Visionary Voices

Thora, a Norwegian Elkhound

The Real Cost of Pet Ownership

Thirty 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 their loss.

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Estate Planning Blocks

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

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.

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Community

The Power of Community in Primal Fundraising: I’m Not Just Giving, I’m Sharing!

Imagine this: You’re not just writing a check—you’re building something bigger. Giving feels like handing something away, distant and one-sided. But sharing? Sharing connects us. It makes us part of a community, part of a story, part of each other’s lives. This isn’t just about fundraising; it’s about belonging. In this piece, you’ll discover how asking people to share—not just give—can inspire deeper connections, lasting generosity, and a stronger sense of purpose.

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