As AI tools flood the nonprofit sector, the real challenge isn’t whether to adopt them, but how. Used intentionally, AI can strengthen mission alignment, deepen thinking, and improve outcomes—not just speed up tasks. Rushed or unexamined use, however, risks eroding trust and authenticity. The path forward is purposeful integration: adopting AI at a pace that reinforces values, protects relationships, and keeps humans firmly at the center of the work.
Read MoreMajor donors aren’t pulling back at the end of 2025, they’re thinking more carefully. In a climate shaped by volatility and complexity, giving is no longer driven by habit or loyalty but by confidence in leadership, transparency, and long-term sustainability. Donors want flexibility, discretion, and evidence that their dollars will truly matter. For fundraisers, the challenge isn’t finding money, it’s earning trust in an era where trust has become philanthropy’s most valuable currency.
Read MoreA chaotic student-government election in Ohio State offers an unexpected lesson in governance. What unraveled wasn’t just passion or politics, but vague rules and inconsistent enforcement that turned minor disagreements into full-scale conflict. For nonprofits, the parallel is clear: ambiguity in policies, agreements, and expectations invites mistrust and unnecessary disputes. Clarity isn’t bureaucracy, the foundation of trust and effective leadership.
Read MoreFundraising isn’t just about asking for money, it’s about translation. The best fundraisers act as interpreters between donors, communities, and mission, revealing how people perceive an organization’s work. When nonprofits treat fundraisers as strategic partners rather than order takers, they gain real-world intelligence that shapes messaging, programs, and long-term sustainability. The question isn’t simply, “Did they give?” but “What did we learn?”
Read MoreIn a world where one social media post can cost a nonprofit a quarter of its budget, mission-driven organizations are navigating a minefield of public expression and donor expectations. A recent controversy underscores how even well-intentioned messages can trigger major funding losses if donors perceive them as political missteps. The challenge isn’t choosing between values and money—it’s learning how to uphold both with clarity and foresight. For nonprofit leaders, the question isn't should we speak out, but how and when to do so without compromising their ability to serve.
Read MoreThe nonprofit sector faces a one-million-job shortfall, highlighting a sluggish recovery from the workforce disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Reduced funding, burnout, and recruitment challenges have hindered nonprofits' ability to rebuild their workforce, despite growing community needs. Creative solutions like wage increases, flexible work options, and increased government support are crucial to closing this gap. Without urgent action, the sector risks long-term capacity constraints, threatening its ability to deliver essential services.
Read MoreThe debate over compensating non-profit board members highlights tensions between attracting talent and maintaining the altruistic spirit of charitable organizations. Critics argue that paying board members can undermine fundraising efforts and public perception, while proponents see potential benefits in attracting diverse perspectives. Ultimately, the complexities of board compensation suggest that a voluntary board may better align with a non-profit’s mission and community trust.
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