In this festive episode of Around with Randall, we imagine the perfect holiday nonprofit team. Santa stars as the visionary CEO (because who else could handle that job?), Rudolph beams his way through major gift asks, and the Grinch—shocker!—steals bad ideas as the perfect change manager. Frosty keeps his cool under pressure at events, while Mrs. Claus proves she’s the real COO running the show. With holiday cheer, Randall shows how nonprofits can sleigh their way to success.
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
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Test time! As 2024 comes to a close, let’s reflect on this year’s predictions for the year in philanthropy, scoring ourselves on their accuracy. From forecasting a dip in charitable giving to highlighting the rise of personalized donor stewardship. While some predictions (pressures on budgets and the growth of AI in fundraising) proved spot-on, others, such as the economy's trajectory, missed the mark. This candid year-end review sets the stage for fresh predictions in 2025.
Read MoreRandall highlights the power of advisory groups in enhancing nonprofit outcomes and fostering community connections. These groups bring expertise, credibility, and fresh ideas while offering volunteers meaningful engagement. Success requires clear roles, listening to advice, and recognizing contributions. Done right, advisory groups can elevate both mission impact and community support.
Read MoreThis week let’s examine a pivotal moment in nonprofit relationship building: The transition from qualification to cultivation. What is the 10-second window when a donor's interest is identified and what questions can we ask to guide the relationship forward? We also take a look at the steps you should be taking to foster engagement while also maintaining a structured approach. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to master the art of moves management and deepen donor connections effectively.
Read MoreThis Thanksgiving episode we sit down at the family table to discuss the transformative power of gratitude in our lives. Randall reflects on the top reasons for gratitude, from health and supportive relationships to personal growth, freedom, and a sense of purpose. He shares heartfelt insights about the profound trust and faith others have placed in him— personally and professionally. Randall invites listeners to reflect on the people and experiences that bring meaning to their lives, encouraging gratitude not just for the destination, but for the journey and those who walk it with us.
Read MoreDon’t want to be the gambler with that year-end ask? We get it.
You have to know when to hold ’em and know when to fold ’em in your push for year-end major gifts. Make the ask or wait for the right moment to ensure transformative impact. Great fundraising isn’t about the nonprofit’s calendar—it’s about the donor’s timing, passion, and connection. Whether it’s a December 31 gift or a future commitment, “every hand’s a winner” when you prioritize your donors' needs and goals.
Read MoreIn this week’s episode, we look at the importance of leveraging referrals from board members, clinicians, and data to maximize major gift fundraising efforts. Learn how referrals significantly increase the likelihood of donor engagement and gift size, with studies highlighting how connections from trusted sources like board members and physicians improve fundraising success. Finally, we answer the question: What are the strategic approaches can you use today to select the right referral sources?
Read MoreIn this week’s episode, let’s explore how to shift the focus of moves management meetings from transactional goals to deeper, passion-driven donor relationships. Knowing donors' true motivations and encouraging gift officers to uncover what drives their philanthropy before discussing monetary gifts is the key. By putting passion first, nonprofits can foster more meaningful connections, resulting in greater long-term support and transformational giving. This approach also opens up opportunities for planned giving by aligning with donors' personal values and goals.
Read MoreThis week on Around with Randall, we share invaluable advice for younger nonprofit professionals. What is the importance of staying observant and proactive, keeping your heads down and ears open to understand the dynamics of a workplace? We’ll also bring key recommendations, how to strategically take chances, and prioritize skill development over career advancement. Integrity, mentorship, and continuous learning are essential for long-term success in the nonprofit sector.
Read MoreJoel Fleischman, though not widely known, profoundly shaped modern philanthropy by professionalizing the field and championing transparency and accountability. His work at Duke University and his book A Great American Secret foresaw the growing influence of fewer major donors and the need for foundations to be held accountable for their impact. Fleischman’s legacy continues to influence how we approach giving and measure the effectiveness of philanthropic efforts today.
Read MoreToday on Around with Randall, Randall Hallett explores the importance of developing concise, two- to three-page case statements for nonprofits, moving beyond traditional multi-page documents typically used in large campaigns. These shorter statements foster organizational alignment by clarifying needs and facilitating conversations between departments and leadership, ultimately enhancing donor engagement. By focusing on measurable outcomes and balancing emotional stories with data, nonprofits can create impactful mini-campaigns that resonate with potential donors.
Read MoreIn this edition of Around with Randall, we examine the role hope plays in philanthropy and our communities. How does hope motivate action and foster resilience, especially in challenging times? Looking at historic examples, we see that hope is not merely an emotion, but a powerful catalyst for positive change, encouraging us to engage and uplift those around us in our quest to make the world a better place.
Read MoreIn this special eddition podcast we present a guest synopsis of Vibrant Vulnerability: Mastering Philanthropy for Today and Tomorrow’s Healthcare CEOs generated by AI.
Read MoreNew employees, whether hiring or being one yourself, can be hard. In this episode, we delve into onboarding new employees, particularly within philanthropic organizations. What are the challenges? What does a thoughtful onboarding process (that extends beyond the basics like benefits, bathroom locations and parking information) look like?
A well-executed onboarding leads to stronger team integration, reduced confusion, and faster productivity—key factors in retaining top talent.
Plus, bonus insights! – How to create a welcoming environment that aligns with an employee’s professional goals, helping them feel valued from day one.
Read MoreIn this episode of Around with Randall, we explore a recent study on the best ways to ask for donations. We’ll chop up how the study reveals that donors respond most to requests framed around specific outcomes, such as the number of people their gift will help. At the end of the day, nonprofits need to rethink their fundraising strategies to maximize donor engagement and support.
Read MoreIn this episode of Around with Randall, Randall explores the importance of embracing innovation in nonprofits and drawing parallels to Ignaz Semmelweis’s groundbreaking but initially rejected handwashing practice. Emphasizing that overcoming barriers to change—such as discomfort, fear, and resource constraints—is essential for organizational growth. Fostering internal talent, reinterpreting rejections as ‘not yet,’ and accepting small failures as part of the innovation process, allows nonprofits to better navigate the evolving landscape and enhance their impact.
Read MoreLet’s talk about boards. Beyond traditional governance roles, board members' primary responsibility is connecting the organization with the community. It is mission critical to understand the importance of having a board who can build relationships, make introductions, and actively engage in the organization's mission. Create a diverse, well-connected board, visualizing community representation, and developing a long-term, strategic process for recruitment and good things will follow.
Read MoreThis week Randall explores the shift from transactional to transformational gifts in philanthropy and the importance of building deeper, long-term donor relationships. He examines focusing on a donor's lifetime value, involving volunteer boards for engagement efforts, and learning from unsuccessful asks. And a reminder to appreciate the journey of giving, celebrating small victories and the meaningful impact philanthropy has on individuals and communities.
Read MoreIn this week’s episode of Around with Randall, our host reflects on an experience at a Giving Institute conference, and a discussion about corporate philanthropy. Randall leans in on the importance of understanding the history and evolution of corporate giving. Especially noting the shift from individual-driven philanthropy to employee engagement and community impact. We are also reminded that philanthropy is not just about money, but about making a meaningful difference.
Read MoreEvaluations can be challenging. They’re judgmental in nature and often ineffective. This week Randall emphasizes the importance of understanding organizational culture and using evaluations as a professional development tool rather than a mere judgment. We also talk about why leaders should avoid surprises and ensure evaluations are consistent with ongoing feedback, while employees should see evaluations as an opportunity for growth. The goal is to make the evaluation process less stressful and more constructive for everyone involved.
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