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The Board-Staff Tango: Choreographing a Complex Relationship for Non-profit Success

The relationship between a non-profit's board and staff often resembles an intricate dance—one where both partners must move in harmony while maintaining appropriate distance and respecting distinct roles. When executed well, this dance creates organizational magic. When mismanaged, it leads to dysfunction that can derail even the most promising missions. Despite its critical importance, the

By |2025-03-24T13:56:07+00:00October 5th, 2025|Categories: blog, Philanthropy, Tom Leydiker|Tags: , , , , , , , |Comments Off on The Board-Staff Tango: Choreographing a Complex Relationship for Non-profit Success

The Machine Beneath the Mission: Why Non-profit Operations Deserve the Spotlight

When donors visit your organization, they're eager to meet program staff, hear client success stories, and perhaps chat with the executive director. Rarely, if ever, do they ask, "Could I speak with your operations team?" Yet this invisible engine—what I call the Machine Beneath the Mission—may be the most undervalued asset in the non-profit sector.

By |2025-08-04T09:15:07+00:00August 2nd, 2025|Categories: blog, Philanthropy, Tom Leydiker|Tags: , , , , , , , , |Comments Off on The Machine Beneath the Mission: Why Non-profit Operations Deserve the Spotlight

Donor Transparency Revolution: Why Modern Philanthropists Want the Unfiltered Truth

The relationship between donors and non-profits is undergoing a fundamental transformation. For decades, the conventional wisdom has been clear: present polished success stories, minimize challenges, and maintain strict message control. This approach, once standard practice, is increasingly alienating the very supporters organizations hope to attract and retain. Today's donors—particularly millennials and Gen Z, but increasingly

By |2025-07-01T13:56:29+00:00July 1st, 2025|Categories: blog, Philanthropy, Tom Leydiker|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , |Comments Off on Donor Transparency Revolution: Why Modern Philanthropists Want the Unfiltered Truth

The Forgotten Art of Small Donor Cultivation: Why Your Non-Profit’s Future May Depend on It

In today's philanthropy landscape, non-profits often chase the elusive "big fish" – those high-net-worth donors who can transform an organization with a single check. But this pursuit comes at a cost, one that many organizations fail to recognize until it's too late: the neglect of small donor cultivation. Small donors – those giving anywhere from

By |2025-03-31T03:13:10+00:00March 30th, 2025|Categories: blog, Philanthropy, Tom Leydiker|Tags: , , , , , , , , , |Comments Off on The Forgotten Art of Small Donor Cultivation: Why Your Non-Profit’s Future May Depend on It

The Future of Volunteerism: Trends and Innovations

The landscape of volunteerism is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by technological advancements, changing societal expectations, and a new understanding of what it means to give back. As we look to the future, several key trends and innovations are shaping how individuals and organizations engage in volunteer activities, promising to expand the reach and impact

By |2024-08-07T06:12:43+00:00December 21st, 2024|Categories: Philanthropy, Tom Leydiker|Tags: , , , , |Comments Off on The Future of Volunteerism: Trends and Innovations

The Role of Philanthropy in Education Reform

The nexus between philanthropy and education reform is a dynamic arena where strategic investments are driving significant changes in teaching, learning, and educational access. Philanthropy's role in education reform is multifaceted, involving support for innovative programs, research into effective practices, and advocacy for systemic change. Innovation and Experimentation Philanthropy enables innovation in education by funding

By |2024-03-01T09:52:29+00:00November 22nd, 2024|Categories: Philanthropy, Tom Leydiker|Tags: , , , , , |Comments Off on The Role of Philanthropy in Education Reform

Building Effective Community Partnerships for Social Change

Effective community partnerships stand as the backbone of impactful social change, bridging diverse entities towards common goals. These collaborations harness the strengths and resources of various stakeholders, including nonprofits, government agencies, businesses, and communities, to address complex social issues more efficiently and sustainably. Identifying Shared Goals The foundation of any successful community partnership is the

By |2024-08-07T06:12:16+00:00September 21st, 2024|Categories: Philanthropy, Tom Leydiker|Tags: , , , , , , |Comments Off on Building Effective Community Partnerships for Social Change

The Ethics of Philanthropy: Navigating the Challenges of Giving

While inherently noble in its aim to address societal issues and support various causes, the realm of philanthropy is fraught with ethical complexities. Navigating these moral dilemmas requires a thoughtful approach to ensure that giving not only aids the intended beneficiaries but also upholds the principles of equity, transparency, and respect. Intention vs. Impact: Ensuring

By |2024-03-01T09:48:24+00:00August 22nd, 2024|Categories: Philanthropy, Tom Leydiker|Tags: , , , , , |Comments Off on The Ethics of Philanthropy: Navigating the Challenges of Giving

Philanthropy in the Arts: Supporting Creativity and Cultural Heritage

The intersection of philanthropy and the arts is pivotal in fostering creativity, cultural heritage, and community engagement. Through generous contributions, philanthropic efforts support artists, cultural institutions, and community projects, ensuring the arts continue to flourish and remain accessible to all. Sustaining Artistic Expression and Innovation Philanthropy in the arts supports a wide range of endeavors,

By |2024-03-01T09:46:56+00:00June 22nd, 2024|Categories: Philanthropy, Tom Leydiker|Tags: , , , , , |Comments Off on Philanthropy in the Arts: Supporting Creativity and Cultural Heritage

Environmental Philanthropy: Supporting Sustainable Development Goals

Environmental philanthropy plays a critical role in addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development. Philanthropists have the power to protect our planet and support the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by allocating resources towards environmental causes. Supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) The SDGs

By |2024-03-01T09:45:14+00:00May 21st, 2024|Categories: Philanthropy, Tom Leydiker|Tags: , , , , , |Comments Off on Environmental Philanthropy: Supporting Sustainable Development Goals
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