Inspired Investing

The voluntary turnover rate for nonprofit organizations in 2023 is nearly 60% higher than the overall labor market average. What's driving this high staff turnover? And more importantly, what can social sector leaders do about it? Note to All Readers:  The information contained here reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates and sources it believes are reliable as of the date o...

The growth of giving circles shows no signs of slowing. But what's fueling them—and how are giving circles addressing new developments like trust-based philanthropy and giving beyond the check?  Whether you're new to philanthropy or a seasoned donor, you'll appreciate the valuable insights into the power of collective giving and the benefits of joining forces for your community. Note to All Reader...

Sharon Schneider is a philanthropy expert, impact investor, and social change strategist who advises some of the world's most prominent families. Her new book, Handbook for an Integrated Life, captures a growing trend—aligning mission, vision or values with decision making across all facets of a social sector organization's enterprise, or all facets of an individual's life. Note to All Readers:  T...

Discover how Generative AI can streamline operations, optimize fundraising strategies, and create compelling content for social sector organizations while also learning about the risks to privacy, accuracy, and bias. Join us as we explore the pros and cons of using AI in the social sector and how it can enhance human staff to make a greater impact. Note to All Readers:  The information contained h...

The Giving USA 2023 report has raised some concerns in the social sector due to headlines like "steepest drop ever". But we think there's more to the results than meets the eye. To dig beneath the headlines, we asked two experts to share their read and provide some much-needed context. That's when a more nuanced story emerged. For discounted access to Giving USA content, follow this link: https://...

What do you get when you connect the dots between business and philanthropy? E4E Relief, an ingenious social enterprise that provides workforce and supply chain relief for companies and their key stakeholders. In the past five years, E4E Relief's humanitarian solution has helped businesses serve as financial first responders, awarding over $250 million in grants to workers worldwide. Note to All R...

If you've ever wondered, "What are other foundations and donors doing?", this is the episode for you. Derek Jernstedt's family foundation is now on its third generation and has branched out from its original mission and structure in multiple ways. He'll take us through the evolution and how it impacts their decision-making today.   Note to All Readers:  The information contained here reflects the...

Along with expert investment analysis, we break down the NACUBO report through the eyes of an advancement professional at a two-year college. How do the survey results resonate with her real-life experience on the ground?        Note to All Readers:  The information contained here reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates and sources it believes are reliable as of the date of...

Dan Pallotta—entrepreneur, innovator and best-selling author of "Uncharitable"— revisits his unconventional take on philanthropy. With a forthcoming documentary under the same name, Dan explores what's changed in the decade since his 2013 TED Talk, the 16th most commented Ted Talk of all time. Note to All Readers:  The information contained here reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L.P. or its...

Boards and leaders of organizations in flux often feel like they're under siege. But a transition can also be a chance to reimagine your trajectory. Maryellen Gleason—who frequently serves as an interim CEO—shares wisdom she's gleaned from more than two decades of leading social sector transformations. Note to All Readers:  The information contained here reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L.P...

How does uploading financial records, sharing grantmaking practices or updating a profile move the needle for nonprofits and foundations as a whole? According to Cathleen Clerkin—Senior Director of Research at Candid—the entire social sector benefits from seeing the bigger picture when everyone contributes their small piece of the puzzle. For more on Candid's map of the social sector mentioned in...

Is it better to localize humanitarian relief? Ben Smilowitz, who heads the Disaster Accountability Project and its sister platform, SmartResponse.org provides compelling reasons to cut out the middleman and give directly to smaller organizations that are already on the ground. Note to All Readers:  The information contained here reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates and so...

President and CEO Emeritus of the American Association of Community Colleges George Boggs joins Bernstein professionals to discuss shifting economic and capital markets pressures, industry trends specific to small higher ed and community colleges, and strategies for investments, operations, and philanthropy. Note to All Readers:  The information contained here reflects the views of AllianceBernste...

Many fiduciaries feel caught in the middle as they try to reconcile ESG investing and their duties under the law. Bernstein's Jennifer B. Goode, J.D., Director, Wealth Strategies and Travis Allen, National Director, Purpose Driven Strategies provide a road map of the duties and how to satisfy them, with practical advice for evaluating investments incorporating ESG considerations. Learn more in Ber...

The push-pull between higher yields and inflation has left fiduciaries befuddled when it comes to cash. Hear how one forward-leaning CFO navigated these tricky waters.   Note to All Readers:  The information contained here reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates and sources it believes are reliable as of the date of this podcast. AllianceBernstein L.P. makes no representatio...

Digital assets are disrupting philanthropy. But is it a case of "if you build it, they will come"? Representatives from The Giving Block and Save the Children share their experience with accepting crypto—and what to watch for when going down this path. For more info, read our blog: https://www.bernstein.com/our-insights/insights/2021/articles/should-you-accept-crypto-donations-consider-these-quest...

How much can we really extrapolate from this year's NACUBO report? While the top line results offer some clues for nonprofits and the social sector, it's essential to broaden the lens for institutions of different sizes. Note to All Readers:  The information contained here reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates and sources it believes are reliable as of the date of this pod...

As foundations and nonprofits broaden their exposure to alternative investments, many are also shifting towards responsible investing. What lies at the intersection? Impact investing in private equity and venture capital—a way to raise the bar in investment portfolios. Note to All Readers:  The information contained here reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates and sources it...

With inflation rearing its head, decision-makers are under pressure to eke out as much return as possible for their organizations' portfolios. We take a second look at cash, leaving no stone unturned in the search for value. For more resources on strategic cash management, listen to our prior episode https://plnk.to/II/e/1000508492518 or check out our blog https://www.bernstein.com/our-insights/in...

ESG has come under fire lately in several high-profile articles in academia and the media, prompting fiduciaries to raise concerns. Is ESG really all it's cracked up to be? Today we separate fact from fiction when it comes to responsible investing. To learn more, explore our microsite https://www.bernstein.com/our-insights/responsible-investing.html. Note to All Readers:  The information contained...

What should the giving world expect in 2022? A continuation of recent trends or some reversals? Two frontline leaders—Kristin Carlson Vogen of the Chicago Community Trust and Laura MacDonald, chair of the Giving USA Foundation—share their takes on topics like donor retention, accessing DAFs, and how inflation factors in. Note to All Readers:  The information contained here reflects the views of Al...

McKenzie Scott sent shockwaves through the philanthropy world with her transformational gifts over the past two years. But what is it like to be a smaller organization on the receiving end of a game-changing donation? We talk to an expert in the field—David La Piana—on the promise and pitfalls of this kind of "sudden windfall". Note to All Readers:  The information contained here reflects the view...

Alan Davis, President of the Leonard and Sophie Davis Fund, revisits age-old "rules of thumb" around sustainable payout levels for donor-advised funds and private foundations. As chair of the Crisis Charitable Commitment, he challenges funders to step up their philanthropic efforts to meet the moment. Is there an opportunity to change the giving paradigm? And if so, does the size of the institutio...

Whether its project-based green bonds, social bonds, or sustainability-linked bonds, fixed income is increasingly becoming the "go-to" for mature companies looking to fund their transition to a sustainable future. Bernstein Sustainable Credit Portfolio Manager Shawn Keegan discusses the brave new world of sustainability-focused fixed income, noting, "The train has left the station..." Their overvi...

In an uncommon year, American generosity proved resilient. That's according to Laura MacDonald, chair of the Giving USA Foundation. She digs into the numbers from this year's latest report while Bernstein's Margaret Borrasso offers her read for fundraisers and development officers putting trends into practice. For more, check out the infographic from Giving USA 2021 | Benefactor Group Note to All...