For many years, nonprofit funding followed a familiar pattern. Organizations articulated their mission, shared compelling stories, reported activity, and relied on donor loyalty to sustain the work. That pattern is breaking down. Donors continue to care deeply about social good. What has changed is how they decide where their money goes. One of the clearest indicators of this shift is the rise of impact investing. While often framed as a financial innovation, impact investing

A recent NonProfit PRO article by Richard Perry, 4 Steps to Address the Disconnect Between Programs and Fundraising , raises a concern that many nonprofit leaders recognize immediately. Fundraising staff often struggle to describe their own organization’s programs with clarity and confidence. The article uses the comparison of a retail store to show how awkward this situation can be. A store associate who cannot identify what sits on the shelves or how products are organized

Explore why funders should invest in nonprofit learning capacity to close the research-to-practice gap. Learn how building MEL infrastructure empowers nonprofits to measure impact, foster equity, and create sustainable change.

Strategic planning has been getting a lot of attention lately, and for good reason. Mike Burns recently explored this topic in Nonprofit Pro , raising questions about how nonprofit boards participate in shaping organizational direction. His argument is simple: boards cannot treat strategic planning as a staff assignment that shows up as a completed document for approval. If strategic planning reflects governance, then a board that stands on the sidelines is not governing the

A recent article in the Stanford Social Innovation Review introduced a promising model for nonprofit collaboration called the Impact Collaborative. The concept describes how organizations can join forces to address community challenges while maintaining their independence.

Stories inspire donors, but data builds trust. Start now with an impact roadmap—a plan that links mission, programs, and measurable outcomes. Track outputs, quality, and results so next year you can say: “80% improved reading scores.” Data turns vision into impact—and impact drives generosity.

When budgets are tight, investments in data systems often fall to the bottom of the priority list. But as The Chronicle of Philanthropy Key Taykeaways report “How to Make the Case for Investments in Data: Experts Weigh In” points out, unpredictable times are exactly when accurate data matters most.

Nonprofit organizations exist to make communities stronger, safer, and more equitable. You lead programs that change lives every day. But as funders become more data-driven and outcomes-focused, it’s no longer enough to simply tell inspiring stories about your work. Funders – whether foundations, corporations, or government agencies – are asking harder questions: What outcomes are you achieving? How do you know? Why should we trust you with this investment? These are fair que

The nonprofit sector is in the middle of what Instrumentl calls “The New Funding Rush.” Their recent report  reveals that 85 percent of nonprofits are feeling the effects of federal funding changes, and more than 90 percent are adjusting their strategies. Organizations are applying for more grants, pursuing new funding sources, and working hard to stay ahead of uncertainty. This reshuffling of the funding landscape is both a challenge and an opportunity. As more organizations

I attended a recent conference session that left me thinking deeply about how nonprofits work together. Collaborations thrive when leaders prioritize shared mission over individual organizational success.

Jim Fruchterman’s recent article in Stanford Social Innovation Review, “Kill the Dinosaurs,” is a wake-up call to the nonprofit sector. His message is clear: if we want to solve today’s most pressing social problems, we must stop clinging to outdated models and start embracing innovation, especially through technology and data. I couldn’t agree more.

Discover how nonprofits can ethically collect and share impact stories to deepen engagement and amplify mission-driven results.

Nonprofit leaders know that the ground has shifted under them many times over the past several years. Government contracts have come under pressure, foundations have adjusted priorities, and the lingering effects of the pandemic still shape day-to-day operations. More recently, sudden federal funding cuts and delayed payments have left organizations wondering whether they can sustain the programs their communities rely on. In response, many boards and executive directors have

Trust-based philanthropy is an approach to giving that seeks to rebalance power, center relationships, and create equity. It resonates with those of us who believe generosity should be rooted in mutual respect and shared purpose. For this approach to succeed, we must understand what trust is built on.

Nonprofit organizations are the backbone of our communities, tirelessly working to address societal challenges and improve lives. You're...

Discover how impact storytelling transforms capital campaigns into powerful narratives that inspire donor engagement. Learn strategies for weaving human stories with outcome data across every campaign stage

Imagine two nonprofit leaders. Both are passionate. Both are working hard. Both are trying to grow their mission and make a real impact....

Measuring impact is essential for nonprofits—it’s how you prove to funders, donors, and your community that your programs are making a...

Your nonprofit collects data every day: stories, statistics, outcomes, and insights that reflect the difference your organization is...

Sustaining momentum in collective impact takes more than strategy—it requires purpose, care, and connection. Learn how to prevent burnout, re-engage partners, and reignite your initiative’s energy by returning to the “why.”