Charitable donations are at an all-time high. Data from Giving USA 2018 reveals that total charitable giving exceeded $410 billion in 2017.

Alright, y’all, let’s get frosty. We’re heading into one of the testiest event-based fundraiser debates, ever: open bar vs. cash bar.

As you may well know, my nonprofiteers, putting on a black-tie fundraiser requires extensive planning, strategizing, and stewardship. Don’t let the night of the event spoil your mojo! Anything and everything that happens during your event is a reflection, positive or negative, on your organization and on you.

Having worked in nonprofit operations and fundraising for two decades, I have experienced the good, the bad, and the unbelievable.

To ensure a streamlined and successful event, the following pitfalls can easily be avoided:

If you can boast that your board of directors is fun-filled and fulfilled, then you, my friend, may be a miracle worker. Far too many boards are rife with résumé junkies and do-nothings. That’s not to ignore the superstars who sit on boards and do the lion’s share of work … because of the résumé junkies and do-nothings.

Nip this in the bud.

You’ve got too much work to do to have slackers sitting in the most important positions. Here are some simple solutions to ensure your board is tip-top.

Your time is precious. Many college students, especially in the online classroom, are tasked with keeping up with their studies while holding down a full-time job. So, when I tell you that volunteer work can be the essence to a fulfilled collegiate career, you may think, “Who has the time?”

With the recent release of the proposed federal budget for the upcoming year, the arts have drawn a considerable amount of attention. Budget cuts are planned to various arts-related programming and organizations, and there has been significant outcry from directly affected parties and connoisseurs, alike.

Should governments be able to regulate the nongovernmental organizations, or NGOs, operating within their borders?

Well, it’s complicated.

Most third sector organizations tend to develop in a rather steady and even assuming manner. Their target populations slowly become aware of services offered and those within their respective communities gradually begin to acknowledge the work and impact that they are having.

But not every nonprofit organization follows this progression.

Pursuing an online undergraduate degree or online graduate degree takes determination, self-discipline, and hard work … and a reliable Wi-Fi connection. The reach is surprising — just ask Julia M. J. Abbiss ‘15, ‘17 MS – Nonprofit Management, who discovered during a study-abroad experience that she could complete her coursework from just about anywhere, even halfway around the world in Nepal.