Candid insights

We live in one of the most remarkable eras ever, a time when a tidal wave of technologies and digital information is opening up limitless opportunities and empowering society like never before. But as innovation moves faster, we need to…

A few years ago, GuideStar’s (now Candid’s) editorial director told me, “Most of our readers are convinced that endowments are good things. If their organizations do not have endowments, it’s because they can’t justify diverting money from programs to starting…

Brands are important for more than just commercial endeavors and profit-based companies. After all, the point of a brand is to make it easier for a customer or client to connect with a company—and to make it more appealing for…

This week’s topic may be polarizing and possibly rile you up, so please stare at the nearest houseplant for a few minutes (apparently, they are scientifically proven to reduce stress). Once in a while our community gets into a discussion about…

Chances are, if you don’t have a monthly giving program, you will have to persuade others in your organization to embrace this proven revenue-raiser. The first reason alone—more money—should convince them. But, as you know, rational thinking doesn’t always prevail.…

In anticipation of its forthcoming issue devoted to Indigenous philanthropy, Alliance magazine asked three Candid employees who were deeply involved in developing the Investing in Native Communities website to share lessons from that experience. “Philanthropy has consistently under-funded Indigenous communities…

It’s been a year since we’ve become Candid ... wow! Next month, we’ll launch our first annual report so that you can see a full picture of all that’s been happening behind the scenes. I work with incredibly driven and…

What exactly is a theory of change? That’s a question I get a lot in my work with nonprofits. The short answer: It’s just what it sounds like. It’s an organization’s theory about how things are going to change as…

Human-centered design is on the rise within the social sector. Governments, nonprofits, and social enterprises are increasingly generating products, systems, and processes that put the people primarily affected by a problem at the center of their design process. Called “design…

Hi everyone, this week is Valentine’s Day, arguably the most annoying and stressed-filled day ever. I like it as much as I like infinity scarves. But at least we have #NonprofitPickupLines on Twitter. Go make that trend again. “Hey there, is your…

Reprinted from the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy. A Tale of Two Cities Cleveland’s Greater University Circle neighborhood has long been considered the city’s premiere cultural, medical, and educational district. Home to powerhouse institutions like Case Western Reserve University,…

In case you missed it, February 1 marked the first anniversary of Candid’s creation. Last week, members of our executive team shared their thoughts on the past year. Today, staff members in different program areas, of varying tenures, and located…