As donor participation rates continue to decline, stewardship has become a financial necessity, not a luxury. The Chronicle of Philanthropy underscores what many in the sector already know: building long-term donor relationships matters more than chasing one-time gifts. Nonprofits that focus on likelihood—consistent engagement and emotional connection—will unlock far greater lifetime value than those relying solely on wealth metrics. In today’s landscape, failing to invest in stewardship isn’t just shortsighted—it’s a costly mistake.
Read MoreWhen a lifelong friend fell seriously ill, I began sending a short daily message—no expectations, no replies, just presence. For six months, I didn’t know if he even received them. But one day, his call came, and with it, the quiet truth: those messages had mattered more than I imagined.
Read MoreCollege sports used to be about passion, tradition, and community—now, it feels like just another business. As massive contracts and NIL deals reshape the landscape, schools like UNLV are left chasing a game they can no longer afford to play. The magic of underdog stories, four-year players, and regional pride is fading fast. If college football becomes an exclusive club for the wealthiest programs, many longtime fans may no longer see themselves in the game.
Read MoreDonor-Advised Funds (DAFs) have emerged as a major force in philanthropy, yet many nonprofits struggle to tap into this growing source of charitable giving. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has perfected a strategy for engaging DAF donors, focusing on ease of giving, building relationships with financial advisors, and framing gifts as investments in medical research. By adopting similar strategies, nonprofits can unlock the full potential of DAF giving, ensuring sustainable support and maximizing their impact. Those who don’t engage effectively with DAFs risk leaving significant funding untapped.
Read MoreNonprofits are at the heart of tackling social challenges, but their long-term success relies on resilience and adaptability. A powerful lesson from Graham Windham’s experience highlights how diversifying revenue streams is crucial for sustainability. By pivoting to private donations when government funding fell short, they proved that financial resilience comes from a broad, diverse funding base. Nonprofits can emulate this success by developing multiple revenue channels, from earned income and individual donors to corporate partnerships and endowments—ensuring their ability to continue making a difference, no matter what challenges arise.
Read MoreThe U.S. is $36 trillion in debt—and the clock is ticking. For decades, leaders have dodged hard choices, hiding behind sacred cows like Social Security, tax cuts, and defense spending. But the time for denial is over; everything must go on the chopping block, or we face a fiscal reckoning that will gut the economy and crush future generations. There are no easy outs—only hard truths and even harder consequences.
Read MoreWhen our son asked about ChatGPT, we gave a simple answer—until he followed up with, “Because kids are using it during school to answer questions… and I don’t like it.” That unexpected response led to a conversation with his teacher, where we discovered the school had no official discussions or policies on AI use. Meanwhile, as states debate banning cell phones in classrooms, AI tools like ChatGPT remain largely unregulated, despite their potential to reshape how students learn—or avoid learning. If we’re serious about technology’s role in education, we need to ask: Are we banning the right things while ignoring the real challenges?
Read MoreThe debate over whether NIL revenue-sharing in college sports will fall under Title IX isn't just theoretical—it's a legal inevitability. While some argue that NIL earnings exist in a free market beyond Title IX’s reach, history and legal precedent suggest otherwise. If universities collect and distribute these funds, they will almost certainly be required to ensure gender equity, just as they do with scholarships and athletic budgets. Schools that fail to prepare for this shift may soon find themselves facing lawsuits—and history suggests Title IX will win.
Read MoreCorporate philanthropy is shifting, with companies increasingly prioritizing workforce development over traditional DEI-focused initiatives. As Nebraska students face declining reading proficiency, businesses have a direct stake in supporting education to build a future workforce with essential skills. Investing in literacy and numeracy programs is not just an act of generosity—it’s a strategic move that ensures companies have a qualified talent pool for tomorrow’s economy.
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 MorePhilanthropy, at its core, should embody unconditional love for humanity, yet too often, charitable efforts are clouded by judgment and bias. Many individuals in need avoid seeking help due to the stigma attached, contradicting the very essence of giving. True philanthropy must be free of moral superiority, operating on trust, dignity, and partnership rather than control. By removing barriers and embracing compassion, nonprofits can ensure that giving uplifts rather than scrutinizes—fulfilling the true meaning of philanthropy.
Read MoreDespite being more connected than ever, younger generations often find themselves disconnected from the people right in front of them. Whether in a lobby or at a dinner table, many sit together yet remain absorbed in their screens—a behavior known as “phubbing.” Research shows that excessive phone use weakens relationships, reduces attention spans, and diminishes meaningful interactions. While smartphones are essential, setting boundaries—like phone-free meals or conversations—can help reclaim real-world connections before screen addiction reshapes social bonds for good.
Read MoreTrying to time the market is a losing game—both for individual investors and seasoned professionals. Historical data shows that missing just a handful of the best market days can drastically cut long-term returns, making emotional, short-term decisions costly. Even professional fund managers struggle to outperform simple index funds over time. The key to building wealth isn’t predicting market swings—it’s staying invested, avoiding panic-driven moves, and letting time in the market do the heavy lifting.
Read MoreMost people give to charity during their lifetime, yet fewer than 10% include a charitable bequest in their estate plans. Even among high-net-worth individuals, only about 15% designate gifts to nonprofits, despite an impending $85 trillion wealth transfer over the next 25 years. This disconnect often stems from a lack of conversation—philanthropy isn’t top of mind in estate planning unless advisors proactively introduce it. By normalizing these discussions and highlighting the simplicity and impact of planned giving, donors can align their wealth with their values, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
Read MoreYounger generations face financial and trust hurdles that reshape philanthropy. High debt, rising costs, and skepticism push them toward micro-giving, impact investing, and advocacy. They demand transparency, measurable impact, and flexible giving, challenging nonprofits to adapt. Organizations that embrace these shifts will earn their support.
Read MoreThe next generation of philanthropy is driven by Gen Z and Millennials, whose giving priorities center on social impact, digital engagement, and transparency. Unlike previous generations, they are highly issue-driven, favoring causes like climate action and social justice over traditional institutions. Technology plays a crucial role in their charitable efforts, with social media, crowdfunding, and micro-donations reshaping how they give. Nonprofits must adapt by embracing digital strategies, demonstrating measurable impact, and creating meaningful engagement opportunities to connect with these emerging donors.
Read MorePop quiz. Integrating real-world board service into academic curriculums is a game-changer for nonprofit education. Students gain invaluable insights into governance, decision-making, and social impact while nonprofits benefit from fresh perspectives and emerging talent. The result is a powerful, mutually beneficial model that strengthens both future leaders and the organizations they serve. Pencils down.
Read MoreFewer households are giving to charity, with the percentage dropping from nearly two-thirds two decades ago to just 45.7% today. While total charitable donations remain high, they are increasingly concentrated among wealthy donors, raising concerns about the long-term stability of nonprofit funding. Economic pressures, shifting demographics, and evolving giving preferences all contribute to this decline, forcing nonprofits to rethink their strategies. The real question is—what happens when major philanthropists decide to pull back, and how will nonprofits adapt to a changing landscape of generosity?
Read MoreThe 2024 report on the health of U.S. nonprofits highlights three major challenges for 2025: financial sustainability, workforce dynamics, and public trust. Nonprofits are grappling with declining donations, workforce retention struggles, and a drop in public confidence. To thrive, organizations must innovate to stabilize funding, offer competitive wages, and prioritize transparency to rebuild trust. These ongoing issues are at the heart of discussions in the "Around with Randall" podcast and "Writings by Randall" blog.
Read MoreCoaching my kids' basketball teams is a chance to be a good father and role model, focusing on fun, improvement, and life lessons. But after our first game of the season, I couldn't shake the frustration of dealing with referees who let their insecurities and overuse of power tarnish the experience. While I strive to model respect for authority, it’s hard to ignore how unnecessary displays of control can trigger feelings of frustration and resentment. It’s a reminder that even small moments, like a youth game, can be impacted by the misuse of power.
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