We all pay more for the essential services provided by local, state and federal governments because tax revenue is lost by the special tax treatment afforded religious nonprofits. It’s time to ask some very important and difficult questions.
Read MoreIn 2008, the financial crisis brought Rachelle Fender’s career to a halt. But she’d seen devastation before, and she realized that this time, the worst news could actually be the best news — with the right mindset, and with courage. Rachelle found her life’s purpose working with the humanitarian organization appropriately named Unstoppable.
Read MoreIs family philanthropy a false god? In my opinion, no — it’s just hard. When it comes to ambitious goals, I believe hard is good, and easy is bad. It’s a good thing, too, as researchers have found that the most durable, profound pleasure comes from activities that require effort.
Read MoreFor every 1 billionaire, there are more than 100,000 people in poverty around the world. Particularly in light of the K-shaped recovery (thanks Peter Atwater), I think we’re forced to ask ourselves: Does happiness for some rely on the suffering of others?
Read MoreEvery nonprofit executive and fundraiser carries around the exhilarating memories, but not all are awash in sweetness and light. I spent innumerable sleepless nights leading two wonderfully innovative and successful nonprofit organizations. As with all stressful experiences, each of these was punctuated by crucially important lessons. I learned them the hard way. Now, as I reflect on my experiences and nurture the next generation of philanthropic leaders, I share them so that others might benefit.
Read MoreBruce DeBoskey was a bearded, camera-toting 21-year-old when he first came face to face with inhumanity. It happened in a remote part of Turkey. Bruce faced a choice that day that would change the course of his life.
Read MorePhilanthropy is one of my favorite things. I have dedicated many hours to it for myself, and my clients, over the past 25 years. But, as Andrew Carnegie said, “It is more difficult to give money away intelligently than to earn it in the first place.” Philanthropy — it’s a messy business. And, in philanthropy even more than in investing, far too often we (including yours truly) are still ruled by our caveman brains.
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