June 18, 2025
I made a year-end gift to a favorite charity several years ago. It was the fulfillment of a pledge made months before. Outside of church, this was the largest check I had ever written to a non-profit. For me, it was a big check. A really big check. I counted the CEO as a friend, had volunteered at the facility, and believed in their mission. Writing the check filled me with joy. It felt good. […]
June 8, 2025
Major Gifts Ramp-Up San Antonio promises to unite a broad cross-section of the River City’s nonprofit executives, board members and volunteers for two powerful days of inspiration. Designed to introduce millionaire philanthropists to Texas charities, this 2-DAY CONFERENCE EVENT will equip participants with the skills and resources needed to grow their important missions. Over 100 nonprofit leaders are expected to attend on July 23–24, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, at the Beldon […]
April 20, 2025
Chambers of Commerce are built to grow strong local economies. They serve as community conveners, small business champions, and regional voices for prosperity. Most work tirelessly to support entrepreneurs, advocate for policy, and attract investment. But there’s a blind spot that many Chambers haven’t fully addressed—an entire sector hiding in plain sight that fuels jobs, spending, and stability in every American community. That sector is the nonprofit community. Nonprofits are not side players in economic […]
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Executive Director leading a nonprofit organization with vision, excellence, and strategic savvy—but still carrying an outdated title—you’re not alone.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 […]
June 16, 2025
Jim Eskin, Mary Yearwood on Winning Grants In 2025 is an eye-opening conversation between fundraising veteran Jim Eskin and grants expert Mary Yearwood. This is a must-read for nonprofit leaders navigating a rapidly changing funding landscape. With federal dollars tightening and private grants more competitive than ever, they tackle what’s working now in grantsmanship, how to avoid costly mistakes, and how to pivot with strategy and confidence. Mary—whose firm has secured over $125 million in […]
April 30, 2025
6 Steps to Organizing a Successful Charity Walk Fundraiser is Sharon Redd’s step-by-step guide to planning a walk event that leaves participants and volunteers excited for the next one—while strengthening your organization’s financial position to continue making a meaningful impact in the community. Pulling off a charity walk fundraiser might seem daunting, but if you do it right, it’s one of the most rewarding ways to rally a community around a cause. You’re not just […]
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 […]