Laura Macdonald

The easier way to book quality trades Download app With not one but two bank holidays in May — plus the half-term break — there’s plenty of opportunity to make a start on those home and garden jobs that have been waiting for the right moment. For many people, the Early May Bank Holiday, the Spring Bank Holiday, and the May half-term provide a natural window to get the house and garden ready for the months ahead.

The easier way to book quality trades Download app The tiles are in place, you step back to admire the pattern, and everything looks neatly lined up. Then comes the final stage — grouting. Getting this last step right is what gives the whole project its clean, finished look and, importantly, helps protect your new tiles from moisture and everyday wear.

Laura MacDonald explores philanthropy as founder of Benefactor Group, author of The Endowment Handbook, and past chair of Giving USA. Charitable giving is becoming more complex. What worked in 2025 may not be the right strategy for 2026 and beyond. New tax laws, giving platforms, donor-advised funds and other innovations require donors and their advisors to be more strategic. For fundraisers, this means that the old playbook, focused on asking for money, is no longer enough.