Philanthropy Today

Nonprofit 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.

The 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.

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.

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.