As we drive through our neighborhoods, each home tells a different story. On one side, mornings begin with breakfasts, school runs, and fresh energy. On the other, night-shift workers are winding down, reflecting on the day’s lessons. Our perspective defines what we see—hope or fatigue, beginnings or conclusions. By asking, “What does this look like from the other side of the street?” we open the door to empathy. In families, communities, and work, this simple shift can build deeper understanding, turning judgment into connection and isolation into belonging.
Read MoreMay 28, 2025Laura MacDonald discusses how nonprofits face recurring disruptions but historically remain resilient. Despite challenges like COVID-19, tax changes, recessions, and current political anxiety, charitable giving has averaged 6% growth since 1967. She advises organizations to project resilience, sustain relationships, respond strategically rather than react, and adopt donor-centric approaches. Rather than making preemptive decisions for donors, nonprofits should stay the course and continue their missions, as anxiety is the enemy of philanthropy but donor confidence typically rebounds within 6-18 months after disruptions.
Read MoreMay 28, 2025The author argues that true stewardship requires humility and self-awareness, not just good management skills. Many stewardship efforts remain transactional rather than transformational due to lack of humility. The solution involves self-stewardship through 15 attributes of humility, including being teachable, correctable, and focused on helping others succeed. A donor-centric approach requires genuine curiosity about donors' passions and motivations. Effective stewardship involves asking better questions, deep listening, and building meaningful relationships. Ultimately, stewardship isn't about money or control—it's about love and compassionate service to others.
Read MoreMay 28, 2025After five decades in nonprofit development, the author explores why donors openly discuss outright gifts but become secretive about planned giving. Key barriers include fear of mortality, financial insecurity, complexity, trust issues, family dynamics, and concerns about increased solicitation pressure. The $84.4 trillion wealth transfer opportunity is significant, yet fewer than 25% of donors with charitable estate plans notify organizations. Success requires building trust, simplifying processes, emphasizing confidentiality, creating legacy donor communities, and prioritizing family needs first before introducing charitable considerations.
Read MoreMay 25, 2025DAFs are where generosity goes to nap. With over $160 billion sitting idle, donor advised funds are the polite face of philanthropic procrastination—wrapped in tax breaks, moral applause, and just enough paperwork to feel productive. Whether you're funding climate activism, the NRA, or a dog yoga retreat in Boulder, DAFs let you delay real giving while looking like a hero. This satirical exposé unpacks how DAFs function as legal laundromats, helping donors stall while nonprofits wait... and wait. And wait.
Read MoreMay 17, 2025The real wealth gap isn’t money—it’s mindset. Most fundraisers think too small, failing to grasp the scale their donors operate on. A million seconds is 11 days; a billion is 32 years. That’s not clever—it’s clarity. A $1.2M net worth worries about healthcare; a $500M net worth builds dynasties. If you approach them the same way, you’ve already lost. Legacy giving isn’t just for the elite—it’s your greatest untapped asset. Stop thinking small. Your mission deserves better.
Read MoreMay 12, 2025Featured Cover Preview The Donor Experience: A Culture Shift That Changes Everything Heidi Bagwell, CFRE Director of Donor Relations,Easter Seals Midwest, St. Louis, Missouri Other Articles Tried and True: How to Successfully Make Your First Major Gift Ask What’s Working: “What Would We Ever Do Without you?” Starting Planned Giving Conversations with Heart Trend or Tale?: […]
Read MoreMay 5, 2025This is not the time for small goals or playing it safe. Nonprofits are facing unprecedented challenges — and only those willing to expand, reinvent, and invest will thrive. This candid, no-nonsense post delivers five essential do’s and don’ts to help your organization rise above survival mode and embrace a bold, future-focused vision. From board priorities to fundraising strategy, it’s a practical roadmap for leaders ready to act with courage, clarity, and conviction in a world that demands more.
Read MoreMay 3, 2025Planned giving remains one of the most powerful yet underutilized tools in nonprofit fundraising. This article explores why organizations overlook it, the cultural and systemic reasons behind short-term thinking, and what it takes to cultivate long-term donor relationships. Through practical insights, emotional truths, and a self-assessment checklist, it challenges nonprofits to plant the seeds of legacy today—because the fruit, and the future, depend on it. Elegant, honest, and quietly urgent, this is fundraising philosophy in action.
Read MoreApril 14, 2025As donor expectations evolve, today’s philanthropists are seeking more from their financial advisors—beyond tax advice. They want strategic, values-aligned giving plans that include family, legacy, and impact. With over $84 trillion expected to transfer across generations by 2045, advisors who understand charitable tools like planned giving and donor-advised funds are well-positioned for growth. Learn how integrating philanthropy into your financial planning services isn't just good ethics—it's smart business.
Read MoreApril 12, 2025Most will tools are built for transactions, not legacies. LegacyPlanner™ redefines estate planning by integrating it into the donor journey—educating, inspiring, and deepening engagement along the way. It’s not just about creating documents; it’s about creating impact. As philanthropy evolves, so must our tools. LegacyPlanner™ offers a glimpse into how estate planning can become a central part of donor-centric fundraising strategies.
Read MoreApril 7, 2025Featured Cover Preview Rooted in Resilience: A Fundraiser’s Journey from Family Legacy to Global Impact Paul Yeghiayan, CFRE Senior ConsultantBenefactor Group, Columbus, Ohio Other Articles Tried and True: The Invisible Man: Our Work as Porters What’s Working: Grant Writing Made Simple: Best Practices for Success Trend or Tale? Two “I”s Are Better Than One: Artificial Intelligence […]
Read MoreApril 6, 2025Featured Cover Preview From Stage to Storytelling: How Creative Backgrounds Shape Fundraising Success Emily Wills, Development DirectorMadison Reading Project, Madison, Wisconsin Other Articles Tried and True: Honoring Lives, Building Legacies How Named Funds Drive Lasting Impact What’s Working: QCDs Part Two: Getting The Conversation Going Trend or Tale? The Power of Personal Values: Inspiring Giving Through […]
Read MoreMarch 7, 2025Nonprofit giving has declined by $65 billion since 2021, a staggering number influenced by multiple factors. Economic challenges like inflation and market volatility contribute, but there's also a deeper crisis of confidence among major donors. Some feel that nonprofits, especially in higher education, no longer align with their values, leading to hesitation in giving. Additionally, the rise of presentism—judging historical figures by today's standards—has led institutions to remove donor names from buildings, further eroding trust.
Read MoreMarch 1, 2025The planned giving community has lost two giants—Roger Schoenhals and Lindsay Lapole—whose contributions shaped the profession for generations. Roger, founder of Planned Giving Today, provided invaluable insights into the practice of planned giving, while Lindsay’s leadership at the ACGA strengthened governance and education in charitable gift annuities. Their legacies live on through the professionals they mentored and the programs they established. In recent years, we also lost Deb Ashton and Robert Sharpe—both dear to my heart and pillars of our field.
Read MoreFebruary 26, 2025The free money era is over. Community foundations and major donors are done funding nonprofits that refuse to plan for the future. If your organization is still relying on grants and emergency appeals, you’re already on borrowed time. No more free rides—it’s survival of the smartest. Funders want to invest in organizations that take sustainability seriously, not those stuck in a cycle of dependency. Stop begging. Start planning. Build an endowment. Invest in planned giving. Adapt, or get left behind. Because in today’s nonprofit world, only the strong will survive.
Read MoreFebruary 17, 2025With potential government funding cuts, nonprofits must resist fear-driven reactions and focus on what truly secures their future: philanthropy. Grants come and go, but donor relationships, major gifts, and planned giving provide long-term stability. Relying on political shifts is a gamble—fundraising is the only strategy that puts nonprofits in control. Every handout comes with strings attached, and eventually, those strings can tighten. Now is the time to invest in donor engagement, think strategically, and build financial independence. The strongest nonprofits aren’t the ones that panic; they’re the ones that plan.
Read MoreFebruary 10, 2025Featured Cover Preview Authenticity in Action: Mastering the Art of Nonprofit Storytelling to Inspire Giving Karen Alonso, Vice President of MarketingUnited Way of Southern Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada Other Articles Tried and True: The Unitrust Foundation What’s Working: The Lasting Power of Trust Building Truth or Tale? The Case For Staying Your Story Matters: From $80k to $27M: […]
Read MoreFebruary 8, 2025Fear 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...
Read MoreJanuary 21, 2025Fairness is subjective, often rooted in financial literacy gaps, not systemic bias. The system rewards those who understand its rules and take personal responsibility, while ignorance fuels the illusion of unfairness. Genuine inequalities exist but don’t define the entire system. This nation offers many free resources—take advantage of them. Blaming the system disempowers; mastering knowledge, strategy, and effort empowers. Success favors those who learn, adapt, and take control.
Read MoreJanuary 12, 2025Featured Cover Preview Legacy: Your’s and Your Donors’ Jennifer Amarnick, Executive Director of Philanthropy and Gift PlanningJupiter Medical Center Foundation, Jupiter FL Other Articles Tried and True: QCDs: Good for Donors, Good for Organizations What’s Working: The Power in Personalization Truth or Tale? What Data Claims Are The Leading Nonprofit Causes Your Story Matters: The Magic is In […]
Read MoreJanuary 11, 2025The next four years are yours to shape, no matter who sits in the Oval Office. In times of change, there are three types of people: the delusional, the passive, and the ones who take control and make it happen. Success isn’t about luck—it’s about mindset, action, and personal growth. While the world around you may be chaotic, you have the power to focus on what you can control: your mindset, your skills, and your network. Stop waiting for someone else to change things for you. Will you rise, or will you let life happen to you like the 98%...
Read MoreJanuary 7, 2025Philanthropy: Heart Over Glitz! When we think of philanthropy, it’s easy to picture glamorous galas, tuxedos, and polished speeches. But true giving isn’t about appearances; it’s about connection. It’s about seeing someone’s need, extending a hand, and recognizing our shared humanity. From small gestures, like a simple brownie shared in a dark time, to life-altering mentorships, the essence of philanthropy lies in the heart behind the act. This isn’t about wealth or prestige—it’s about kindness and the power it has to transform lives. Let’s explore how authentic generosity, no matter the scale, can create ripples of meaningful change.
Read MoreDecember 31, 2024You do not have much time. Over the next fifteen years, Baby Boomers will pass along a staggering $84 trillion to their heirs and to the causes they care about—an incredible $12 trillion of which could land in nonprofit coffers. Is your organization ready to claim its share of this once-in-a-generation opportunity? Setting up a planned giving program doesn’t just secure your mission’s future; it also boosts your nonprofit career. Keep reading to find out why planned giving is the key to unlocking lasting financial stability, deeper donor connections, and valuable leadership opportunities in the sector.
Read MoreDecember 28, 2024Did you know giving to charity can save you money on taxes while making a real difference? Surprisingly, fewer than 40% of wealthy retirees know about tools like Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) and Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) that help them give smarter. If you’re 70½ or older, QCDs let you donate directly from your IRA, lowering your taxable income and helping you meet Required Minimum Distributions to avoid penalties. DAFs, on the other hand, offer flexibility to donate now, decide later, and even grow your contributions tax-free. Learn how these strategies can work together to maximize your impact and align your...
Read MoreDecember 22, 2024Thirty years ago, I said goodbye to Thora, my loyal Norwegian Elkhound, as she gave me one last, loving lick—a silent goodbye that still lingers in my heart. Pets teach us unconditional love, but their time with us is far too short, leaving behind lessons in loyalty and the need to plan ahead. From my Yorkie Chloe’s antics to my sister’s legacy fund for UC Davis Veterinary School, I’ve seen how planning can turn love into lasting impact. Pets enrich our lives, but their care—and the inevitable heartbreak—require foresight. Let’s honor their love by preparing for both their joy and...
Read MoreDecember 20, 2024Rather 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...
Read MoreDecember 19, 2024Ever 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.
Read MoreDecember 8, 2024Discover 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.
Read MoreDecember 7, 2024Ever 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.
Read MoreDecember 6, 2024When 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.
Read MoreNovember 21, 2024Philanthropy, 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.
Read MoreNovember 19, 2024Every 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.
Read MoreNovember 18, 2024By 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.
Read MoreNovember 16, 2024In 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.
Read MoreNovember 6, 2024When 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.
Read MoreNovember 5, 2024Philanthropy has always been about solving the world’s biggest challenges, like providing access to education, healthcare, and support for those in need. But as more money flows into the nonprofit sector, more questions are being asked of nonprofit leadership. Most of them revolve around three topics: Where’s all the money going? How are decisions made? What’s actually changing?
Read MoreOctober 30, 2024
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