Around with Randall

In the world of philanthropy, trust is the backbone of any successful donor relationship. A recent lawsuit against the Red Cross, over their handling of restricted donations for Haiti, highlights how crucial this element is. Donors feel their contributions weren't used as promised, and that breach of trust could lead to a class action lawsuit. This situation underscores the importance of building...

This episode of Around with Randall explores the balance between preserving core institutional values and embracing necessary change in the nonprofit sector. While institutions serve as the foundation of trust, mission, and community impact, stagnation leads to decline. Drawing from historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Franklin Roosevelt, illustrates how institutions can evolve throu...

In times of disaster, nonprofits face unique challenges, especially when they’re directly serving within the disaster zone. Today, we highlight the importance of preparedness, including having a clear plan for data access and communication, and the need to prioritize core functions like payroll and outreach. Effective disaster response involves not just immediate action, but also long-term strateg...

In this episode, we’ll unpack why building donor relationships is a bit like buying a car—except instead of haggling over prices, you’re building trust and listening to what your donors actually want. We talk about the art of prospecting (it’s not just for salespeople, promise), handling objections (like “I don’t know if I want to give this year”), and stewardship (because who doesn’t love a thank...

It’s that special time of year on Around with Randall, when Randall sets his predictions for 2025! This year highlights three key areas: the economy, giving trends, and the nonprofit industry's trajectory. He also discusses the potential impact of tax policy changes, the growing prominence of planned giving, and the challenges posed by a "K-shaped" economic recovery. With fewer donors contributing...

In this festive episode of Around with Randall, we imagine the perfect holiday nonprofit team. Santa stars as the visionary CEO (because who else could handle that job?), Rudolph beams his way through major gift asks, and the Grinch—shocker!—steals bad ideas as the perfect change manager. Frosty keeps his cool under pressure at events, while Mrs. Claus proves she’s the real COO running the show. W...

In this episode, we highlight the power of advisory groups in enhancing nonprofit outcomes and fostering community connections. These groups bring expertise, credibility, and fresh ideas while offering volunteers meaningful engagement. Success requires clear roles, listening to advice, and recognizing contributions. Done right, advisory groups can elevate both mission impact and community support.

This Thanksgiving episode we sit down at the family table to discuss the transformative power of gratitude in our lives. Randall reflects on the top reasons for gratitude, from health and supportive relationships to personal growth, freedom, and a sense of purpose. He shares heartfelt insights about the profound trust and faith others have placed in him— personally and professionally. Randall invi...

Don’t want to be the gambler with that year-end ask? We get it. You have to know when to hold ’em and know when to fold ’em in your push for year-end major gifts. Make the ask or wait for the right moment to ensure transformative impact. Great fundraising isn’t about the nonprofit’s calendar—it’s about the donor’s timing, passion, and connection. Whether it’s a December 31 gift or a future commitm...

In this week’s episode, we look at the importance of leveraging referrals from board members, clinicians, and data to maximize major gift fundraising efforts. Learn how referrals significantly increase the likelihood of donor engagement and gift size, with studies highlighting how connections from trusted sources like board members and physicians improve fundraising success. Finally, we answer the...

This week on Around with Randall, we share invaluable advice for younger nonprofit professionals. What is the importance of staying observant and proactive, keeping your heads down and ears open to understand the dynamics of a workplace? We’ll also bring key recommendations, how to strategically take chances, and prioritize skill development over career advancement. Integrity, mentorship, and cont...

This week on Around with Randall, we share invaluable advice for younger nonprofit professionals. What is the importance of staying observant and proactive, keeping your heads down and ears open to understand the dynamics of a workplace? We’ll also bring key recommendations, how to strategically take chances, and prioritize skill development over career advancement. Integrity, mentorship, and cont...

Joel Fleischman, though not widely known, profoundly shaped modern philanthropy by professionalizing the field and championing transparency and accountability. His work at Duke University and his book, A Great American Secret foresaw the growing influence of fewer major donors and the need for foundations to be held accountable for their impact. Fleischman’s legacy continues to influence how we ap...

Today on Around with Randall, Randall Hallett explores the importance of developing concise, two- to three-page case statements for nonprofits, moving beyond traditional multi-page documents typically used in large campaigns. These shorter statements foster organizational alignment by clarifying needs and facilitating conversations between departments and leadership, ultimately enhancing donor eng...

In this edition of Around with Randall, we examine the role hope plays in philanthropy and our communities. How does hope motivate action and foster resilience, especially in challenging times? Looking at historic examples, we see that hope is not merely an emotion, but a powerful catalyst for positive change, encouraging us to engage and uplift those around us in our quest to make the world a bet...

In this special edition podcast, we bring a guest synopsis of Vibrant Vulnerability: Mastering Philanthropy for Today and Tomorrow’s Healthcare CEOs generated by AI.

New employees, whether hiring or being one yourself, can be hard. In this episode, we delve into onboarding new employees, particularly within philanthropic organizations. What are the challenges? What does a thoughtful onboarding process (that extends beyond the basics like benefits, bathroom locations and parking information) look like? A well-executed onboarding leads to stronger team integrati...

In this episode of Around with Randall, we explore a recent study on the best ways to ask for donations. We’ll chop up how the study reveals that donors respond most to requests framed around specific outcomes, such as the number of people their gift will help. At the end of the day, nonprofits need to rethink their fundraising strategies to maximize donor engagement and support.

In this episode of Around with Randall, Randall explores the importance of embracing innovation in nonprofits and drawing parallels to Ignaz Semmelweis’s groundbreaking but initially rejected handwashing practice. Emphasizing that overcoming barriers to change—such as discomfort, fear, and resource constraints—is essential for organizational growth. Fostering internal talent, reinterpreting reject...

This week Randall explores the shift from transactional to transformational gifts in philanthropy and the importance of building deeper, long-term donor relationships. He examines focusing on a donor's lifetime value, involving volunteer boards for engagement efforts, and learning from unsuccessful asks. And a reminder to appreciate the journey of giving, celebrating small victories and the meanin...

In this week’s episode of Around with Randall, our host reflects on an experience at a Giving Institute conference, and a discussion about corporate philanthropy. Randall leans in on the importance of understanding the history and evolution of corporate giving. Especially noting the shift from individual-driven philanthropy to employee engagement and community impact. We are also reminded that phi...

Evaluations can be challenging. They’re judgmental in nature and often ineffective. This week Randall emphasizes the importance of understanding organizational culture and using evaluations as a professional development tool rather than a mere judgment. We also talk about why leaders should avoid surprises and ensure evaluations are consistent with ongoing feedback, while employees should see eval...