Tag: leadership

The nonprofit sector is experiencing one of the most significant transformations in its history. With technology reshaping how people connect, communicate, and contribute, organizations are adapting to a digital-first world of giving. This evolution isn’t just about convenience—it’s about meeting donors, volunteers, and communities where they already are: online.

Shifting Donor Expectations
Today’s donors expect transparency, immediacy, and impact. They want to know exactly how their contributions are being used and to see real-time results. Digital platforms allow nonprofits to share updates instantly—whether through social media stories, email newsletters, or interactive dashboards. By offering this level of visibility, nonprofits can build deeper trust and loyalty with their supporters.

Harnessing the Power of Online Platforms
From crowdfunding campaigns to peer-to-peer fundraising, online tools have expanded opportunities for giving. A compelling campaign can reach thousands of potential donors with a single post, breaking geographical barriers that once limited support. Nonprofits that embrace these platforms can scale faster, attract new audiences, and diversify funding streams.

Engaging Through Storytelling
The digital-first landscape is also about storytelling. Videos, blogs, and podcasts give nonprofits creative ways to highlight their mission and impact. A short video of a community project or a testimonial from a beneficiary can inspire action more effectively than a traditional annual report. Storytelling makes causes relatable and motivates people to get involved in ways that feel personal.

Data-Driven Decisions
Technology also enables smarter strategies. Analytics from digital campaigns help nonprofits understand donor behavior, track engagement, and identify trends. With this data, organizations can tailor their messaging, target the right audiences, and measure what works—ensuring resources are spent effectively.

Challenges and Opportunities
Of course, adapting to digital-first giving comes with challenges: cybersecurity, digital fatigue, and the need for ongoing innovation. Yet, these challenges are also opportunities for nonprofits to strengthen systems, embrace creativity, and stay relevant in a rapidly changing environment.

Conclusion
The modern nonprofit is no longer confined to in-person events and paper mailers. By embracing digital tools, transparent storytelling, and data-driven strategies, organizations can deepen connections and expand their reach. In a digital-first world of giving, those who adapt not only survive—they thrive, building stronger communities and lasting impact for generations to come.

Great TED Talks All About Giving

By Jimmy Lustig

On January 16, 2022

In Jimmy Lustig, Philanthropy

While philanthropy and giving are wonderful endeavors, they’re often met with criticism for a multitude of reasons. It’s important that we strive to constantly learn and improve the way we approach philanthropy, and one of the best ways to do that is to listen to the experts. Many philanthropists have given TED Talks over the years, and they can be a great way to learn more about the subject, and how we can improve it in order to make sure marginalized groups and those in need are getting the support they deserve. Here are a few of the best TED Talks about giving.

The Way We Think About Charity Is Dead Wrong – Dan Pallotta

Dan Pallotta believes that innovation and risk-taking are the keys to making philanthropy successful. In his talk, he challenged philanthropists and non-profit leaders to be willing to fail in order to truly succeed.

In his talk, Dan challenged the notion that traditional charity should be run as efficiently as possible. Instead, he argued that investing in the leadership and technology of non-profit organizations could actually create more positive change.

The Why and How of Altruism – Peter Singer

When we see a video of a child who has been seriously injured in a car accident, we usually assume that we would immediately help the child. However, when we see the number of children who die every day due to hunger and disease, we realize that we have a lot of hypocrisy and inaction.

Peter Singer argues that being able to live without want is a natural inclination to be altruistic. However, he suggests that there are ways to balance the practicality of giving with the emotion of doing good.

Why Giving Away Our Wealth Has Been The Most Satisfying Thing We’ve Done – Bill and Melinda Gates

In 1993, after taking a walk on the beach, Bill and Melinda decided that they wanted to give away their wealth to society. In this interview, the couple talks to Chris Anderson about their marriage, their failures, and how they’ve enjoyed giving away most of their wealth, claiming it’s been one of the greatest decisions they’ve ever made.

Want To Help Africa? Do Business Here – Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

Despite the negative images of Africa, there are also positive stories happening in the continent, according to Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. She believes that there are plenty of business opportunities in the country.

In her talk, Okonjo-Iweala challenged the world to include Africa instead of just giving aid. She argued that by engaging the continent in the global economy, we can create a significant impact in a way that traditional aid can’t.

The Best Podcasts on Philanthropy

By Jimmy Lustig

On December 17, 2021

In Jimmy Lustig, Philanthropy

As a nonprofit, podcasts can be an integral part of your strategy as you work to scale and grow. They can also help you develop new fundraising methods. Unfortunately, there are so many podcasts out there that it can be hard to find what’s worth listening to. In this article, I’ve chosen to highlight some of the best non-profit podcasts worth listening to today.

The Nonprofit Leadership Podcast – Dr. Rob Harter

The Nonprofit Leadership Podcast is hosted by Dr. Rob Harter, and it features discussions about the latest trends and issues affecting the nonprofit sector. The goal of this show is to help individuals and organizations become more effective leaders by discussing strategies and real-world situations about the people and groups making the biggest impacts around the world.

The Stanford Social Innovation Review Podcast – Eric Nee

Stanford Social Innovation Review is a popular publication within the social sector for its strong print articles and digital posts. Its podcasts also contribute to the reputation it has for providing insightful content. Eric Nee, the editor in chief of the publication, hosts the show and aims to inspire and educate its listeners, acting similarly to a TED Talk in many ways.

Nonprofits Are Messy, The Podcast – Joan Garry

Joan and her team wanted to create a podcast that would provide deeper insight into the world of non-profit management, so they decided to create a show called Nonprofits Are Messy. Each episode features a different topic and a different perspective from prominent individuals in the social sector where they discuss difficult topics as well as personal strategies that have helped said individuals and their organizations succeed in their goals.

The Business of Giving – Denver Frederick

Denver Frederick is a seasoned philanthropist who hosts The Business of Giving, a weekly program that explores the various solutions that can be made to today’s social problems. Each week, he interviews prominent individuals and organizations that are working towards making a difference.

The Business of Giving currently has 378 episodes. One of the most recent episodes featured Kris Kepler, the CEO of the LavaMaeX organization, who discussed how his company is helping restore dignity for the homeless.

Jimmy Lustig is an active philanthropist. He and his wife created the Lustig Family Foundation.