ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation

10/09/2026

How much are your volunteers really worth?

Volunteer hours are often measured in dollars, but the true value of volunteer contributions goes far beyond financial savings.

Our latest blog post explores how nonprofits can better recognize volunteer contributions by connecting their work to organizational goals, measuring impact and sharing their stories.

Read the full blog on our website: https://lodestar.asu.edu/blog/2026/10/value-volunteer-contributions

ASU Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions ASU School of Community Resources and Development

10/03/2026

The most valuable asset a nonprofit has? Trust.

And in a world filled with digital noise, skepticism and AI-generated content, authentic human connection matters more than ever.

In our latest blog post, we explores how nonprofits can use storytelling to build stronger, more trusting relationships with the communities they serve.

The framework starts with three principles: Be human. Share knowledge. Plan for tomorrow.

Read the full blog post: https://lodestar.asu.edu/blog/2026/09/building-trust-through-storytelling-nonprofit-sector

ASU Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions ASU School of Community Resources and Development

09/30/2026

Experience Matters, an AmeriCorps program at the ASU Lodestar Center that partners with Phoenix Afterschool Center (PAC) to bring experience members in to be academic mentors to students, has received nearly $300,000 in a grant from the Arizona Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family - GOYFF and local match support.

This funding will allow Experience Matters to continue supporting the academic growth of students around the Phoenix area, allowing them to learn, build confidence, and stay engaged during the public school year.

Read more on our website: https://lodestar.asu.edu/news/asu-lodestar-centers-experience-matters-program-receives-nearly-300000-support-americorps

This publication was made possible by the Arizona Governor's Office of Youth, Faith and Family (GOYFF) through the AmeriCorps grant number 24AFDAZ0010026. The views, opinions, or policies expressed belong solely to the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of GOYFF or the AmeriCorps federal agency.

09/25/2026

Why do donors give, and what makes them stay?

Successful fundraising goes beyond campaigns, appeals and events. It starts with understanding what motivates donors and building relationships rooted in mission, trust and transparency.

In our latest blog post, we explore how nonprofit leaders can strengthen donor relationships by understanding each donor’s “why,” clearly demonstrating impact and making donor engagement a leadership priority, because strong donor relationships aren’t built on fundraising tactics alone.

Read more: https://lodestar.asu.edu/blog/2026/09/understanding-donor-motivations-nonprofit-leader

ASU Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions ASU School of Community Resources and Development

09/17/2026

What would happen if your organization's current leadership was suddenly gone? What institutional knowledge, leadership, and connections would it lose?

That is why succession planning is so crucial for nonprofits - it is planning for the future when current leadership is no longer aound to make sure the mission doesn't get lost. Our new blog post goes into how to strategize a plan for smooth transitions when you need them.

https://lodestar.asu.edu/blog/2026/09/how-nonprofits-can-prepare-future-leadership-transitions

ASU Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions ASU Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions

09/11/2026

The constant changes that come every day with technology often give nonprofits new options to help achieve their mission, but they have to be used ethically, with the mission in mind.

In our new blog post, we explore three risks to keep an eye out for with any new technology that your organization brings in: https://lodestar.asu.edu/blog/2026/09/3-risks-look-out-nonprofit-increasingly-digital-world

ASU Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions ASU School of Community Resources and Development

08/28/2026

What does accountability really look like for a nonprofit organization?

Transparency about finances and operations matters—but communities should also be able to ask whether an organization is delivering the services it promises.

In our latest blog post, MNLM alumna Wendi Lewis draws from her experience in the Hopi community to explore the need for stronger accountability systems between nonprofits and the communities they serve.

Building trust starts with being willing to ask - and answer - the important questions.

Read more: https://lodestar.asu.edu/blog/2026/08/making-case-accountability-systems-nonprofit-organizations

ASU Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions ASU School of Community Resources and Development

08/20/2026

Nonprofits ask their employees to take on some of society’s most challenging work. But passion alone can’t sustain a workforce.

Investing in employees, from fair compensation and meaningful benefits to flexibility, recognition and opportunities for growth, isn’t just an HR issue. It’s an investment in the mission.

In our latest blog post, MNLM alumnus Tanner Swanson explores why workforce sustainability and mission sustainability go hand in hand.

Read more: https://lodestar.asu.edu/blog/2026/08/when-nonprofits-underinvest-their-people-they-undercut-their-mission

ASU Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions ASU School of Community Resources and Development

08/13/2026

Independent Sector's National Summit is coming to Phoenix in just two months, kicking off on October 13. As part of the planning committee, we couldn't be more excited for these three days of learning, networking and collaborating with nonprofit, philanthropic and corporate giving professionals from across the country.

Learn more about tickets, programming and speakers, including our own Robert Ashcraft, in this Independent Sector post ⬇️ and on their website: https://summit.independentsector.org

Our team can't wait to bring nonprofits and philanthropies together in Phoenix at Independent Sector's National Summit 2026!

We're grateful to our host committee, Arizona partners, proposal reviewers, and subcommittees for dedicating their time and energy to build something special for the charitable sector.

The summit provides a space for us to learn new skills, strategize to tackle challenges, and spark inspiration.
Get your ticket today! 👉 https://summit.independentsector.org/

08/12/2026

Cultural nonprofits need diverse funding sources to keep their programs going, and they have lots of options available to use!

In our new blog post (link in bio), we dive into those options and how they can help sustain an organization in the long term financially.

ASU Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions ASU School of Community Resources and Development