When crisis hits—whether it's a struggling department or the entire organization—your response defines your future. This episode explores how to talk about financial distress without sounding desperate, and how to frame fundraising efforts as strategic, not survivalist. The difference? Donors don’t want to save a sinking ship—they want to fuel a mission with momentum. If you can communicate change, trust, and a path forward, you’ll do more than survive—you’ll transform.
Read MoreListen to the weekly podcast “Around with Randall” as he discusses, in just a few minutes, a topic surrounding non-profit philanthropy. Included each week are tactical suggestions listeners can use to immediately make their non-profit, and their job activities, more effective.
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Email Randall with a show topic: podcast@hallettphilanthropy.com
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Great fundraising, like the growth of bamboo, begins with unseen groundwork. The first five years may show nothing above the surface, but beneath lies a strong, intentional root system—just like the quiet outreach, relationship-building, and resilience fundraisers must invest before major gifts emerge. Today’s donor landscape demands more patience, personalization, and persistence than ever. When we stop chasing instant metrics and start cultivating trust, consistency, and collaboration, we prepare for the kind of exponential growth that surprises everyone—except the one who’s been doing the root work all along.
Read MoreRight now, too many nonprofits are frozen in place—boards and CEOs so paralyzed by funding cuts and political chaos that they’ve stopped thinking strategically altogether. When organizations stall, donors lose confidence, talented development staff grow frustrated, and transformational gifts slip through the cracks. In this episode, we unpack four practical ways fundraising professionals can respectfully ‘manage up’—from reframing strategy as a leadership duty to enlisting donor voices and phasing in focused roadmaps. You’ll hear real-world examples of how anonymous donor feedback and targeted feasibility studies have reignited momentum and unlocked six- and seven-figure gifts. Tune in to discover how to break the paralysis and turn chaos into catalytic, strategic philanthropy.
Read MoreMost first-time donors are testing the waters—curious if your nonprofit delivers on its promise and if a deeper connection is worth their investment. That’s why speed isn’t just a courtesy in stewardship; it’s a strategy. In this episode, I explore how re-qualifying new donors within the first 90 days can mean the difference between a one-time gift and a lifetime of giving. The data is clear: fast, thoughtful follow-up—especially from the right people—dramatically boosts your donor retention and major gift potential.
Read MoreToday marks a milestone—250 episodes of Around with Randall! This journey has been one of service, storytelling, and sincere gratitude for those unseen moments of influence we have on each other. What started as a simple goal to make a difference in just one life has blossomed into a community of listeners across the globe. I never imagined the reach or the impact, but I am deeply humbled and more inspired than ever to keep showing up, sharing insights, and building this classroom of compassion and purpose. Here’s to the next 250!
Read MoreSome of our most transformational donors are the ones you’ll never see on a wall or at a gala. They drive up in Hondas, not Bentleys—and they give in silence, often more generously than the loudest names on the marquee. But here's the catch: treating anonymity like invisibility is a critical failure. These quiet philanthropists still crave impact, connection, and trust—they just want it without the spotlight. Ignore them, and you don’t just lose a gift; you risk losing a legacy.
Read MoreWhat is the concept of "choice architecture" in nonprofit fundraising? How can organizations better present options to donor and strike a balance between too much and too little information? Learn how to avoid common mistakes like the "Menu of Doom," false equivalency, and overselling, and discover practical strategies for curating meaningful giving opportunities that connect with donors' passions and the mission of your nonprofit. Join us for a thoughtful discussion on refining donor relationships and maximizing philanthropic impact.
Read MoreWith fewer households making charitable gifts, annual giving is under pressure and needs a more strategic approach. Evaluating annual giving through three-five year data trends rather than single-year snapshots can better allocate resources, elevate donors into major gifts or planned giving, and create lasting cultural shifts. Annual giving isn't just about dollars—it's about building the long-term foundation for transformational philanthropy.
Read MoreAre you staring at stalled proposals and wondering what to do next? This episode dives into the root causes of donor dormancy—like misaligned timing, a disconnect in perceived value, or inconsistent follow-up—and offers a framework to triage and reengage major gift prospects. Learn how to categorize your dormant proposals, prioritize them by impact, and take practical next steps based on the kind of interaction you last had. It’s time to stop waiting and start prompting. If your portfolio includes “zombie” proposals, this conversation offers the tactics to revive them.
Read MoreTiming is everything — especially when it comes to making a major gift ask. In this episode, Randall explores the psychology behind donor readiness, uncovering the emotional and strategic signals that reveal the right moment to solicit transformational gifts. Learn the four critical feelings every donor must experience and the key questions to evaluate before making your move. If you want to master the art of asking at the perfect time, this episode is a must-listen.
Read MoreIn this episode, we check into the often-overlooked ethical complexities of donor recognition. Randall explores how poorly managed recognition can lead to mission drift, disproportionate acknowledgments, access inequities, problematic associations, and excessive donor involvement. With high-level donors becoming more sophisticated and competitive, nonprofits must be clear and intentional about how recognition aligns with values and long-term strategy. A thoughtful, transparent practice grounded in ethics is essential for sustainable fundraising and donor trust.
Read MoreBuilding strong donor relationships goes beyond just securing gifts—it's about creating a meaningful feedback loop that fosters deeper, lasting connections. By listening to donors' perspectives, nonprofits can identify pain points, refine processes, and show that their voices matter. Randall also explores how this approach leads to better retention, upgraded gifts, and risk mitigation, all while building a culture of trust and genuine relationship-building.
Read MoreWhat does it really mean for a board to be strategic—and why does it matter? In this episode, Randall breaks down how defining strategy is the key to unlocking true board ownership and aligning long-term impact with community needs. It’s not about documents or retreats—it’s about thinking ahead, asking better questions, and creating a shared vision that reshapes roles, meetings, and expectations. If your board is stuck in neutral, this might be the starting point you didn’t realize you needed.
Read MoreWhat can we learn from some of the world’s most influential philanthropists? In this episode of Around with Randall, we explore the giving philosophy of Steve and Connie Ballmer—how their approach to philanthropy started at the kitchen table and evolved into a multi-billion-dollar effort to drive economic mobility. Discover how data, trust-based giving, and a deep commitment to impact shape their work, and what nonprofit leaders can take away to strengthen their own fundraising efforts.
Read MoreWho really owns a nonprofit? Unlike for-profit businesses with clear ownership, nonprofits are technically owned by no one—but that doesn't mean responsibility is absent. In reality, the community is the true owner, and the board of directors serves as its steward.
But what happens when boards become passive? CEOs can gain too much control, leading to governance failures, weakened oversight, and long-term risks for the organization. What makes this shift happen? What are the consequences? And—most importantly—how do you restore strong nonprofit governance?
Read MorePhysicians play a critical role in philanthropy, particularly in health care, as trusted referral agents for grateful patient giving. This episode explores why physician engagement is essential and how their involvement leads to significantly larger gifts. While doctors shouldn't be asking for donations directly, they can recognize moments of gratitude, engage meaningfully, and transition relationships to development teams. The broader nonprofit sector can apply this approach by leveraging board members, executives, or faculty as trusted connectors. In a shifting philanthropic landscape, where fewer donors are giving but at higher amounts, mastering these relationships is vital for long-term fundraising success.
Read MoreDonor-advised funds (DAFs) are growing rapidly, presenting both challenges and opportunities for nonprofits. While they offer donors tax advantages, investment growth, and simplified giving, they also create barriers between nonprofits and the donors themselves. To effectively engage with DAF donors, nonprofits must proactively promote DAF giving options, retrain gift officers to discuss them, and build relationships with financial advisors and community foundations. By embracing DAFs and integrating them into fundraising strategies, organizations can strengthen donor relationships and unlock new philanthropic potential. The key is adapting to this shifting landscape rather than resisting it.
Read MoreThis episode of Around with Randall explores the concept of upskilling, inspired by Amazon’s billion-dollar investment in workforce development. Randall discusses how acquiring new skills enhances career growth, job security, and personal satisfaction, particularly in the evolving nonprofit sector. He highlights practical ways to upskill—such as online courses, mentorship, and learning new software—while emphasizing the importance of data analytics and cybersecurity knowledge. By continuously improving, nonprofit professionals can increase their value to their organizations and adapt to an ever-changing landscape.
Read MoreWealth screening has long been a staple of donor identification, but the future lies beyond wealth—it's about connection and inclination. Let’s explore the evolution of screening, from manual processes to internet-driven data aggregation, and now the rise of artificial intelligence. AI is shifting the focus from static wealth indicators to behavioral patterns, predicting not just who can give but who is most likely to engage. This transformation presents opportunities for deeper donor relationships, it also raises challenges in adoption, ethics, and the role of gift officers. As AI continues to refine donor strategies, organizations that embrace the change will be better positioned to thrive in the next era of philanthropy.
Read MoreIn this week’s episode of Around with Randall, we discuss the impact of positive and negative influences in our personal and professional lives, especially in the nonprofit sector. What is the science of emotional contagion, how others' emotions affect our well-being and productivity, and the importance of surrounding ourselves with positive individuals? We end with some practical advice for evaluating potential hires based on their emotional impact, highlighting the value of creating a supportive, uplifting environment for personal and organizational success.
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