Give and Take

Leader standing before stairs shaped like keyhole, symbolizing vision, growth, and unlocking potential.
Leadership
Viken Mikaelian

Six Key Lessons in Leadership: Building a Foundation for Lasting Impact

True leadership in fundraising isn’t about charisma or titles—it’s about clarity, consistency, and cultivating trust. The best leaders don’t micromanage; they set a vision, empower others, and hold themselves accountable. Fundraisers follow those who walk the talk. Leadership isn’t a flash of brilliance—it’s a daily commitment to authenticity and alignment. When leaders embody these values, they don’t just inspire gifts—they inspire loyalty, impact, and a culture that sustains long-term success.

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Gold trophy on a dark background symbolizing success, high performance, and top achievement in fundraising.
Career Advancement
Viken Mikaelian

Why Top-Earning Major Gift Officers Master Planned Giving—And How You Can, Too

Top-earning major gift officers don’t ignore planned giving—they embrace it. Not because they have to, but because they know it gives them an edge most fundraisers miss. While others chase bake sales and annual upgrades, these professionals are building donor portfolios that stand the test of time. Mastering planned giving isn’t just smart—it’s strategic. It earns trust, opens bigger conversations, and positions you as the fundraiser leadership remembers. Want to rise? Start where the top performers do.

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An image of computer research for donor research.
Fundraising
Edward Stephon

Why Prospect Research Is Crucial to Successful Gift Development

If your team isn’t using prospect research to drive gift development, you’re not just missing data—you’re missing direction, efficiency, and high-dollar opportunities. Prospect research helps you target the right donors with the right ask at the right time. Without it, your fundraising strategy is reactive at best—and blind at worst.

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Smiling woman speaking on the phone in a bright office, expressing gratitude or excitement for agift made to her nonprofit.
Stewardship
Joe Garecht

Perfecting the Thank-You Call: How a Five-Minute Phone Chat Can Triple Donor Retention

A quick, heartfelt thank-you call can do more than express gratitude—it can dramatically boost donor retention and long-term giving. In fact, nonprofits that consistently call donors within 48 hours of a gift often see stronger loyalty, larger future gifts, and deeper emotional connections. This article explores why these five-minute phone chats are so effective, how to make them meaningful (not scripted), and how your organization can turn simple appreciation into a powerful fundraising strategy.

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