A picture of a woman applauding at a gala dinner, to illustrate a blog post concept that philanthropy comes from the heart and is not all about ritzy fundraisers.

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

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.

Read More »
A picture of a woman looking out a window open to opportunities, to symbolize the opportunities the Great Wealth Transfer presents. Nonprofits that focus on estate planning and planned giving stand to benefit the most.

Window of Opportunity for Nonprofits

You 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 More »
Senior looking into the future to make an impact.

Smarter Giving: How Seniors Can Make an Impact and Save on Taxes

Did 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 giving with your goals.

Read More »
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.

Read More »
A stack of wooden blocks meant to represent the concept of focusing on estate planning for retirees, and not focusing on just the ultra wealthy.

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.

Read More »
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.

Read More »
Depiction of elderly couple strolling

Estate Planning Paralysis

Estate planning can feel overwhelming for many donors, often leading to delayed decisions or even giving up entirely. With so many options—charitable trusts, wills, beneficiary forms—and the added complexity of tax laws like IRS §170, it’s no wonder people experience “choice overload.” This article dives into the very real struggles donors face when navigating these decisions, sharing relatable examples of how too much complexity can stall the process. It also offers practical advice on how simplifying choices and having thoughtful, sincere conversations can help donors move past indecision and confidently align their giving with their values.

Read More »
Woman holding a Yorkie on shoulder.

No Kids? Adopt a Cause.

Ever 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 More »
Hand controlling puppet

Big Government vs Philanthropy

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.

Read More »
A picture of a woman applauding at a gala dinner, to illustrate a blog post concept that philanthropy comes from the heart and is not all about ritzy fundraisers.

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

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.

Read More »
A picture of a woman looking out a window open to opportunities, to symbolize the opportunities the Great Wealth Transfer presents. Nonprofits that focus on estate planning and planned giving stand to benefit the most.

Window of Opportunity for Nonprofits

You 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 More »
Senior looking into the future to make an impact.

Smarter Giving: How Seniors Can Make an Impact and Save on Taxes

Did 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 giving with your goals.

Read More »
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.

Read More »
A stack of wooden blocks meant to represent the concept of focusing on estate planning for retirees, and not focusing on just the ultra wealthy.

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.

Read More »
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.

Read More »
Depiction of elderly couple strolling

Estate Planning Paralysis

Estate planning can feel overwhelming for many donors, often leading to delayed decisions or even giving up entirely. With so many options—charitable trusts, wills, beneficiary forms—and the added complexity of tax laws like IRS §170, it’s no wonder people experience “choice overload.” This article dives into the very real struggles donors face when navigating these decisions, sharing relatable examples of how too much complexity can stall the process. It also offers practical advice on how simplifying choices and having thoughtful, sincere conversations can help donors move past indecision and confidently align their giving with their values.

Read More »
Woman holding a Yorkie on shoulder.

No Kids? Adopt a Cause.

Ever 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 More »
Hand controlling puppet

Big Government vs Philanthropy

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.

Read More »