Welcome to Philanthropy.org, where the nonprofit world comes together to share thoughts, discuss issues, teach, and learn.

The term "philanthropy" comes from the Greek words philos (loving) and anthropos (humankind). It was coined by the Greek playwright Aeschylus in the 5th century BCE.

Featured Nonprofit of the Month

United Way of Lehigh Valley

Featured in Giving Today and Tomorrow Magazine

Paul "Chip" Hurd
Chief Philanthropy Officer

When you live in the same community for 50 years, relationships go deep. For Chip, who was born and raised and raised his kids in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, many United Way donors are not just professional acquaintances, but personal friends.

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THIS SITE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION

VISIONARY VOICES

Man in a panic (humorous image with exaggerated expression)

Donors Can Smell Fear

Fear is nonprofit kryptonite, and donors can smell it from miles away. While you’re clutching your pearls in your vanilla comfort zone, bold organizations are reinventing the game. Crisis doesn’t care about your five-year plan or your committee meetings – it’s already here, separating the leaders from the excuse-makers.
Here’s the brutal truth: Your competitors aren’t waiting for permission to innovate. They’re treating their nonprofits like the businesses they are, while you’re still debating whether to rock the boat. The next crisis won’t care about your comfort zone, and neither do your donors.
The choice is yours: Keep covering your back in mediocrity, or step up and lead. Just remember – no one ever changed the world by playing it safe.

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Depositing a symbolic heart into a donation box

The Science and Soul of Giving: Understanding the Heart’s Role in Philanthropy

The science of charitable giving reveals a fascinating intersection between heart and mind, where the heart’s electromagnetic field plays a surprisingly powerful role in philanthropic decisions. Research shows that generous acts trigger the release of oxytocin and dopamine, creating a “helper’s high” that delivers measurable health benefits including reduced stress and increased longevity. While modern fundraising employs sophisticated data analytics, the core motivator for donors remains deeply emotional – the desire to make a meaningful difference in others’ lives. Building successful donor relationships requires deep listening, face-to-face connections, and a genuine understanding of donors’ aspirations. The future of philanthropy lies in bridging technological capabilities with authentic human connections, recognizing that transformative giving originates from the heart’s fundamental desire to create positive change.

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6 Fundraising Questions to Ask Yourself for 2025

As 2025 begins, nonprofits must evaluate their fundraising strategies to stay resilient and adaptive in a changing landscape. This blog highlights six essential questions to guide your planning, covering key areas like accepting non-cash gifts, implementing legacy giving strategies, diversifying revenue streams, and retaining talented development staff. It also explores the transformative role of AI tools and the critical importance of an engaged Board of Directors. By addressing these questions, your organization can uncover opportunities, tackle challenges, and set the stage for sustainable growth in the year ahead.

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