Fifteen 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 MoreThe U.S. Open stands apart from every other tournament because it reminds us that even the best in the world struggle with golf’s unforgiving nature. Instead of endless birdies, we see pros grinding through brutal rough, slick greens, and rounds unraveling in real time. It’s oddly comforting—proof that the game humbles everyone, from scratch players to weekend warriors. For once, golf feels less like a spectacle of perfection and more like a battle we all know too well.
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 MoreAfter years of declining donor participation, a new federal tax provision could help nonprofits reignite support from everyday givers. Starting in 2026, even non-itemizers can claim a modest charitable deduction ($1,000 for individuals, $2,000 for couples) signaling renewed recognition of smaller gifts. As Howard Husock argues, this shift isn't just financial; it's philosophical, affirming that generosity isn’t reserved for the wealthy. Nonprofits now have a strategic opportunity to re-engage the middle and rebuild a more inclusive culture of giving.
Read MoreDonors no longer want to wait a full year to see the impact of their gifts—they want real-time transparency, updates, and connection. While the annual report still has value, it’s no longer enough on its own. Nonprofits that blend traditional reporting with dashboards, video updates, and live briefings are better positioned to build trust, deepen engagement, and stand out in a competitive landscape.
Read MoreArtificial intelligence has real promise in the nonprofit world, but when it comes to donor relationships, chatbots can only go so far. While they’re useful for answering FAQs and collecting data, they fall short in areas requiring empathy, nuance, and personalized connection. To communicate effectively with donors, nonprofits must blend AI’s efficiency with the irreplaceable value of human interaction.
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.
Read MoreAs fewer households give, monthly donations are emerging as the key to sustainable support. They’re budget-friendly for donors, stable for nonprofits, and more vital than ever in a changing philanthropic landscape.
Read MoreWhen respectful dissent gets you ejected from a commencement, it’s clear we’ve mistaken disagreement for disrespect. True leadership isn’t about insulation from critique—it’s about the courage to hear it. In a time when fragility is masquerading as strength, we need leaders who value dialogue over deference. Democracy depends on disagreement expressed with integrity—and leaders brave enough to listen.
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 MoreIn a time of growing patient demand and a shrinking physician workforce, the basics of medicine are more vital than ever. Mastery of anatomy, diagnostics, and patient-centered care isn't just academic—it’s the key to faster recoveries, fewer errors, and greater efficiency. While technology dazzles, it can’t replace clinical judgment rooted in fundamental knowledge. Reinvesting in these core skills could be the clearest path to healing both patients and the healthcare system.
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 MoreA tree crushed our backyard fence in seconds, just as the stock market plunged by thousands—two unrelated events that suddenly felt deeply connected. The emotional impact of unexpected costs mixed with financial volatility created a jarring sense of instability. As we weighed whether to replace the fence or stay the course on retirement savings, it became clear: this wasn’t just about money, but about how uncertainty creeps into everyday decisions. In a world full of noise and market swings, staying grounded in long-term goals may be the most powerful form of resilience we have.
Read MoreFundraiser burnout isn’t just a staffing issue—it’s a strategic crisis with long-term consequences. As seasoned gift officers exit, organizations face lost relationships, stalled momentum, and weakened donor confidence. The emotional labor that drives great fundraising must be acknowledged and supported, not silently exploited. If nonprofits are built on trust, then protecting the people who nurture that trust is not optional—it’s essential.
Read MoreSaint Francis University’s move from Division I to Division III isn’t just a cost-cutting measure—it’s a sign of a deeper reckoning in college sports. As media money floods the power conferences and NIL complexities grow, smaller programs are left asking whether staying in the game is worth the price. For some schools, walking away from Division I may not be giving up—it may be getting back to who they really are. The system is changing, and Saint Francis might just be ahead of the curve.
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.
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