to the availability of donor data in Canada. Certain data sources that provide updates in the U.S. may have less coverage or be unavailable for Canadian donors. 

Integration & CRM Updates

Q: Will live profiles be integrated with other Kindsight products?

A: Yes, we’re currently working on integrating live profiles with other Kindsight solutions. Stay tuned for exciting updates early this year. 

Billing & Pricing

Q: What is the cost of live profiles?

A: Every iwave subscription level includes a designated amount of live profiles at no additional cost. If you need more, additional live profiles can be purchased. For specific pricing details, please reach out to your iwave representative.

Q: What happens to my available live profiles when I deactivate a profile?

A: When you deactivate a live profile, that profile is removed from your active count, freeing up a slot so you can activate a new profile. 

Other Questions

Q: How do I find out who is my CSM (Customer Success Manager)?

A: If you’re unsure, email support@kindsight.io, and we will connect you with your Customer Success Manager.

Still have questions?

If you didn’t see your question answered here, we’d love to hear from you! Reach out to your iwave representative or Customer Success Manager, and we’ll be happy to help.

Want to see live profiles in action? Schedule a demo today to explore how it can help your organization stay ahead with real-time donor insights!

The post Your live profiles questions, answered appeared first on Kindsight.

Here are our top four takeaways from the report – and the corresponding recommendation for each.

1. The landscape of giving is (still) changing and there is (still) much more to learn.

It probably won’t shock you to see again that there has been a decline in giving and volunteering to nonprofits over the past two decades. This has been in our minds over the past few years especially. According to the report, the share of U.S. households donating to nonprofits has dropped by 15.8% over the last 10 years. The volunteer rate with nonprofits fell to under 25% in 2015 and to 23% in 2021.

These stats feel very scary. But when you dig deeper, it’s clear that this decline corresponds with economic precarity, declining religiosity and social disconnection, and decreased trust in institutions. Simultaneously, there has been a rise in more diverse, less formalized ways of giving. People are engaging in more crowdfunding, mutual aid, and new technologies like cash apps. 

Recommendation #1: Gather more data, widen the research net

Discovering the nuance of these shifts is key. The sector needs to widen the research net and gather more data to fully understand the mosaic that is generosity. The current research methods may not be capturing the full picture. This research should also focus on identifying effective strategies for combating this decline by promoting generosity in all its forms.

2. Everyday givers and volunteers are a vital asset to our communities, but their numbers are dwindling. 

Everyday givers (those who give smaller amounts, often under $100) and volunteers are the heart of civil society. They are the ones who are aware of local needs, think of innovative solutions, and are willing to roll their sleeves up and address the challenges facing their communities. They are the ones creating contextual, community-based solutions.

Sadly, as many as 20 million households dropped out of giving between 2010 and 2016 in the wake of the 2008 recession, and they have continued to drop in subsequent years. In a study that included information on the 2022 decline in donors, 90% of the decline for that year was attributable to losses of people donating $500 and under. 

This has made a large impact on funding for programs. But if you go deeper, you can see that it also represents a loss of diverse perspectives and vital social connections. Fewer and fewer people are experiencing the community-building power of generosity. This lack of engagement begets a lack of engagement. A broader base of giving and volunteering leads to a more diverse and robust civil society, reflecting a wider range of organizations, viewpoints, interests, and perspectives.

Recommendation #2: Promote social connection and civic engagement

The research shows that group membership and organized activities have the most substantial impact on encouraging people to give and volunteer, more than individual social connections or informal volunteering. People who belong to one or more community groups are significantly more likely to both volunteer (by 14.3%) and donate money (by 8.6%).

There is also a strong correlation between giving and volunteering, and voter participation in national elections. This finding suggests a broader link between generosity and civic engagement. The more engaged someone is, the more likely they are to give of their time and resources.

Encouraging social participation and civic engagement, through the creation and participation in groups and activities that foster social connection is a must. This could involve supporting existing community organizations, creating new opportunities for people to connect, or promoting initiatives that bring people together around shared interests. It’s also important to promote youth as givers and volunteers, which should foster a lifelong commitment to generosity. 

3. Small nonprofits are disproportionately affected by declining giving

The part of the donor pool that is shrinking is everyday donors. More and more giving to nonprofit organizations has been coming from a smaller pool of wealthy donors. Interestingly, the giving preferences of high-net-worth donors differ from those of everyday donors, they tend to prefer higher education and medical research in lieu of community organizations.

Meanwhile, 88% of nonprofits have a budget of less than $500,000 and rely considerably more on individual contributions than larger nonprofits. They have fewer staff resources to commit to attracting major gifts, and therefore are sustained by smaller donations.

As such, smaller, local nonprofits have experienced a greater loss than larger organizations in recent year. This is particularly concerning because it’s these organizations that are often addressing local needs and form the bedrock for our social fabric. 

Recommendation #3: Government should incentivize supporting small nonprofits

Because smaller nonprofit organizations and community foundations have taken the largest hit in this generosity downturn, it is important for the government to provide targeted support on two fronts. First they need to empower smaller nonprofits to connect and engage with the broader, general donor pool, which includes major givers. This might include providing capacity-building programs, fundraising training, or initiatives that connect small nonprofits with potential donors in their communities. Secondly, the government can also incentivize individuals to support smaller nonprofits by increasing the availability of charitable tax deductions when giving to those types of organizations. 

4. We don’t talk about everyday generosity enough.

For some reason, it is uncommon to talk about everyday generosity. It’s unclear whether it is rooted in a desire to be modest, a general bias toward discretion or privacy, or a belief that is a social faux pas. Neither group (high-capacity donors or everyday donors) are talking enough about their giving or volunteerism. 

At the same time, many organizations that once relied on the longstanding 80/20 rule (deriving 80% of contributions from large-scale donors), that ratio has crept up to 90%, or 95% in some charities. Critics say that in the process, the infrastructure catering to smaller donors has begun to atrophy. Everyday gifts are not as celebrated, and givers may feel they don’t fit into the prevailing generosity narrative.

Recommendation #4: Change the conversation

Even though everyday givers don’t talk about their giving or volunteering much, they seem to be open to doing so with those close to them, if it will also encourage them to give. That’s why it’s important to encourage the general population to talk about generosity and open up a conversation that normalizes it. Spreading stories of generosity is a key part of encouraging it in others. 

One option is for nonprofits to invest in fundraising efforts that target everyday donors and emphasize the impact of small contributions. Additionally, advocating for policies that incentivize giving, such as increasing the availability of charitable tax deductions, can signal the importance of charitable giving as a societal value. All of this will also affect how younger generations perceive and talk about generosity, hopefully setting a new trend moving forward. 

And of course, encouraging public figures and leaders to speak openly about their experiences with generosity, whether giving or volunteering, will also help to normalize the behavior. It just can’t be the only focus in this instance.

By understanding the changing landscape of generosity, in broader terms than we have in the past, we can adapt and keep our generosity sector thriving. Focusing on supporting smaller, local nonprofits, and getting the surrounding community (everyday givers) engaged is key. Fostering social connection and community, as well as empowering people to share their experiences and talk about generosity, will change the way we think about philanthropy. It will bring more people in and include everyone in the generosity narrative. Bottom line: we all have a part to play in adapting to changing trends and bolstering the generosity sector for the future. 

The post 4 perspective-shifting takeaways from the 2024 Generosity Commission Report appeared first on Kindsight.

That left us thinking, How CAN we make a real difference when we are on the road, attending conferences? That spark of curiosity and intention to give back led us to start the Kindness Wall. Through it, our hope is to spotlight and support the vital work of local nonprofits and spread the compassion and positive change we see nonprofit professionals enacting on a daily basis.

What is a Kindness Wall?

A Kindness Wall is a dedicated space with encouragement, gratitude, and inspirational messages. It invites people to write heartfelt notes to colleagues, friends, or mentors, and share them for all to see by pinning them on the Kindness Wall. These walls often turn kindness into action by linking each message with a small donation to a local nonprofit. Through this simple act, the Kindness Wall becomes a bridge, connecting people with the communities they visit while spreading the compassion at the heart of the nonprofit world.

How we built our Kindsight Kindness Wall

At Kindsight, we wanted our Kindness Wall to be easy and impactful without requiring much space. Our wall can be set up at conference venues and events — or even exist digitally. For each note posted, we donate $5 to a local nonprofit.

Each donation supports organizations already doing incredible work to help those in need, so the wall serves as more than just a collection of warm and fuzzies. It’s a tangible way for conference attendees to leave a legacy of kindness and support, reminding us that we’re all part of a larger community. It’s a simple gesture with a significant impact: by the end of each conference, the wall becomes a powerful symbol of generosity and unity.

Want to create your own Kindness Wall?

Are you looking to foster a spirit of kindness and support? Of course you are! A Kindness Wall is an easy, impactful way to unite people while supporting your mission. Whether you create one for your organization’s employees or suggest it to local partners, a Kindness Wall is a powerful way to boost morale and make a difference.

1. Define your purpose

Establish the intention behind your Kindness Wall. This might mean fostering a culture of gratitude and appreciation in your organization. Consider partnering with local businesses or community spaces to set up a Kindness Wall that raises awareness and donations for your cause.

2. Select a location

Choose a visible, high-traffic spot, such as a hallway, break room, or lobby. If your team works remotely, set up a digital Kindness Wall on a platform like Microsoft Teams or Slack.

3. Gather materials (physical wall)

• Board or wall space: Use a corkboard, freestanding wall, or designated bulletin board.
• Sticky notes or cards: Provide sticky notes or cards where people can write messages.
• Pins, tape, or clips: Use fasteners to attach the notes.
• Donation signage: To encourage participation, display a sign explaining the purpose, such as “$5 donated to [nonprofit] for each message posted.”

For nonprofits, this signage can also include information about your mission and services, raising awareness among new audiences.

4. Encourage participation

Invite people to write messages of gratitude, inspiration, or support. Emphasize these notes’ positive impact—either by uplifting colleagues internally or gathering support for your cause. Share stories or examples that illustrate the power of small acts of kindness, creating an inviting space for reflection.

5. Track and share the impact

Share updates on the Kindness Wall’s impact to keep participants engaged. Post regular updates on how many notes have been shared and the resulting donations, building momentum and inspiring even more kindness.

The impact and legacy of a Kindness Wall

Since its inception, the Kindsight Kindness Wall has supported nonprofits like Second Harvest, Louie’s HUWE, and Sound Generations. The wall becomes a powerful visual reminder of generosity and unity—a symbol that we’re all part of a larger community no matter where we come from.

Looking ahead, the Kindness Wall will continue to serve as a symbol—a reminder that we are all part of something bigger than ourselves. Whether physical or digital, each Kindness Wall is a bridge connecting people and the community, transforming simple notes into a lasting legacy of kindness.

The post Connecting communities through Kindness: The story behind our Kindness Wall appeared first on Kindsight.