How to Fix the Donor Pyramid

Plus, volunteerism as a potential solution to polarization. Also: low-income housing that can withstand hurricane winds ADVERTISEMENT [Philanthropy Today Logo]( You can also [read this newsletter on the web](. Or, if you no longer want to receive this newsletter, [unsubscribe](. FUNDRAISING LEADERSHIP [The Donor Pyramid May Be Bad for Giving. Can We Do Better?]( By Drew Lindsay [STORY IMAGE]( How a dominant fundraising theory took root, what it gets wrong, and how to change. Plus: See the rest of our [September issue]( posted online today. ADVERTISEMENT OPINION [Want to Solve Polarization? Encourage More People to Volunteer]( By Eboo Patel [STORY IMAGE]( I’ve seen firsthand how volunteering can bridge deep political divides, says the author, who praises a new bipartisan report prescribing “Civic CPR” to bring the nation together. ADAPTING TO CLIMATE CHANGE [155 MPH Winds Can’t Knock Down This Low-Income Housing]( By Jim Rendon [STORY IMAGE]( Nonprofits protect themselves against storms, flooding, fire, and heat. GIVING [Hollywood’s Working Class Turns to Nonprofit Funds to Make Ends Meet During the Strike]( By Thalia Beaty, Associated Press [STORY IMAGE]( George and Amal Clooney, Oprah Winfrey, and Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck, among others, have pitched in with $1 million donations to groups supporting the writers and crew members. GRANTS ROUNDUP [Southern Methodist U. Gets $30 Million for Data Science and Engineering]( By M.J. Prest [STORY IMAGE]( Also, the Open Society Foundations is giving $107 million to establish the Roma Foundation for Europe, and Unicef received $10 million from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to strengthen maternal and infant health care in the Central African Republic, Haiti, Mali, and Mozambique. Webinar [Top Ways to Thank Donors and Inspire Loyalty]( [STORY IMAGE]( Before the critical year-end giving season begins, join us on Thursday, September 28, at 2 p.m. Eastern to learn how to freshen your donor communications and donor recognition efforts. We’ll share insights from the latest research in donor psychology and offer practical advice on how to apply the findings. Get inspired by real-world examples of creative and fun ways nonprofits thank their donors. Plus, our expert guests will offer guidance on how to build a culture of gratitude at your organization. [Sign up today.]( SPONSOR CONTENT | The California Endowment [“The Good Troublemakers”: Bringing Systematic Change to California]( VIRTUAL FORUMS & BRIEFINGS [Understanding the Basics and Benefits of AI]( [STORY IMAGE]( As Artificial Intelligence captures headlines, experts acknowledge its power but urge nonprofit leaders to ensure its use is ethical and equitable. What are the fundamentals to understand about A.I., and how can nonprofits use A.I. to streamline and grow? Join us on September 12 at 2 p.m. Eastern for a free online forum that will help you develop a foundational understanding of this technology, offer examples and tips for how to harness it, and share guidance on pitfalls to avoid. [Register Today.]( SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHRONICLE Enjoying the newsletter? [Subscribe today]( for unlimited access to nonprofit news and analysis. Nonprofit News From Elsewhere Online The International Rescue Committee is testing efforts to help people in disaster-prone areas — but before disasters hit. The nonprofit tried out the concept of anticipatory action in parts of Nigeria that were vulnerable to flooding, providing cash and resources to two groups of farmers either before or after flooding struck. The differences, the study found, were striking — and could provide a model for aid in the age of climate disasters. ([PBS]( State legislators are increasingly focused on nonprofits’ needs and issues. This past year, lawmakers in Pennsylvania and Nevada started new caucuses to concentrate on policy helping nonprofits. Meanwhile, Maryland state Sen. Cheryl Kagan is leading the creation of a National Nonprofit Legislative Caucus to make sure nonprofits aren’t neglected by policymakers. ([Governing]( More News - Crowdfunding Saves Fla. Abortion Clinic With $193,000 in Fines ([Washington Post]( - Billionaires Help Fund the Rescue of an Eighth of the World’s White Rhinos ([Bloomberg]( - We’re Finally Figuring Out if Foreign Aid Is Any Better Than Handing Out Cash ([Vox]( - Manhattan DA Seizes Ancient Roman Bust From Worcester Art Museum ([Boston Globe]( - Philanthropy’s Great Convergence ([Fortune India]( Health Care - Nonprofit Health System Ends Practice of Denying Care to Patients in Debt ([New York Times]( - A Group of Philadelphians Erased $1.6 Million in Local Medical Debt. They Celebrated With an Unofficial Debt Burning. ([Philadelphia Inquirer](. Background from the Chronicle: [Charities That Curb Medical Debt for the Needy Are Growing Fast — and Innovating]( - Hospital Distress Worsens Amid Labor Scarcity and Inflation ([Wall Street Journal]( — subscription) Opinion - Art Lovers Know Not All Philanthropy Is Virtuous. Tell That to Our Museums ([Guardian]( - To Measure Social Impact, We Could Start by Using the Tools We Already Have ([Fortune]( - How to Fix the Ugly Problems in Modern Philanthropy ([Fast Company]( EDITOR'S PICKS DATA [More Than Half of Black-Serving Groups Would Shut Down if They Lost Key Donors]( By Rasheeda Childress [STORY IMAGE]( Most operate on razor-thin margins and need more philanthropic support for training in fundraising, leadership, and financial management, a new survey has found. OPINION [Why All of Us Need to Give to Nonprofit News Outlets]( By Brian Eule [STORY IMAGE]( If less than half a percent of all private contributions went to journalism nonprofits, we could replace the loss of local newsrooms and strengthen democracy. OPINION [Boomer Leaders Should Learn to Share Their Power — Like I Did]( By Raymond A. Jetson [STORY IMAGE]( The long-time head of a Louisiana social enterprise wasn’t ready to retire but had a plan that was better for him and the organization: to co-lead with a rising-star millennial. MAJOR-GIFT FUNDRAISING [Choice Words to Advance Conversations With Big Donors]( By Rachel Cyrulnik [STORY IMAGE]( Build your fundraising lexicon so you can strengthen your asks to improve results and engage more supporters in your work. ADVERTISEMENT RECOMMENDED WEBINAR [Join our next webinar]( — Are you sending out templated thank-you letters to donors? If so, you’re missing out on an opportunity to connect more deeply with your supporters. Savvy fundraisers take the time to customize communications that speak directly to a donor’s heart and inspire loyalty. How can you thank donors in ways that energize connection to your cause and further commitment to your organization? Join us September 28 at 2 p.m. Eastern to learn the latest research in philanthropic psychology and learn how you can easily apply it to thank-you letters and campaigns to increase donor retention. We’ll share real-world examples and proven tips that work, no matter the size of your budget. Plus, you’ll learn about creative, fun ways nonprofits are showing gratitude that will likely spark your own ideas for fostering love for your organization. [Register now.]( JOB OPPORTUNITIES [Apply today](http://). 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