'Beyond the Gift' Blog

Explore ideas, insights, and inspiration to help you make the most of every opportunity for your nonprofit or fundraising organization.

Recent Posts

Access senior-level expertise without the overhead of a full-time hire
October 22, 2025
Fractional leadership offers nonprofits expert guidance without full-time cost. Learn how this model builds lasting capacity, clarity, and confidence.
An abstract illustration of a compass encircled by a protective ring, emerging through soft fog
By Karen S. Cochran September 23, 2025
Discover 4 practical principles to safeguard nonprofit resources, build resilience, and align your team for year-end giving and beyond.
By Karen S. Cochran August 25, 2025
Discover the risks nonprofits face when resisting change and explore how embracing innovation can enhance relevance, impact, and long-term sustainability.
By Karen S. Cochran July 18, 2025
Coaching isn’t a luxury. It’s a smart investment that helps nonprofit leaders strengthen performance, make strategic decisions, and lead with confidence.
By Karen S. Cochran July 8, 2025
Learn how The MOST™ Philanthropy Model helps nonprofits align mission, operations, storytelling, and talent to strengthen donor relationships and increase impact.
Close the discipline gap to strengthen your major gifts fundraising efforts.
By Karen S. Cochran May 28, 2025
Learn how a structured, sustainable approach can transform your major gifts results.
Image of a bullet train representing how nonprofits can leverage DAFs
By Karen S. Cochran April 15, 2025
Donor-advised funds (DAFs) are reshaping philanthropy. Discover three powerful strategies nonprofits can use to tap into DAF giving.
By Karen S. Cochran March 24, 2025
Women are reshaping philanthropy, yet fundraising strategies often overlook their influence. Explore the latest research, historical precedents, and key insights on how women’s giving patterns are transforming the nonprofit sector.
By Karen S. Cochran January 15, 2025
Engagement is not an individual problem, but rather a leadership responsibility. Organizations must create environments where employees feel valued, supported, and equipped to succeed.
An image of match heads with some burnt out.
By Karen S. Cochran December 11, 2024
Learn how to balance year-end fundraising demands with team well-being. Discover practical tips to reduce stress now and plan for lasting organizational change.
By Karen Cochran November 20, 2024
As donor demographics change and advancing technology reshapes how organizations engage with major donors, nonprofits must innovate in order to stay relevant and impactful.
An image of people casting their ballet during an election.
By Karen Cochran October 28, 2024
Support your fundraising team through the 2024 U.S. election with strategies for creating safe spaces, leading with transparency, managing stress, and fostering resilience to stay mission-focused.
Smiling group of young businesspeople standing in an office
By Karen Cochran October 16, 2024
Diverse voices are critical for philanthropic success. Learn actionable strategies for advancing DEI and building inclusive environments in nonprofit organizations.
By Karen Cochran September 7, 2024
Here's why nonprofits must consider new ways of thinking and working.
Two women are sitting at a table having a conversation.
By Karen Cochran April 2, 2024
Stay interviews should be part of your employee retention strategy.
A group of people are shaking hands in an airport.
By Karen Cochran March 7, 2024
Use these strategies to cultivate long-lasting relationships with donors.
The Case for the Fractional CDO
By Karen Cochran December 6, 2023
Your philanthropic sustainability depends on closing the gap between strategy and capacity.
A close up of a person wearing a virtual reality headset.
By Karen Cochran November 15, 2023
Here are some examples of technology enhancing experiences.

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