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 …

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 join…

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 facet…

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.…

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…

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 mil…

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 Reader…

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 i…

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 ref…

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…

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 …

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 o…

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 con…

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 i…

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…

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/shoul…

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…

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 Allian…

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 …

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.htm…

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 in…

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:…

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 pa…

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…

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 fr…

At the intersection of HBCUs and venture capital lies HBCUvc—a nonprofit dedicated to reimagining the venture capital ecosystem by expanding access to more Black and Brown investors. Jaisa Minor, Head of Partnerships at HBCUvc, joins James in conversation today with HBCUvc benefactors Brantly Fulton, Lab Fund recipient and CEO of Lamar IoT, and Tre…

As organizations do more to align mission, vision, and values, many are looking more closely at the “G” in “ESG”. How can you ensure your board is following best practices when it comes to governance? Senior Portfolio Manager Valerie Grant developed a proprietary metric to evaluate public company boards while managing responsible investing strategi…

Was 2020 as catastrophic for giving as many feared? The short answer is no. Surveying the landscape, an array of recent reports points to some surprisingly good news. While not all organizations benefited equally, the overall story was one of incredible generosity—despite the pandemic. In today’s episode, we highlight some of the bright spots, incl…

The NACUBO Study of Endowments is considered the definitive benchmarking report for the nonprofit sector. But the average endowment size for respondents is close to $1 billion. In today’s episode, we distill the findings for small- to mid-size mission-driven organizations. Rather than wading through hundreds of pages, Bernstein Senior Investment St…

Many organizations with a mission to support underserved populations are striving to better reflect the communities they’re meant to serve. They’re on a journey towards a more inclusive culture, and open to change. How can they address the dynamics of power and privilege to close the leadership gap among their senior Board and Executive ranks? Ashl…

How do you keep enough cash to avoid forced selling—but not so much that it drags on returns? That’s the top question for nonprofits and foundations today. Our experts offer investment committees strategic advice for calibrating cash, one of the most overlooked parts of an organization’s portfolio. For more on the blog mentioned in today’s episode,…

Two Bernstein professionals overseeing tax planning and giving strategies share the conversations that are resonating with donors this year. How is the CARES Act creating a once-in-a-lifetime giving opportunity in 2020? Why are bequests gaining traction right now? And what makes gifting appreciated securities extra appealing amid today’s narrow sto…

A decade ago, fiduciaries wondered, “Will considering ESG investments violate my fiduciary duty?” Today, that question has been turned on its head. Decision-makers now ask, “Will I breach my fiduciary duty by not investing responsibly?” Bernstein professionals Travis Allen and Chris Clarkson join Clare to discuss next steps for investment committee…

As a tumultuous year unfolds, have the giving strategies of wealthy families changed? That’s the question Bernstein colleagues Anne Bucciarelli and Heather George wrote about in the latest issue of Trust & Estates magazine. In their article “Philanthropy in a Pandemic” they reveal five key themes that have emerged from recent discussions with large…

The pandemic is prompting many mission-driven organizations to step up their online game. Most already have a web site. But far fewer have fundamentally changed the way they operate and build their brand in this increasingly online world. That must change. Nonprofits offer a vital pathway to action for those who feel compelled to respond to today’s…

Many nonprofits feel under siege and don't know where to turn. Who better to offer advice than peers from other local, national, and global nonprofit organizations? Here are the best ideas gleaned from our Looking Forward, Giving Back webinar series—which featured proven leaders from both the social sector and the arts—discussing their biggest chal…

The pandemic’s burden is falling disproportionately on vulnerable populations. At the same time, many are grappling with ways to keep local businesses afloat. Could the power of collective action—channeling the nonprofits community’s tremendous purchasing power—serve as a strategic solution to both? Whether through inclusive procurement or intentio…

With the world of philanthropy turned upside down, Henry Berman, CEO of Exponent Philanthropy, suggests creative ways lean funders can shine. He joins Clare Golla to discuss peer-to-peer learning, fast-tracking funding, and whether now is the time to spend more. For further insights, visit Fulfilling Your Mission https://bit.ly/fulfillingyourmissio…

This new decade is bringing great uncertainty for nonprofits and foundations. Whether it’s the expectation for lower investment returns, a potential decline in giving from individuals, or the COVID-19 crisis, which is increasing the likelihood of a recession, how can nonprofits navigate these mounting challenges? To read more of our insights, visit…

How can you enhance your strategic asset allocation to navigate the return environment ahead? One solution: Alternatives. Clare speaks with Janette Burke, partner at Cordia Partners and Alex Chaloff, Bernstein's Head of Alternative Asset Strategies, about the investment landscape, asset allocation, and alternative investments. Note to All Readers: …

Each day in America, there are 28 hate crimes perpetrated with a gun. How can we change the narrative to positivity and hope? Jonathan Greenblatt, from the Anti-Defamation League, and Marlon Chamberlain, of Readi Chicago, join moderator Dan Protess, from WTTW offer solutions. Note to All Readers: The information contained here reflects the views of…

A few charitable organizations raised more money last year, but most have seen a fall-off. Clare talks with CCS Fundraising's Greg Hagin to understand how these select few are attracting that capital. To read more about the issues facing nonprofits, click bit.ly/efblogs. | Note to All Readers: The information contained here reflects the views of Al…

Activist investing gets a lot of attention because it tends to play out in the media, but a subtler approach is often more successful. Shareholder engagement represents a fundamental part of being an active owner and can lead to lasting improvements in corporate behavior. Oftentimes patience and two-way dialogue end up being the ultimate push that …

Shifts in generational demographics, declines in religious affiliation, and changes to tax laws are driving declines in giving, while the cost to maintain real estate are often outpacing those donation dollars. In this episode Clare Golla and members of the Council of Church Advisors, Fran Brown and Kim Davis, put these challenges in perspective an…

Whether you’re a nonprofit raising funds to support your mission, or you’re a funder providing philanthropic support, disruption is afoot! In this episode, Clare provides highlights from a recent event featuring GiveMN's, Jake Blumberg, and Andrew Dayton, founder and CEO of Constellation Fund,on how technology can enhance fundraising and asset depl…

Do you feel passionate about protecting the environment? Investors can be part of the solution by helping to stave off looming climate risks. For more on climate-proofing your portfolio, read our post, http://bit.ly/climate-proofing-equity-portfolio Note to All Readers: The information presented and opinions expressed are solely the views of the po…

Employees who serve their organizations’ mission are falling behind on securing their own long-term financial wellbeing. How can nonprofits help? This podcast was recorded at an event hosted by Bernstein and the Back Office Cooperative for nonprofit board and committee members. To learn more, read “Mission First, People Always” http://bit.ly/missio…

There’s nothing more fulfilling than rolling up your sleeves for a cause that inspires you. But what if you’re asked to take your volunteering to the next level? Here’s what to ask before joining a nonprofit board. http://bit.ly/beforeyouleapnonprofit Note to All Readers: The information contained here reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L.P. o…

Not long ago, investors assumed that responsible investing meant settling for lower returns. Today we know you can seek purpose and profits using a wide range of approaches. Here’s how to invest through a responsible lens. http://bit.ly/PurposeinaPortfolio Note to All Readers: The information contained here reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L…

Access to safe drinking water. Improving nutrition for poor children. Encouraging diversity in the boardroom. These are values that many of us can support. Now there’s a way to ensure your investments reflect them. http://bit.ly/2W0JODS Note to All Readers: The information contained here reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliate…