Nonprofit Resources

The basics of branding for nonprofit organizations and for-profit organizations are similar, but some considerations—such as mission alignment and target audience consideration—are especially important for the nonprofit sector. Here are some top tips and tools nonprofits can use to increase organizational success.

Since the majority of private funding institutions will only consider offering grants earmarked for programs that fit their designated funding priorities, as fundraisers we often hesitate to request grants for general operations even when we come across a funder who will consider granting such funds. The burden of proof is therefore on fundraisers to justify the organization’s needs by convincing funders of the expected impacts of undesignated gifts – that they will be used for more than just “keeping the lights on” or executive salaries. To secure funds without restrictions, you’ll want to build a case that shows the donor your organization will be a good steward of their money.

We’re very excited to announce Linda Beeman, Founder of Aurora Grants & Consulting, will be honored with the 2022 M. Anne Murphy Award for Professional Advancement. Here are a few words from Linda about this auspicious occasion…

Each year more foundations wave the white flag of surrender to the tidal wave of nonprofit grant requests coming their way. How? By checking the tiny box on the IRS Form 990 indicating they only make contributions to preselected charitable organizations and do not accept unsolicited requests for funds. What does this invitation-only scenario mean for nonprofit organizations? The Letter of Introduction or Intent has for many years been considered a go-to tool for connecting with funders and exploring potential partnerships. But it’s worth asking: Is this strategy still worthwhile? and How do I craft an LOI in a fresh and effective way?

If you’ve ever been behind-the-scenes writing, designing, editing, or publishing an email newsletter, you know it’s a task that demands significant time, effort, and creativity. But there’s a reason that almost 70% of nonprofits worldwide choose to regularly send email newsletters: they work![1] E-newsletters are arguably the most cost-effective way to connect with your donors and larger community. Think of an e-newsletter as a window into your organization—a reminder of its mission, needs, and achievements.

As a long-term board development strategy, forward-thinking nonprofit organizations are looking for ways to court today’s “young professionals.” Many nonprofits have fallen into the trap of assuming that hosting Happy Hours at trendy bars would be enough.

The Giving Tuesday website offers a variety of resources to help nonprofits in planning their campaigns, including case studies and a Partner Toolkit for maximizing the day’s impact. The best advice? Start planning – now.

If your nonprofit performs “charitable solicitations” in another state, you may be required to register there. This does not apply to passive fundraising but it does apply to galas, alumni events, concerts, or any other active fundraising activities that you host outside of your home state.

When it comes to trademark protection, the law treats nonprofit and for-profit organizations just the same. The same rules apply and the same protections exist. However, the implications of infringement may be even more devastating for a nonprofit.

A nonprofit is, by definition, an advocate. It stands up for individuals, animals, or inanimate objects that do not have the power to do so for themselves. Where public policy can impact a charity’s ability to carry out its mission, it is in an excellent position to speak up.

There are several charity rating, or watchdog, organizations in existence today. The question is: How valuable are ratings to potential donors, and what criteria do these organizations use to formulate them?

For nonprofit professionals who have ever drafted a logic model for a grant proposal, and struggled with finding adequate ways to define and measure success, there is good news: a growing effort to define common metrics that are meaningful across entire service categories.

All of us partner with the police in one way or another – only most of us don’t give it much thought. Here are some suggestions on how to foster this relationship in ways that very likely will support your mission

Before Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt made philanthropy sexy, many so-called “stars” leveraged their celebrity status to bring causes into our consciousness: think of Bob Hope, Jerry Lewis, and Danny Thomas, to name a few. These men did not simply furnish a photo and a signature – they became ambassadors for the charities that they supported.

First, imagine what key words a person might use to locate your organization, and do a search yourself. Does your website come up? How far into the text on your home page do those key words appear? What other possible key words might a person employ?

As of November 2018, there are 23,000 nonprofits in Houston alone – what unlikely relationships can you imagine? What can you do to drive up the number of your Fans and Followers to make your organization more attractive to potential partners?