Opinion

“I Thirst”—Would You Offer Him a Drink?

How Jesus’s Good Friday words call on us across the millennia, encouraging us to engage in charity to alleviate suffering.

Child wearing medical mask in front of closed playground representing school closures and learning loss from COVID-19 pandemic.
A Donor’s Guide to Understanding the Great School Shutdown and Pandemic K-12 Learning Loss

There are promising solutions to the learning loss puzzle, but donors need to overcome the “urgency gap” between current recovery efforts and what needs to be done.


People working together to build fundraising capacity.
Capacity-Building Investments: Accountability as an Act of Love

“We all want human flourishing and the common good. Money helps, obviously, but if you want your donor dollars to go further, add the secret sauce of capacity building.”
—Dr. Kimberly Thornbury

SMART goals make for better, more realistic fundraising.
Get smarter by setting SMART goals

Blockbuster goals might (theoretically) bust fundraising blocks, but SMART goals are (actually) far more effective.


Nonprofit staff aligning their messaging and mission statement to ensure consistency and hitting fundraising target.
On message, on mission

If your nonprofit is going to fulfill its purpose, your staff need to think and speak clearly and consistently about its mission.

Group of people representing advisory council that engages retirees and gen zers, identifies future board of directors members, and rewards promising nonprofit staff members.
Your nonprofit probably needs an advisory council

As the number of charitably inclined Gen Zers and philanthropically involved retirees skyrockets, it’s worth considering the benefits an advisory council could bring to your organization.


Brick wall indicating getting a no from prospective donor, but push through that disappointment to get to a donor yes and fundraising gift
Dealing with disappointment

For every fundraising professional, failure is inevitable—and surmountable, and even beneficial. To mature as a fundraiser, you should see disappointment as an opportunity to grow.

Woman picking up barbell, indicating importance of professional discipline and planning in nonprofit fundraising.
Motivation is worthless

Passion is all well and good, but when it comes to fulfilling your mission, professional discipline is key.


Star of David representing antisemitism on university campuses after Hamas attack
“None to Make Him Afraid”: America’s Central Promise Broken by Antisemitism Run Amok

Why is it that so much of the deep-seated disdain for Jews, masquerading as hatred for Israel, is nurtured in the labs of nonprofit institutions?

Arrow made up of diverse people indicating we're moving towards a reckoning with foundation grants earmarked for racial equity.
What of the $17 Billion Racial Reckoning in Philanthropy?

Since 2020, foundations have poured nearly $17 billion into grants earmarked for racial equity. But have those dollars achieved the intended outcomes?




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