Trending Articles

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If You’re Not Promoting Donor Advised Funds, You’re Leaving Major Gifts on the Table

Clairification

Use of Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) as a way for individuals to make charitable contributions continues to rise and grants from DAFs are becoming a growing source of income for charities of all shapes and sizes. An ever-broader group of donors are embracing them to approach philanthropy in the thoughtful, strategic way once reserved only for mega-donors who could afford to set up private foundations.

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You talking to me? Or why you must focus on donor retention

Hands-On Fundraising

My mailbox leaves me wondering. We’ve all been reading a lot about donor retention. Maybe so much talk it’s in danger of becoming just another buzzword. But I think it’s critically important. And I’ve seen how powerful a really engaged donor base can be. Organizations benefit from more support, sure. But there’s also something about […] The post You talking to me?

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4 Tips to Optimize Your Donor Database to Boost Engagement

Ann Green's Nonprofit

Your donor database is an effective tool for boosting engagement at your nonprofitif you optimize and leverage it strategically. Learn more in this guide. By Sarah Tedesco Its no secret that effective donor engagement is vital to your nonprofits success. Individual donations make up a large portion of most nonprofits funding, and those donors generally want to feel connected to and appreciated by the organizations they support.

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Zoom in for more effective stories

Hands-On Fundraising

Zoom in… How close can you get? If you want to write better, one resource I love is the Very Good Copy newsletter from Eddie Shleyner. Recently, he wrote about photography and zooming in to get a better image. He quoted photographer Robert Capa: If your pictures arent good enough, youre not close enough. Getting […] The post Zoom in for more effective stories appeared first on Hands-On Fundraising.

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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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The Pluralism Pope: A Light for Our Dark Divisions

The Chronicle of Philanthropy

In word and deed, the pontiff preached a gospel of pluralism that is illuminating for advocates working to bring Americans together. By Eboo Patel Vatican Media via AP Pope Francis poses for a photo after washing the feet of Muslim, Christian, and Hindu refugees during an Easter Week Mass with asylum-seekers at a shelter in Castelnuovo di Porto, outside Rome, in 2016.

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Do Fundraising “Best Practices” Give Nonprofit Donors the Autonomy they Seek?

Clairification

Often, so-called best practices are merely myths, beliefs or habits. Thats how weve always done it is not a reason to continue a practice thats not evidence-based. In the Middle Ages, bloodletting was the go-to medical cure. Sometimes people got better, but that may have been in spite of the strategy rather than a causal manifestation. People really didnt question it, because medical knowledge at the time was poorly developed.

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What do nonprofits need from funders at this moment?

Candid

Nonprofit organizations are facing unprecedented challenges under a new administration. In response to the constant pressure, many in the sector have made the case for funders to increase foundation payout rates, streamline processes, foster solidarity across movements, champion nontraditional models of collaboration, and so much more. Each of these solutions requires multiple strategies.

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Most U.S. Adults Give to Charity, but Young People Are Less Likely to Donate, Survey Finds

The Chronicle of Philanthropy

The results of a new poll send mixed messages to fundraisers concerned about a "generosity crisis." By James Pollard and Amelia Thomson-Deveaux, Associated Press Charlie Neibergall, AP photo Some 40% of U.S. adults reported donating to a religious institution, such as a church, mosque or synagogue. Above, a service at the First Church of God in Des Moines, Iowa.

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Building Forever Homes with Grant Funding

GrantNews

Building Forever Homes with Grant Funding isn’t just a dream, it’s a growing reality for families, veterans, and individuals ready to plant roots. With the help of nonprofit housing grants, the path to homeownership becomes less stressful and more achievable. These grants provide financial support to the folks who need it most. Whether you’re buying your first home, renovating a property, or searching for affordable housing options, grants can help it all come to pass.

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9 Common Fundraising Mistakes: How Many Are You Making?

Blackbaud

We all make mistakes. Its a normal part of life, work, and fundraising. While some mistakes are unavoidable, there are a few common fundraising pitfalls that we see organizations regularly make. If you can avoid these or adjust the following issues in your current fundraising programs, it will set your programs and your organization up for success. Explore these nine common fundraising mistakes to transform your tactics from well-meaning to wildly successful.

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Tips to Improve Your Nonprofit’s Peer-to-Peer Fundraising

OneCause

Peer-to-peer fundraising is a powerful approach for nonprofits. It gets your constituents more involved with supporting your organization. It helps you reach new supporters through your constituents networks. It also helps you build a stronger sense of community and raise more funds. And peer-to-peer fundraising programs are doing well these days. According to the 2024 Top 30 and P2P Benchmarking Survey , 18 of the top 30 peer-to-peer fundraising programs in the U.S. increased revenue in 2024, a

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Inside the Process: How Are Grants Made?

Grant Writer Team

Today, we answer the burning question of exactly how grants are made. To whit, grants typically fund causes that increase the well-being of a community. Grant-makers and grant-seekers work together to improve our world. To illustrate: grant-makers fund vital programs. In turn, nonprofits, businesses, and professionals like scientific researchers, artists, and teachers manage these programs.

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Achieving more with less amid economic uncertainty.

amplifi

Theres no shortage of challenges facing fundraisers today. Economic pressures, changing donor expectations, and shifting priorities are forcing nonprofits to rethink how they raise money and engage with donors. And many organizations are trying to navigate and limit the effects of federal grant freezes and unfreezes. Chaos in Washington is creating havoc on organizations that receive federal funding, directly or indirectly, and it’s harder than ever to plan for the long term.

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Ready, Set, Interview! How to Prep for Grant Success

GrantNews

It pays to Prep for Grant Success ! And, believe it or not, the preparation actually starts long before you sit down for the interview. While you can’t predict every question a funder might ask, solid preparation can help you feel confident, clear, and ready to shine. GrantWatch is here to help your nonprofit succeed. What’s more, our dedicated, professional team is here to assist you in securing funding with strong interview strategies.

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How to Properly Run a Fundraising Campaign

Blackbaud

Launching a successful fundraising campaign for nonprofits involves a strategic approach and precise execution. It’s not just about enthusiasm. It’s about deploying advanced strategies to amplify your impact. Experienced fundraisers know that effective campaigns require setting clear objectives and understanding your audience deeply. By focusing on refined messaging, streamlined management processes, and enhanced donor engagement, you can elevate your fundraising efforts to new heigh

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Endowments Aren’t Blank Checks — but Universities Can Rely on Them More Heavily in Turbulent Times

The Chronicle of Philanthropy

The law permits most colleges and universities to increase spending from their endowments in light of financial pressures, the author argues. By Ellen P. Aprill Charles Krupa, AP photo Harvards endowment totaled more than $53 billion in 2024. Above, visitors at the statue of John Harvard at the school. The law permits most colleges and universities to increase spending from their endowments in light of financial pressures, the author argues.

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You don’t have to do this alone

The Fundraising Coach

This is a confusing time. With all the pressures and uncertainty, it’s tempting to isolate. This is a reminder to resist that urge. We are stronger together. You don’t have to do this alone. Off the top of my head, here are some ways you can connect with others: Talk to your peers – Pick up the phone. Or go out to coffee. Typically, people in nonprofits don’t understand each other’s jobs.

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How we ensure data security at Candid 

Candid

Accessing and exchanging data is an inevitable part of our everyday lives. With an unprecedented level of online connection and the rapid advancement of generative AI, these days hackers can bypass security with assistance from an AI chatbot. In this fast-changing landscape, Candid is committed to safeguarding the data of individuals and organizations that rely on our services and use our systemsand trust us with their information.

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Small Business Grant Opportunities Available This May

GrantNews

Small Business Grant Opportunities are blooming this May, just un time for Spring! It time to start growing; soak up that sunshine, take action and invest in grant funding for your small business. Inflation, high interest rates, and structural barriers are still impacting small business owners across the country. The good news? GrantWatch is your go-to source for finding the right funding opportunities to power through.

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The Different Types of Grant Reviews: What Grantmakers Need to Know

Blackbaud

After a lot of research, conversations with community members, and writingand re-writingquestions, your application for funding is live. And you are getting submissions. Great submissions. Now comes the most rewardingand hardestpart of your grant cycle. Reviewing the applications and selecting the organizations to fund. Choosing how your organization reviews grantseligibility, internal, external, or peer reviewsis not a one-size-fits-all decision.

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Now’s the time to make fundraising rhyme

Future Fundraising Now

I know that rhyming’s out of date, but what it does is truly great. Advertisers used to do it a lot: Don’t get mad. Get GLAD and Takes a licking and keeps on ticking. People find rhyming statements more believable and memorable than non-rhyming ones. Unfortunately, rhyming is out of style. It’s just not cool. Anyway, it’s harder to write.

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How to Organize and Optimize a Roller Skating Fundraiser

DoJiggy

Organizing a roller skating fundraiser is a fun and exciting way to raise money. Whether you’re raising funds for your school, charity, or community organization, a roller skating fundraiser is guaranteed to draw a crowd and leave a lasting impact. So lace up your skates and get ready to roll! In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to organize a successful roller skating fundraiser.

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6 Ways to Find New Donors for Your Nonprofit

CauseVox

You know the feelingyouve sent the thank-you notes, optimized your donation page, and run a successful campaign or two. But as the dust settles, a nagging question pops up: How do we keep this momentum going? More specifically, how do we find new donors who care about our cause just as much as our current supporters do? Whether you’re prepping for your next campaign or just trying to shake that donor fatigue feeling, finding new donors doesnt have to be a shot in the dark.

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Last Chance April Grants – Get One Before They’re Gone!

GrantNews

There are last chance April grants available right now on GrantWatch! If you’ve ever found the perfect grant only to realize the deadline had already passed, you know how frustrating that can be. But what if you had a way to find the ones that are still open, just in the nick of time? One of the many smart features on the GrantWatch grant directory is the ability to filter results so you only see grants that are still open.

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Recruitment for Nonprofits 101: A Guide to Getting Started

Blackbaud

All nonprofits need talented, motivated, and passionate additions to the team. But between fundraising, engaging volunteers , and delivering services to your community, dedicated recruitment efforts can fall by the wayside. If your nonprofit needs a new or revamped recruitment strategy, you might use general resourcesincluding those aimed at for-profit businessesto brush up on your knowledge.

Metrics 59
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7 tips to make fundraising writing less difficult

Future Fundraising Now

Most of what makes writing difficult is your fault. Sure, plenty of outside forces are working against you, but you create the toughest problems for yourself. (Dont worry; its not just you. We all do it.) Here are some great ways to be that self-defeating tendency from the Publication Coach Blog, at 7 ways youre making writing too hard : Youre procrastinating.

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Meeting the moment: Candid’s response to federal funding disruptions

Candid

Every day, more and more nonprofits are facing increasing fiscal uncertainty as the U.S. government cuts longstanding programs and grant funding. At Candid, we understand whats at stakeand were taking immediate action to support the nonprofits hit hardest. Our data reveals that at least 30% of U.S. nonprofits receive government grants , and for more than 35,000 of them, those grants make up over half of their total revenue.

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The State of DAFs in 2025: Updates on Donor-Advised Funds

Get Fully Funded

Donor-advised funds, or DAFs, have been in the news for a while now. These charitable giving accounts, which are established by individual donors but managed by sponsoring organizations, have historically been a source of excitement for nonprofits. DAFs incentivize wealthy donors to give more without creating their own foundations, providing new opportunities for nonprofits to receive large donations.

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5 Branding Tips for Nonprofits: Stand Out in Your Community

GrantNews

Branding Tips for Nonprofits can make or break your local impact, especially if you’re still finding your footing in the community. A strong brand isn’t just about a logo, it’s about trust, recognition, and the emotional connection people feel when they hear your name. Whether you’re launching a new nonprofit or refreshing an older one, visibility is key.

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5 Proven Scholarship Strategies that Boost College Enrollment

Blackbaud

Higher education institutions today face mounting pressures to attract and retain students in an increasingly competitive landscape. With shrinking budgets and growing demands for accountability, schools must find innovative ways to support their students while achieving institutional goals. Scholarships, when strategically leveraged, can play a pivotal role in addressing these challenges.

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