Data about generational giving is plentiful: Millennials are outpacing Gen X donors with their philanthropic contributions; Gen X donors are the most active volunteer cohort; Gen Z donors are ramping up their generosity; boomers will transfer $124 trillion dollars of wealth between now and 2048. It’s common practice for nonprofits to examine generational differences, and for … [More]
Investing in Readers Today to Build Arizona’s Workforce Tomorrow
Why early literacy is a business issue
Arizona’s workforce challenges rarely begin in the workplace. Long before companies struggle to fill open positions or train new hires, the foundation of the talent pipeline is already being built — often in a classroom or living room where a child is learning to read. For many business leaders, early literacy may feel far removed. But the ability to read proficiently by … [More]
The Changing Face of Funding
Governmental cuts, policy change influence philanthropic support
Ever-tightening government funds and rollbacks to longstanding social programs continue to impact millions of Americans — with job losses and, in many cases, diminished access to vital programs and services. Nonprofits are on the frontlines, filling in many of these service gaps, but they’re doing so with fewer governmental grants, less capital and a revolving door of policy … [More]
How Hiring Justice-Impacted Talent Can Unlock Workforce Potential
… and boost company culture and retention
Across sectors, companies are navigating a tight labor market where open roles are growing faster than available candidates. Within this challenge lies a powerful and untapped opportunity: a broad talent pool that is often overlooked — individuals who have been justice-impacted. Fair Chance hiring and creating equitable employment opportunities for talent who have been … [More]
The Generosity Commission
Group investigates declining volunteer and giving trends
The number of Americans who volunteer in civic organizations and who give to nonprofits has plummeted in recent years, with as many as 20 million households dropping out of giving between 2010 and 2016. While fewer donors are actually giving larger amounts — making up the financial gap in many organizations and increasing philanthropy overall — the more concerning trend is … [More]
Social Impact as a Business Strategy
How social media turns purpose into power
Social impact is no longer an optional add-on for brands — it is the determining factor behind reputation, recruitment and employee retention. In today’s world, social media functions as the modern stage where brand growth unfolds. It’s the first touchpoint where consumers see brand values come to life, which is integral when purpose is now a leading business … [More]
Crafting Today’s Dynamic Strategic Plan
Static, long-term planning is a thing of the past
Ten-year, five-year, three-year strategic plans … They work remarkably well under stable conditions. But with today’s governmental policy changes, political and economic swings, fundraising pressures and escalating community needs, these traditional “one and done” plans can leave nonprofits vulnerable. That’s not to say long-term planning isn’t critical. It is. Strategic … [More]
Why Incorporate Skills-Based Volunteering into Corporate Social Responsibility
Businesses generate three-way benefit
Volunteering in today’s world looks very different from earlier times. It is more than just a one-off event. Both employees and communities expect companies to be involved in meaningful giving — whether through valued partnerships with aligned nonprofit partners or through volunteerism with tangible results. One of the strongest ways for businesses to position themselves as … [More]
Understanding AI in the Nonprofit Setting
Transparency and AI use policies make the difference
When the National Eating Disorders Association implemented a wellness chatbot named Tessa as a replacement for its human-staffed national helpline, the generative AI program began dispensing diet-culture advice harmful to the disordered-eating community. The technology was quickly yanked, but the negative media attention and reputational harm to the nonprofit was already … [More]
Leveraging LinkedIn for Community Leadership
Turn posts into partnerships
What was once a platform used for job searches and digital résumé posting is now an essential tool for business leaders to connect their knowledge, interests and community impact to their followers. In today’s digital age, business leaders can and should utilize LinkedIn to signal their values, build valuable connections and become advocates for change. With a shift … [More]
Giving Rates Surpass 40-Year Average
Giving USA 2024 report highlights growth amid political uncertainty
The latest numbers from Giving USA 2024 indicate Americans gave a generous $592.50 billion to charity in 2024, an increase of 6%, which is double the 40-year average. The report, which measures the previous year’s philanthropic performance, is positive, indicating increases in giving by individuals (8.2%), foundations (2.4%) and corporations (9.1%). Likewise, the top … [More]
Strategically Drive Employee Engagement and Collaboration for Community
9 event ideas, from galas to give-back days
It’s no secret that the next generation of corporate leaders expects more from their employers. From flexible or remote work schedules and unique office spaces to extra perks in their benefits packages, employees are holding companies to higher standards, which also includes their expectations for an engaging corporate culture. Younger generations — particularly … [More]
The Four-Letter Word All Nonprofits Need: LOVE
Prioritizing love into planning creates greater impact
“Love is not a soft add-on to the serious business of nonprofit work,” says Rebecca Alban Hoffberger, founder of Baltimore’s American Visionary Art Museum. “It is its core strategy, its highest philosophy and its lasting legacy. To lead with love is not naïve. It is, in fact, the most visionary, resilient and radically effective thing a nonprofit can do.” Brandon Steppe, … [More]
Elevating Corporate Social Responsibility through Collaboration
Philanthropy beyond businesses’ one-and-done fundraising
Collaborations between businesses and philanthropic organizations are more common than ever. The strongest partnerships that communities can rally behind are long-standing, strategic relationships between corporations and nonprofits. But the dynamics of these relationships are evolving. Communities are calling on corporations to provide a more comprehensive and consistent … [More]
Apathy’s Spillover into Fundraising
How nonprofits navigate today’s societal lethargy
Donors and volunteers once filled with energy, enthusiasm or indignation for social causes have gone a bit silent. Their new mantra: Wait and see what happens. Psychologists suggest that an increase in apathy is to be expected in a world filled with uncertainty. To be sure, there’s a lot of it to go around: global political upheaval, regional warfare, rising costs for basic … [More]
Shifting Hiring Practice Mindsets Can Expand and Amplify Talent Pools
Nontraditional collaborations also help enhance the community’s workforce and quality of life
Businesses today are faced with a multitude of challenges when it comes to hiring skilled and sustainable talent. Since the pandemic, companies have seen a drastic shift in the job market causing a more reactionary recruiting approach, which is neither efficient nor sustainable. To regain traction and lay the groundwork for a more tenured workplace, companies must shift … [More]
Ready to Be a Board Member?
What executives should know before saying, “Yes”
Being asked to sit on a nonprofit board is, admittedly, a nice boost for the ego. But what should corporate executives consider before making the commitment? For starters, they shouldn’t view their board role as a simple résumé builder, says Kristin Crellin, chair of the California State University Philanthropic Foundation Board. “They must have a passion for the … [More]
Using Social Media to Connect and Enhance Partnerships
Maximize visibility and brand recognition
In a time when people spend an average of 10% of their day on social media, organizations must recognize the vital role this medium plays in their marketing strategy. The use of social media allows organizations to maximize visibility and brand recognition, which, in turn, will bolster sales or fundraising efforts, increase awareness and garner a larger audience for activating … [More]
