REAL INSIGHTS
REAL IMPACT

We hear “diversify your nonprofit revenue” all the time. But nobody really breaks down what that looks like when you’re the one holding the work together day to day. So let’s make it plain. If you’re building a fundraising strategy right now, these are some of the pieces worth putting in place.

If you are a nonprofit leader, you already know what it costs to translate your community's truth into language a funder can process comfortably. This post names the structural problem and offers a framework for writing grants that starts with your community rather than with what philanthropy has historically been willing to fund.

When nonprofit organizations bring together the lived experience of seasoned leaders and the insights of emerging staff, they create development strategies that are more grounded, honest, and compelling to funders.

Shared leadership aligns naturally with community-centered ways of working, the same values many nonprofits lift up externally. Power is shared, voices are valued, and leadership is something we do together.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

A grant strategy is a comprehensive, intentional plan that guides how an organization identifies, cultivates, and secures funding through grants in alignment with its mission, values, and long-term goals.

Community-led digital campaigns are a powerful way to build trust and engagement.

Access to funding has long been a challenge for nonprofits serving underserved and historically excluded communities.

For years, fundraising galas have been a go-to strategy for nonprofits seeking to raise significant funds and increase brand visibility. How

Building and nurturing strong donor relationships is vital for any nonprofit aiming for long-term success.

Community-centric fundraising challenges fundraisers and donors alike to address the root causes of inequity.

Millennials expect honesty, clarity, and direct communication about how their contributions are used.

Crafting compelling grant applications is essential for securing the funding needed to sustain your mission and programming.