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Record-Breaking Week in the Nonprofit Sector

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👋🏾 Hey! I’m Sid and this is The Philanthropy Futurist, a weekly advice column preparing you for the future of the nonprofit sector. Each Friday, I tackle reader questions about measuring impact, driving growth, and managing your nonprofit.

This Week’s Newsletter at a glance:
Record-Breaking Week in the Nonprofit Sector
Philanthropy News From This Week
Sid’s Book Recommendation

Record-Breaking Week in the Nonprofit Sector
Two very different stories dominated the Nonprofit Sector this week. One walked a ‘red carpet’ here in New York City. One pledged $200 billion toward solving some of the world’s biggest problems. Both made history.
Let’s start with the MET Gala...

Yes, it’s a fashion spectacle… but at its core, it’s a charity fundraiser… and this year it made history. The 2025 MET Gala raised $31+ million for the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art— and that is the most money ever raised in this event’s 77-year history. My Mom is really into fashion, so she and I had a bunch of fun sharing outfit critiques and reflecting on how the event has evolved over the years. This year’s MET Gala was an absolute moment, to say the least, and I’m personally excited to see how they top it next year!
What Nonprofit Leaders Can Learn:
The MET Gala reminds us that galas don’t just raise money— they shape brand identity. Theatrics, storytelling, and immersive design have the ability to elevate a fundraiser into a destination. However, you don’t need celebrity status to get creative. You can try this:
Assign a gala theme that aligns with your mission and inspires visual storytelling
Use local artists, musicians, or chefs to turn your event into a multi-sensory experience
Curate photo ops that guests naturally want to post about— turning attendees into social amplifiers
Inspiration doesn’t have to be expensive… that’s where creativity comes in.
So… meet with your teams and think deeply about how you can fill your next major event with unforgettable moments.

Now, the Gates Foundation...

Yesterday, Bill Gates shared a major announcement: the Gates Foundation plans to close its operations in 2045. Between now and then, he’s committing $200 billion (yes, with a B) to accelerate progress in health, global development, gender equality, and education. It’s among the largest philanthropic pledges in history. To learn even more, check out Bill's 24-minute talk during yesterday’s livestream.
What Nonprofit Leaders Can Learn:
Public timelines create tension, and tension creates focus with a sense of urgency.
Imagine if your organization publicly declared a 20-year mission… or even a 5-year vision with a deadline. What kind of clarity, urgency, and accountability could that unlock?
Here’s what you can do:
Share your next major milestone and the date you’re aiming to hit it
Build in public. Report progress. Be honest about potential roadblocks
If you want to explore public timelines in your organization, check out my March 2025 newsletter about the power of public deadlines to get some tips
Also, if your team is focused on work in health, global development, gender equality, or education… this is your moment. Explore partnership opportunities with the Gates Foundation and see how your work might align with their final decades of impact.
Because... in spite of the reduction of global resources from governments and the potential challenges ahead... progress is still possible, especially if we do it together.
That means each of us need to get curious, think bigger, and be optimistic. Our future depends on it, literally.
Until next week y’all! ✌🏾

Have questions you want answered? Submit questions using this form and I’ll work hard to get you the answers by way of this newsletter.

Philanthropy News From This Week

Sid’s Book Recommendation
Each week, I recommend a book or film that has impacted my life in a positive way. My recommendation this week is:
Disrupt You! by Jay Samit
This book is a comprehensive guide to mastering personal transformation and seizing opportunities in an era of constant innovation. It offers practical strategies for individuals to embrace disruption as a pathway to personal and professional success. Learn more.

How You Can Help
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