Candid insights
The big picture of the social sector, backed by data and expertise
What’s new at Candid (March 2020)
From the work we do at Candid, I’ve gained a better appreciation for how connected and small the world really is. At our trainings, there are always attendees who are shocked and delighted to see a friendly face that they…
March 6, 2020
How to maximize your impact with skills-based volunteering
In the nonprofit sector, you’ll often hear staff members say that they “wear many hats,” meaning they fill a number of crucial roles at their organizations. It is not uncommon for a CEO to serve as the finance team, HR…
March 5, 2020
Is your nonprofit clear about communications?
Whether your organization is working to cure cancer, shelter or feed people, create safer streets, advocate for equality, or create change in another way, you’ve got a mission. A nonprofit’s mission is the fundamental reason it exists and defines the…
March 4, 2020
Funders respond to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Editor’s note: Since the publishing of this post, Candid released a pop-up webpage about coronavirus. View philanthropy’s response to the pandemic: candid.org/coronavirus. While we’ll be updating this webpage regularly, there can be lags getting data from different sources, so there…
March 3, 2020
Digital Accessibility: The Path to Nonprofit Engagement Online
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…
March 2, 2020
Five steps to starting an endowment: even smaller nonprofits can
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…
March 2, 2020
How to build branding for your nonprofit
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…
February 28, 2020
Why nonprofit staff should not be asked to donate to the organizations they work 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…
February 27, 2020
You absolutely need a monthly giving program, and here’s why
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.…
February 26, 2020
Filling the data and knowledge gap: how philanthropy can better partner with Indigenous communities
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…
February 25, 2020
Celebrating Candid’s first year with our social media followers
Our commemoration of Candid’s first anniversary is drawing to a close. For the last celebratory post in this blog, we wanted to share some of our favorite #CandidAnniversary social media updates. We featured the photo at the beginning of this…
February 24, 2020
What’s new at Candid (February 2020)
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…
February 21, 2020