Fundraising events may look busy and feel productive, but the data shows they rarely deliver lasting results. Donors increasingly want authentic connection, clear communication of impact, and opportunities to partner in meaningful ways—not another gala or golf outing. Studies confirm that events make up only a small fraction of charitable giving while draining staff time and fueling burnout. The real path forward lies in relationship-driven strategies that prioritize trust, transparency, and long-term impact.
Read MoreUniversity endowments, long celebrated as a hallmark of fiscal strength, are now at the center of a heated policy debate. With billions of dollars held by institutions like Harvard, Amherst, and Grinnell—sometimes exceeding $1 million per student—lawmakers are questioning whether these funds truly serve affordability and access. Proposals to tax large endowments add pressure, especially as tuition costs remain steep and federal grants face freezes. Ironically, the very institutions that followed best practices in building endowments may now be penalized for their success, sparking tough questions about fairness, stewardship, and the future of higher education finance.
Read MoreShould big nonprofits that operate like corporations still enjoy sweeping tax exemptions? Scott Hodge thinks not—arguing for nearly $40 billion in new federal taxes on large hospitals, wealthy universities, and donor-advised funds. His case highlights a growing tension: when mission-driven institutions behave like market giants, the public benefit of their tax breaks comes into question. Whether controversial or overdue, the debate forces us to ask what it really means to be a nonprofit today.
Read MorePublic universities are under mounting pressure as state funding declines and operational costs climb, leaving students to shoulder rising tuition and fees. The challenge is clear: can these institutions keep being “everything to everyone”? Streamlining through strategic specialization—focusing each campus on its strengths and reducing duplication—offers a path forward. But the real test lies in overcoming political resistance, where local pride and jobs often outweigh efficiency.
Read MoreWhat if billionaire wealth was deployed more boldly—not to fund passive foundations, but to fuel education, housing, and economic opportunity at scale? Redirecting just half of billionaire fortunes into community-focused programs could dramatically cut poverty, reduce housing insecurity, and strengthen long-term economic resilience. The impact wouldn’t be charity, but transformation—empowering families to thrive while easing pressures on public systems. The Giving Pledge promised generosity; true fulfillment would mean turning dormant wealth into a catalyst for national renewal.
Read MoreFifteen years after its launch, the Giving Pledge has largely failed to deliver on its bold promise. With only 13 percent of U.S. billionaires signed on—and most donations funneled into private foundations—the wealth gap has only grown wider. History shows what happens when voluntary redistribution falters: government steps in. If today’s billionaires continue to hoard wealth under the guise of philanthropy, policy reform may once again force their hand.
Read MoreFifteen years after its bold launch, the Giving Pledge has fallen far short of its transformative promise. While it raised awareness and built a community of wealthy donors, most pledges remain unfulfilled, with billions parked in private foundations and donor-advised funds instead of reaching communities in need. The gap between public commitments and actual impact reveals a troubling pattern: charitable intent without urgency or accountability. Unless future philanthropists pair pledges with decisive action, this momentous experiment risks being remembered as little more than a missed opportunity.
Read MoreThe U.S. Open stands apart from every other tournament because it reminds us that even the best in the world struggle with golf’s unforgiving nature. Instead of endless birdies, we see pros grinding through brutal rough, slick greens, and rounds unraveling in real time. It’s oddly comforting—proof that the game humbles everyone, from scratch players to weekend warriors. For once, golf feels less like a spectacle of perfection and more like a battle we all know too well.
Read MoreNonprofits remain one of America’s most trusted institutions, with 57% of the public expressing high confidence in the sector. Well above government, media, and big business. But trust isn’t guaranteed; it can erode quickly when organizations appear overly dependent on government funding, swayed by wealthy donors, or politically aligned. Protecting credibility means prioritizing transparency, independence, inclusivity, and mission focus at every decision point. In a skeptical era, trust is the nonprofit sector’s most valuable (and fragile) asset.
Read MoreDonor advised funds (DAFs) are no longer a quiet back-office giving tool and they’re a rapidly growing force in philanthropy. DAFs can create distance between nonprofits and their donors, but they also offer untapped potential for bigger, faster gifts when organizations actively embrace them. Simply inviting DAF contributions to your nonprofit can unlock remarkable generosity. In today’s fundraising landscape, adaptation isn’t optional, it’s the key to staying connected and competitive.
Read MoreA new IRS interpretation may allow churches and religious nonprofits to endorse political candidates without losing their tax-exempt status, but that doesn't mean they should. While legally permissible, such endorsements risk fracturing trust, alienating supporters, and damaging long-term sustainability. Mission-driven organizations thrive on unity and shared values, not political division. In today’s polarized climate, prudence—not permission—should lead the way.
Read MoreAfter years of declining donor participation, a new federal tax provision could help nonprofits reignite support from everyday givers. Starting in 2026, even non-itemizers can claim a modest charitable deduction ($1,000 for individuals, $2,000 for couples) signaling renewed recognition of smaller gifts. As Howard Husock argues, this shift isn't just financial; it's philosophical, affirming that generosity isn’t reserved for the wealthy. Nonprofits now have a strategic opportunity to re-engage the middle and rebuild a more inclusive culture of giving.
Read MoreDonors no longer want to wait a full year to see the impact of their gifts—they want real-time transparency, updates, and connection. While the annual report still has value, it’s no longer enough on its own. Nonprofits that blend traditional reporting with dashboards, video updates, and live briefings are better positioned to build trust, deepen engagement, and stand out in a competitive landscape.
Read MoreArtificial intelligence has real promise in the nonprofit world, but when it comes to donor relationships, chatbots can only go so far. While they’re useful for answering FAQs and collecting data, they fall short in areas requiring empathy, nuance, and personalized connection. To communicate effectively with donors, nonprofits must blend AI’s efficiency with the irreplaceable value of human interaction.
Read MoreWhen turbulence hits, strong nonprofits don’t wait—they act. Bold decisions, diversified funding, and transparent leadership separate those who endure from those who excel. Uncertain times demand proactive mission-driven strategy, not passive survival.
Read MoreAs fewer households give, monthly donations are emerging as the key to sustainable support. They’re budget-friendly for donors, stable for nonprofits, and more vital than ever in a changing philanthropic landscape.
Read MoreWhen respectful dissent gets you ejected from a commencement, it’s clear we’ve mistaken disagreement for disrespect. True leadership isn’t about insulation from critique—it’s about the courage to hear it. In a time when fragility is masquerading as strength, we need leaders who value dialogue over deference. Democracy depends on disagreement expressed with integrity—and leaders brave enough to listen.
Read MoreOne cold morning, a line of cars outside the Omaha Food Bank made the invisible visible—neighbors quietly waiting for food. In 2024, 211 helplines fielded 16.8 million pleas for help, most tied to basic needs like housing, food, and utilities. This isn’t a moment for feel-good giving; it’s a call to treat philanthropy as critical infrastructure. The safety net is stretched—and more people than ever are holding on.
Read MoreIn a time of growing patient demand and a shrinking physician workforce, the basics of medicine are more vital than ever. Mastery of anatomy, diagnostics, and patient-centered care isn't just academic—it’s the key to faster recoveries, fewer errors, and greater efficiency. While technology dazzles, it can’t replace clinical judgment rooted in fundamental knowledge. Reinvesting in these core skills could be the clearest path to healing both patients and the healthcare system.
Read MoreWhen Sonoma State University cut its entire athletics department to close a $24 million deficit, it sent a clear message: even long-standing programs once thought untouchable are now on the chopping block. Nonprofits everywhere must confront a similar truth—preserving the core mission may require letting go of cherished traditions. These decisions won’t be easy or popular, but they’re becoming unavoidable in a world of shrinking resources and shifting priorities. Mission clarity isn’t just important—it’s the new survival strategy.
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