Candid insights

One of my favorite sections in the revised edition of my book the Ultimate Insider’s Guide to Winning Foundation Grants is called “The Grant Seeker’s Reality Check.” In 10 brief chapters I examine, from the vantage point of one who served for…

In order to solve a problem, one must first identify its parameters. This applies, too, to the philanthropic sector; to that end, many of us are pushing for greater transparency in our field. For example, Candid teamed up with a…

Unsure whether your grant proposals have what it takes to stand out in a sea of applications? There can often be misunderstandings amongst nonprofits as to what constitutes a strong proposal in the eyes of a foundation. While there’s no…

Skilled volunteer engagement (also known as pro bono service) can be an effective way to bridge the capacity gap. It’s important to recognize volunteers aren’t “free” and in order for skilled volunteerism to be effective, your organization must be ready to make the most of this valuable contribution of time and talent.

You need the best prospecting tool available, Foundation Directory Online is committed to meeting your needs as a fundraiser. Meet Your Fundraising Needs with FDO as Your Partner. Last year was a big year for FDO, we added nearly 70,000…

We fell in love with our own organizational goals and desires and forgot to focus on the interests of the company in these corporate relationships.

There are simple steps even small, grassroots groups can take to encourage legacy gifts and planned giving success.

Rural America is home to significant political capital and influence that can add considerable muscle to national policy and advocacy efforts, and funders need to engage in Rural Philanthropy.

During my 10 years teaching and training nonprofits around the world, I have found that some of the biggest challenges they grapple with in seeking funding are related to differentiating themselves from the plethora of other great causes in the…

As money and politics become increasingly intertwined, the enduring debate around the intersecting roles of philanthropy and democracy has taken on new life in recent months  (see here, here, here, and here for prominent examples). One side of the debate sees…

It’s hard to think of a philanthropic institution as a start-up. The phrase “start-up” conjures the image of two geeks in a garage with big dreams but very limited means. But as we all know from breathless news coverage about…

Last year, Giving USA’s Annual Report called donor-advised funds (DAFs) one of the “hottest topics in the philanthropic community.”1 Between 2007 and 2016, assets in donor-advised funds nationwide skyrocketed from $32 billion to $85 billion,2 and this trend continues today. Who uses DAFs? How…