About.com Nonprofit Charitable Orgs: Most Popular Articles

Grant Proposal Basics

Grant proposals are a part of any fundraiser's portfolio. Although grants can be from a variety of sources (such as a foundation or a government entity), most require the same basic information in the grant proposal.

Sample of Thank You Letters

Thank you letters to donors not only seal the deal, but also cultivate donors for future donations.

Writing a Mission Statement

How to write your mission statement. Writing a good, succinct, and clear mission statement is not hard but it does take care and thought.

Tips for Starting a Nonprofit

The number of new nonprofits has proliferated in recent years. Unfortunately, not everyone who starts a nonprofit has carefully thought out his or her enterprise. Don't make the mistake of just jumping into the nonprofit arena.

Write Thank You Letters

Thank you letters to your donors conclude one transaction but, more importantly, thank you letters are a bridge to future support.

Grant Cover Letters

You may think that writing the proposal is the most important task a grant writer has. It is, but attention to the finer points of putting the proposal package together, such as the cover letter, can make or break a funding request.

Profit vs Nonprofit

Here are some of the differences between a business and a nonprofit.

Fundraising Brief

Fundraising is the life blood of any nonprofit organization. But, where do you start? Here is a briefing on the major methods of fundraising and sources of those donor dollars.

Nonprofit Incorporation

There are a number of steps to incorporating as a nonprofit organization. Here are the most important ones, in the order in which they should be done.

Online Fundraising Guide

Online fundraising is the wave of the future. Already, it is making a dent in direct mail fundraising, and, as the “wired” generation matures, online may become the dominant form of fundraising.

Nonprofit Sponsorships

Every year, corporations spend millions of dollars on cause-related marketing and event sponsorships. Unfortunately, many nonprofits don't have a clue about how to approach a potential sponsor....

Get Fundraising Registered

Some nonprofits have been flying "under the radar" when it comes to registering to fundraise outside their home states. This is no longer possible.

Great Fundraising Letters

Just like copywriting, writing great fundraising letters is not for the amateur. However, unlike businesses that can often afford to pay the big bucks for great copywriting, nonprofits usually depend on in-house staff to write that crucial letter and to put together their direct mail package. Here to help are the Cardinal Rules of writing a fundraising letter.

Nonprofit Postage Rates

A perk of nonprofit status is nonprofit postage rates. Here is how you can apply for this privilege.

501(c)(3)

One of the most common types of nonprofits, a 501(c)(3)corporation has many advantages, such as tax-exempt status, ability to receive donations from foundations, and that its donors can take tax deductions for their gifts

Executive Summary of Proposals

The summary actually goes first in your grant proposal, but don't write it until last. Here is a sample of an executive summary

Annual Reports

Annual reports can help you demonstrate your accomplishments to current and future donors, cultivate new partnerships, and recognize important people.

Grant Budgets

For many writers of grants, the budget component can be very intimidating. However, knowing some basic principles of writing grants, such as how costs are presented, can make writing grants less stressful.

IRS Classifications

The IRS has several classifications under which you can register your nonprofit organization. Determining which category to use is an important part of applying to the IRS.

Endowment

A well funded endowment is the goal of most nonprofit organizations. It is a fund that produces income.

Need Statement

The need statement of your grant proposal is where you may want to start writing your proposal since it answers the question: What is the need that my organization will address?

Letter of Inquiry Tips

Many foundations prefer or even require grant-seeking nonprofits to submit an LOI, or Letter of Inquiry, before sending a complete proposal. The LOI allows the foundation to quickly screen potential candidates for funding, making sure that they do not waste time on ill-conceived ideas or those that do not fit with the foundation's mission. Make your LOI a winner.

Simple Fundraising Plan

With the mass of fundraising advice, sources, strategies and tools, a new nonprofit, just getting started with its fundraising, can be more than confused. Here are some simple steps to get you started toward a successful fundraising plan.

Legalities of Naming NPOs

So you've decided to organize a nonprofit. Among the first things you need to do is decide on an appropriate name.

Startup Questions

Should You Start a Nonprofit? Before you do, ask yourself yourself some hard questions.

Form 990

The 990 allows the IRS and the public to evaluate nonprofits and how they operate. Since nonprofits are not required to file annual reports or even to have financial audits by independent accountants, the 990 is a critical disclosure.

Business Plan

Nonprofits have a lot in common with a business and managers of both must understand and follow a lot of the same practices. One of those is to have a business plan.

Charity Tax Deductions

Here are some things you should know about the tax benefits of giving to charity.

Thank You Letters Important

Once you have a donation from a contributor in hand, don't neglect the follow-up steps necessary to keep that donor and cultivate more donations. You need a thank you letter and a donor disclosure letter.

Recruiting Volunteers

There are numerous methods you can use to recruit volunteers. However, not all of them will be appropriate for your organization or your specific needs.

Writing Goals and Objectives

The goals and objectives section of your grant proposal provides a description of what your organization hopes to accomplish with your project.

Pros & Cons of Incorporating

Not every nonprofit needs to incorporate and apply for 501(c)(3)status from the IRS. To help you decide, we've compiled a list of advantages to nonprofit incorporation and some important drawbacks.

Nonprofit Alternatives

Serving the greater good can be accomplished in many ways. And most don't require setting up an IRS approved nonprofit, a risky endeavor in this economic environment, and always a complicated task that many people underestimate.

LOI Template

Many foundations now prefer that your nonprofit send a letter of inquiry (LOI) rather than a full proposal when first asking for grant money.

Guide to NPO Grad Programs

Whether you’re looking for a career boost or an opportunity to break into the nonprofit world, a master’s degree focused on the public sector can help you get there.

3 Ways to Process Credit Cards

There are a number of options for nonprofits when selecting a credit card processor to accept gifts from donors who want to use a credit card, either directly or through the Internet.

Job Search Websites

Although finding nonprofit jobs still takes old fashioned "boots on the ground," today's online job boards make it easy to find leads to jobs across the country. Here are our favorite sites.

Board Responsibilities

What are the responsibilities of a board of directors of a nonprofit?

Capital Campaign

A capital campaign is a time-limited effort by a nonprofit organization to raise significant dollars for a specific project.

Start an Endowment

An endowment is something a nonprofit of any kind and size can attain. An endowment is also something that can insure your organization against the future.

Tax-Exempt vs. Non-Tax-Exempt

Does your organization have to become a tax-exempt nonprofit?

Nonprofit Job Search

Here are some tips to help you find your dream nonprofit job.

How to Apply for 501(c)(3)

Applying for 501(c)(3) status is not easy. We have some suggestions and resources for you.

Nonprofit Board Questions

Serving on the board of a nonprofit is not something to be taken lightly. Board members need to be prepared to pay attention and willing to make hard decisions. But what should someone who is approached to serve on a nonprofit board think about? What should he/she look for before making a decision that will affect them in terms of money, time, and perhaps even reputation?

Nonprofit Types

The most common form of nonprofit is the 501(c)(3), a tax-exempt organization recognized by the IRS. But, there are many types of nonprofits that are registered by the IRS, and they all have different designations.

Grant Proposal Evaluation

A key question any grantor will ask of an organization applying for funding will be, "How will you know your idea worked?"

Tax Numbers

Does having a tax id number make you a nonprofit?

Sample Gift Chart

What is a gift chart? It’s a planning tool to tell you how many gifts and prospects you will need to raise a specific amount of money.

Grant Information Sources

Finding grant opportunities and information about possible funders is an ongoing project for any grant seeker. There are dozens of resources for grant information and some of the best are online.

Branding a Nonprofit

Branding your nonprofit is not marketing and advertising (although both of those activities will help your brand). Branding is about selling everything associated with your organization.

FAQ's Re Starting a Nonprofit

We have received dozens of questions about starting a nonprofit. Maybe yours is answered here.

Planned Giving

Planned Giving is a complex program of various financial instruments that can be adapted to each donor's needs.

Taglines and Mission Statement

Do taglines and mission statements matter for nonprofits? Two nonprofit experts say they do and advise how nonprofits can write better ones.

Bylaws

A legal document outlining the self-imposed rules that will regulate an organization's own actions.

Samples and Templates

Here are the most popular of our sample letters, charts, and grant proposal components.

Needs Assessment

Even though the goal for your new nonprofit is not to make a profit but to change lives, it is also a business. As such, it is important to adopt many business-like procedures. One of those is conducting a survey and/or other research before you launch a product or service.

What Are Bylaws?

Bylaws are the rules that govern the internal management of an organization.

Board Compensation

Only about 2 percent of nonprofits compensate board members, and it is unusual outside of large, complex entities such as health care systems or large foundations.

Better Boards

Nothing will have such an impact on the success of your nonprofit as your board of directors. A great nonprofit board is essential to the legality of your enterprise, how much money it raises, and the quality of the leadership it hires.

Articles of Incorporation

When you incorporate as a nonprofit, the state in which you incorporate will require Articles of Incorporation.

Writing Methods for Grants

Once the goals and objectives of your grant proposal are in place, you need to walk the grantor through the methods you will use to achieve those goals and objectives.

Fiscal Sponsor

Fiscal sponsors are nonprofit organizations that help other organizations to receive grants or tax-exempt funds.

How to Promote Your Nonprofit

Promoting a nonprofit is similar to promoting any business, but somehow it feels a whole lot better. Do it well, do it professionally, and the public and media will love you.

Mission and Your Name

A lot rests with the name of your nonprofit and even on what you name your projects and programs. Will your name become a household word? Will it convey quickly and eloquently what you do? Does your name help your marketing?

Gates Foundation

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is the largest in history. It may well be the most important as well. Approaching intractable world health problems as systems failures that can be solved, the Foundation is bringing new hope to those who had given up on helping the poorest people in the world.

Don't Lose Tax-Exempt Status

It is wonderful that you have jumped through all the hoops to become a tax-exempt, charitable organization. But now you must be careful that your actions don't draw attention from the IRS or cause you to lose your exempt designation.

Tips for Social Networking

Social sites are about relationship building and it is harder than it looks. Many nonprofits are struggling to get their social site networks to actually pay off. But all nonprofits need to be investing in social networking because that is where the future lies.

Board Fundraising

It is a common problem. Board members are reluctant to accept their responsibility to give and to solicit gifts for the nonprofit they serve. Here are some ways to overcome the board's resistance.

What Is an Unincorporated Asso

Many so-called nonprofits are simply groups of people who come together to perform some social good.

Donor Disclosures

501(c)(3) nonprofits must abide by many IRS rules in exchange for their considerable tax advantages. The most common rules have to do with donor disclosures.

What is a Nonprofit?

The term, nonprofit, is used rather loosely to describe groups that come together to achieve a mission, rather than to make a profit.

Social Marketing

Social marketing is a lot about regular marketing except that you are trying to promote behavioral change such as cessation of smoking or safe sex.

Writing a Case Statement

Every fundraising campaign has the Case Statement at its center. It is the core document that sits at the center of your plan and strategy.

Basics of a Corporation

You don't have to be a lawyer to set up your nonprofit organization, but here are some basics about corporations that will be helpful.

Special Events

Special events are not a way to raise a lot of money immediately, but they can be a part of your strategic plan to cultivate future donations, and to boost your profile in the community.

Stakeholder

Anyone who has an interest in your organization can be a stakeholder

Market Planned Giving

Planned giving is not just about setting up the many planned gift vehicles. It is also about marketing your program to donors and prospective donors.

Board of Directors

Ken Burnett, guru of nonprofit management and fundraising, has a new book to help you with your board of directors.

Why Apply for 501(c)(3) Status

Many nonprofits do not need to apply for 501(c)(3) status. Here are two questions to ask yourself before you go through the arduous process of applying....

Course Review

This beautifully arranged four-week course walks you through the basics of creating your annual report and takes the fear out of the process, from collecting the information to production and mailing.

What Is Working in Fundraising

Fundraising in a recession is not fun, but it is necessary. Here are some areas of fundraising that show promise despite the bad economic news.

Fundraising In a Recession

It takes perserverance, innovative thinking, and a strong belief in your mission to be a successful fundraiser during a recession.

Mission Creep

Mission statements are more than just decoration for your office wall, and your website. A good, focused mission statement makes decisions much easier.

Is Your Board Helpful?

Your board of directors can be a help or a hindrance. Here are some characteristics of a healthy board. Use them to evaluate yours.

Sustainability for Proposal

No funders like to think that their grant will only fund a project for a short time. Before investing in your project, your funder will want to know your plans for carrying the project into the future, with or without this particular funder's help.

Fiscal Year

A fiscal year is a 12-month period for which an organization plans the use of its funds.

Cultivating Donors

Cultivation is what makes solicitation possible, and ultimately donations. Done well, cultivation sets the stage for easy and successful "asks."

Business Activity

Most nonprofits engage in some kind of business activity to help support their organization. But, what activities are related and what are unrelated? And, what are the tax implications?

3 Things for Nonprofit Resume

More people than ever want to work in the nonprofit world. But the competition is keen. Here are three things you should include on your resume when applying for a nonprofit job.

Usea Gift Chart with Donors

Articulating a specific amount to ask from a donor is not easy, but it is necessary. One way to do that is to use your gift chart.

Online Donors and Websites

Jakob Nielsen, a web page usability expert, has found that bad nonprofit web sites result in fewer online donations.

Writing Fundraising Materials

Tom Ahern, master of fundraising copy, suggests that when you start writing any communication piece, imagine that you have "four sets of ears." Each set of ears pays attention to a different group of stimuli and represents one of the four basic personalities that resides in the minds of your readers.

PayPal and Nonprofits

PayPalrecently teamed up with BlackBaud to offer, a point-and-click website builder with secure donation processing and the ability to send emails and record donors’ giving histories.

Annual Fund

The Annual Fund is an organized effort to obtain gifts on a yearly basis to support, at least in part, general operations of a nonprofit organization.

Donor Recognition

Instead of fancy baubles or plaques, find inexpensive and personal ways to thank your donors and connect them to your mission.

8 Grant Proposal Writing Tips

Writing a grant proposal can be daunting, and the information that you've gathered can look overwhelming. But there are some tried and true guidelines to keep in mind as you prepare for and write that proposal.

Planned Giving Considerations

Every nonprofit wants to raise funds...fast. A planned giving program is not a fast project. It takes time to construct and even more time to realize results.

Identify Major Donors

We all dream of the ultimate goal in fundraising, a major giver who endows our organization with millions. We hope he or she will walk into our door one day and plop down a check.

Reaching Local Media

Whether your nonprofit is in a large city or a small town, reaching your local media is essential to your public relations program. Here are tips for becoming a favorite source for your local reporters.

Using Online Donor Sites

Many nonprofits successfully use sites such as Network for Good to process their donations made online and with credit cards.

Getting Board Members on Board

Even those who join boards for all the right reasons still need to know what is expected of them once they agree to become board members.

The Basics of Online Marketing

Online marketing is no longer optional for nonprofit organizations. Even the smallest and most local nonprofit must reach out to the public through online marketing.

Sponsorships for Small Orgs

Even small organization can get corporate sponsorships. Just think of concentric circles of influence in your city or town.

Cause-Related Marketing

Cause-related marketing, or CRM, has exploded in recent years even though it is a relatively young concept. It began, on a national scale, in the early 1980s when American Express joined with the nonprofit group that was raising funds to restore the Statue of Liberty....

What Your Volunteers Want

Volunteers are not that hard to please. Here are a few things they have a right to expect from you - master these and you should be able to recruit and keep your volunteers.

Gifts for Good

We are all likely to spend less on gifts this year than ever. But spend we will, so why not ditch the guilt and make a purchase that combines the good feelings of gift-giving and charitable giving.

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross is an American tradition, and deeply engraved in our national memory. We give to it generously; and it responds with aid and relief during our worst disasters.

Before Recruiting Volunteers

You may be very anxious to get started on recruiting volunteers for your organization, but some preliminary work needs to be done first.

Volunteer Position Description

An incredibly useful tool, the volunteer position description creates the basis for your volunteer recruitment efforts. It explains the assignment, plus the skills, abilities and interests necessary to perform the volunteer task successfully. Position descriptions can and should be written for both individuals and volunteer committees.

Fundraising Products

Fundraising comes in many forms. Here are frequently asked questions about fundraising products, and how to find fundraising products that you can use for your school or church.

Nonprofit Corporation

The most frequently asked question of visitors to our site is "I want to start a nonprofit...Where do I start?" Here is a book that will guide you through that crucial first step of incorporating your nonprofit.

Fundraising Without Fear

Pitman's book is quick and precise. He has developed what he calls his R.E.A.L. process to guide us through the fundraising cycle. R.E.A.L. represents research, engage, ask, love and back to research. Follow the process, rinse and repeat.

Finding Good Board Members

Good candidates for your board may be closer than you think. Start with the closest networks and work you way outward to the community.

Restricted Gifts

Donors can choose to designate how a nonprofit can use their gifts.

Build a Planned Giving Program

Planned giving requires a very long time horizon, so people new to the field should start with self-education and take one step at a time.

Holiday Giving

Giving to charity at the holidays can be fulfilling, but where to start? Children, especially, love to visualize what their contribution will actually do. Heck, so do adults, so we've focused on charities that make giving easy and concrete.

Nonprofit Hard Times Guide

How do you keep your nonprofit financially stable when the economy has the jitters and donors have cold feet?

Fees for Services

Many nonprofits count on fees from services they offer to clients for part of their annual incomes. There are several things to be aware of however.

Email Subject Lines

There is no doubt that how you label your email to donors and supporters can make or break your communication. Want that email to be opened? Then pay most attention to the subject line.

The Organized Grant Writer

Grant writing begins long before you actually have a grant to write. Your tools of the trade is information...organizational information.

Hiring a Grant Writer

You may be fortunate enough to have an experienced grant writer on staff, especially if your organization has a developed and long standing grants program. But for many nonprofits that is not so, and it might make sense to hire a grant professional or consultant, at least for a limited time.

Volunteer Application

Nonprofit organizations really do need to be careful about who is volunteering for them. An adequate volunteer application form is essential.

Is Your Nonprofit Board Bored?

Are your board members nodding off at your board meetings? Or maybe not even showing up? They may be afflicted with boardroom ennui resulting from not having anything of substance to think about or do.

Volunteer Job Description

A written job description is as necessary for volunteers as it is for paid positions.

Find Proposal Samples?

We have samples of some sections of grant proposals scattered throughout our articles, but here are some other sources.

Wealthy Wired Donors

That wealthy donors are quite active online is the conclusion of an excellent study by Convio and others that explores the "wired" lives of wealthy donors, and how nonprofits are either capitalizing on the wired behaviors of their donors, or are missing the boat.

Bylaw Changes

An organization that is exempt from federal income tax, as described in Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3), is required to report changes to its bylaws.

Twitter Tips for Nonprofits

Why do people use Twitter? At first, it was a way to personally keep in touch with friends and family. But it has been quickly adopted by professionals of all kinds, as well as organizations and businesses. The nonprofit sector has become very busy on Twitter, as its potential for friend building, fundraising, and marketing has become apparent.

Remainder Trust

A charitable remainder trust is attractive to donors with highly appreciated assets.

Organizational Information

This section of your proposal needs to be just as succinct as the rest. Stick to the information that will establish your organization's credibility and ability to accomplish the goals of this project.

Great Donor Relations

Great customer service is the key to donor relations.

Effective Fundraising

This book by Nolo Press is the perfect gift for the newly minted nonprofit manager or development director.

Email Tips

There are a lot of issues around email communication, but the fact is that electronic-based communication is here to stay. So, whether you use email for fundraising or communicating with your volunteers, what can you do to make sure your emails are done right? Here are some tips.

Giving to Charity Online

Giving to charity online is transforming the game of philanthropy. Now donors of any means can connect with good causes and be sure that their donations, even when small, can have a decisive impact on the world.

When File?

In order to receive a tax-exemption dating from the time of your incorporation, you need to file IRS Form 1023 within 27 months of your incorporation.

Motivating Volunteers

Motivation is not something you do to someone. Motivation comes from within, and we have to understand what people like to do and don't like to do in order to match them to the right jobs.

What Is a Logic Model?

A "logic model" is used by grant writers to paint a picture of how an organization's proposed program will work.

Problem Board Members

We are often asked how to handle a problematic board member. The question is a good one and most boards will likely be confronted with such a problem at some time.

Business-Like Nonprofits

When asked how they would feel about operating in a more business-like fashion, as well as incorporating branding strategies into their daily activities, many nonprofit leaders still tell me that "it would make us look too much like the for-profit sector." And my response is always the same—"Get over it!"

Content Ideas for Websites

There are so many reasons to have good content on your nonprofit website, but perhaps one of the most important is that it draws the attention of the search engines.

Is Your Nonprofit Wired?

A good question that is floating around among nonprofit professionals is "How can nonprofits use social media?" I'm not sure what the answer is and probably few people so far really know. But we all need to get educated because the young are already there.

Social Media for Nonprofits

So, what are social media? The characteristic that most applies to social media is the ability to "upload." That is, individuals (formerly the audience) are now providing content by uploading information for all to see.

Sarbanes-Oxley

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act, enacted to govern publicly-held companies, provides a blueprint for nonprofits that want to ensure financial responsibility and transparency.

Pay Staff?

I want to set up a nonprofit organization. Can a nonprofit pay its staff?

Corporate Giving

Corporations are a major source of funding for nonprofits. Learn what corporate philanthropy means and the forms it can take.

Raise Money Through Auctions

Online auctions are a cost-effective way for charities to expand their reach and engage supporters willing to donate but who for reasons of geography, babysitters or other conflicts find themselves unable to attend the annual gala or other live event.

Keep Your Nonprofit Ethical

A brand is nothing less than your DNA; it’s a true reflection of how healthy, or unhealthy, your organization is from top to bottom—including its ethical behavior.

Donor Levels

Should you include suggested donation levels on your donor's return envelope?

Volunteer Opportunites Online

It has never been easier to find your perfect volunteer opportunity. Find volunteer opportunities online with this friendly guide to volunteer opportunities.

Grant Writing - a Review

If you are new to grant proposal writing, or simply want a refresher course, you would do well to start with these two books from Jossey-Bass.

Unemployment Insurance Costs

Typically, a nonprofit and for-profit pay for unemployment claims through a state unemployment insurance tax (SUI). But unlike their counterparts, nonprofits have an alternative choice – to become a reimbursing employer.

Family Foundation

A Family Foundation is one that derives its funding from one family.

Grant Writing

Journalists know that an effective article tells the reader who, what, where, when, why, and how. Well-written, interesting grant proposals should do the same for their readers and, in the process, tell a compelling story.

Giving and Global Poverty

There are so many places to put your charitable dollars today. But it is harder than ever to discern where your donation will do the most good. Consider these charities that are both effective and working to end global poverty.

Giving Circles

Giving circles are rapidly becoming a popular way for individuals to channel and amplify their philanthropic impulses.

Fiscal Sponsorship

Sometimes, organizations are too small and have too few resources to become a full nonprofit. Or, their purpose is limited and temporary. How can they solicit tax-free contributions?

Raise Money Through Bequests

This book lays out, in terms anyone can understand, the steps to setting up a bequest program, how to keep it going strong, how to market the program, and what to do when those bequests start rolling in.

Donor-Advised Funding

Donor-advised funds are charitable giving accounts offered by a sponsoring charity that are designed as an accessible, simple, and less expensive alternative to private foundations.

Nonprofit Financial Management

When asked what about their organization keeps them awake at night, most nonprofit executive directors and senior managers will give the short and simple answer: money.

While most bring financial management experience to their job, many have less expertise in this area than they would like. All, however, are aware that sound financial management is linked with every function of the nonprofit and is essential for organizational success.

Getting Attention

Even if your organization is struggling and there are so many other priorities than hiring a good pitch man or woman, there is help in Joseph Barbato's easy-to-read and practical "Attracting the Attention Your Cause Deserves/"

Case Statement

A Case Statement is at the heart of your fundraising strategy.

Nonprofit Crisis Planning

Crisis management is key to the success of nonprofit organizations. Don't delay your crisis planning. Don't ruin your hard-won reputation by handling difficult situations badly.

Online Fundraising Auctions

With the help of the Internet, online auctions break the barriers of time and geography and allow organizations to reach a broader audience and increase their fundraising potential. Online auctions also offer a more quantifiable value proposition to donors and sponsors. They also dramatically expand the marketing reach for organizations as a whole, creating a greater awareness of the cause and a greater fundraising capability.

EIN

Every business, profit or nonprofit, has to have an EIN from the IRS.

Websites for Mature Readers

Your donors and volunteers are aging. Learn how to design a website that will keep those mature readers coming back.

Does Our Nonprofit Board Need

Most experts think that nonprofits need "Directors and Officers (D & O) liability insurance.

Nonprofit Writing 101

Writing material for nonprofit publications, direct mail, email communications, and fundraising is a specialized subset of writing.

Nonprofit Survival Course

As bad as this economic downturn has been for nonprofits, those who survive will have learned lessons that will prove invaluable later, whether times are good or times are bad.

Private Foundation

Private foundations are generally founded by an individual, a family or a group of individuals, and are organized either as a nonprofit corporation or as a charitable trust.

Family Volunteer Program

Family Volunteer programs are more than a trend these days. Busy families welcome the opportunity to do something together. Setting up a family volunteer program could be a great plus for your organization.

What Is a Social Entrepreneur?

Social entrepreneurs use a business model to address a social need.

Corporate Foundation

A corporate foundation often maintains close ties with the donor company, but it is a separate, legal organization.

National Service Comes Back

National Service is on the lips of the nation as a new president assumes office, an economy tanks, and social needs reach all-time highs.

website Mistakes

A website should be living, dynamic and energetic. It should reflect your organization's personality and mission through great photos, copy, and design.

Publications for Nonprofits

These publications are the most widely consulted in the nonprofit sector. They are must-have's for anyone working in a nonprofit.

Resources for Social Media

Social media (or Web 2.0) is everywhere these days, but it is not easy to get your arms around. For those of us not born to the Internet, here are some resources that help explain social media and suggest ways nonprofits can use it.

Cooperative

A cooperative is a collaboration of individuals or businesses that work together to gain a benefit through numbers.

Paying to Volunteer?

Many of us, when we first think about volunteering, think that it should be enough that we give our time. Why should we pay for the privilege of volunteering? The truth is that it is commonplace to pay your own expenses when you volunteer abroad. Those expenses include airfare, meals, and lodging.

Planned Giving: Death & Taxes

Only two things are certain in life, it is said, and they are death and taxes. That's where planned giving comes in.

The Good Volunteer

There is a revived spirit of volunteerism in the U.S., inspired by the new president and his call for service. Here is how you can find a good volunteer opportunity.

Credit Card Donations

Most nonprofits of any size should be able to accept donations by credit card. Donors love the convenience and perks that they get when they pay with a credit card; and the nonprofit benefits from quick collection of funds.

What is IRS Form 990-N?

The Pension Protection Act, passed in 2006, requires that small nonprofits, who in the past have not needed to file the IRS 990 Form, have to file the new IRS 990-N.

When Can I Go After Donations?

Naturally, a start-up nonprofit is anxious to start raising money. But, it is best to wait until all the details are wrapped up.

Youth Volunteer Facts

Young people actually volunteer at a much greater rate than adults. How can you take advantage of this youthful drive to do good?

CSR and TOMS Shoes

The darling of the "philanthropic capitalism" fan club right now is TOMS Shoes. And for good reasons.

Volunteer Recognition

Here is a tip for making your volunteer recognition event something that people look forward to...not dread.

Sample Press Release for Nonpr

Nonprofit Press releases will vary but the standard format is usually similar to the example below.

Donor Research

You may not be able to hire a donor prospect researcher to prepare detailed information about your donor prospects, but you can start pulling together some basic information just with some time and patience.

Effective Teasers

For creating a teaser for your fundraising package, Mal Warwick suggests thinking of the "need" the teaser fulfills before you write it.

Recruiting Young Volunteers

Recruiting youth volunteers requires the ability to put yourself in their shoes. Here are some tips for recruiting and engaging them.

First Steps to DM Fundraising

Before a small or startup nonprofit gets into direct-mail fundraising, it should establish some basic procedures and regular mailings.

Market Research for Nonprofits

That is the nature of market research. The results are often surprising and counterintuitive. What we thought was the problem turns out not to be. The research usually saves money because our marketing efforts are directed squarely at the problem and not squandered on unimportant issues.

Fundraising Pages

We wanted to find out just how people and organizations go about setting up giving pages on a charitable giving site.

Donation to Charity

Today, there are numerous ways make a donation to your favorite cause, from using your checkbook to setting up a foundation to entering your credit card number online. A donation can be made at all price points and can be packaged according to you preferences, convenience, and size of your pocketbook.

Safe Giving Guide

The most frequent questions we get about charitable organizations are, "How do I know if an organization is legitimate?" and "How do I report a possible fraudulent nonprofit?"

Starting a Local Chapter

Some national nonprofits simply link with already existing local nonprofits, while others have licensing agreements.

Social Entrepreneurs

David Boorstein, in his book, "How to Change the World," provides many clues to identifying or becoming an organization that is entrepreneurial, and the qualities that characterize people who are social entrepreneurs.

FAQs - Grant Proposals

We have received dozens of questions about grant writing. Perhaps yours is answered here.

Charitable Gift Annuities

One of the simplest and most popular forms of life income gifts is the charitable gift annuity.

Mobile Giving

Mobile giving, the act of donating to a cause through one’s cell phone, is the newest thing in philanthropy. Learn what it is and how you can make it work for your nonprofit.