State of Good by Pure Charity

Mike Rusch, Pure Charity
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Non-Profit

The Pure Charity State of Good Podcast is your weekly intelligence brief for nonprofit leaders and fundraisers. Each episode cuts through the noise to deliver what actually matters: how donors are thinking about giving right now, what's shifting in the sector, and the psychology behind generosity. Data-driven insights you can use immediately, in about 10 minutes, once a week.

Episodes

  1. State of Good for June 15, 2026

    3d ago

    State of Good for June 15, 2026

    Episode Title: Private Giving Rises While Federal Funding Falls: The Nonprofit Paradox of 2026 Summary: - Charitable giving grew 5% in 2025 even as federal funding freezes and grant terminations create budget crises for thousands of nonprofits 90% of nonprofit leaders report burnout concerns, threatening organizational capacity and donor relationships83% of Americans experience financial stress, with only 19% finding joy in giving — signaling a concentration of giving among fewer, wealthier donorsMillennials are reshaping philanthropic expectations, demanding impact transparency and two-way communication35% of financial advisors actively use charitable planning tools, presenting untapped partnership opportunities for nonprofitsSources Referenced: - Nonprofit Quarterly — "The Quiet Collapse: Why the Erasure of the Nonprofit Sector Threatens Us All": https://nonprofitquarterly.org/the-quiet-collapse-why-the-erasure-of-the-nonprofit-sector-threatens-us-all/ NonProfit PRO — "What Proposed Federal Grant Rule Changes Mean for Nonprofits": https://www.nonprofitpro.com/article/what-proposed-federal-grant-rule-changes-mean-for-nonprofits/Chronicle of Philanthropy — "Nearly 90 Percent of Nonprofit Leaders Worry About Burnout": https://www.philanthropy.com/news/nearly-90-percent-of-nonprofit-leaders-worry-about-burnout/Urban Institute — "Nonprofit Leaders Reported Growing Uncertainty from 2024 to Early 2025": https://www.urban.org/sites/default/files/2026-05/Nonprofit_Leaders_Reported_Growing_Uncertainty_from_2024_to_Early_2025.pdfThe NonProfit Times — "Beware Because Donors Don't Feel Financially Fulfilled": https://thenonprofittimes.com/npt_articles/beware-because-donors-dont-feel-financially-fulfilled/Capital Campaign Pro — "2026 Nonprofit Sector Research for Capital Campaign Fundraising": https://capitalcampaignpro.com/2026-nonprofit-sector-campaign-fundraising/NonProfit PRO — "Report: Millennials Are Driving a Shift in Philanthropy": https://www.nonprofitpro.com/article/while-nonprofits-eye-gen-z-millennials-are-shaping-philanthropic-giving/NonProfit PRO — "New Report Identifies Key Factors That Influence How Financial Advisers Recommend DAFs": https://www.nonprofitpro.com/article/new-report-identifies-key-factors-that-influence-how-financial-advisers-recommend-dafs/UC San Diego — "2026 Triton Giving Day Breaks Records, Raising $1.1 Million": https://today.ucsd.edu/story/2026-triton-giving-day-breaks-records-raising-1.1-millionApproximate Timestamps: - 0:00 — Introduction and episode preview 0:30 — The Big Picture: Federal funding shifts, 5% giving growth paradox, leadership burnout, and donor financial stress3:30 — Why Donors Give: Millennials reshaping philanthropic expectations5:00 — What Changed This Week: Financial advisors as untapped fundraising partners6:15 — The Bottom Line: Three actions for the week7:15 — Good in Action: UC San Diego's record-breaking Triton Giving Day8:15 — Sign-off

    8 min
  2. State of Good for May 18, 2026

    May 18

    State of Good for May 18, 2026

    Episode Title: Foundation Priorities Are Shifting — Is Your Organization Ready? Summary: - The Center for Effective Philanthropy's State of Nonprofits 2026 report reveals the most challenging operational environment for nonprofits in years, with foundations redirecting dollars toward basic needs programs A new IRS Form 990 Transparency Initiative will change how nonprofits report activities and how the public accesses that informationResearch shows donor-advised fund donors are rarely anonymous — opening major relationship-building opportunities for nonprofitsA Cambridge University study confirms that specific, verifiable impact claims build donor trust far more effectively than abstract appealsThe University of Nevada's Giving Day raised over $1 million from 1,900+ donors, proving broad-based community giving is still powerfulLinks: - Center for Effective Philanthropy — State of Nonprofits 2026: https://cep.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/CEP_State_of_Nonprofits_2026_FNL.pdf Community Foundation of Greater Memphis — National Trends in Giving and the Growing Nonprofit Crisis: https://cfgm.org/the-well-must-not-run-dry-national-trends-in-giving-and-the-growing-nonprofit-crisis/Inside Philanthropy — 5 Things We Know About the New IRS Form 990 Transparency Initiative: https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/home/5-things-we-know-about-the-new-irs-form-990-transparency-initiativeAmerican Heart Association Advisor Insights — Donor Advised Funds 2026 Outlook & Strategic Implications: https://www.heart.org/en/get-involved/ways-to-give/planned-giving/professional-advisors-and-trustees/advisor-insights/donor-advised-funds-2026-outlook-and-strategic-implicationsCambridge University / Voluntas — Will You Trust Me? How Individual American Donors Respond to Informational Signals: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/voluntas/article/will-you-trust-me-how-individual-american-donors-respond-to-informational-signals-regarding-local-and-global-humanitarian-charities/0BA7A0086C78EDF08DE38726C1750CFDUniversity of Nevada — 2026 Giving Day: https://www.unr.edu/nevada-today/news/2026/thank-you-for-givingApproximate Timestamps: - 0:00 — Introduction and weekly preview 0:35 — Foundation funding shifts and nonprofit sustainability challenges3:15 — New IRS Form 990 Transparency Initiative4:30 — Why Donors Give: The power of specificity in building trust5:30 — What Changed: Donor-advised fund anonymity is rarer than you think6:45 — The Bottom Line: Three actions for this week7:30 — Good in Action: University of Nevada's record-breaking Giving Day8:15 — Sign-off

    8 min
  3. State of Good for May 11, 2026

    May 11

    State of Good for May 11, 2026

    Episode Title: Gen Z Is Already Outgiving Other Generations — And What That Means for Your Fundraising Strategy Summary: - New data from GoFundMe and GivingTuesday Data Commons shows Gen Z participating in philanthropy at higher rates than other adult generations, with community-powered fundraising platforms serving as their primary on-ramp The BBB's Give.org 2026 Donor Trust Report finds 42% of U.S. adults are open to charity outreach, but a persistent trust gap means transparency is more critical than everGovernment funding cuts for social services are creating both pressure and opportunity for nonprofits to position themselves as essential community infrastructureLegacy giving research reveals that estate planning dramatically increases charitable bequests, driven by donors' desire to extend their impact beyond their lifetimeDelco Gives raised $2.5 million in 24 hours with 300+ nonprofits collaborating in a community-wide giving dayLinks: - Data Shows Gen Z Is In The Beginning Stages Of Philanthropy (The Nonprofit Times): https://thenonprofittimes.com/npt_articles/data-shows-gen-z-is-in-the-beginning-stages-of-philanthropy/ Gen Z Philanthropy Outpaces That of Other Adults, New Data Shows (Nonprofit PRO): https://www.nonprofitpro.com/article/gen-z-philanthropy-outpaces-that-of-other-adults-new-data-shows/Donor Openness Near High Although Trust Gap Persists (Give.org): https://give.org/news/donor-trust-report-2026-openness-trust-gapGovernment Cuts Are Testing Nonprofits, Creating New Opportunity (The Nonprofit Times): https://thenonprofittimes.com/npt_articles/government-cuts-are-testing-nonprofits-creating-new-opportunity/'Too Many Nonprofits' Is Not Our Biggest Problem (Center for Effective Philanthropy): https://cep.org/blog/too-many-nonprofits-is-not-our-biggest-problem/Legacy Giving Research (Foundation for Philanthropy Research): https://leavealegacy.com/research/Delco Gives Raises More Than $2.5M (WHYY): https://whyy.org/articles/delco-gives-delaware-county-nonprofits-fundraising/Approximate Timestamps: - 0:00 — Introduction and episode preview 0:30 — Gen Z's philanthropic emergence and the trust gap3:30 — Why donors give: the psychology of legacy giving5:00 — What changed: government funding shifts and nonprofit sector resilience6:30 — The bottom line and three action items7:30 — Good in Action: Delco Gives raises $2.5M in 24 hours8:30 — Sign-off

    8 min
  4. State of Good for May 4, 2026

    May 4

    State of Good for May 4, 2026

    Episode Title: "Survival, Stability, and the 31% Recurring Donor Surge" Summary: - AFP Icon conference reveals fundraisers are focused on survival strategies amid inflation, federal cuts, and tax changes Recurring donor bases have grown 31% since 2023, offering a blueprint for revenue stabilityThe IRS announces a formal rework of Form 990, signaling enhanced transparency requirements aheadNew research on 2,000+ donors reveals recurring givers see themselves as mission partners, not just supportersAction steps: diversify funding sources, optimize recurring giving, and prepare for new reporting standardsSources Mentioned: - Chronicle of Philanthropy — "Inflation, Cuts, Tax Changes: A Tough Year Takes Center Stage at AFP Icon": https://www.philanthropy.com/news/inflation-cuts-tax-changes-a-tough-year-takes-center-stage-at-afp-icon/ BYU Scholars Archive — "Nonprofit Leaders' Perceived Top Struggles: A Qualitative Study": https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1195&context=joniNonprofit Pro — "Recurring Donor Base Grew 31% Since 2023, New Data Reveals": https://www.nonprofitpro.com/article/recurring-donor-base-grew-31-since-2023-new-data-reveals/The Nonprofit Times — "Reworking Of Federal Form 990 Set To Begin": https://thenonprofittimes.com/npt_articles/reworking-of-federal-form-990-set-to-begin/NP Tech for Good — "New Research Reveals What Motivates Recurring Donors": https://www.nptechforgood.com/2026/04/28/new-research-reveals-what-motivates-recurring-donors/Approximate Timestamps: - 0:00 — Introduction and episode preview 0:35 — The Big Picture: AFP Icon, economic headwinds, and recurring donor growth4:00 — Why Donors Give: The partnership mindset of recurring donors5:15 — What Changed: Form 990 rework and transparency implications6:15 — The Bottom Line and three action items7:30 — Good in Action: Community over competition at AFP Icon8:30 — Sign-off

    8 min
  5. State of Good for April 27, 2026

    Apr 27

    State of Good for April 27, 2026

    Episode Title: The Great Donor Concentration: 80% of Giving Now Comes from Major Donors Summary: - Major donors now fuel 80% of all charitable contributions as the overall donor base continues to shrink, according to fourth-quarter 2025 data from the Chronicle of Philanthropy Retained donors are seeing median gifts increase 20% year-over-year, with monthly donors showing a 71% retention rate after 12 monthsThe 2026 M+R Benchmarks confirm online giving's upward trajectory, with monthly giving as the standout performerNew research shows Christian women are the architects of household giving decisions, approaching philanthropy strategically as a family practiceOmidyar Network's outgoing CEO warns that philanthropy is "underestimating AI" at a critical moment for governance and policyLinks: - Chronicle of Philanthropy — Major Donors Fuel 80% of Giving: https://www.philanthropy.com/news/major-donors-fuel-80-of-giving-as-donor-base-shrinks/ NonProfit PRO — Median Gift Up 20% as Donors Who Stay Give More: https://www.nonprofitpro.com/article/median-gift-up-20-as-donors-who-stay-give-more-often-and-more-generously/NonProfit PRO — M+R Benchmarks 2026: https://www.nonprofitpro.com/article/mr-benchmarks-2026-what-online-giving-growth-means-for-your-donor-file/NonProfit PRO — Christian Women Lead Household Giving: https://www.nonprofitpro.com/article/christian-women-lead-their-households-giving-strategy-new-data-shows/Inside Philanthropy — Philanthropy Is Underestimating AI: https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/home/philanthropy-is-underestimating-ai-heres-how-to-catch-upHawaii Attorney General — Kona Low Disaster Relief Guidance: https://ag.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/News-Release-2026-18.pdfApproximate Timestamps: - 0:00 — Introduction and episode preview 0:35 — The Great Donor Concentration: major donors fuel 80% of giving2:30 — Retention pays off: median gifts up 20%, monthly giving benchmarks3:45 — Why Donors Give: Christian women as architects of household philanthropy4:45 — What Changed: philanthropy underestimating AI5:45 — The Bottom Line: three action items for the week6:45 — Good in Action: Hawaii's disaster response infrastructure7:45 — Sign-off

    8 min
  6. State of Good for April 20, 2026

    Apr 20

    State of Good for April 20, 2026

    Episode Title: The Intention-Action Gap: What Donors Say vs. What They Do Summary: - New research from Effective Altruism Australia reveals philanthropic funders claim to prioritize evidence but give based on emotional connection — pair your data with story Nonprofit PRO highlights how fundraising caution is costing organizations real dollars — your donors may be waiting for the right askHarris Poll data shows only 1% of older Americans prioritize philanthropy in wealth transfer plans, but younger inheritors are 3x more likely — start next-gen cultivation nowNonprofit Quarterly identifies five distinct generosity profiles among American donors — understanding motivation matters more than demographicsThe 2026 Giving Challenge in Sarasota raised $16.7 million in 24 hours through collaborative community fundraisingLinks: - Inside Philanthropy — The Data Is In: "Effective" Philanthropy Has an Evidence Issue: https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/home/the-data-is-in-effective-philanthropy-has-an-evidence-issue Nonprofit PRO — Nonprofit Donor Solicitation: Cost of Caution: https://www.nonprofitpro.com/article/nonprofit-donor-solicitation-how-caution-may-be-costing-you-donations/The Nonprofit Times — Transfers Of Wealth Might Be Excluding Nonprofits: https://thenonprofittimes.com/npt_articles/transfers-of-wealth-might-be-excluding-nonprofits/Nonprofit Quarterly — Why Americans Give: New Research Finds 5 Distinct Profiles for Generosity: https://nonprofitquarterly.org/why-americans-give-new-research-finds-5-distinct-profiles-for-generosity/Community Foundation of Sarasota County — 2026 Giving Challenge Results: https://www.cfsarasota.org/press-release/2026-giving-challenge-resultsApproximate Timestamps: - 0:00 — Introduction and episode preview 0:30 — The evidence gap in "evidence-based" giving and donor solicitation practices3:30 — The great wealth transfer reality check4:30 — Why donors give: five generosity profiles5:45 — What changed this week: closing the intention-action gap6:45 — The bottom line and three action items7:30 — Good in Action: 2026 Giving Challenge raises $16.7 million8:15 — Sign-off

    8 min
  7. State of Good for April 13, 2026

    Apr 13

    State of Good for April 13, 2026

    Episode Title: Trust Isn't Enough: Why Donor Participation Keeps Declining Despite High Confidence in Nonprofits Summary: - Nonprofits remain highly trusted, yet donor participation continues a decade-long decline — trust alone isn't reversing the trend New research from the Chronicle of Philanthropy identifies five distinct generosity profiles that can transform donor communication strategiesCharity Navigator overhauls its rating system to better capture mission effectiveness — time to audit your profileMatching gift campaigns outperform standard appeals 2-3x when urgency is genuine, not manufacturedRhode Island's 401Gives campaign raises over $5 million in 36 hours, led by Foster Forward's relationship-first approachSources & Links: - NonprofitPRO — "Why Fewer Donors Are Giving to Nonprofits": https://www.nonprofitpro.com/article/fewer-donors-are-giving-to-nonprofits-and-trust-may-not-be-the-problem/ Gulf Coast Community Foundation — "New Dynamics Emerging in Today's Giving Landscape": https://gulfcoastcf.org/article/new-dynamics-emerging-in-todays-giving-landscapeThe Chronicle of Philanthropy — "Why Americans Give: New Research Finds 5 Profiles for Generosity": https://www.philanthropy.com/news/why-americans-give-new-research-finds-5-profiles-for-generosity/Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy — "Christian Women Are Shaping the Future of Generosity": https://philanthropy.indianapolis.iu.edu/news-events/news/_news/2026/christian-women-generosity-2026.htmlThe Nonprofit Times — "Charity Navigator Updates Key Ratings System": https://thenonprofittimes.com/npt_articles/charity-navigator-updates-key-ratings-system/Network for Good — Year-End Giving Guide (matching gift research): https://www.networkforgood.com/resource/year-end-giving-guide/Brown Daily Herald — "Record-breaking 401Gives fundraising campaign raises over $5 million": https://www.browndailyherald.com/article/2026/04/record-breaking-401gives-fundraising-campaign-raises-over-5-million-for-local-nonprofitsApproximate Timestamps: - 0:00 — Introduction and episode preview 0:40 — The Participation Paradox: trust isn't the barrier to giving3:15 — Why Donors Give: the psychology of urgency and matching gifts4:30 — What Changed: Charity Navigator's ratings overhaul5:30 — The Bottom Line and three action items6:30 — Good in Action: Rhode Island's record-breaking 401Gives campaign7:45 — Sign-off

    8 min
  8. State of Good for April 6, 2026

    Apr 6

    State of Good for April 6, 2026

    Episode Title: The Shift from Concentration to Diversification: DAF Trends and the Small-Donor Renaissance Summary: - New research from DAF Giving 360 reveals donors are fundamentally changing how they use donor-advised funds in response to 2026 tax law changes, with over $234 billion sitting in these funds nationwide Stanford Social Innovation Review's "Beyond the Mega-Gift" conversation highlights a strategic pivot away from mega-gift dependence toward diversified, small-donor revenue models73% of donors say knowing how funds are used is critical to their giving decision, and transparent organizations see 53% higher donor retentionThree action items: assess your DAF engagement strategy, conduct a donor concentration analysis, and improve transparency in donor communicationsGood in Action: UT San Antonio's 48-hour Giving Day shows how time-bound campaigns build community belonging alongside fundraising totalsLinks: - DAF Giving 360 Research on Donor-Advised Fund Trends: https://www.dafgiving360.org/press-release/donor-volunteer-trends "Beyond the Mega-Gift" — Stanford Social Innovation Review Author Conversation: https://ed.stanford.edu/events/beyond-mega-gift-ssir-author-conversationUT San Antonio Giving Day: https://news.utsa.edu/2026/03/ut-san-antonio-giving-day-kicks-off-48-hour-celebration-of-community-impact/Approximate Timestamps: - 0:00 — Introduction and episode preview 0:30 — DAF evolution and the 2026 tax landscape2:45 — Beyond the mega-gift: the small-donor renaissance4:30 — Why donors give: transparency and retention5:30 — What changed this week: convergence of two forces6:30 — The bottom line and three action items7:15 — Good in Action: UT San Antonio's 48-hour Giving Day8:15 — Sign-off

    8 min
  9. State of Good for March 30, 2026

    Mar 30

    State of Good for March 30, 2026

    Episode Title: The AI Trust Tightrope and the Mid-Level Donor Opportunity Summary: - AI is transforming fundraising personalization, but organizations without governance frameworks risk eroding donor trust Mid-level donors ($500–$5,000) represent massive untapped potential — retaining one equals acquiring 10–20 new small donorsSocial proof increases donation likelihood by 30%, especially when donors see people like them givingFederal policy shifts require proactive monitoring and compliance planningA Texas food bank boosted mid-level retention 40% by creating a dedicated engagement trackSources Mentioned: - NonprofitPRO — "Nonprofits Risk Eroding Trust Without AI Oversight": https://www.nonprofitpro.com/article/nonprofits-risk-eroding-trust-without-ai-oversight-research-shows/ AFP Global — "Flip the Script: Donors Down, Dollars Up Through Mid-Level Retention": https://afpglobal.org/flip-script-donors-down-dollars-through-mid-level-retentionNonprofit Risk Management Center — "The Fundraising Risk Issue, Spring 2026": https://nonprofitrisk.org/resources/the-fundraising-risk-issue-spring-2026/Maryland Nonprofits — "Federal Policy Updates Impacting Nonprofits": https://marylandnonprofits.org/2026/03/27/federal-policy-updates-impacting-nonprofits-what-you-need-to-know/Shang & Croson — "A Field Experiment in Charitable Contribution" (Economic Journal / ScienceDirect): https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0047272709000863Approximate Timestamps: - 0:00 — Introduction 0:30 — AI adoption and the trust tightrope / Mid-level donor opportunity3:30 — Why donors give: the power of social proof4:30 — What changed: federal policy shifts5:45 — The bottom line and three action items7:00 — Good in action: Texas food bank sustainer circle8:00 — Sign-off

    8 min
  10. State of Good for March 23, 2026

    Mar 23

    State of Good for March 23, 2026

    Episode Title: "The Hidden Crisis Undermining Your Fundraising — And What to Do About It" Summary: - Two new reports reveal how board governance failures are fueling nonprofit staff burnout and directly undermining fundraising capacity Gift bunching strategies are helping organizations maintain 87% of projected revenue ahead of 2026 tax changesA Gen Z donor calls out the nonprofit sector for misunderstanding their generation — they want authenticity and impact, not appsIdentity-based giving research shows donors who see generosity as part of their self-concept give 2-3x more over their lifetimeCornell University's Giving Day proves that peer champions, not technology, drive record-breaking resultsSources & Links: - Inside Philanthropy / Nonprofit Finance Fund, "The Heart of the Nonprofit Sector": https://nff.org/insights/inside-philanthropy-covers-nffs-new-report-on-worker-well-being/ Ohio Society of Association Professionals, "Burnout in the Nonprofit Sector Is Often a Governance Problem": https://www.ohiosap.org/news/burnout-in-the-nonprofit-sector-is-often-a-governance-problemNonprofit Pro, "Gift Bunching for Nonprofits": https://www.nonprofitpro.com/how-nonprofits-can-use-gift-bunching-to-navigate-the-2026-charitable-deduction-changes/Women's Philanthropy Symposium 2026, Indiana University: https://events.iu.edu/philanthropy/event/2053887-womens-philanthropy-symposium-2026SPMCF, "Women Are Reshaping Philanthropy": https://spmcf.org/blog/women-giving-growthChronicle of Philanthropy, "What Nonprofits Get Wrong About Gen Z Donors Like Me": https://www.philanthropy.com/opinion/commons-huseman-genzmyths-0326/Philanthropy.org, "Planned Giving and Endowment Strategy: Questions Nonprofits Avoid": https://philanthropy.org/the-endowment-questions-many-nonprofits-never-ask/Cornell News, "Record number of Giving Day 'champions' fuel fundraising success": https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2026/03/record-number-giving-day-champions-fuel-fundraising-successApproximate Timestamps: - 0:00 — Introduction and episode preview 0:35 — The hidden crisis: staff burnout, board governance, and fundraising capacity2:30 — Gift bunching strategies ahead of 2026 tax changes3:30 — Why donors give: identity-based giving4:45 — What changed: Gen Z donor calls out nonprofits; planned giving insights6:30 — The bottom line and three action items7:30 — Good in Action: Cornell's Giving Day champions8:15 — Sign-off

    8 min
  11. State of Good for March 16, 2026

    Mar 17

    State of Good for March 16, 2026

    Episode Title: $22B in Giving, Federal Funding Disruptions, and New Tax Rules — March 16, 2026 Summary: America's top philanthropists gave $22.4 billion in 2025, but much of it flowed to DAFs and foundations rather than directly to operating nonprofitsOne-third of U.S. nonprofits report disruptions from federal funding cuts, with two-thirds reliant on government sourcesNew 0.5% AGI floor on charitable deductions changes the giving calculus for mid-level donors starting in 2026Foundations are considering increasing payout rates beyond minimums — a signal of new funding opportunitiesGloria Vargas, a Florida waitress, has served 270,000 meals to homeless individuals since 2012Sources & Links: Chronicle of Philanthropy — Major Donor Giving Analysis: https://www.philanthropy.com/news/money-donated-to-and-awarded-from-foundations-and-donor-advised-funds/Forvis Mazars — 2026 State of the Nonprofit Sector: https://www.forvismazars.us/getattachment/3ec27fe9-c655-4e7e-879d-fb04b7690fa8/2026-State-of-the-Nonprofit-Sector_Funding-Your-Mission.pdWindham Brannon — 2025-2026 Tax Planner: https://windhambrannon.com/blog/2025-2026-tax-planner-key-insights-for-a-changing-tax-landscape/Wayne County Community Foundation — Women and Philanthropy: https://www.waynecountycommunityfoundation.org/blog/2026/03/10/women-and-philanthropy-four-insights-to-inform-your-practiceCenter for Effective Philanthropy — Current Context Survey: https://cep.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/CEP_Current-Context-Survey-2025_Foundations_final.pdfInside Philanthropy — Toplines March 14, 2026: https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/toplines/toplines-march-14-2026Good News Network — Gloria Vargas Story: https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/waitress-has-fed-270000-meals-to-homeless-floridians/Timestamps: 0:00 — Intro0:30 — Major Donors, Federal Funding Disruptions & New Tax Rules3:30 — Why Donors Give: Women and Philanthropy4:30 — What Changed: Foundation Payout Rates & AI in Philanthropy6:30 — The Bottom Line: Three Actions for This Week7:30 — Good in Action: Gloria Vargas and 270,000 Meals8:30 — Outro

    7 min
  12. State of Good Introduction

    Episode 1

    State of Good Introduction

    Episode 1: Welcome to the State of Good Report If you lead fundraising at a nonprofit, or you're the executive director, or you sit on the board, you know the pressure never goes away. Great year? The clock resets in January. Land a major gift? You're already wondering what happens if that donor can't give next year. This episode introduces the State of Good Report podcast and why it exists: to help nonprofit leaders fund their mission in a landscape that won't sit still — shifting donor behavior, disrupted government funding, changing foundation priorities, and new data every month. Every week, host Mike Rusch and the team at Pure Charity help you work through three questions at the heart of sustainable nonprofit growth: How do I fund this work?  Tracking giving data, research reports, and economic indicators so you don't have to.How do I partner with donors?  The psychology behind why people give and how to deepen those relationships.How do I care for the donors I already have?  Because the average nonprofit loses over half its donors every year, and it's fixable.Each episode is under 10 minutes. No fluff, no jargon, just actionable intelligence you can use immediately. Read the full written report (with all links and sources): go.purecharity.com/state-of-good Subscribe to the weekly newsletter: go.purecharity.com/state-of-good New episodes every Tuesday.

    4 min

Trailer

About

The Pure Charity State of Good Podcast is your weekly intelligence brief for nonprofit leaders and fundraisers. Each episode cuts through the noise to deliver what actually matters: how donors are thinking about giving right now, what's shifting in the sector, and the psychology behind generosity. Data-driven insights you can use immediately, in about 10 minutes, once a week.

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