Building strong donor relationships goes beyond just securing gifts—it's about creating a meaningful feedback loop that fosters deeper, lasting connections. By listening to donors' perspectives, nonprofits can identify pain points, refine processes, and show that their voices matter. Randall also explores how this approach leads to better retention, upgraded gifts, and risk mitigation, all while building a culture of trust and genuine relationship-building.
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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What does it really mean for a board to be strategic—and why does it matter? In this episode, Randall breaks down how defining strategy is the key to unlocking true board ownership and aligning long-term impact with community needs. It’s not about documents or retreats—it’s about thinking ahead, asking better questions, and creating a shared vision that reshapes roles, meetings, and expectations. If your board is stuck in neutral, this might be the starting point you didn’t realize you needed.
Read MoreWhat can we learn from some of the world’s most influential philanthropists? In this episode of Around with Randall, we explore the giving philosophy of Steve and Connie Ballmer—how their approach to philanthropy started at the kitchen table and evolved into a multi-billion-dollar effort to drive economic mobility. Discover how data, trust-based giving, and a deep commitment to impact shape their work, and what nonprofit leaders can take away to strengthen their own fundraising efforts.
Read MoreWho really owns a nonprofit? Unlike for-profit businesses with clear ownership, nonprofits are technically owned by no one—but that doesn't mean responsibility is absent. In reality, the community is the true owner, and the board of directors serves as its steward.
But what happens when boards become passive? CEOs can gain too much control, leading to governance failures, weakened oversight, and long-term risks for the organization. What makes this shift happen? What are the consequences? And—most importantly—how do you restore strong nonprofit governance?
Read MorePhysicians play a critical role in philanthropy, particularly in health care, as trusted referral agents for grateful patient giving. This episode explores why physician engagement is essential and how their involvement leads to significantly larger gifts. While doctors shouldn't be asking for donations directly, they can recognize moments of gratitude, engage meaningfully, and transition relationships to development teams. The broader nonprofit sector can apply this approach by leveraging board members, executives, or faculty as trusted connectors. In a shifting philanthropic landscape, where fewer donors are giving but at higher amounts, mastering these relationships is vital for long-term fundraising success.
Read MoreDonor-advised funds (DAFs) are growing rapidly, presenting both challenges and opportunities for nonprofits. While they offer donors tax advantages, investment growth, and simplified giving, they also create barriers between nonprofits and the donors themselves. To effectively engage with DAF donors, nonprofits must proactively promote DAF giving options, retrain gift officers to discuss them, and build relationships with financial advisors and community foundations. By embracing DAFs and integrating them into fundraising strategies, organizations can strengthen donor relationships and unlock new philanthropic potential. The key is adapting to this shifting landscape rather than resisting it.
Read MoreThis episode of Around with Randall explores the concept of upskilling, inspired by Amazon’s billion-dollar investment in workforce development. Randall discusses how acquiring new skills enhances career growth, job security, and personal satisfaction, particularly in the evolving nonprofit sector. He highlights practical ways to upskill—such as online courses, mentorship, and learning new software—while emphasizing the importance of data analytics and cybersecurity knowledge. By continuously improving, nonprofit professionals can increase their value to their organizations and adapt to an ever-changing landscape.
Read MoreWealth screening has long been a staple of donor identification, but the future lies beyond wealth—it's about connection and inclination. Let’s explore the evolution of screening, from manual processes to internet-driven data aggregation, and now the rise of artificial intelligence. AI is shifting the focus from static wealth indicators to behavioral patterns, predicting not just who can give but who is most likely to engage. This transformation presents opportunities for deeper donor relationships, it also raises challenges in adoption, ethics, and the role of gift officers. As AI continues to refine donor strategies, organizations that embrace the change will be better positioned to thrive in the next era of philanthropy.
Read MoreIn this week’s episode of Around with Randall, we discuss the impact of positive and negative influences in our personal and professional lives, especially in the nonprofit sector. What is the science of emotional contagion, how others' emotions affect our well-being and productivity, and the importance of surrounding ourselves with positive individuals? We end with some practical advice for evaluating potential hires based on their emotional impact, highlighting the value of creating a supportive, uplifting environment for personal and organizational success.
Read MoreIn this week’s episode, we focus on the importance of endowing positions, particularly outside higher education, to create financial stability and attract top talent to nonprofits. Look at universities that have successfully endowed faculty chairs. How much could those endowments help nonprofits manage rising costs and ensure critical roles are funded? The goal is to help nonprofits adopt this model, enabling long-term sustainability and greater impact in their communities.
Read MoreBalancing personalization and automation in donor stewardship is a challenge every nonprofit faces. In this episode, Randall dives into the critical question of how to effectively engage donors at all levels—ensuring major donors feel valued while nurturing smaller donors with potential. He explores practical tactics for segmenting, automating, and personalizing stewardship efforts, from data-driven donor screening to leveraging volunteers for thank-you calls. The key takeaway? Thoughtful stewardship isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about strategically building relationships that elevate giving over time.
Read MoreIn the world of philanthropy, trust is the backbone of any successful donor relationship. A recent lawsuit against the Red Cross, over their handling of restricted donations for Haiti, highlights how crucial this element is. Donors feel their contributions weren't used as promised, and that breach of trust could lead to a class action lawsuit. This situation underscores the importance of building genuine, transparent, and lasting relationships with donors, a theme central to philanthropy but often overlooked in discussions about fundraising strategy.
Read MoreThis episode of Around with Randall explores the balance between preserving core institutional values and embracing necessary change in the nonprofit sector. While institutions serve as the foundation of trust, mission, and community impact, stagnation leads to decline. Drawing from historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Franklin Roosevelt, illustrates how institutions can evolve through strategic process changes without compromising their core missions. As a BONUS, explore a roadmap for nonprofits, focusing on identifying sacred values, engaging stakeholders, incremental change, and consistent communication to ensure long-term growth and sustainability.
Read MoreIn times of disaster, nonprofits face unique challenges, especially when they’re directly serving within the disaster zone. Today, we highlight the importance of preparedness, including having a clear plan for data access and communication, and the need to prioritize core functions like payroll and outreach. Effective disaster response involves not just immediate action, but also long-term strategies such as engaging disconnected donors, utilizing crowdfunding, and collaborating with other organizations to rebuild and maintain operations.
Read MoreIn this episode, we’ll unpack why building donor relationships is a bit like buying a car—except instead of haggling over prices, you’re building trust and listening to what your donors actually want. We talk about the art of prospecting (it’s not just for salespeople, promise), handling objections (like “I don’t know if I want to give this year”), and stewardship (because who doesn’t love a thank-you call?). Buckle up for a ride through the wild world of philanthropy and learn how to turn your donors into lifelong fans, minus the high-pressure sales pitch!
Read MoreIt’s that special time of year on Around with Randall, when Randall sets his predictions for 2025! This year highlights three key areas: the economy, giving trends, and the nonprofit industry's trajectory. He also discusses the potential impact of tax policy changes, the growing prominence of planned giving, and the challenges posed by a "K-shaped" economic recovery. With fewer donors contributing larger gifts, and increased emphasis on addressing basic needs like food and housing, nonprofits face a dynamic and competitive landscape. And a bonus: strategic insights to help organizations prepare for these shifts and thrive in the year ahead.
Read MoreIn 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 MoreTest 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.
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