Occasionally, being frugal can backfire. Take my shoes, please. Despite enduring significant leg pain for months, there was a hesitation to invest in new shoes. Recounting the old phrase, "penny wise, pound foolish." Once finally purchased, the relief of orthopedic shoes was almost immediate, proving that spending wisely can prevent greater costs later. This lesson applies broadly: small investments today can save significant trouble tomorrow, whether for health, work, or personal well-being.
Read MoreROI in philanthropy is often misunderstood when it’s understood at all. A recent client case highlights this challenge, where leadership struggled to see the value in strategic investments that don't yield immediate financial returns. However, philanthropy thrives as a long-term commitment, fostering stability, mitigating risks, and compounding benefits over time. By focusing on enduring goals, nonprofits can build stronger partnerships, enhance their brand, attract top talent and ensure sustained growth and success.
Read MoreAI's integration into education, much like the internet in the 1990s, is inevitable, but it's not without its challenges. The use of AI detection tools, while aimed at preserving academic integrity, raises concerns over privacy, accuracy, and fairness, often creating friction for students and educators alike. As we wrestle with these issues, it's clear that embracing change and adapting to new technologies is essential—resisting them only prolongs the discomfort and complexity.
Read MoreNegative expectations can shape our mindset, leading to self-doubt, anxiety, and a fear of failure that often sabotages our efforts. In contrast, embracing positivity and open-mindedness, as demonstrated by a 5th-6th grade basketball team defying low expectations, fosters growth, teamwork, and success. Shifting from a mindset of impossibility to one of possibility can transform both personal and professional outcomes, encouraging resilience and achievement.
Read MoreCoaching kids' teams joy and a chance to connect with the team, but I've noticed the physical demands are tougher as one ages. Reflecting on my coaching journey, I realize how aging affects my ability to teach and engage, while also highlighting the invaluable lessons learned from the experience. Here are a few…
Read MoreThe debate over compensating non-profit board members highlights tensions between attracting talent and maintaining the altruistic spirit of charitable organizations. Critics argue that paying board members can undermine fundraising efforts and public perception, while proponents see potential benefits in attracting diverse perspectives. Ultimately, the complexities of board compensation suggest that a voluntary board may better align with a non-profit’s mission and community trust.
Read MoreSometimes, life’s simplest yet most profound lessons come from unexpected places—in this case, a group of 10- to 12-year-old boys playing soccer. As their coach, I've seen firsthand how teamwork transforms individuals into a united force, with players learning that a great pass can be more important than a goal. These lessons in collaboration, communication, and leadership extend far beyond the soccer field.
Read MoreDonor-Advised Funds (DAFs) are reshaping the philanthropic landscape, offering nonprofits significant opportunities to engage donors in new ways. Yet many fundraisers are still navigating how to effectively tap into this growing source of charitable giving. With DAF contributions surging to more than $52 billion, understanding key strategies to simplify the process and educate donors is crucial.
Read MoreIn celebrating Jimmy Carter's 100th birthday, it’s an ideal moment to reflect on his enduring contributions to philanthropy and nonprofit work after his presidency. Through founding The Carter Center, Carter championed global health, peace, and human rights, making strides such as nearly eradicating Guinea worm disease. Carter's post-presidential legacy exemplifies how one individual can profoundly impact humanitarian efforts, leaving a lasting blueprint for leadership in philanthropy.
Read MoreIt’s easy to admire our national parks, particularly Rocky Mountain National Park, which exemplifies conservation and nature’s resilience. These parks are living classrooms, offering lessons in ecology and the importance of preserving biodiversity. Beyond their environmental value, they also bolster local economies and provide peaceful refuge from the bustle of modern life, underscoring their enduring significance.
Read MoreIn a recent Chronicle of Philanthropy opinion piece, the author talks on a critical issue: fundraisers are under siege. While fundraising is essential to nonprofit sustainability, it remains largely misunderstood by leadership, contributing to burnout and high turnover. 55% of fundraisers feel underappreciated, and 51% plan to leave their jobs within two years. The disconnect between nonprofit leaders and their fundraising teams is clear and it threatens long-term organizational success. Leaders must embrace fundraising as a shared responsibility and provide the necessary tools, training, and support to empower their teams.
Read MoreFollowing a new report for the U.S. nonprofit sector: 22% of workers struggle to afford basic necessities like housing, food, and healthcare. While nonprofits aim to address social issues, many of their own employees face financial hardships, revealing a stark contradiction. Addressing these financial challenges could be crucial to the sustainability and impact of nonprofit organizations.
Read MoreShrinkflation isn’t just happening in your grocery aisle—it’s infiltrating healthcare, too. As hospitals and clinics quietly reduce staffing and services while costs continue to rise, patients are left with longer wait times, overworked staff, and reduced care options. Uncover how these subtle cutbacks directly impact communities, especially vulnerable populations, and raises a critical question: What happens when essential healthcare starts to slip away? Find out how this hidden crisis is playing out right in your neighborhood and what it means for the future of public health.
Read MoreIntermediaries are essential in connecting donors to nonprofits, but what happens when a significant portion of donations is lost to fees before reaching those in need? What is the real cost of using intermediaries in philanthropy, questioning whether their value justifies the millions they divert from direct aid? Discover how alternative giving models could ensure more funds reach the front lines, and why it's crucial to rethink how donations are distributed for maximum impact. Curious about the true cost of philanthropy?
Read MoreAs artificial intelligence like, ChatGPT, gains acceptance, a recent Fox Business article reveals that nearly half of Generation Z prefers AI career advice over that of their supervisors. While I appreciate AI for fact-finding, I rely more on the experiential lessons from my upbringing and mentors. Ultimately, AI should support our decisions, not replace the invaluable human experiences that shape our lives.
Read MoreRising property insurance premiums are creating significant challenges for homeowners and the broader economy. Driven by natural disasters and increasing construction costs, these hikes force many to make tough financial decisions, risking their coverage altogether. This article delves into the impact on housing affordability and lending policies, highlighting the urgent need for strategies to address these complex issues. Discover how these trends could reshape the future of real estate.
Read MoreNeglecting health for the sake of work can backfire, impacting both personal well-being and professional productivity. Don’t let office demands keep you from living and working at your best.
Read MoreVolunteers. In 2023, their contributions are valued at $33.49 per hour! However, their impact extends way beyond labor savings. Volunteers expand a nonprofit’s capacity, offer specialized skills, and credibility – making them a crucial asset during tight times. The sooner you understand the importance of investing in volunteer engagement, the sooner it will become a game-changer for your organization.
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 MoreAs college football season kicks off, the excitement is dampened by stories of players prioritizing financial gain over the game. Recent comments by Oklahoma State’s Mike Gundy and a rumored incident with Alabama’s Nick Saban underscore a shift in focus from football to money, highlighting misplaced priorities. These stories remind us that while financial success is important, relationships, trust, and honor should come first, both in sports and in life.
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