University 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 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 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 MoreAs children's mental health reaches crisis levels, philanthropy is stepping in where public and private systems fall short. From early intervention programs to large-scale behavioral health centers, donors are funding bold, scalable solutions with life-changing impact. These efforts aren’t just filling gaps—they’re redefining how we care for young people in distress. In a time of urgent need, philanthropy isn’t waiting—it’s leading.
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 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 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 MoreThe 2024 report on the health of U.S. nonprofits highlights three major challenges for 2025: financial sustainability, workforce dynamics, and public trust. Nonprofits are grappling with declining donations, workforce retention struggles, and a drop in public confidence. To thrive, organizations must innovate to stabilize funding, offer competitive wages, and prioritize transparency to rebuild trust. These ongoing issues are at the heart of discussions in the "Around with Randall" podcast and "Writings by Randall" blog.
Read MoreOverlooking women in philanthropy represents a missed opportunity, as they increasingly control significant wealth and demonstrate distinct, impactful giving patterns. Engaging women not only taps into a major financial reservoir but also supports nonprofits with diversified, stable funding and enhanced sustainability. Ignoring their influence risks losing crucial donations and long-term support essential for meaningful impact.
Read MoreMichael Bloomberg's historic donations to Johns Hopkins University aim to eliminate medical students' debt and enhance healthcare quality. His philanthropy promotes diversity in medicine by supporting students from all backgrounds. Bloomberg's visionary gifts highlight the importance of investing in education and healthcare, inspiring potential systemic reforms.
Read MoreIs the bottom falling out of the philanthropy industry? We are learning more about how nonprofits fared with donors in 2023, and the results are causing some alarm bells. Read this blog to learn more about how economic factors like inflation are impacting fundraising efforts.
Read MoreWhen catching up with friends of colleagues, do you take time to celebrate their successes? In this blog, Randall discusses the importance of sharing in your friends’ happy moments and why they can be joyful for you as well.
Read MoreWhat would you do if your wedding was canceled at the last minute? With just two weeks until the wedding date one bride called things off. But what the bride and her family did next was astonishing. Read on to learn how this situation went from bad to good.
Read MoreIn this blog, Randall remembers the late Charlie Munger, vice chair of Berkshire Hathaway, who died recently. Read on for more.
Read MoreJust when you thought it was all bad news for giving….it turns out Americans continue to give in times of disaster. Read this blog for the latest statistics on giving and why the US still leads the way in philanthropy.
Read MoreLately in the news we’ve seen reports of large philanthropists pulling their support of institutions. Much has been made of this, especially in the court of public opinion. In this blog, Randall asks you to think critically, about who the money belongs to in the first place.
Read MoreWhat if you gave away all your money to charity? Could you still afford to live your life the way you’re accustomed to? Philanthropist Charles Feeney did just that. Read this blog to learn more about the legacy of Charles Feeney.
Read MoreAs my kids prepare to go back to school, I am reminded of something many of us take for granted - school supplies. Our list of required supplies gets more and more expensive each year. But what about families that cannot afford this expense? Read this blog to learn how our school relies on philanthropy to handle this challenge.
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