Trending Articles

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Does Your Nonprofit Need to Do a Little Spring Cleaning?

Ann Green's Nonprofit

Its spring in the Northern Hemisphere, and its about time after a frigid winter here in the Boston area, although I cant say its been that warm right now. A lot of people use this time of the year to do some spring cleaning. I envy the people who do that because Im usually not one of them. I know I should do more. As much as I dislike cleaning and organizing, Im happy once it gets done.

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Totally FAKE Nonprofit News: 6 Fundraising Untruths

Clairification

Theres a lot about fundraising folks take for granted. And not in a good way. Because much of it is untrue! In fact, if you, your executive director, your board members or anyone else where you work subscribes to these fictions youll be in for a lot of pain and suffering. You wont raise near the money you could otherwise raise. And you wont enjoy your work.

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Start Strong: Build Donor Connection That Lasts

The Fundraiser Coach

Build Connection: The First Step in Securing Transformational Gifts Welcome to my B.R.I.D.G.E. blog series, a six-part guide for building stronger, more sustainable donor relationships. Each post explores one part of the B.R.I.D.G.E. Framework , my connection-based approach to major gift fundraising: B uild Connection R apport – Establish or Reestablish I nvite to Action D eepen the Trust G uide the Conversation E xtend the Relationship Whether you're a major gift officer, are managing an

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How to Elevate Your Supporter Experience in 2025: 10 Proven Strategies for Fundraisers

Hands-On Fundraising

Supporters dont just give to charitiesthey give to people, experiences, emotions, and connections. And in 2025, expectations are higher than ever. Fundraising success isnt just about asking for money; its about creating meaningful supporter experiences that keep donors engaged, inspired, and coming back time and again. Here are 10 ways to enhance your supporter experience […] The post How to Elevate Your Supporter Experience in 2025: 10 Proven Strategies for Fundraisers appeared first on H

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AI for Grant Writing: 20+ ChatGPT Prompts You Can Use

This prompt guide for ChatGPT contains 20+ tested ChatGPT prompts, along with tips on how to use this tool the best way. Nonprofits can engage with ChatGPT to brainstorm ideas, refine project plans, and craft compelling narratives for grant proposals.

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April is National Volunteer Month. Do you know where your volunteers are? 

Candid

As the nonprofit sector seeks ways to continue its work in the face of ongoing challenges, volunteers may come to play a larger role. According to the U.S. Census Bureau and AmeriCorps, the U.S. volunteer rate fell significantly between September 2020 and September 2021 , although recent data shows it rebounded to 28.8% in 2022-23. So, what can organizations do to better engage and retain volunteers in 2025?

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More Trending

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Small Business Starter Kit: Tools and Tips for New Entrepreneurs

GrantNews

Small business tools and starter kits turn your ideas into a thriving ventures. They help you plan, build, and grow your small business effectively. From securing funding to streamlining operations, having the right resources can set you up for success. To get started, explore our list of must-have tools for entrepreneurs. At GrantWatch , we’re here to support your journey with small business tools and tips , including a curated list of entrepreneur and startup grants.

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Establish Rapport: The Often-Missed Step That Sets Up Major Gifts

The Fundraiser Coach

This is post # 2 of my B.R.I.D.G.E. framework series — a practical, connection-based framework to help fundraisers deepen donor relationships and secure more major and transformational gifts. If you missed the first post on how to Build Connection , you can read it here. Today we’re moving to the second step: Establish Rapport —the one that too many fundraisers rush through, or skip entirely.

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Strategies for Impactful Grantmaking During Funding Uncertainty

Blackbaud

Its been a wild few years for the philanthropy sector. Just as we finally got our footing from a global pandemic and spinning up programs to support communities dealing with extreme weather events, now federal policy shifts have grantmakers and grantees alike scrambling. But organizations have also learned a lot from that instability, and grantmakers can draw from those lessons to respond to the current context.

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Sustainable community-led solutions shaping disaster philanthropy 

Candid

The field of disaster philanthropy is facing a perfect storm of global crisesconflicts, climate disasters, economic instability, and growing humanitarian needsas disaster relief and humanitarian aid organizations face a changing funding landscape. Abrupt halts in foreign aid and heightened scrutiny of federal funding have created widespread uncertainty.

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Bezoses Pledge up to $500 Million to UNICEF USA’s Child Nutrition Fund

The Chronicle of Philanthropy

Jacklyn and Miguel Bezos, the parents of Amazons founder Jeff Bezos, will match gifts from other donors to increase access to nutritious food for children in need. By M.J. Prest Patrick McMullan via Getty Images Miguel and Jackie Bezos are supporting efforts to increase access to nutritious food. Above, the couple at a 2018 gala. Plus, an alum left $35 million to Allegheny College to build an innovation lab, and Vanderbilt Law School will use $6.8 million to exonerate wrongfully convicted people

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5 Grants for Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs this Spring!

GrantNews

Spring into new beginnings with these 5 grants for small businesses and entrepreneurs ! The season of renewal is upon us and it’s the perfect time for small businesses and entrepreneurs to plant the seeds of success! The sunshine is calling, the flowers are in bloom, and now is the moment to take action and spring forward with your business goals, propelled by grant funding.

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Are 501(c)(4) Organizations Eligible for Grants?

Grant Writer Team

501(c)(4) organizations are created to protect their communities. Above all, these groups are founded to advocate for, protect, and serve the community they are located in to restore order and protect the greater good. To illustrate, local volunteer fire departments and social justice advocacy groups are excellent examples of vital 501 (c)(4) organizations.

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Moving Towards Respect and Redistribution: A Reflection on the Power of Sharing and Giving from Three Indigenous Peoples Organizations

Center for Effective Philanthropy

Despite proven effectiveness, Indigenous Peoples organizations remain underfunded compared to mainstream philanthropic initiatives. Structural barriers and lack of trust within the funding landscape such as rigid grant requirements, short-term […] The post Moving Towards Respect and Redistribution: A Reflection on the Power of Sharing and Giving from Three Indigenous Peoples Organizations appeared first on The Center for Effective Philanthropy.

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How to be a Leonardo da Vinci fundraiser

Future Fundraising Now

I just read a wonderful book: Leonardo da Vinci by Walter Isaacson. It closely follows the life of Leonardo, had an amazing mind and a hard time staying on task. At the end of the book is a section called “Learning from Leonardo.” It gives some characteristics of Leonardo’s genius that any of us can imitate in our own search for whatever it is we’re searching for.

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Grant Distribution Best Practices: 5 Tips for Funders

Blackbaud

Your relationship with your grantees is more than a transaction. But its difficult to drive impact when your grantees cant access their funds, arent sure when the funds are arriving, and dont have a clear understanding of their requirements for using the funds. An efficient grant distribution process builds trust with your grantees and improves transparency across your organization.

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Grants for Nonprofits Focused on Children and Youth Programs

GrantNews

Children and youth programs create bright futures , and sustaining them requires passion and funding. Nonprofits dedicated to education, mentorship, healthcare, and recreation provide essential support for young people, yet financial resources can be a constant challenge. Grants offer a lifeline, helping organizations expand their reach, enhance their services, and make a lasting impact.

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Endowment funds: The gift that keeps on giving 

Strategic Grants

Endowment seems to be the buzzword around the Strategic Grants (virtual!) office lately. Some of the questions weve been getting recently from our For-Purpose clients lately Do Trusts and Foundations give to a charitys endowment fund? “Can we get a grant for an endowment?” “How do we grow our endowment?” “Can I use it to buy a new coffee machine?

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What Are the Roles and Responsibilities of a Nonprofit Governing Board?

Grant Writer Team

Every nonprofit relies on a governing board. Some are led by members, and others are guided by local leaders and stakeholders. While some boards receive compensation, many serve on a volunteer basis. Regardless of the structure though, board members commit their time and expertise to the organizations they support. They make key decisions, oversee committees, and bear legal responsibility for ensuring the nonprofit stays true to its mission.

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The Best Questions to Ask Major Donors – And Why They Matter So Much

Gail Perry Group

You already know this: Successful major gift fundraising isnt really about making a pitch. Its about listening. Its about drawing out your donors story, learning whats important to them, and finding the alignment between their vision and your mission. Thats why questions are one of the most powerful tools in your toolbox. When you show up with a genuine spirit of curiosity, your conversation becomes something deeper.

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The Professionalization of Grants: Scaling Your Grants Program Through Effective Infrastructure

Grant Professionals Association

If you havent already, now is the time to evaluate your organizations grant readiness from pre- to post-award, ensuring alignment with funders, competitive proposals, and strong fund stewardship. Start by Asking the Right Questions: What is the current pre-award process? Understanding how your organization makes grant submission decisions is critical.

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Using Faith-Based Grants to Build and Strengthen Communities

GrantNews

Faith-based grants help to build and strengthen our communities by providing the resources needed to support essential programs and services. Faith is more than just a belief. It’s a guiding force that brings people together, fosters compassion, and creates a sense of belonging. However, for faith-based organizations to continue making a meaningful impact, they often require outside funding to sustain their outreach efforts, support social initiatives, and enhance community programs.

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Personalization Is Key to Planned Giving

Planned Giving

It's all about the donor. In Part I of this series (Your Bio Is Boring. Lets Fix That.), we discussed a simple truth: planned giving is about people. Not policies. Not portfolios. Not cold emails or sterile tax jargon. At the end of the day, donors dont leave legacies to institutionsthey leave them to people they trust. Yet too often, planned giving professionals hide behind grey flannel suits.

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Writing for Impatient Readers

The Grantsmanship Center

Category: Proposal Writing and Grantseeking We've written the proposal. We believe its the most well-thought-out plan, carefully designed to have a huge impact on our target population. Yet if the readers mind wanders after a few minutes, or worse they yawn our proposal may be in trouble. So how do we hold the attention of readers? Here are a few tips: Short sentences Try for about 10 20 words per sentence.

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Why Top-Earning Major Gift Officers Master Planned Giving—And How You Can Too

Center for Major Gifts

The highest-performing fundraisers in the nonprofit world arent always the loudest, most charismatic, or best-connected. But they do have one thing in common: Theyve figured out how to use planned giving as a secret edge. Not because they work in planned giving. Not because theyre attorneys or financial advisors. But because they understand that legacy conversations unlock both long-term impact and larger current gifts.

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Data-driven personalization will amplifi your outreach.

amplifi

You know donors are more willing to engage when they receive individualized communications that bring them closer to your mission, work, and organization.And its no secret that data-driven personalization strategies are still some of the most effective ways to connect with donors. But the same old strategies weve used for years wont cut it. Todays audience is highly knowledgeable.

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Mitigating Fraud at Your Not-For-Profit: Lessons Learned

Blackbaud

During the recent webinar, Unmasking Fraud in Not-for-Profits: Five Key Schemes and Five Preventive Steps , we engaged with hundreds of accounting and finance professionals from not-for-profit entities across the country. Individuals shared their thoughts and perspectives on the fraudulent activity they are seeing in their organizations and methods to mitigate risk.

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Promoting Legacy Giving in Your Annual Fund Communications

Planned Giving

Too many nonprofits are missing opportunities to remind donors of their legacy giving options in their annual fund communications. And thats a shame. Because there are plenty of articles and resources focused on demystifying legacy giving. But these often involve intricate plans for special campaigns that educate and familiarize supporters about what legacy giving really is.

Funding 52
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3 pitfalls to avoid when analyzing the dollars going to your cause 

Candid

Whether youre a nonprofit leader, a funder, or an analyst in the social sector, youve probably spent hours poring over funding data, trying to better understand what the funding landscape looks like for your specific cause. Trust me, I feel you. Candids data is widely used to understand grantmaking in the sector, and for good reason: Our data is detailed, comprehensive, and searchable.

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Invest in Your Future: Winning a Scholarship for Your Grant Professional Certification

Grant Professionals Association

Will 2025 be the year you earn your Grant Professionals Certification (GPC)? For many grant professionals, 2025 has been a year of rapid changes and a testament to our ability to pivot as needed, learn quickly, and help lead our teams. Now more than ever, accredited credentials are vital to grant professionals as they serve as a mark of distinction and achievement.

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3 Ways to Get the Very Best Capital Campaign Leadership

Capital Campaign Pro

Imagine this experience… You learn that an organization in your town is planning a capital campaign. You ask the organization’s director who is going to chair the campaign. She tells you who has agreed to serve as honorary chair and who will be the two working chairs. They are names you know. And without a […] The post 3 Ways to Get the Very Best Capital Campaign Leadership appeared first on Capital Campaign Pro.

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Top Fundraising Challenges in 2025—Solved

NonProfit PRO

Whats standing between your nonprofit and greater impact in 2025? From donor shifts to budget stress, discover the 9 biggest fundraising challengesand how to overcome them with smarter strategies and better data. Unlock insights that help you grow giving, boost efficiency, and engage high-value donors. Dont miss this must-read for nonprofit leaders navigating a rapidly changing fundraising landscape.

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Mr. Cameron Has Something to Tell You

Planned Giving

As we head into Thanksgivingonly eight short months away its never too early to start thinking about gratitude. After all, in the fundraising world, thank you shouldnt be a seasonal garnish. It should be the meat and potatoes. Or the tofu and quinoa, if your donors are that kind of crowd. And while most people are busy planning their next Netflix binge or their next excuse not to write that appeal letter, were digging into the wisdom of a man who hunted lions and gave better advice than half the

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10 Ways to Strengthen Your Grants Program in 2025

Grants Plus

As nonprofits continue to face funding uncertainty, many are left wondering how to navigate the shifting grant landscape. Grants Plus CEO, Lauren Steiner, recently presented at The Nonprofit Partnership in Western PA to break down the latest trends, common pitfalls, and winning strategies to secure funding in 2025 and beyond. Below are practical actions to […] The post 10 Ways to Strengthen Your Grants Program in 2025 appeared first on Grants Plus.

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