When Sonoma State University cut its entire athletics department to close a $24 million deficit, it sent a clear message: even long-standing programs once thought untouchable are now on the chopping block. Nonprofits everywhere must confront a similar truth—preserving the core mission may require letting go of cherished traditions. These decisions won’t be easy or popular, but they’re becoming unavoidable in a world of shrinking resources and shifting priorities. Mission clarity isn’t just important—it’s the new survival strategy.
Read MoreFrom the outside, leading a nonprofit may look like a prestigious, well-paid role—but the reality is far more demanding. As seen in the recent resignation of Columbia University’s interim president, nonprofit CEOs face relentless scrutiny, political pressure, and emotional strain. The role requires constant visibility, moral clarity, and a near-impossible balancing act between diverse stakeholders. It’s not just leadership—it’s endurance in the spotlight.
Read MoreThe 2024 report on the health of U.S. nonprofits highlights three major challenges for 2025: financial sustainability, workforce dynamics, and public trust. Nonprofits are grappling with declining donations, workforce retention struggles, and a drop in public confidence. To thrive, organizations must innovate to stabilize funding, offer competitive wages, and prioritize transparency to rebuild trust. These ongoing issues are at the heart of discussions in the "Around with Randall" podcast and "Writings by Randall" blog.
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