Great advancement strategy begins with understanding people, not assumptions. The National Alumni Survey is providing one of the most comprehensive looks yet at what alumni actually think, value, and expect from their institutions. Its early findings reinforce a simple but powerful truth: graduates who feel informed, connected, and genuinely known are far more likely to become engaged donors. The future of university philanthropy may depend less on asking better questions and more on listening better.
Read MoreFor years, nonprofits have concentrated on crafting compelling messages for donors. Today, donors are paying just as much attention to where they give as why they give. A trusted giving platform has become more than a payment processor—it has become a signal of credibility, transparency, and security. In an increasingly digital world, the platform itself is now part of the donor experience.
Read MoreWealth screening is a valuable research tool, but it was never meant to replace professional judgment. When organizations ask donors solely at their estimated financial capacity rather than at a level supported by trust, engagement, and demonstrated commitment, they confuse information with strategy. The strongest philanthropic relationships are built over years, not by algorithms.
Read MoreIn today's attention economy, fundraisers have only a few seconds to capture a donor's interest before the opportunity is lost. This blog explores how the "three-second rule" extends beyond data visualization to emails, direct mail, videos, social media, and even face-to-face donor conversations. The key is not reducing substance but communicating in layers. Earning attention first, then building understanding, and finally providing evidence. Organizations that master clarity and relevance will be better positioned to engage donors in an increasingly distracted world.
Read MoreUnderpaying nonprofit staff may appear fiscally responsible, but it often creates far greater hidden costs. Turnover, burnout, and leadership gaps disrupt programs, weaken donor relationships, and erode organizational momentum, sometimes costing far more than competitive compensation ever would. When viewed through an investment lens, even modest increases in pay can significantly improve retention and stability. For nonprofits, fair compensation isn’t overhead, it’s a critical driver of long-term impact.
Read MoreNonprofits often focus on immediate fundraising goals at the expense of the stories that truly inspire giving. Research and examples, like Brilliant Cities’ tenfold donor increase, show that compelling narratives foster emotional connection and long-term support. Storytelling transforms giving from a transaction into an experience, building trust and making impact tangible. For nonprofit leaders, the key question isn’t how to raise more money, it’s what stories are being told, and whether they resonate deeply enough to cultivate lasting donor relationships.
Read MoreMidlevel donors are the quiet engine of long-term philanthropy—steady, loyal, and often your best future planned giving prospects. They bridge the gap between annual fund supporters and major donors, combining generosity with deep mission commitment. By investing in meaningful stewardship and authentic relationships today, nonprofits can turn these consistent givers into tomorrow’s legacy champions. The path takes patience, but the payoff is enduring impact.
Read MoreIowa State’s athletics department faces a $147 million deficit through 2031, driven by the NCAA settlement’s new revenue-sharing requirements and shifting conference dynamics. Like Kansas State, Houston, and Oregon State, ISU is cutting expenses, raising donor expectations, and delaying facility upgrades just to keep pace. The deeper concern is cultural: as costs climb and revenues consolidate, non-revenue sports, community traditions, and the amateur spirit of college athletics may be sacrificed. Some schools, like UConn, are thriving through record fundraising, but many mid-tier programs may soon face existential choices that reshape the very fabric of college sports.
Read MoreToo often, philanthropy leaders are asked to raise big dollars without a roadmap to guide the work. The absence of a strategic plan isn’t just inconvenient—it undermines donor confidence, limits gift potential, and erodes credibility. Savvy fundraising executives can change that by elevating the issue as a leadership duty, bringing donor voices into the room, and proposing phased frameworks that spark momentum. Strategic clarity isn’t optional—it’s the fuel that transforms donor interest into meaningful investment, and philanthropy leaders must be the catalyst to make it happen.
Read MorePhilanthropy without a strategic plan is like building on sand—it may stand for a moment, but it cannot last. Donors disengage when appeals lack focus, internal credibility erodes when fundraising operates in a vacuum, and opportunities vanish when organizations fail to define their priorities. A strong strategic plan provides clarity, direction, and measurable outcomes that unlock donor confidence and energize fundraising. Without it, even the best fundraisers are left making vague asks—and that’s not just inefficient, it’s a leadership failure.
Read MoreFundraising 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 MoreIn a time of economic flux, your donors aren’t disappearing—they’re recalibrating. Some may pause, shift, or even deepen their giving, but nearly all are looking for steadiness and understanding from the organizations they support. The key isn’t asking for less—it’s asking better questions and truly listening. This is a moment for presence, not pressure.
Read MoreIn a recent Chronicle of Philanthropy opinion piece, the author talks on a critical issue: fundraisers are under siege. While fundraising is essential to nonprofit sustainability, it remains largely misunderstood by leadership, contributing to burnout and high turnover. 55% of fundraisers feel underappreciated, and 51% plan to leave their jobs within two years. The disconnect between nonprofit leaders and their fundraising teams is clear and it threatens long-term organizational success. Leaders must embrace fundraising as a shared responsibility and provide the necessary tools, training, and support to empower their teams.
Read MoreWhen reporting results for your special events, does your organization report gross or net revenue? What are the industry guidelines? As it turns out, there is no industry standard. Read on for Randall’s perspective on this topic.
Read MoreMore and more gift officers are resistant to the fundamental piece of making the ask - creating a relationship. In this blog, Randall explains why this is important and how to overcome this resistance. Read on to learn more.
Read MoreMany nonprofits and donors rely on Facebook and Instagram for their giving. Credit Card fees charged to nonprofits on these platforms are about to increase significantly. How might this impact nonprofits? Read on to learn more.
Read MoreNonprofits are having a difficult time attracting and retaining employees who can earn significantly more when working a similar job in the for-profit arena. What can nonprofits do to keep their teams in tact? Read this blog for Randall’s take on the situation.
Read MoreIs crowdfunding fair? Do some campaigns have an advantage over others? Should crowdfunding be allowed in all instances? Randall explores this conundrum in this blog. Read on to learn more.
Read MoreHow can AI and social media platforms impact your next fundraiser? Read this blog to learn what you need to watch for if your nonprofit is taking advantage of social media to promote your next event.
Read MoreOne Hospital foundation in New Jersey is in hot water after a questionable event was held at the hospital. How did this happen and what was the end result? Read on to learn more.
Read More