In part 2 of 3 in her series, Jana Cobb, Stelter Client Strategist, shares insights from our nonprofit client panel hosted in January 2024. Read part 1 here.
At an all-company meeting earlier this year, we were thrilled to host a panel discussion with some of our nonprofit clients. Hearing directly from the partners we serve is always a high point for our staff, providing inspiration and enlightenment to our Stelter employees each year.
Challenges & Opportunities
Steven Adamian, JD, CSPG, Associate Senior Vice President of Gift Planning at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, shared his perspective on the questions, “What challenges are your organization facing this year? What opportunities do you have?”
Health Sector
Steven Adamian, JD, CSPG
Associate Senior Vice President, Gift Planning
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
Organizations in the health care sector continue to face financial headwinds, including labor shortages and inflation. This is particularly challenging if reimbursement rates for providing care do not keep up with inflation. Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is not immune to these headwinds, especially when nearly 75% of its patients are part of California’s Medicaid program due to the hospital’s dedication to serving the underserved.
These challenges create opportunities to communicate with donors about what makes CHLA distinctive and why philanthropic support is critical.
According to U.S. News & World Report, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is ranked among the top 10 children’s hospitals in the nation. Its mission to create hope and build healthier futures continues to inspire community support. Steven sees opportunities in elevating the hospital’s brand and mission to attract new donors.
In addition, there is tremendous opportunity to build connections with potential donors outside of those who have received services from CHLA, such as through engaging their advisors to share how asset-based philanthropy can impact a mission that expresses their values. Steven finds that many donors want to support health care for children even if they are not personally connected to the hospital. When they learn that Children’s Hospital Los Angeles treats patients regardless of their income or insurance status, it can be a motivating factor in making a philanthropic gift.
As Steven said, “When you help a child, you are saving a family and blessing that family as well.”
Sharon Bean, CFRE, Senior Director, Planned Giving at International Rescue Committee (IRC) shared her thoughts on challenges and opportunities at her organization this year.
Cause Sector
Sharon Bean, CFRE
Senior Director, Planned Giving,
International Rescue Committee (IRC)
A big challenge for the IRC is to get people to see work beyond the headlines—things that need attention that aren’t getting the spotlight they deserve. Also, in the current environment, things can become very politically charged, and staying out of the political conversation can be challenging.
Sharon finds opportunity in conversations. She expressed that the more conversations you can have, the more awareness and understanding you can create, which leads to increased support. People do want to talk!
The IRC also recognizes the need to invest in fundraising infrastructure. “It’s exciting to see our organization’s willingness to invest in the infrastructure that can help us grow exponentially. That’s how we’re going to be able to help more of our clients,” said Sharon.
Your Turn
We would love to hear about the challenges you are facing as well as the opportunities on the horizon. Let us know using the form below. And don’t miss part 3 of my series, where I’ll share more from the panel. Up next—breaking down silos.
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