CATEGORY

April 17, 2025

Stack of U.S. hundred dollar bills flying through the air against a dark background, symbolizing money and donations
Giving
Viken Mikaelian

In a World of Trillions, We Still Count Every Dollar

Originally Published August 16, 2010. Updated for April, 2025. Why Small Gifts Still Matter—And How to Show Donors Their Impact Over 40 years ago, comedian Steve Martin did an inflation routine that featured the line, “Gee, I got four dollars; I think I’ll throw it out into the street.” This came during the gas strikes and economic upheaval of the 1970s, when Americans were tightening their belts and discovering—often painfully—that a dollar doesn’t always go as far as it used

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Boardroom of executives desperately searching for trendy buzzwords instead of actual strategy. Innovation clearly not on the agenda.
Planned Giving Marketing
Viken Mikaelian

100 Delusions

100 Fundraising Delusions (and the People Who Still Believe Them) isn’t a blog. It’s a mirror—and not the flattering kind. After 26 years in this business, I’ve heard it all: the excuses, the sacred cows, the budget-killing fantasy thinking. From “We need younger donors” to “We’ve got FreeWill, so we’re covered,” this list delivers 100 cold truths—each one a quiet reason your fundraising isn’t working. If you see yourself in a few, congratulations—you’re self-aware. If you don’t see yourself at all?
Well… that’s Delusion No. 100.

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Giving Magazine, Karen Alonso on Cover, United Way Las Vegas, AFP Chapter President

Giving Magazine

For those who drive change — not watch it. Join the top 1%.

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