Promoting good governance with a board policy
Your nonprofit’s board of directors should enjoy the role, the opportunity to support a cause close to their hearts and the camaraderie of working with others who’re dedicated to achieving the same mission. But the job can be challenging. For example, boards must take ethical and practical action in times of crisis and always avoid […]
Nonprofits: How to attract the best, most qualified interns
Summer will be here before you know it, and for many not-for-profits, that means internships. Although students and recent graduates are often eager to gain job experience as interns, many also expect to be paid. However, according to consulting firm Intern Bridge, 57% of nonprofit internships are unpaid. Perhaps your budget is already strained. But if […]
7 ways to cut nonprofit costs rather than staffers
It wasn’t long ago that the not-for-profit sector was struggling to find enough staffers to hire. Now that many organizations are losing federal grants and facing budget shortfalls, they may be considering layoffs. If you’re in this situation, you probably don’t want to lose valuable employees — and the mission-critical programs they help run. There […]
Put your nonprofit’s cybersecurity system to the “pen” test
At least 68% of not-for-profits experienced one or more data breaches between 2021 and 2023, according to the CyberPeace Institute. Already in 2025, several nonprofits, including health care, social service and religious organizations, have made cyberattack losses public. Nonprofits can be particularly vulnerable to such crimes because they generally spend less money on cybersecurity systems […]
Beyond Boomers: How to engage younger generations
If your nonprofit’s fundraising arm has largely neglected younger generations in favor of Baby Boomers, you may need to revise your outreach strategy. Boomers currently make up the largest demographic of charitable donors. But, according to consulting firm Cerulli Associates, Americans born between 1965 and 1996 (Generation X and Millennials) are expected to inherit $84 trillion in […]
Casino nights aren’t all fun and games
Charitable fundraisers that feature games of chance — everything from bingo and raffles to baccarat and roulette — help U.S. nonprofits raise millions of dollars every year. However, hosting gambling events can also trigger certain tax-related responsibilities. Before scheduling a casino night, lottery or other “regulated” activity, review these rules: Unrelated business income (UBI). If […]
How to get foundations to say “yes” to your grant proposals
There are many thousands of charitable foundations in the United States. And, according to technology company Foundation Source, U.S. foundations awarded an average of 33 grants averaging between $25,000 and $28,000 each in 2022 (the most recent year for which data is available). So a lot of grant money is out there for not-for-profit organizations […]
Make better branding your nonprofit’s 2025 New Year’s resolution
If your not-for-profit wants to make an organization-wide New Year’s resolution for 2025, how about this: Strengthen our brand. Although branding strategies usually are associated with the for-profit sector, they can be just as critical in helping your nonprofit stand out in a sea of organizations seeking funding and attention. What it is Branding uses […]
Should your nonprofit compete, collaborate or both?
You’ve probably collaborated with other not-for-profits that share your space — maybe on a special event or fundraising campaign. Some organizations go further with formal strategic partnerships that involve sharing staff, facilities and budgets. In other cases, two nonprofits with the same basic mission and values merge permanently. Although the case for collaboration is easy […]
Nonprofit programs: Out with the obsolete, in with the most effective
How is your not-for-profit’s 2025 program budget looking? Unfortunately, some organizations may have to try to do more with less next year because donations and grants have fallen off. Even if your income is relatively stable or rising, you’ll want to ensure you’re making the most of your budget. Take the time now to review […]