Blogs

  • The Next Chapter for K-12 Philanthropy

    The Next Chapter for K-12 Philanthropy

    The best fundraising relationships rarely begin with an ask. They begin with listening: understanding what a community values, communicating where an organization is headed, and finding the intersection between a potential partner’s interests and the mission.

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  • Firm Boundaries, Open Communication: Fundraising Ethics

    Firm Boundaries, Open Communication: Fundraising Ethics

    Ethical fundraising requires both courage and clarity. It means having the discipline to decline funding opportunities that don’t align with your mission, even when the potential financial benefit is significant. It also means communicating honestly and transparently with donors, especially when conversations become difficult. Neither is optional. Together, these practices protect the trust that makes…

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  • The Stewardship Clues Hidden in Every Stage of the Donor Journey

    The Stewardship Clues Hidden in Every Stage of the Donor Journey

    In fundraising, securing a gift is just the beginning. True impact comes when donors feel valued, informed, and connected — a process captured in the Stewardship step of Sanford Institute of Philanthropy’s Cause Selling Cycle.

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  • The Power of the Pivot: Honoring the Past and Shaping the Future of Black Philanthropy

    The Power of the Pivot: Honoring the Past and Shaping the Future of Black Philanthropy

    Black philanthropy is, and always has been, powerful and ahead of its time. Structured by ancestral lineage, rooted in spirituality, and steeped in community, it is fueled by the intrinsic belief that we are one another’s keepers.

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  • Understanding Planned Giving: Donor Motivations and Marketing Strategies

    Understanding Planned Giving: Donor Motivations and Marketing Strategies

    As fundraisers, we frequently think of donors writing a check, attending a special event, or giving used items to a donation center. These gifts keep our organization running, but there is another form of generosity that sustains organizations in the future: planned giving.

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