Strategic planning for nonprofits has never been more complex. Nonprofits are planning in a paradox: on the one hand, donations in the U.S. just hit a record high, buoyed by strong markets. On the other, leaders report thinner cash cushions, rising demand, and growing anxiety about government funding. The picture is bright and stormy at […]
When people talk about philanthropy, the conversation often stops at the U.S. border. Look a little farther south and a richer picture comes into focus: neighborhood mutual aid living alongside modern foundations, city funds working with mayors, and coalitions that bring volunteer time and in-kind help into the same picture as cash. Mexico is a […]
Charitable giving in the U.S. reached $592.5 billion in 2024, according to Giving USA 2025. Individuals and corporations gave more, several sectors hit record highs, and overall giving rose even after adjusting for inflation. It sounds like good news across the board – but what does it really mean for small nonprofits? Audio: ~7 minutes […]
Audio: ~10 minutes Reading time: 5 minutes TL;DR Who signs: In Model A (Comprehensive), the fiscal sponsor signs. In Model C (Pre-approved Grant Relationship), the sponsor is grantee of record and then regrants under a written subgrant. Money flow: Awards are received as the sponsor’s revenue and tracked as restricted funds for the project’s charitable […]
In our previous article, we explored why nonprofits are turning to consultants – and the risks that come with overreliance. But knowing when to hire a consultant is only part of the equation. Equally important is understanding how power, influence, and expectations shape the consulting relationship. Who really sets the agenda — the nonprofit, the […]
Nonprofit consultants have become an increasingly familiar presence in the sector. From strategic planning to fundraising and communications, outside experts are being called upon more than ever to help organizations navigate complex challenges. This surge in nonprofit consulting comes at a pivotal moment: nonprofits face high staff turnover, funding pressures, and demands for greater impact […]
Donors today increasingly expect nonprofits to be transparent and data-driven, seeking detailed reports on how funds are used and what impact is achieved. In response, a growing ecosystem of charity rating platforms and services has emerged. Charity Navigator, for example, now rates over 230,000 organizations and serves 11+ million donors annually, reflecting donors’ hunger for […]
Crowdfunding has become an increasingly popular way for nonprofits to raise money and engage supporters. In fact, the global crowdfunding market is projected to reach reached approximately $18.4 billion in 2024, and the average nonprofit crowdfunding campaign raises around $9,000. By tapping the “wisdom of the crowd,” charities can fund specific projects, emergencies, or creative endeavors […]
Nonprofit organizations in 2025 face a burnout crisis that goes far deeper than long hours and tight budgets. Fresh data from the Center for Effective Philanthropy’s new State of Nonprofits 2025 report shows an alarming level of strain: nearly two-thirds of nonprofits can’t fill critical staff vacancies and over half lack sufficient funding to pay […]
From Restricted Grants to Trust-Based Philanthropy For decades, nonprofits have been constrained by grants with strings attached. Donors often earmark funding for specific programs, leaving organizations scrambling to cover core needs. Nonprofits have long argued for unrestricted funding, but such funding remained scarce. Even during COVID-19 – when many funders pledged flexibility – only 18% […]