Visionary Voices

Stepping outside the comfort zone leads to breakthrough fundraising results and donor engagement.

A Small Goal and A Small Vision Won’t Cut It In This Environment

Gail Perry, MBA, CFRE May 3, 2025

This 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.

Man planting trees at sunset with quote about legacy and future generations.

Everyone Wants the Fruit, But No One Wants to Plant the Tree

Viken Mikaelian April 14, 2025

Planned 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.

Smiling financial advisor discussing philanthropic planning with a client in a bright, modern office setting.

Advisors, Philanthropy, and Donor Perceptions: Why Advisors Must Embrace the Shift

Viken Mikaelian April 12, 2025

As 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.

Woman planning her will on a tablet standing up

Rethinking Will Planners: How Estate Planning Tools Can (and Should) Support Philanthropy

Viken Mikaelian April 7, 2025

Most 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.

A diverse group of people standing together outdoors with arms around each other, facing the sunrise in a display of unity and support.

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

Russell James III, Ph.D., J.D., CFP® April 1, 2025

Giving feels noble. Sharing feels human. This blog explores the primal power of community in fundraising—not as a transaction, but as a mutual act of belonging. True generosity thrives when people feel they are part of something, not giving to something. Drawing from game theory, biology, and real-world experiments, it reveals why communal sharing inspires deeper, more sustainable gifts—and why the smartest fundraisers aren’t just building donors. They’re building tribes.

How blockchain and crypto can make philanthropy more efficient

The Future of Multiplicative Giving: How AI, Data, and Collective Philanthropy Will Reshape Impact

Amida Gallagher March 18, 2025

Philanthropy is shifting from isolated donations to multiplicative giving, where every dollar generates exponential impact. AI-driven philanthropy enhances decision-making, big data enables real-time impact tracking, and blockchain ensures radical transparency. Donor collaboratives further amplify change by pooling resources for systemic solutions. As technology transforms giving, the future belongs to those who embrace data-driven, strategic philanthropy. Are you ready to maximize your impact?

Illustration of fundraiser with "jargon nonprofit speak" confuses couple

Say What? Stop Using These Words!

Patrick O'Donnell March 12, 2025

Nonprofit jargon is a surefire way to lose donors. Too often, fundraisers either get lost in technical language or lean on overused buzzwords that mean little to the average supporter. Phrases like “making a difference” or “impactful” are vague and uninspiring—donors want specifics. Instead of empty jargon, use clear, engaging language that shows exactly how their gift helps. The right words can transform your appeals, strengthen connections, and ultimately drive more meaningful support for your mission.

Illustartion of couple doing an acrobatic maneuver where trust is involved in the transaction

The Heroic Donation Audience in Primal Fundraising: I Need a Hero!

Russell James III, Ph.D., J.D., CFP® March 11, 2025

Fundraising isn’t about transactions—it’s about relationships, and the most transformational gifts emerge from an ancient instinct: friendship reciprocity. Donors don’t just give; they form alliances with organizations that reflect their values, understand them personally, and offer a trusted community. Successful fundraisers aren’t salespeople; they’re relationship-builders with high emotional intelligence and an intuitive grasp of donor motivations. Charities that act as steadfast allies—showing up in moments of need and fostering deep connections—unlock heroic giving. In that moment, the donor isn’t just giving; they’re making a statement about their legacy and trust.

An image of black coffee in a red mug, sitting on a napkin that has "Wake up! Make things happen." written on it, to illustrate a blog post about nonprofits facing a $65 Billion giving decline.

A $65 Billion Wake-Up Call for Nonprofits: Why Donors Are Pulling Back

Viken Mikaelian March 1, 2025

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.