April 17, 2025
Fundraising often gets framed as something separate from the business world — a noble, selfless act disconnected from profit-driven motives. But here’s a truth every nonprofit leader needs to hear: fundraising is sales. You’re selling your mission, your impact, and the opportunity for donors to be part of something meaningful. The sooner nonprofits embrace this mindset, the more effective their fundraising will become. Let’s explore eight key principles that treat nonprofit fundraising like the disciplined, […]
April 16, 2025
If you’re an Executive Director leading a nonprofit organization with vision, excellence, and strategic savvy—but still carrying an outdated title—you’re not alone. Thousands of leaders across the nonprofit sector are running multimillion-dollar operations, building high-performing teams, and changing lives… all while holding a title that underrepresents their role. You deserve more than recognition—you deserve accuracy. And that starts with a title that reflects your true scope of responsibility: Chief Executive Officer. But how do you […]
April 10, 2025
I’ll never forget the time I asked a major donor for a gift during an economic downturn. It was 2008, the market was in freefall, headlines were screaming panic, and everyone in the nonprofit world was tightening their belts. But not Colorado real estate developer Theodore Temple Beckett. Ted, leaned back in his chair, smiled, and said, “Jimmy, you and your organization need my help now more than ever—how much do you need?” That moment stuck […]
April 7, 2025
The nonprofit sector is in the midst of a transformation. Philanthropy is evolving. Donor expectations are changing. Boards are demanding more accountability, more innovation, and more measurable outcomes. And most of all, communities are counting on nonprofit leaders to not just serve—but to lead boldly. As a nonprofit executive, you’ve committed your career to advancing the common good. But in today’s fast-moving landscape, passion and experience alone aren’t enough. To truly drive change, you need specialized training, […]
March 28, 2025
Henry “Hall” Powell, Jr. celebrates his 86th birthday this March 31st, and is honored by his peers for his remarkable legacy of leadership in both the nonprofit sector and Christian ministry. This tribute honors a man whose career spans decades and whose influence spans generations. Hall’s life has been defined by service – from raising funds to transform and save lives to guiding others in their walks of faith. Jimmy LaRose, one of Hall’s proteges, […]
February 13, 2025
Stefanie Stark Asks, “Is Your Nonprofit Prepared for Cuts in Federal Funding?” has been shared by a veteran nonprofit CEO who has worked for current White House cabinet officials. Here’s Stefanie Stark’s take on how organizations will be affected by the current administration. Over the past two weeks, I’ve received many frantic calls from nonprofit executives who are experiencing the uncertainty of a sea change in the face of the federal grant funding freeze. A […]
January 15, 2025
Kristi LaRose asks, “Should My Husband and I Start Our Own Nonprofit” is a founder’s take on how to launch a charity from scratch. It was in December 2015, during a Washington D.C. Christmas Snow Storm, when Kristi LaRose walked into the D.C. Office of the Attorney General and incorporated NANOE. Here’s her take on how to grow a successful organization. Starting a nonprofit is a deeply rewarding way to make a difference, but it’s […]
January 4, 2025
Crappy Funding Practices Proves Vu Lee Is Bad for Charity is another expose of Vu Le, his millennial followers, and the confused Marxist ideology they indulge in at the expense of our sector. Report Crappy Funding Practices, a LinkedIn initiative launched in 2024 by Vu Le and his followers, is one of the worst nonprofit practices I’ve ever encountered. As a donor and professional fundraiser for more than thirty years, and a member of a […]
December 18, 2024
Stefanie Stark was recently named president of the world renowned major gifts fundraising firm Development Systems International (DSI). Founder Jimmy LaRose celebrated by sharing, “Stefanie’s ascension has been unprecedented. She’s raised millions and makes charities’ dreams come true. Stefanie is DSI’s future!” She is a distinguished nonprofit management expert with nearly three decades of experience in the charitable sector. As President of Development Systems International (DSI), she champions the Major Gifts Ramp-Up (MGRU) Model and […]
December 18, 2024
About a year ago I hosted Jimmy LaRose in our Non-Profit Empowerment webinar series. We labeled the program: Let’s Agree to Disagree. During this lively one-hour discussion, I had the chance to ask him 20 questions probing challenges and opportunities confronting American philanthropy. Now, after reading his most recent book Major Gifts Ramp-Up: Money Is Oxygen — Without It Charities Can’t Breathe, co-authored with Joanne Oppelt, I can proudly and unequivocally declare that we are […]
February 27, 2025
Do Great Fundraisers Ever Really Retire is a thoughtful article written by nonprofit veteran Jim Eskin. Here’s what he has to share: For the record, I proudly am a contrarian. I fully accept that in many respects I am different from most people. And that’s what makes life interesting and fun. A huge example is retirement. I genuinely respect that most people relish the thought of their so-called senior years giving them freedom over their […]
February 26, 2025
Sharon Redd’s 8 Ways to Leave a Lasting Mark on Future Generations explores practical strategies to ensure you and your organization create a lasting legacy for years to come. 1. How to Leave a Lasting Mark on Future Generations A true legacy is more than just what you leave behind – it’s the impact you create while you’re here. Whether through generosity, wisdom, or purposeful action, shaping a lasting influence on your loved ones and […]
January 9, 2025
Naomi Johnson’s 5 Steps to Improve Your Nonprofit Leadership offers practical strategies to enhance your personal growth and leadership skills throughout your nonprofit career journey. In today’s rapidly evolving world, community leaders in the nonprofit sector are required to be not just managers, but visionaries who continuously seek new knowledge and skills. Lifelong learning is not merely an option but a necessity for those who aim to lead with efficacy and insight. This commitment to […]
November 16, 2024
Palmetto Publishing Serves Authors Who Celebrate Nonprofits features an important enterprise committed to charitable executives and the organizations they love. Let’s hear from Ryan Jorgensen COO at Palmetto Publishing. As the Chief Operating Officer of Palmetto Publishing, I’ve had the privilege of working with countless authors, many of whom are part of nonprofits that are deeply committed to making a positive impact in their communities. Before Palmetto Publishing I worked in Nonprofit Technology for 10 […]
September 14, 2024
Eskin Fundraising Training’s Learning Community celebrates decades of education and inspiration for fundraising executives across the Nation. Let’s hear from the founder, Jim Eskin. From the very start of our fundraising training/consulting practice, Eskin Fundraising Training, LLC, we’ve embraced the power of a “learning community.” This recognizes that no single person has all the answers (I certainly don’t), but within the room — physical or virtual — almost any question can be answered. This is all about […]
September 13, 2024
Vicki Burkhart’s Case for Investing in Nonprofit Operations is a solution for getting the infrastructure you need to achieve the results you want in your organization. Earlier this year, S&P Global reported that “The median ratio of operating expenses compared to total revenues for companies rated BBB- or higher rose to 83.7% in the fourth quarter of 2023 from 82.2% in the third quarter.” I can almost hear the gasps of my nonprofit colleagues reading […]
August 27, 2024
Growing a Healthy House of Worship w Linda Lysakowski is America’s Fundraiser take on how to build financial capacity at local church ministries. Here’s what she has to share: I know it might be difficult for you, as clergy to think about the practical side of your ministries; after all, you have a calling to bring people to a relationship with God, Allah, or a higher power of some kind. However, every calling requires some […]
July 1, 2024
United Way CEOs That Thrive & Raise Millions may be the most important UNITED WAY CAPACITY-BUILDING VIDEO you ever watch (press play button above)! It will challenge everything you believe about United Way and the way you generate income. VISIT HERE TO JOIN US FOR A UNITED WAY MAJOR GIFTS RAMP-UP CAMPAIGN EVENT Here’s the OLD NEWS – we all know that workplace campaigns no longer fill the funding gaps needed in our communities. Here’s […]
June 7, 2024
Linda Lysakowski is America’s Fundraiser is an understatement. This fundraising veteran has dedicated her life to saving and transforming lives because of the way she has lived her life. “Love for what?” you may ask. First, her love for the Lord. Second, her love of nonprofit leaders. It was the early 1990s when I launched my journey with a goal of becoming our nation’s most successful fundraiser. I was 23 years old and made a […]
May 16, 2024
Jim Eskin’s Guide to Successful Mentorship looks at the win-win relationship between the mentor and the mentee. Mentoring is a word that is loosely tossed around, and just about everyone encourages it. Large organizations strategically invest in formal programs that match senior with junior employees. Undeniably, mentors are worth their weight in gold. Typically, the enrichment is viewed through the lens of the mentee. After 40 years in the workplace, I now have a profound […]