Visionary Voices

Hard Lessons Learned …

Eddie Thompson November 21, 2024

Luckily, the most important lessons I’ve learned in my 40+ years of fundraising and charitable estate planning came near the beginning. Many of those experiences were painful, and it’s still somewhat embarrassing to shine a spotlight on my greatest mistakes. Nonetheless, things I learned from my stumblings have become essential elements of my fundraising career. Here are my top ten greatest mistakes (so far).

Image of wooden stix individuals receiving subsidy

Tax Benefits and Public Subsidies:

Viken Mikaelian November 21, 2024

When you think about donating to charity, what comes to mind? Most of us picture generosity and kindness—people stepping up to make the world a better place. But behind every gift lies a complex system of tax benefits, sparking plenty of debates. And some are ugly.

A Pen and ink illustration of the White House, to illustrate a blog on the future of philanthropy under Trump.

Philanthropy Under Trump: What To Expect

Amida Gallagher November 19, 2024

Predicting the future of philanthropy is a tricky business—and even more so when it comes to political shifts. Under the new Trump administration, the direction of philanthropy could change, although I do not think it will drastically. We can only take some guesses based on historical data and recent events.

A picture of chessboard to illustrate the idea of wealth and power inequality. Critics argue that large-scale philanthropy can sometimes do more harm than good, but there's no doubt philanthropy can bring positive change. So who's right?

Wealth Inequality and Power Dynamics in Philanthropy

Viken Mikaelian November 19, 2024

Philanthropy, by nature, carries an air of generosity and goodwill — a way for the wealthy to give back and help address big societal challenges. And let’s be honest, most of us admire the idea of someone using their resources to make the world a better place. But not everyone sees it that way. Critics argue that large-scale philanthropy can sometimes do more harm than good, creating power imbalances that let the rich call the shots. It’s a tricky topic.

A Fundraiser Walks Into a Bar

Viken Mikaelian November 18, 2024

Every good story starts with a setup. It doesn’t matter if it’s a joke, a novel, or a blockbuster movie—the beginning is where you learn what’s happening, who’s involved, and why it matters. Without it, the rest of the story just doesn’t land.

Luxury Motor Coach in front of mountains

Luxury Motor Coach Donation

Chase V. Magnuson November 16, 2024

Owners of luxury motor coaches and RVs, such as Marathon Coaches and other high-end brands, can have the best of both worlds: a vacation with all the comforts of home, and an opportunity to shape their philanthropic legacy that also provides a current charitable tax deduction.

A Nonprofit’s Brand is the Key to Trust, Authority, and Fundraising Success

Viken Mikaelian November 16, 2024

By investing in their brand, nonprofits can raise more money, build deeper trust, and inspire donors to leave a lasting legacy. In today’s crowded nonprofit world, a strong brand isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential.

Cameraman preparing a video recording for a story

Donors Want a Story to Remember, Not a Fact to Memorize

Kevin L. Brown November 15, 2024

About 56% of social media users who donate online said compelling storytelling makes them give most, according to Nonprofit Tech for Good. Stories were the number one motivation, while data wasn’t on the list.

Why Transparency Matters More Than Ever

Viken Mikaelian November 6, 2024

In today’s world, information is easy to access, so being transparent isn’t optional anymore—it’s necessary. Philanthropic organizations, which play a special role in our society, are expected to be more open and honest about what they do than ever before. Transparency in fundraising has now become critical.