Visionary Voices

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

Russell James III, Ph.D., J.D., CFP® December 17, 2024

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.

Estate Planning Paralysis

Eddie Thompson December 14, 2024

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.

An image of an older woman holding a Yorkie dog on shoulder, to illustrate the concept that childless donors represent a rapidly growing portion of the population — and that presents a valuable opportunity for nonprofits..

No Kids? Adopt a Cause.

Viken Mikaelian December 8, 2024

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.

Big Government vs Philanthropy

Viken Mikaelian December 7, 2024

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.

Million Dollars, Thank You Card

Viken Mikaelian December 6, 2024

Ever wondered how fundraisers turn cocktail-napkin promises into million-dollar gifts? Or why some fundraisers get a pat on the back while others get hailed as heroes? This article dives into the wild, wacky, and often inconsistent world of fundraiser recognition and compensation. From Ivy League endowments to “olive-stained” pledges, we’re unpacking how organizations credit planned gifts—and whether fundraisers should ever (gasp!) be paid on commission. It’s a mix of ethics, creativity, and eyebrow-raising anecdotes that might just make you question everything you thought you knew about philanthropy. Grab a coffee (or a cocktail napkin) and dive in.

Is Your Nonprofit Serious About Making Change? Consider Having Fun!

Julie Chapman December 4, 2024

Tired of guilt-driven appeals and overwhelming stats in nonprofit campaigns? It’s time to shake things up with a dose of fun! Discover how “FunActivism” is revolutionizing nonprofit marketing by turning enjoyment and community into powerful tools for change. From zombie-themed disaster prep to playful dog walks for sustainability, learn how creative, lighthearted approaches can inspire action, attract new supporters, and energize your mission. Ready to make a serious impact while having fun? Let’s get started!

Tree split in half right side with leaves looking forward to future.

Why Nonprofits Must Think and Act Like Businesses

Joe Garecht December 3, 2024

Since the beginning of time, we’ve been wired to avoid risks because that’s how we survive. But while this instinct may protect us from danger, it also holds us back. Success requires bold, unconventional actions that often draw criticism. Businesses understand this well, but nonprofits often struggle to embrace it.

An image of a calendar with December 31 emphasized with a drop pin, to illustrate a blog post about year-end giving campaigns.

How to Maximize Your Year-End Giving Campaign: 7 Fundraising Tips

Amy Mauser December 2, 2024

Whether you’re preparing year-end appeals, planning outreach to major donors, or focusing on planned giving opportunities, a thoughtful approach can make all the difference for your nonprofit. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath and grab a list—or make one! Because the key to a successful year-end campaign is as much about preparation as it is about execution.

The Telling and Troubling Way We Continue to Teach Fundraising

James Langley December 2, 2024

Note how often the tone of instructive materials treats fundraising as something we do to prospective givers, not what we do with potential partners.