Candid insights

Foundations and nonprofits exist to make a better world. The racial equity conversation in the United States has led to a new round of questions about how they contribute to that better world. How much philanthropic capital is directed to…

For many nonprofit organizations and institutions, the coronavirus pandemic is an existential threat—spaces are shuttered, programs are paused, and funding is frozen. Leaders in the field are planning for myriad scenarios while acknowledging that pre-pandemic patterns and relationships may never…

I am a career social worker turned nonprofit communications professional. Some would call me an “industry outsider.” Once in a while, this leaves me feeling as if everyone in the boardroom knows more than I do. More often, however, I’m…

When COVID-19 reached the pandemic stage, questions started coming into Candid at a pace we had never seen before. At their peak, inquiries to our online librarians increased 390 percent. “Where can my organization find funding to help us meet…

When the coronavirus (COVID-19) struck in March and public libraries nationwide shut down, we wondered what effect it would have on our 400+ strong network of Funding Information Network partners (FIN). When would they reopen? Would our FIN leads be laid…

If we are wise, each of us believes that we have something to learn from other sectors. And if others are wise, they believe they have something to learn from us. This is true not just for individuals but also…

"How funders responded to COVID-19" reprinted from the Center for Disaster Philanthropy. Now, more than any other time in recent history, is the moment for philanthropy to spend like it never has before. The dual pandemics of COVID-19 and social…

In the midst of a pandemic, financial recession, and uprisings for racial justice, it may seem counterintuitive to hire more staff to support your nonprofit. But there are many revenue opportunities for organizations right now; hiring and retaining staff in…

Grantmaking includes three primary components: what we fund—program areas and impact; who we fund—the grantees we support; and how we fund—the grantmaking practices that are the focus of PEAK Grantmaking’s membership of more than 5,000 grants management professionals.  As the…

The whispered question continues: How many nonprofits will shut their doors because of the COVID-19 crisis? In July, we released an analysis that attempts to offer an answer to that question at the national level in the United States. Of course, we…

On July 17, the Federal Reserve announced release of an expansion to its Main Street Lending Program (MSLP) to address the liquidity needs of nonprofit organizations that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The MSLP was established by the…

"What we learned when we listened to community voices" is reprinted from the McKnight Foundation. As the McKnight Foundation began developing a new program devoted to equity and inclusion in our state, we’ve been mindful that engaging the wisdom and expertise…