Make Philanthropy Work

06/08/2026

Donor retention is often more cost-effective than donor acquisition.

Here are three simple but effective stewardship practices:
✔ Thank donors quickly
✔ Report impact consistently
✔ Stay connected between campaigns

Strong relationships build sustainable fundraising! Which stewardship practice has had the biggest impact on your organization?

06/03/2026

The people who change philanthropy aren't always the ones who make the most noise. Sometimes they're the ones who challenge long-held assumptions.

Today, we continue our Powering the Future of Philanthropy series by recognizing MacKenzie Scott.

Her approach to philanthropy challenged traditional assumptions about giving by placing trust directly in nonprofit leaders and the communities they serve. Through unrestricted gifts and a commitment to moving resources quickly, she helped spark a broader conversation about trust, equity, and impact in philanthropy.

Her giving has moved billions of dollars to organizations working on some of society's most pressing challenges, often with few restrictions and a deep belief that those closest to the work are best equipped to decide how resources should be used.

Her example reminds us that meaningful change happens when we empower those closest to the work and trust them to lead.

05/22/2026

Every organization wants to create meaningful impact, but the path looks different for everyone.

What’s the biggest challenge in your philanthropy or fundraising strategy right now?

💬 Donor engagement
📈 Measuring impact
🤝 Building lasting relationships
🌱 Creating a culture of philanthropy

Drop your answer in the comments ⬇️

05/06/2026

What does it mean to truly change the world?

For Chuck Feeney, it meant giving nearly everything away.

The billionaire entrepreneur quietly donated more than $8 billion to causes that expanded education, improved healthcare, advanced human rights, and created opportunity for millions of people around the globe.

No spotlight.
No grandstanding.
Just impact.

He believed in “Giving While Living”, using generosity to create change now, not someday.

At Make Philanthropy Work, we believe philanthropy has the power to solve some of the world’s greatest challenges. And behind every movement forward are people bold enough to lead with purpose.

That’s why we’re launching a new series celebrating the visionaries, changemakers, and fundraising leaders who are Powering the Future of Philanthropy.

Because the future isn’t built by institutions alone. It’s built by people who choose to care.

04/24/2026

Friday thoughts 💭 If your fundraising strategy currently looks like:

✔️ Try something
✔️ Hope it works
✔️ Repeat

…we should talk! When things feel harder than they should, it’s usually not about working more. It’s about having a process that actually supports you.

At Make Philanthropy Work, we help organizations trade the guesswork for a clear, doable path forward. Because fundraising shouldn’t feel like throwing spaghetti at the wall and seeing what sticks.

Heading into the weekend, here’s a small challenge: What’s one thing you’re doing out of habit and not because it’s working?

That’s your clue.

https://makephilanthropywork.com/our-process/

04/22/2026

Proud to support this work in the San Luis Valley. Tune in tonight to see what’s coming! Boys & Girls Clubs of the San Luis Valley

Something special is coming…

We’ve been working on something that means a lot to our community, and we can’t wait to share it with you.

👉 Tune in to Next with Kyle Clark on Wednesday, 4/22 at 6pm MST for a big surprise.

This one is for the San Luis Valley ❤️

04/20/2026

It’s National Volunteer Week 💙 and while it’s easy to count volunteer hours, that’s not the full story. When you create a great experience for volunteers you’re not just filling roles, you’re building community.

Volunteers are out there connecting, advocating, and investing in your work in meaningful ways! Time to celebrate them!

04/15/2026

Tax Day reminder: people don't always give because of tax benefits. They give because they care!

Tax incentives might spark the action, but connection drives the decision.

👇 Do tax incentives influence your giving?

04/08/2026

Doing amazing work doesn’t automatically mean people see it.

Today, visibility isn’t just about posting more—it’s about telling your story in a way that actually connects. And if your message isn’t clear and consistent, it’s easy to get lost in the noise.

That’s why digital fundraising matters more than ever.

When nonprofits use tools like storytelling, donor journeys, and personalized communication, they’re able to reach more people and build real relationships that lead to giving.

Visibility = funding.
But only if your story is clear.

👇 How confident do you feel telling your organization’s story online?

04/01/2026

Let’s talk about some fundraising “advice” that feels like an April Fool’s joke 😉

“We just need to do more events to raise more money.”

It sounds logical, right? More events = more donors = more revenue. But in reality? Events can take a ton of time, energy, and money to pull off…and don’t always deliver the return you’re hoping for!

That doesn’t mean events are bad—but they shouldn’t be your only strategy. Real, sustainable fundraising comes from:
💡 Building relationships�
💡 Engaging donors over time
💡 Having a clear plan (not just a busy calendar)

Before jumping into the next event, it’s worth asking: Is this actually helping us grow or just keeping us busy?