How philanthropy benefits the super-rich

“Philanthropy, it is popularly supposed, transfers money from the rich to the poor. This is not the case.” In the US, which statistics show to be the most philanthropic of nations, barely a fifth of the money donated by big givers goes to the poor. A lot goes to the arts, sports teams and other […]

How much do we really know about why we give to charity?

Charity has become big business, though it’s hard to say how big: there’s little good data. One recent study estimates the British, for example, donate 54p in every £100. That’s three times more than the Germans but three times less than Americans give. This article from the BBC dives into the history of fundraising methods […]

How to Disagree with Someone More Powerful than You

Your boss proposes a new initiative you think won’t work. Your senior colleague outlines a project timeline you think is unrealistic. What do you say when you disagree with someone who has more power than you do? How do you decide whether it’s worth speaking up? And if you do, what exactly should you say? […]

Our World in Data

Poverty, disease, hunger, climate change, war, existential risks, and inequality: The world faces many great and terrifying problems. It is these large problems that our work at Our World in Data focuses on. Thanks to the work of thousands of researchers around the world who dedicate their lives to it, we often have a good […]

4 Ways to Consciously Keep Donors Connected

When people give to you for the first time, often they know very little about you. Perhaps they found you through a link on social media. Or organic search. Or through a friend who emailed them a link to your appeal. They were inspired to give, once, based on whatever they saw or read. What […]

Ask gently

How do we decide whether it’s right to ask for donations right now? Maybe we look to the past…The impact of the economic crash has been cited as evidence that we should keep on asking. But Covid is different. Never have so many people been affected to such an extent, so quickly, across all sectors […]

Love in the time of COVID-19: How empathy can strengthen a business

Often derided as being of little tangible value, with the very term ‘soft skill’ being viewed as laughable, empathy is not always considered vital to business activity. But in reality, empathy packs a punch that few might expect, and can actually help to strengthen a business. Compassion and understanding can help put employees at ease; […]

COVID-19 and annual giving: 7 keys to continuity

In this post, Adrian Salmon conveys how to analyse your regular giving programme to assess whether to continue during a time of crisis. https://www.grenzebachglier.com/2020/03/24/covid-19-and-annual-giving-7-keys-to-continuity/

Top ten development office to do list during lockdown

In a matter of weeks COVID-19 has transformed the way we live and work. But how should Development Offices be responding? In our third article, Simon Lerwill offers ten quick suggestions on what to do next. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/top-ten-development-office-do-list-during-lockdown-simon-lerwill

Leadership and Advancement in the Current Crisis – I wish we had started earlier!

In this second article on leadership in a crisis, Karen Cairney and Colin McCallum discuss the importance of focusing on external relationships. They discuss if now is too late to start and whether you are ready to launch into an emergency campaign. https://www.cairneyandcompany.com/blog/2020/3/30/leadership-and-advancement-in-the-current-crisis-i-wish-we-had-started-earlier