Serving Clients Full Circle

Writings by Randall

Learning (and witnessing) the Value of Teamwork

Sometimes, life’s simplest yet most profound lessons come from unexpected places—in this case, a group of 10- to 12-year-old boys playing soccer. As their coach, I've seen firsthand how teamwork transforms individuals into a united force, with players learning that a great pass can be more important than a goal. These lessons in collaboration, communication, and leadership extend far beyond the soccer field.

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Maximizing Donor-Advised Fund Contributions: How Fundraisers Can Work with DAFs and Donors

Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) are reshaping the philanthropic landscape, offering nonprofits significant opportunities to engage donors in new ways. Yet many fundraisers are still navigating how to effectively tap into this growing source of charitable giving. With DAF contributions surging to more than $52 billion, understanding key strategies to simplify the process and educate donors is crucial.

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Celebrating a Century: Jimmy Carter's Enduring Legacy of Service and Philanthropy

In celebrating Jimmy Carter's 100th birthday, it’s an ideal moment to reflect on his enduring contributions to philanthropy and nonprofit work after his presidency. Through founding The Carter Center, Carter championed global health, peace, and human rights, making strides such as nearly eradicating Guinea worm disease. Carter's post-presidential legacy exemplifies how one individual can profoundly impact humanitarian efforts, leaving a lasting blueprint for leadership in philanthropy.

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The Invaluable Role of National Parks

It’s easy to admire our national parks, particularly Rocky Mountain National Park, which exemplifies conservation and nature’s resilience. These parks are living classrooms, offering lessons in ecology and the importance of preserving biodiversity. Beyond their environmental value, they also bolster local economies and provide peaceful refuge from the bustle of modern life, underscoring their enduring significance.

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Randall Halletteconomy, health
Bridging the Fundraising Knowledge Gap for Leaders

In a recent Chronicle of Philanthropy opinion piece, the author talks on a critical issue: fundraisers are under siege. While fundraising is essential to nonprofit sustainability, it remains largely misunderstood by leadership, contributing to burnout and high turnover. 55% of fundraisers feel underappreciated, and 51% plan to leave their jobs within two years. The disconnect between nonprofit leaders and their fundraising teams is clear and it threatens long-term organizational success. Leaders must embrace fundraising as a shared responsibility and provide the necessary tools, training, and support to empower their teams.

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What is the Value of Nonprofit Work? More Than They Are Compensated, For Sure…

Following a new report for the U.S. nonprofit sector: 22% of workers struggle to afford basic necessities like housing, food, and healthcare. While nonprofits aim to address social issues, many of their own employees face financial hardships, revealing a stark contradiction. Addressing these financial challenges could be crucial to the sustainability and impact of nonprofit organizations.

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Shrinkflation in Healthcare

Shrinkflation isn’t just happening in your grocery aisle—it’s infiltrating healthcare, too. As hospitals and clinics quietly reduce staffing and services while costs continue to rise, patients are left with longer wait times, overworked staff, and reduced care options. Uncover how these subtle cutbacks directly impact communities, especially vulnerable populations, and raises a critical question: What happens when essential healthcare starts to slip away? Find out how this hidden crisis is playing out right in your neighborhood and what it means for the future of public health.

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A Hidden Cost of Intermediaries in Philanthropy

Intermediaries are essential in connecting donors to nonprofits, but what happens when a significant portion of donations is lost to fees before reaching those in need? What is the real cost of using intermediaries in philanthropy, questioning whether their value justifies the millions they divert from direct aid? Discover how alternative giving models could ensure more funds reach the front lines, and why it's crucial to rethink how donations are distributed for maximum impact. Curious about the true cost of philanthropy?

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Parenting Via ChatGPT?

As artificial intelligence like, ChatGPT, gains acceptance, a recent Fox Business article reveals that nearly half of Generation Z prefers AI career advice over that of their supervisors. While I appreciate AI for fact-finding, I rely more on the experiential lessons from my upbringing and mentors. Ultimately, AI should support our decisions, not replace the invaluable human experiences that shape our lives.

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The Shock of Property Insurance Pricing

Rising property insurance premiums are creating significant challenges for homeowners and the broader economy. Driven by natural disasters and increasing construction costs, these hikes force many to make tough financial decisions, risking their coverage altogether. This article delves into the impact on housing affordability and lending policies, highlighting the urgent need for strategies to address these complex issues. Discover how these trends could reshape the future of real estate.

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When Have Volunteers Been More Valuable? The Answer is Never.

Volunteers. In 2023, their contributions are valued at $33.49 per hour! However, their impact extends way beyond labor savings. Volunteers expand a nonprofit’s capacity, offer specialized skills, and credibility – making them a crucial asset during tight times. The sooner you understand the importance of investing in volunteer engagement, the sooner it will become a game-changer for your organization.

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Not Forgetting Women in Philanthropy

Overlooking women in philanthropy represents a missed opportunity, as they increasingly control significant wealth and demonstrate distinct, impactful giving patterns. Engaging women not only taps into a major financial reservoir but also supports nonprofits with diversified, stable funding and enhanced sustainability. Ignoring their influence risks losing crucial donations and long-term support essential for meaningful impact.

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Misaligned Priorities

As college football season kicks off, the excitement is dampened by stories of players prioritizing financial gain over the game. Recent comments by Oklahoma State’s Mike Gundy and a rumored incident with Alabama’s Nick Saban underscore a shift in focus from football to money, highlighting misplaced priorities. These stories remind us that while financial success is important, relationships, trust, and honor should come first, both in sports and in life.

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Bank Fees Gone Crazy---What Are You Supposed to Do?

A recent Bloomberg article revealed that ATM fees outside one’s bank have surged, with Atlanta's average hitting $5.66 per transaction, despite these transactions being automated. Banks are also now charging for basic services like paper statements, which feels excessive. This shift in banking revenue practices highlights a growing disconnect between banks and customer satisfaction.

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Randall Halletteconomy, value, money
What is an "Affordable Home” Today?

The rising cost of homes reflects a broader issue tied to the American Dream, particularly for younger generations. While traditional home ownership is associated with economic stability and personal benefits, alternative housing options such as tiny houses, prefab homes, and 3D-printed houses offer more affordable and innovative solutions. These alternatives challenge the conventional definition of a home, emphasizing that the essence of a home lies in the experiences and joy it provides, rather than its size or construction method. Redefining what makes a home could address the housing crisis more effectively than sticking to traditional models.

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Collaboration a Must, and Yes, With Other Nonprofits in Our Community

Nearly 20 years ago, an old family friend and community leader highlighted the issue of local nonprofits competing against each other rather than collaborating, which stuck with me. This insight aligns with recent efforts highlighted in the Chronicle of Philanthropy, where organizations like Citizen’s University are working to unite nonprofits to address community challenges more effectively. Trust and collaboration are essential for nonprofits to maximize their impact, but achieving this requires overcoming significant leadership challenges and silos.

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Trillions of Dollars Are At Stake - Are We Ready? Are You Ready?

Ready or not, the impending multitrillion-dollar wealth transfer poses significant challenges, particularly for those unprepared to manage substantial inheritances. Many heirs lack the necessary financial education and estate planning, leaving them vulnerable to poor decisions, legal disputes, and hefty tax burdens. Proactive communication, education, and planning are critical tools needed to prevent the loss of wealth and ensure a smooth transition of assets across generations.

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