American higher education is facing a reckoning after decades of ignoring mounting economic pressures. Declining enrollment, rising costs, and shrinking public funding have exposed the unsustainable financial model at many institutions. While universities have invested in high-cost amenities to compete for students, these strategies have failed to address core budget gaps. Ellen Aprill’s argument for more flexible endowment use highlights a path forward: responsible, mission-aligned spending that prioritizes long-term sustainability over outdated norms. To survive, colleges must rethink what they offer, how they fund it, and what truly serves their mission.
Read MoreThe nonprofit sector is facing a sobering employment crisis, with over 10,000 full-time jobs lost in just 70 days, according to The Chronicle of Philanthropy’s new Nonprofit Layoff Tracker. Driven by federal budget cuts and economic instability, organizations in international aid, health care, and human services are among the hardest hit. Behind the statistics are real people—professionals whose work and missions have been abruptly halted. As the crisis deepens, nonprofit leaders must prepare for both immediate challenges and long-term operational shifts. The tracker serves as both a wake-up call and a vital resource for navigating the road ahead.
Read MoreMillennials may be outpacing Gen X in charitable giving—but the numbers don’t tell the full story. For many Gen Xers, generosity takes the form of caregiving, emotional support, and life-stage balancing acts that don’t show up in donation reports. As our financial capacity is stretched across kids, aging parents, and retirement prep, it’s not about less willingness to give—it’s about navigating complexity. Understanding these nuances can unlock deeper, more thoughtful engagement across generations.
Read MoreFrom the outside, leading a nonprofit may look like a prestigious, well-paid role—but the reality is far more demanding. As seen in the recent resignation of Columbia University’s interim president, nonprofit CEOs face relentless scrutiny, political pressure, and emotional strain. The role requires constant visibility, moral clarity, and a near-impossible balancing act between diverse stakeholders. It’s not just leadership—it’s endurance in the spotlight.
Read MoreIt wasn’t just a game—it was a test of will in 45-degree rain. While one team sulked in the mud, the other chose grit over comfort, teamwork over excuses. They didn’t just win 6-0; they showed that adversity is where real character shows up. This wasn’t about soccer—it was a masterclass in mindset.
Read MoreThis is a love story about being seen, truly seen, and still wholly embraced. On the occasion of a 25th wedding anniversary, reflect on the quiet, unwavering grace that comes from a partner who makes vulnerability feel safe. It’s a tender meditation on how real love doesn't fix you—it frees you to be yourself.
Read MoreWhat good is a $1.48 trillion war chest if it sits idle while communities are in crisis? Foundations clinging to 5% spending rules risk irrelevance when the world needs more than minimums. The “Meet the Moment” movement isn’t just a funding shift—it’s a call to rethink philanthropy’s purpose. Impact now may matter more than perpetuity later.
Read MoreWatching Atlantic Crossing has shifted how my wife and I view modern-day struggles. The series reveals the harrowing realities of WWII—families torn apart, lives upended, and resilience forged in crisis. It offers a stark contrast to today’s stressors, reminding us that while our challenges are real, they often pale in comparison to the existential threats others once faced. This perspective doesn’t erase our problems, but it reframes them with humility and gratitude.
Read MoreAs my U12 soccer team nears true cohesion, the final refinements—quick passes, smart spacing, and unselfish play—have proven harder than expected. It’s a reminder that the last step toward accomplishment is often the most difficult, requiring not just skill but cognitive persistence and emotional resilience. Coaching in these moments isn’t about chasing wins, but guiding young players through growth that transcends the field. The process itself becomes the lesson—one of teamwork, patience, and meaningful effort.
Read More“Dad, I need to print this—it's due tomorrow!” he exclaimed, as if I moonlight as Office Depot after hours. Turns out, the real assignment was teaching time management... and mastering the art of not dragging your parent into a 9 p.m. crisis.
Read MoreTurns out my knee's been auditioning for a role as a rusty door hinge—and got the part. I’m not thrilled about surgery, but I am thrilled I live somewhere that doesn’t involve a 10-year waitlist and a goat as a co-pay.
Read MoreTwo years after my father’s passing, I’ve come to see my mother’s strength in a new light. In the midst of grief, she’s quietly rebuilt her life with grace, resilience, and purpose. She’s not just carrying on—she’s thriving, and teaching me every day what quiet courage truly looks like.
Read MoreSometimes, I think the internet is just a big game of “Who Can Be the Biggest Jerk Without Getting Caught.” Enter the world of travel insults, where “gate lice” and “aisle lice” rule the roost, and “raw dogging a flight” is now a thing (no, it’s not what you think). It’s like we’ve taken everything annoying about air travel and turned it into a savage new language, all thanks to the internet’s superpower of anonymity. But my mom would like to remind us all: If you wouldn’t say it to someone’s face, maybe don’t say it online either. Because, well, never argue with mom.
Read MoreIn fundraising, relationships drive results, and the most powerful tool for building trust is a personal phone call. While digital methods like email and text can help, they can't replace the connection that comes with voice-to-voice conversations. Gift officers must embrace persistence, resilience, and the right timing to create meaningful donor relationships. Every call may not result in a gift, but it's always a step forward in cultivating the connections that fuel a nonprofit's mission.
Read MoreWatching Top Gun: Maverick with my son made me realize — Tom Cruise’s magic hasn’t faded. From jaw-dropping stunts to pure movie-star charisma, Cruise’s passion for filmmaking keeps audiences locked in, generation after generation.
Read MoreSometimes life sends the same message twice. A conversation with a young nonprofit professional and a timely article reminded me: building a meaningful career isn't about rigid planning — it's about staying open, learning constantly, growing your network, and embracing the journey. Success comes through experience, connection, resilience, and the willingness to engage with every opportunity along the way.
Read MoreAs donor participation rates continue to decline, stewardship has become a financial necessity, not a luxury. The Chronicle of Philanthropy underscores what many in the sector already know: building long-term donor relationships matters more than chasing one-time gifts. Nonprofits that focus on likelihood—consistent engagement and emotional connection—will unlock far greater lifetime value than those relying solely on wealth metrics. In today’s landscape, failing to invest in stewardship isn’t just shortsighted—it’s a costly mistake.
Read MoreWhen a lifelong friend fell seriously ill, I began sending a short daily message—no expectations, no replies, just presence. For six months, I didn’t know if he even received them. But one day, his call came, and with it, the quiet truth: those messages had mattered more than I imagined.
Read MoreCollege sports used to be about passion, tradition, and community—now, it feels like just another business. As massive contracts and NIL deals reshape the landscape, schools like UNLV are left chasing a game they can no longer afford to play. The magic of underdog stories, four-year players, and regional pride is fading fast. If college football becomes an exclusive club for the wealthiest programs, many longtime fans may no longer see themselves in the game.
Read MoreDonor-Advised Funds (DAFs) have emerged as a major force in philanthropy, yet many nonprofits struggle to tap into this growing source of charitable giving. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has perfected a strategy for engaging DAF donors, focusing on ease of giving, building relationships with financial advisors, and framing gifts as investments in medical research. By adopting similar strategies, nonprofits can unlock the full potential of DAF giving, ensuring sustainable support and maximizing their impact. Those who don’t engage effectively with DAFs risk leaving significant funding untapped.
Read More