Public 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 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 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.
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