When a nonprofit receives a large, unexpected, unrestricted gift, excitement can quickly turn to tension without a plan in place. A clear windfall policy transforms those moments from reactive debates into strategic opportunities—balancing today’s needs with tomorrow’s sustainability. By defining in advance how surprise funds will be split between immediate priorities and long-term reserves or endowment, organizations make disciplined decisions that build lasting strength. With a policy, every unexpected gift becomes more than a blessing—it becomes a legacy.
Read MoreFour skilled, mission-driven volunteers can unlock over $90,000 in annual value for a nonprofit—the equivalent of a full-time employee. As budgets tighten and needs grow, it’s time to view volunteerism not as charity, but as smart talent strategy. When organizations recruit and empower volunteers with purpose and structure, they don’t just save money—they expand capacity, deepen community engagement, and transform impact. The value is measurable, and the opportunity is too big to ignore.
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 MoreAs donor pools shrink and costs rise, unrestricted funding has become a lifeline for nonprofits—fueling the people, systems, and strategy behind every mission. Yet too often, organizations undersell their operational backbone. Winning core support requires more than a grant proposal; it demands trust, transparency, and proof of organizational strength. In today’s climate, general operating support isn’t overhead—it’s the engine that drives impact.
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 MoreWhen Sonoma State University cut its entire athletics department to close a $24 million deficit, it sent a clear message: even long-standing programs once thought untouchable are now on the chopping block. Nonprofits everywhere must confront a similar truth—preserving the core mission may require letting go of cherished traditions. These decisions won’t be easy or popular, but they’re becoming unavoidable in a world of shrinking resources and shifting priorities. Mission clarity isn’t just important—it’s the new survival strategy.
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 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 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 MoreHiring a consultant can be a game-changer for a nonprofit—but only if they bring the right approach. Leah Reisman shares key insights on how to ensure consultants help rather than harm, emphasizing the need to challenge assumptions, balance funder expectations, and elevate diverse voices. Before signing a contract, nonprofit leaders should ask five essential questions to find a consultant who prioritizes mission impact over status quo solutions.
Read MoreA demographic shift looms over higher education, with U.S. high school graduates projected to decline after peaking in 2025. This downturn exacerbates existing challenges, as many colleges already face financial strain due to declining enrollments and reduced government support. Institutions heavily reliant on tuition revenue may grapple with program cuts, layoffs, and potential closures. What can be done? Innovate.
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