On Philanthropy: Year-End Giving: Going Beyond the Fund-amentals

In a rapidly changing world, nonprofits must seize opportunities. Grab your chance to be a venture capitalist…!

On Philanthropy: Who Will Catch the Trickle-Down?

My brother-in-law can’t come for dinner this weekend (I’m crushed) because he’s “getting his tax stuff together.” Amid his annual drudgery, he lamented, “At least next year we’ll have the tax cut.”

On Philanthropy: Volunteers a Growing Challenge for Milwaukee-Area Nonprofits

In a recent survey of Milwaukee area nonprofits, 50% of the 250 responding organizations said that volunteers were either essential or very important to their mission. That’s not surprising, given that 52% of the responding organizations had fewer than 10 paid staff – and fully 25% had only one…

On Philanthropy: United We Thrive

Each one of us has a moral responsibility to fight for justice. Who will lead that fight? Grassroots nonprofit organizations! Here’s one example.

On Philanthropy: The Touching Driveway Moment that Will Save the World and Preserve Your Rec Room

This fall your kid may head off to college for the first time, perhaps with only the vaguest idea about a career. As he or she backs down the driveway, you have one last chance to influence their future. My suggestion: wave them down, lean through the window and, in your gravest James Earl Jones…

On Philanthropy: The Case for a Way Back

Each year, philanthropic donors bring enlightenment, health, and opportunity to area residents through charitable gifts to nonprofit organizations. But those of us who genuinely care about community-building must support one more mission: restoring the ability of troubled and at-risk neighbors to…

On Philanthropy: Tax reformers versus the “sole” of philanthropy

I just took my old work shoes to the resale shop. Yeah, I could have chucked them in my back closet. But I knew somebody out there would want them, and I knew I’d get a receipt for a little tax deduction. I wouldn’t save a lot -- but, hey, every little bit helps, right?

On Philanthropy: Take That, La-La Land

As Weather Turns Cool, Milwaukee Philanthropy Warms Up

On Philanthropy: Suffragette Dreams Come True – via Philanthropy

One hundred years ago, on June 10, 1919, Wisconsin became the first state to ratify the 19th amendment, giving women the right to vote. When I reflect on the struggles of our foremothers, I wonder: What have we accomplished?

On Philanthropy: Saving the World – and My July 4th Picnic

Every July 4th, our family reunion brings me into contact with my clueless brother-in-law. He’s the guy in every family who remembers exactly one fact about everyone else. As expected, he quickly worked our conversation around to his usual dig. “Hey, dude, you work for a nonprofit. So do you…

On Philanthropy: Revealed - Milwaukee Philanthropists Secretly Wish to Be Ordinary!

The scene: last November’s National Philanthropy Day celebration in Milwaukee. There I sat, in the crowd of 600-plus diners, listening to heartwarming thank-yous as our area’s leading philanthropists and volunteers received awards from the Association of Fundraising Professionals. I tried to put…

On Philanthropy - Resist the List! Give Them a Gift that Gives

Dear Dad: I received your annual Christmas Wish List yesterday. After an online search for the meaning of “auger,” “tip up,” and “floating livewell,” I have to let you know that you will not be receiving any ice fishing supplies this year.

On Philanthropy: Philanthropy 2018: Bad news about good news (and vice versa)

Is your glass half full? Half empty? Thrown against the wall in frustration? The Giving USA report annually summarizes the nation’s charitable giving. The report on 2018 came out in July, and you can see whatever you want in those tea leaves.

On Philanthropy - Loss of Public Trust is a Nonprofit’s “Chapter 11”

Why did the bank want to return all the government bailout money ASAP?... Because it was upset at all the hidden fees!

On Philanthropy: Let’s Build a Community Culture of Corporate Philanthropy

The secret to expanding corporate philanthropy in Milwaukee? Helping companies learn how to do it right.

On Philanthropy: Keep Calm -- and Enjoy Your Millennial Makeover

Despite their differences, the nonprofit and for-profit sectors agree on one thing: Millennials can be confounding.

Philanthropy, Justice and a Chance for Change

We fundraisers are committed to philanthropy.  But some things are even more important, as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reminds us: "Philanthropy is commendable, but it must not cause the philanthropist to overlook the circumstances of economic injustice which make philanthropy necessary." Read AFP’s…

On Philanthropy: How to paint a beautiful picture without picking up a brush

To create an inspiring work, an artist translates a beautiful vision into reality. It’s the same for a philanthropist: starting with their vision of a better world, they wield brushstrokes of passion, creativity, insight and generosity. Their works don’t just inspire us – they lift our whole…

On Philanthropy: How Nonprofit Board Members Can be Even More Appreciated

If you are one of the hundreds of Milwaukee-area business leaders who advance causes close to your heart by serving on the board of a local nonprofit, here are some tips that might make your efforts even more deeply appreciated…

On Philanthropy: Hey (Your Name Here), Did You Make “The LIST?”

Some of 2017’s year-end lists are more meaningful than others

On Philanthropy - Future Nonprofit C-Suiters: Top Traits to Cultivate

What does it take to become a nonprofit CEO? New research from the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance reveals the common traits.

On Philanthropy: Foundations and Nonprofits Seek New Alignment for Challenging Times

One would think that Wisconsin’s foundations and the nonprofits they fund would strongly agree about what those organizations need to thrive. Turns out that is only partly the case.

On Philanthropy: Finding Hope in Darkness

Working in the wee hours (when my daughter’s asleep so there are no mouths to feed, no diapers to change, no zoom meetings to attend), I gaze out the window to see a star shining through the foggy twilight, and it reminds me: in the darkest skies we find the brightest stars.

On Philanthropy: Equity through Philanthropy

This black history month, let’s remember the pandemic that has plagued our country long before the Coronavirus.

On Philanthropy: Emancipation from itemization? So long, charitable conversation

As my wife will tell you, I hate to give up something of value -- even if I seldom use it. (Hey, my Betamax could still make a comeback, right?).