As my U12 soccer team nears true cohesion, the final refinements—quick passes, smart spacing, and unselfish play—have proven harder than expected. It’s a reminder that the last step toward accomplishment is often the most difficult, requiring not just skill but cognitive persistence and emotional resilience. Coaching in these moments isn’t about chasing wins, but guiding young players through growth that transcends the field. The process itself becomes the lesson—one of teamwork, patience, and meaningful effort.
Read More“Dad, I need to print this—it's due tomorrow!” he exclaimed, as if I moonlight as Office Depot after hours. Turns out, the real assignment was teaching time management... and mastering the art of not dragging your parent into a 9 p.m. crisis.
Read MoreTurns out my knee's been auditioning for a role as a rusty door hinge—and got the part. I’m not thrilled about surgery, but I am thrilled I live somewhere that doesn’t involve a 10-year waitlist and a goat as a co-pay.
Read MoreTwo years after my father’s passing, I’ve come to see my mother’s strength in a new light. In the midst of grief, she’s quietly rebuilt her life with grace, resilience, and purpose. She’s not just carrying on—she’s thriving, and teaching me every day what quiet courage truly looks like.
Read MoreSometimes, I think the internet is just a big game of “Who Can Be the Biggest Jerk Without Getting Caught.” Enter the world of travel insults, where “gate lice” and “aisle lice” rule the roost, and “raw dogging a flight” is now a thing (no, it’s not what you think). It’s like we’ve taken everything annoying about air travel and turned it into a savage new language, all thanks to the internet’s superpower of anonymity. But my mom would like to remind us all: If you wouldn’t say it to someone’s face, maybe don’t say it online either. Because, well, never argue with mom.
Read MoreIn fundraising, relationships drive results, and the most powerful tool for building trust is a personal phone call. While digital methods like email and text can help, they can't replace the connection that comes with voice-to-voice conversations. Gift officers must embrace persistence, resilience, and the right timing to create meaningful donor relationships. Every call may not result in a gift, but it's always a step forward in cultivating the connections that fuel a nonprofit's mission.
Read MoreWatching Top Gun: Maverick with my son made me realize — Tom Cruise’s magic hasn’t faded. From jaw-dropping stunts to pure movie-star charisma, Cruise’s passion for filmmaking keeps audiences locked in, generation after generation.
Read MoreSometimes life sends the same message twice. A conversation with a young nonprofit professional and a timely article reminded me: building a meaningful career isn't about rigid planning — it's about staying open, learning constantly, growing your network, and embracing the journey. Success comes through experience, connection, resilience, and the willingness to engage with every opportunity along the way.
Read MoreAs donor participation rates continue to decline, stewardship has become a financial necessity, not a luxury. The Chronicle of Philanthropy underscores what many in the sector already know: building long-term donor relationships matters more than chasing one-time gifts. Nonprofits that focus on likelihood—consistent engagement and emotional connection—will unlock far greater lifetime value than those relying solely on wealth metrics. In today’s landscape, failing to invest in stewardship isn’t just shortsighted—it’s a costly mistake.
Read MoreWhen a lifelong friend fell seriously ill, I began sending a short daily message—no expectations, no replies, just presence. For six months, I didn’t know if he even received them. But one day, his call came, and with it, the quiet truth: those messages had mattered more than I imagined.
Read MoreCollege sports used to be about passion, tradition, and community—now, it feels like just another business. As massive contracts and NIL deals reshape the landscape, schools like UNLV are left chasing a game they can no longer afford to play. The magic of underdog stories, four-year players, and regional pride is fading fast. If college football becomes an exclusive club for the wealthiest programs, many longtime fans may no longer see themselves in the game.
Read MoreDonor-Advised Funds (DAFs) have emerged as a major force in philanthropy, yet many nonprofits struggle to tap into this growing source of charitable giving. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has perfected a strategy for engaging DAF donors, focusing on ease of giving, building relationships with financial advisors, and framing gifts as investments in medical research. By adopting similar strategies, nonprofits can unlock the full potential of DAF giving, ensuring sustainable support and maximizing their impact. Those who don’t engage effectively with DAFs risk leaving significant funding untapped.
Read MoreNonprofits are at the heart of tackling social challenges, but their long-term success relies on resilience and adaptability. A powerful lesson from Graham Windham’s experience highlights how diversifying revenue streams is crucial for sustainability. By pivoting to private donations when government funding fell short, they proved that financial resilience comes from a broad, diverse funding base. Nonprofits can emulate this success by developing multiple revenue channels, from earned income and individual donors to corporate partnerships and endowments—ensuring their ability to continue making a difference, no matter what challenges arise.
Read MoreThe U.S. is $36 trillion in debt—and the clock is ticking. For decades, leaders have dodged hard choices, hiding behind sacred cows like Social Security, tax cuts, and defense spending. But the time for denial is over; everything must go on the chopping block, or we face a fiscal reckoning that will gut the economy and crush future generations. There are no easy outs—only hard truths and even harder consequences.
Read MoreWhen our son asked about ChatGPT, we gave a simple answer—until he followed up with, “Because kids are using it during school to answer questions… and I don’t like it.” That unexpected response led to a conversation with his teacher, where we discovered the school had no official discussions or policies on AI use. Meanwhile, as states debate banning cell phones in classrooms, AI tools like ChatGPT remain largely unregulated, despite their potential to reshape how students learn—or avoid learning. If we’re serious about technology’s role in education, we need to ask: Are we banning the right things while ignoring the real challenges?
Read MoreThe debate over whether NIL revenue-sharing in college sports will fall under Title IX isn't just theoretical—it's a legal inevitability. While some argue that NIL earnings exist in a free market beyond Title IX’s reach, history and legal precedent suggest otherwise. If universities collect and distribute these funds, they will almost certainly be required to ensure gender equity, just as they do with scholarships and athletic budgets. Schools that fail to prepare for this shift may soon find themselves facing lawsuits—and history suggests Title IX will win.
Read MoreCorporate philanthropy is shifting, with companies increasingly prioritizing workforce development over traditional DEI-focused initiatives. As Nebraska students face declining reading proficiency, businesses have a direct stake in supporting education to build a future workforce with essential skills. Investing in literacy and numeracy programs is not just an act of generosity—it’s a strategic move that ensures companies have a qualified talent pool for tomorrow’s economy.
Read MoreHiring a consultant can be a game-changer for a nonprofit—but only if they bring the right approach. Leah Reisman shares key insights on how to ensure consultants help rather than harm, emphasizing the need to challenge assumptions, balance funder expectations, and elevate diverse voices. Before signing a contract, nonprofit leaders should ask five essential questions to find a consultant who prioritizes mission impact over status quo solutions.
Read MorePhilanthropy, at its core, should embody unconditional love for humanity, yet too often, charitable efforts are clouded by judgment and bias. Many individuals in need avoid seeking help due to the stigma attached, contradicting the very essence of giving. True philanthropy must be free of moral superiority, operating on trust, dignity, and partnership rather than control. By removing barriers and embracing compassion, nonprofits can ensure that giving uplifts rather than scrutinizes—fulfilling the true meaning of philanthropy.
Read MoreDespite being more connected than ever, younger generations often find themselves disconnected from the people right in front of them. Whether in a lobby or at a dinner table, many sit together yet remain absorbed in their screens—a behavior known as “phubbing.” Research shows that excessive phone use weakens relationships, reduces attention spans, and diminishes meaningful interactions. While smartphones are essential, setting boundaries—like phone-free meals or conversations—can help reclaim real-world connections before screen addiction reshapes social bonds for good.
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