INSIGHTS

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Get ready for a burst of optimism: 2024 was a standout year for philanthropy! According to the Giving USA 2025 report, total charitable giving surged to an impressive $592.50 billion, marking a 6.3% increase in current dollars, and for the....

In times of uncertainty, when the path forward is unclear and the pressure to pivot feels immense, nonprofit leaders face a particularly daunting challenge: how to stay the course while still adapting to ever-changing conditions....

In the world of not-for-profit organizations, success often hinges on many factors: a compelling mission, adequate funding, and effective programs. However, one of the most critical—yet often underestimated—factors....

To say we’ve been overwhelmed and humbled by the early interest and support Stillwater Strategy Partners has seen from friends, community leaders and prospective clients would be the understatement of 2021....

With many of my clients having recently mounted year-end giving campaigns with great results, they’re now actively working to effectively thank and steward their generous donors. While the ways to express gratitude....

In many of the development trainings we lead, we talk about how best to assess a donor’s likelihood of saying “yes” to an organization’s invitation to support them in their work. It can be equally helpful, though, to flip the dynamic....

Not-for-profit board members play a pivotal role in shaping the success and sustainability of their organizations. Their responsibilities go beyond attending meetings; they provide the leadership, oversight, and advocacy necessary to fulfill....

Stillwater Strategy Partners is proud to facilitate a ton of training for not-for-profit executive and development leaders throughout the US. One of the topics most often requested ties to effective development planning, rooted in a desire to....

More than a decade ago, comedian, musician, and thinker Tim Minchin delivered an unforgettable commencement speech that continues to resonate for us today. Though laced with his trademark humor and irreverence....