When should a nonprofit say no to a gift? Financial pressure, donor relationships, reputational risk, and long-term obligations can complicate what first appears to be an easy yes. Thoughtful gift acceptance is not an obstacle to philanthropy; it is a safeguard for the organization, donor, and mission. A disciplined process can turn a difficult decision into an act of responsible leadership.
Read MoreListen to the weekly podcast “Around with Randall” as he discusses, in just a few minutes, a topic surrounding non-profit philanthropy. Included each week are tactical suggestions listeners can use to immediately make their non-profit, and their job activities, more effective.
Find “Around with Randall” on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Email Randall with a show topic: podcast@hallettphilanthropy.com
Email Randall with a thought regarding a specific show: reeks@hallettphilanthropy.com
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Major donor conversations are strongest when fundraisers stop treating program experts as an afterthought and start building the relationship together. Shared planning, a unified case for support, clear roles, rehearsal, training, and accountability can turn technical expertise into donor trust. It confronts what can go wrong when teams make promises they cannot keep. The result is a practical look at how nonprofits can connect relationships, mission expertise, and measurable impact without losing sight of the donor.
Read MoreDonor communication is not a one-size-fits-all. Each generation brings distinct expectations about trust, impact, access, and ease. Let’s explore how nonprofits can use generational tendencies as a starting point and still pay attention to individual preferences and relationships. The real challenge is to stop communicating in the way that is easiest and begin meeting supporters where they are. That shift can turn routine outreach into a more meaningful and lasting connection.
Read MorePhilanthropy is typically measured by the size of a foundation or the scale of a public gift, but some of its deepest impact happens quietly. Through education, disaster relief, scholarships, and personal opportunity, Dolly Parton’s example reveals how generosity can change the course of individual lives without waiting for an institution to intervene.
Read MoreThere is a tension many nonprofit leaders feel but rarely name: when a mission statement remains sacred, even after the organization’s work has evolved. Mission change should be rare, careful, and rooted in identity rather than opportunity. It’s not about finding new language. The most important statement should accurately reflect who they are, what they do, and why their work matters now. For leaders navigating strategy, donor trust, and community need, consider this thoughtful framework for knowing when a mission is still guiding the work and when it may be holding the organization back.
Read MoreMany fundraising conversations focus on the donor sitting across the table, but rarely are major philanthropic decisions made by one person alone. Spouses, children, attorneys, financial advisors, and trusted friends often shape the timing, confidence, and ultimate outcome of a gift. This episode explores how understanding those influence networks can remove hidden obstacles, strengthen donor relationships, and help donors make the decisions they already want to make. The best fundraisers aren't asking for gifts, they're helping donors navigate the people and dynamics that surround every significant decision.
Read MoreTransformational philanthropy doesn’t happen overnight—it’s the result of patience, humility, and deep trust built over years. Too often, organizations focus on immediate needs and campaign timelines instead of donors’ passions and timeframes. This story highlights how a client took the long view, nurturing a relationship with one of the rare 0.1% capable of extraordinary giving. By personalizing stewardship, showing appreciation, and listening with humility, they created space for generosity to grow naturally into something truly transformative.
Read MoreMost first-time donors are testing the waters—curious if your nonprofit delivers on its promise and if a deeper connection is worth their investment. That’s why speed isn’t just a courtesy in stewardship; it’s a strategy. In this episode, I explore how re-qualifying new donors within the first 90 days can mean the difference between a one-time gift and a lifetime of giving. The data is clear: fast, thoughtful follow-up—especially from the right people—dramatically boosts your donor retention and major gift potential.
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