Viken Mikaelian Archives

A stack of wooden blocks meant to represent the concept of focusing on estate planning for retirees, and not focusing on just the ultra wealthy.

Rethinking Estate and Charitable Planning: Insights Beyond the Ultra-Wealthy

December 19, 2024 1 Comment

Rather than fixating on the ultra-wealthy, whose financial maneuvers dominate headlines but offer limited societal impact, we should shift focus to wealthy retirees—a much larger, reachable group navigating real financial challenges. These individuals, who have diligently saved through 401(k)s and IRAs, face issues like managing Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and effective estate planning. Tools such as Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) and Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) provide retirees with opportunities to reduce taxes, secure their legacies, and amplify their philanthropic impact. By engaging this demographic with proven strategies, fundraisers can foster meaningful giving that benefits both families and communities, driving scalable and lasting change.

An image of an older woman holding a Yorkie dog on shoulder, to illustrate the concept that childless donors represent a rapidly growing portion of the population — and that presents a valuable opportunity for nonprofits..

No Kids? Adopt a Cause.

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.

Big Government vs Philanthropy

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.

Million Dollars, Thank You Card

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.

Image of wooden stix individuals receiving subsidy

Tax Benefits and Public Subsidies:

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.

A picture of chessboard to illustrate the idea of wealth and power inequality. Critics argue that large-scale philanthropy can sometimes do more harm than good, but there's no doubt philanthropy can bring positive change. So who's right?

Wealth Inequality and Power Dynamics in Philanthropy

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.

A Fundraiser Walks Into a Bar

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.

A Nonprofit’s Brand is the Key to Trust, Authority, and Fundraising Success

November 16, 2024 2 Comments

By investing in their brand, nonprofits can raise more money, build deeper trust, and inspire donors to leave a lasting legacy. In today’s crowded nonprofit world, a strong brand isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential.

Why Transparency Matters More Than Ever

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.

Global philanthropy depicted through earth living in a forest.

Importance of Global Philanthropy

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.

Author: Viken Mikaelian