Visionary Voices

Visionary Voices is all about sharing bold ideas, lessons learned, and insights that can truly make a difference in philanthropy. Whether you’ve developed a unique strategy, discovered powerful lessons from challenges, or have expert advice to help others grow, your voice matters here. Stories of success—and the valuable insights gained along the way—have the power to inspire, connect, and spark conversations that move the sector forward. Share your expertise or personal experiences today, because the future of giving needs voices like yours. Contribute and be part of something bigger.

Woman holding a Yorkie on shoulder.

No Kids? Adopt a Cause.

Viken Mikaelian December 8, 2024 No Comments

Ever wonder who gets the fortune when there are no kids to squabble over it? Turns out, charities, distant cousins, and even lucky pets are raking it in! A Wall Street Journal article highlights an interesting trend: charities, distant relatives, and even pets are becoming the beneficiaries of surprise inheritances. For those of us in the nonprofit sector, this is a wake-up call—a significant opportunity to engage with a growing demographic that’s thinking beyond traditional family boundaries.

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Hand controlling puppet

Big Government vs Philanthropy

Viken Mikaelian December 7, 2024 1 Comment

Discover why the future of personal philanthropy is at risk in Big Government vs Philanthropy: Let’s Keep Giving Personal. This article delves into how legislative proposals like the Initiative to Accelerate Charitable Giving (IACG) could undermine donor-advised funds (DAFs) and family foundations—tools that empower everyday donors to make a lasting impact. Explore the double standards favoring large institutions over smaller, community-driven donors, and understand why preserving flexibility and personal choice in giving is essential. If you believe in protecting the freedom to give intentionally and meaningfully, this thought-provoking piece is a must-read.

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Million Dollars, Thank You Card

Viken Mikaelian December 6, 2024 3 Comments

Ever wondered how fundraisers turn cocktail-napkin promises into million-dollar gifts? Or why some fundraisers get a pat on the back while others get hailed as heroes? This article dives into the wild, wacky, and often inconsistent world of fundraiser recognition and compensation. From Ivy League endowments to “olive-stained” pledges, we’re unpacking how organizations credit planned gifts—and whether fundraisers should ever (gasp!) be paid on commission. It’s a mix of ethics, creativity, and eyebrow-raising anecdotes that might just make you question everything you thought you knew about philanthropy. Grab a coffee (or a cocktail napkin) and dive in.

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Image of wooden stix individuals receiving subsidy

Tax Benefits and Public Subsidies:

Viken Mikaelian November 21, 2024 No Comments

When you think about donating to charity, what comes to mind? Most of us picture generosity and kindness—people stepping up to make the world a better place. But behind every gift lies a complex system of tax benefits, sparking plenty of debates. And some are ugly.

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Chessboard depicting power and wealth

Wealth Inequality and Power Dynamics in Philanthropy

Viken Mikaelian November 19, 2024 No Comments

Philanthropy, by nature, carries an air of generosity and goodwill — a way for the wealthy to give back and help address big societal challenges. And let’s be honest, most of us admire the idea of someone using their resources to make the world a better place. But not everyone sees it that way. Critics argue that large-scale philanthropy can sometimes do more harm than good, creating power imbalances that let the rich call the shots. It’s a tricky topic.

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Depicted illustration of a male fundraiser with a glass of beer.

A Fundraiser Walks Into a Bar

Viken Mikaelian November 18, 2024 No Comments

Every good story starts with a setup. It doesn’t matter if it’s a joke, a novel, or a blockbuster movie—the beginning is where you learn what’s happening, who’s involved, and why it matters. Without it, the rest of the story just doesn’t land.

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Why Transparency Matters More Than Ever

Viken Mikaelian November 6, 2024 No Comments

In today’s world, information is easy to access, so being transparent isn’t optional anymore—it’s necessary. Philanthropic organizations, which play a special role in our society, are expected to be more open and honest about what they do than ever before. Transparency in fundraising has now become critical.

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Global philanthropy depicted through earth living in a forest.

Importance of Global Philanthropy

Viken Mikaelian November 5, 2024 No Comments

When individuals, companies, and communities come together to help others, they can fill the gaps that governments and businesses sometimes miss. Philanthropy turns hopes, dreams and empathy into real action. Its full potential, however, can only be reached when it’s embraced as a global effort.

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