Thoughtful Insights
Perspectives on philanthropy and organizational effectiveness
Thoughts on fundraising strategy, donor psychology, leadership, and the dynamics of organizational change.
Recent Articles
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When Your Board Simply Cannot Say No
One program officer at a rather large local foundation hinted that the board composition might be a problem for the…
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Is Doing It All When Short-Staffed Really a Good Thing?
The heroic narrative of the overworked fundraiser helps no one—especially not the mission we’re trying to serve.
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How Do Fundraisers Avoid Burnout and Trauma?
Exploring practical strategies for fundraisers to maintain their wellbeing while doing emotionally demanding work.
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When Boards Rubber-Stamp the Mission Away
Organizations like these are also often happy to follow leadership’s lead and cut programs and the people they support if…
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Donor Stewardship
Stewardship isn’t a post-gift afterthought—it’s the foundation of sustainable fundraising and the key to donor retention.
1 min readRead More →: Donor Stewardship -
Giving USA 2025
What the latest giving data tells us—and doesn’t tell us—about the state of American philanthropy and what it means for…
1 min readRead More →: Giving USA 2025 -
The Keys to Good Fundraising Found in an Unusual Place
Discovering fundraising wisdom in the world of theater and the business of putting on productions.
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Thoughtful Digital Life Planning
As fundraisers, we help donors think about legacy. But are we also helping them—and ourselves—plan for digital assets and accounts?
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Board and Founder Behaviors: A Cautionary Tale
A board has a real responsibility not only to protect an organization’s vision and mission but also to ensure the…
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