Blog

Nonprofit leaders are known for wearing many hats—budget balancer, community builder, last-minute-slide-deck-finisher, professional schlepper—but the hat we too often leave on the shelf is the one labeled “curiosity captain”. Whether it's embracing AI, reimagining donor stewardship, or treating events as more than just logistical nightmares lifts with a side of lukewarm veggie trays and sweaty cheese cubes, we sometimes meet new ideas with hesitation or quiet resistance.

It’s time for a reset—not of our strategy, but of our attitude. Because—gulp—we might just be the problem. And that’s uncomfortable… but also incredibly fixable. What if we chose curiosity over fear, and open-minded exploration over the comfort of our preconceived notions? These shifts aren’t detours from our mission—they’re invitations to deepen and expand it. And spoiler: we don’t need to have all the answers to get started. We just need to be willing to ask better questions and create space for curiosity.

For many of us, planned giving seems intimidating—all those complex financial instruments and legal terminology. But here's the thing: the donors you need to reach, especially those born between 1965 and 1980, don't want to hear about charitable remainder trusts on your first conversation either. They want to know how they can make a real difference while being smart about their finances.

Gen X donors are hitting their peak earning years right now, and they will be the primary recipients of the Boomer estates. So, they’re thinking about legacy in ways that might surprise you. Let's break down how to reset your planned giving approach to connect with this unique generation.

Remember Your Why

In the day-to-day hustle of our work, it’s easy to forget why we do what we do. To-do lists, deadlines, and budgets can get the better of us. That’s why we remind clients to step back from the immediate tasks at hand and remember their greater purpose and mission.

We encourage our nonprofit leaders to stay connected to why their volunteers, donors, and staff are involved with their organization.

This month, we're thinking about thanks... especially for those who support nonprofits in their important work. It's time to think outside the box about stewardship. 

This month, we're thinking about thanks... especially for those who support nonprofits in their important work. It's time to think outside the box about stewardship. 

This month, we're thinking about thanks... especially for those who support nonprofits in their important work. It's time to think outside the box about stewardship. 

A long-time executive coach once told me that the most powerful questions are ones that can be understood by a kindergartner.

Fundraising is a lot like yoga. If it hurts, you are probably doing it wrong.

When people think of fundraising, they usually are thinking about The Ask – and that can be very intimidating. Today, we’re digging into the archives for some of our best advice on How to Ask.

When people think of fundraising, they usually are thinking about The Ask – and that can be very intimidating. This month, the Donor By Design Team is taking on How to Ask. Today, Bruce delves into a better way to approach the ask.