Visionary Voices

A sign that says, "An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." It illustrates the concept of the power of curiosity.

Be Curious: The Key to Better Donor Relationships

Jay Duggan February 4, 2025 No Comments

Successful fundraising isn’t just about asking for money—it’s about building relationships. The key? Curiosity. Engaging with donors through meaningful conversations can uncover their motivations, passions, and capacity for giving. Instead of diving straight into an ask, focus on listening—understanding why they support your nonprofit and what impact matters most to them. By asking the right questions, expressing gratitude, and securing future touchpoints, you create deeper connections that lead to long-term giving. Learn how to structure effective donor discovery meetings that open doors to major and legacy gifts while strengthening donor trust.

Why a Balanced Fundraising Approach is More Important Now Than Ever

Michael Bittel January 30, 2025 1 Comment

Is your strategy built to last? Relying too much on one revenue source—events, grants, or major gifts—can leave your nonprofit vulnerable when the unexpected hits. A balanced fundraising approach is the key to long-term financial stability. In this article, Michael Bittel and Viken Mikaelian break down the three essential pillars of a resilient fundraising strategy: annual giving, major gifts, and the most overlooked revenue stream—planned giving. Learn why nonprofits that diversify survive, and how a surprise $683,000 bequest saved an organization from disaster. Don’t leave your future to chance—read now and strengthen your nonprofit’s financial foundation.

Man in a panic (humorous image with exaggerated expression)

Donors Can Smell Fear

Viken Mikaelian January 21, 2025 No Comments

Fear 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 back in mediocrity, or step up and lead. Just remember – no one ever changed the world by playing it safe.

A picture of a hand placing a valentine-style heart into a donation box, to symbolize that heart-led giving far outpaces donations made for tax purposes.

The Science and Soul of Giving: Understanding the Heart’s Role in Philanthropy

Gary Bukowski January 20, 2025 No Comments

The science of charitable giving reveals a fascinating intersection between heart and mind, where the heart’s electromagnetic field plays a surprisingly powerful role in philanthropic decisions. Research shows that generous acts trigger the release of oxytocin and dopamine, creating a “helper’s high” that delivers measurable health benefits including reduced stress and increased longevity. While modern fundraising employs sophisticated data analytics, the core motivator for donors remains deeply emotional – the desire to make a meaningful difference in others’ lives. Building successful donor relationships requires deep listening, face-to-face connections, and a genuine understanding of donors’ aspirations. The future of philanthropy lies in bridging technological capabilities with authentic human connections, recognizing that transformative giving originates from the heart’s fundamental desire to create positive change.

Nonprofits must evaluate their fundraising strategies to ensure resilience in the new year. The six questions in this article will help.

6 Fundraising Questions to Ask Yourself for 2025

Mike Esposito January 15, 2025 5 Comments

As 2025 begins, nonprofits must evaluate their fundraising strategies to stay resilient and adaptive in a changing landscape. This blog highlights six essential questions to guide your planning, covering key areas like accepting non-cash gifts, implementing legacy giving strategies, diversifying revenue streams, and retaining talented development staff. It also explores the transformative role of AI tools and the critical importance of an engaged Board of Directors. By addressing these questions, your organization can uncover opportunities, tackle challenges, and set the stage for sustainable growth in the year ahead.

Single pawn stepping out of the rest depicting unfair with a sad face

The System Is Not Unfair

Viken Mikaelian January 12, 2025 No Comments

Fairness 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.

Two men facing away - democrat and a republican

Next 4 Years: Thrive or Survive?

Viken Mikaelian January 7, 2025 4 Comments

The 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% who do nothing but hope and complain? The choice is yours.

Ten Resolutions to Move Your Nonprofit Forward in 2025

Patrick O'Donnell January 2, 2025 1 Comment

You’ve had 365 days to keep your 2024 New Year’s resolutions—how well did you do? Statistics show that if you’re like most Americans, over 80% of those resolutions were toast by February. But, since you’re here reading Philanthropy.Org, I’m hopeful you’re among the 8% who wrote their resolutions down, and then actually kept it.

The Art of Giving vs. Tuxedos and Hors d’Oeuvres

Viken Mikaelian December 31, 2024 No Comments

Philanthropy: 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.