top of page
%20(2).png)
REAL INSIGHTS
REAL IMPACT
Search
The 3 Grant Mistakes Costing Nonprofits Millions
Recent grant applications to the Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium’s Black Girls Dream Fund reveal how Black-led nonprofits navigate underfunding, burnout, and pressure to “perform” for funders. AI-generated language and vague, “do-everything” missions are common, but the strongest proposals show clear focus, cultural specificity, and deep, community-rooted expertise.
Jan 163 min read
The Cities We Dream In: A Global Retreat Series for Black Rest, Memory, and Liberation.
Exploring The Cities We Dream In: a global retreat series for Black American changemakers focusing on rest, memory, and liberation, which uses travel to explore cities that have served as portals of possibility for the African diaspora.
Nov 18, 20252 min read
Who’s Taking Care of the Caretakers?
Every day, nonprofit leaders show up for our communities. They mentor youth, design programs, raise funds, and hold space for others—often while carrying the invisible weight of exhaustion, anxiety, and responsibility. Their work changes lives, but it also takes a toll. At Strategic Disruption, we believe that caring for others begins with caring for ourselves. That’s why we launched Who’s Taking Care of the Caretakers? , a community wellness series designed to nourish the pe
Nov 17, 20251 min read
Reflections from the 1st International Meeting on Afro-Tourism in Portugal
Afro-tourism is here, global, and led by Black travelers — especially Black women. From Portugal to Brazil, leaders are reimagining tourism so Black culture, safety, and economic power are non-negotiable. Strategic Disruption joins this movement through retreats and exchanges that center Black joy, memory, and justice across the African diaspora.
Nov 13, 20253 min read
We Create Anyway: Lessons from Black Creatives at Tribeca Festival Lisboa
Tribeca Film Festival in Lisbon was a gathering of artistry, culture, and creative lineage. It reminded us that storytelling is how we record memory, name truth, and shape the worlds we live in. Craft and Candor from Industry Veterans There were recognizable names on stage, including Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul) and Edie Falco (The Sopranos, Nurse Jackie). Giancarlo Esposito emphasized discipline and intentional presence—treating acting as a practice of
Nov 10, 20252 min read
Silent Seats and Worker Bees: Unlocking the Strength of Quiet Board Members
In this final post of our four-part series on nonprofit board member archetypes, we’ll explore three quiet yet powerful types: the Worker Bee, the Silent Seat, and the Champion. Understanding these members and welcoming their unique strengths can unlock significant hidden power for your board.
Sep 5, 20253 min read
The Talker, The Title, and the Naysayer: Managing Big Board Personalities
These “Meeting Hijackers” bring energy and passion, but without boundaries, can slow progress or cause frustration. The good news is that understanding their underlying motivations helps you manage them constructively and harness their strengths for the board’s benefit.
Sep 5, 20253 min read
Ghosts, Checkbooks, and Connectors - Engaging Hard-to-Wrangle Board Members
In Part 2, we’ll look at the first category of board member archetypes: The Hard-to-Wrangle Types. These are the board members who are difficult to pin down. They’re not disruptive in meetings because, truthfully, they’re barely there or they show up in highly selective ways.
Sep 5, 20253 min read
Nonprofit Board Member Archetypes: Why Knowing the Patterns Matters
This is the first blog in a four-part series. By the end, you’ll not only laugh in recognition but also walk away with practical strategies for each archetype to make your board experience less exasperating and more creative and hopeful.
Sep 5, 20253 min read
Yes, Relationships Still Matter in Fundraising
One of the biggest mistakes nonprofits make is treating grant applications as a one-time transactional moment. In reality, your application is just one piece of a much bigger story you should be telling funders over time.
Aug 25, 20253 min read
AI Won’t Replace NonProfit Leaders and That’s a Good Thing
AI won’t replace the expertise, strategy, or community wisdom that nonprofit leaders bring to the table, and that’s good news. Explore why human creativity and expertise matter more than ever and how to use AI as a supportive tool (not a substitute).
Aug 18, 20253 min read
Corporate Giving in 2025: How to Leverage It for Growth
Building strong corporate partnerships is about more than securing one-time donations. Discover practical strategies for cultivating meaningful collaborations that benefit both your organization and your corporate partners.
Aug 4, 20254 min read
Landing Major Gifts When Donors Are Cutting Back
Rising costs, market fluctuations, and a steady drumbeat of "cut back" headlines often push generosity further down the priority list. But here's the thing: major gifts are still being made — just with greater intention.
Aug 3, 20253 min read
How to Assess the True Effectiveness of Your Nonprofit’s Programs
For many nonprofit leaders, program evaluation is a familiar requirement. Funders want to know how dollars were spent, boards want to see outcomes, and staff want to understand whether their work is making a difference. But when your organization runs wide-ranging programs—spanning multiple issue areas, audiences, or delivery models—assessing effectiveness can be complex.
Aug 2, 20253 min read
What to Do When You Don’t Get the Grant
Grant rejection can be particularly tough for BIPOC-led and grassroots organizations operating with limited resources. This blog provides a practical and affirming roadmap for what to do after a “no.” The blog covers how to process disappointment, seek feedback, update your grants tracker, revisit your funding pipeline, and iterate on proposals.
Jul 1, 20253 min read
Grant Writing Mistakes to Avoid This Summer
Summer is a crucial time for organizations to prepare for upcoming grant deadlines. Grant Writing Mistakes to Avoid This Summer highlights the most common pitfalls that can undermine even the most promising proposals.
Jul 1, 20252 min read
From Burnout to Boundaries: Real Talk for BIPOC Leaders (and Those Who Support Them)
Explore the unique challenges BIPOC leaders face and how systemic pressures and intersecting identities contribute to burnout. It reframes boundaries as essential leadership strategies and introduces healing justice as a framework for sustainable, resilient leadership.
Jul 1, 20253 min read
Small Team? Big Grant Goals. Here’s How to Manage It.
You've got a powerful mission, strong outcomes, and a team that wears many hats, but your capacity is limited. And yet, the pressure to secure larger grants is real, especially as funders consolidate giving and look for scale.
Jun 4, 20252 min read
Your Mid-Year Check-In: Questions Every Nonprofit Should Ask Right Now
A mid-year check-in doesn't need to be a heavy lift. With the right questions and a willingness to reflect, you can gain valuable clarity and momentum for the months ahead.
Jun 4, 20253 min read
Five Ways to Keep Donors Engaged During the Summer Months
Summer often brings a natural lull in nonprofit engagement. Supporters are traveling, routines shift, and inboxes fill with out-of-office replies. But what if summer could be your secret weapon for deepening donor relationships and setting your organization up for a strong year-end?
Jun 3, 20253 min read
bottom of page