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Serving on a nonprofit board isn’t a seat to fill—it’s a responsibility. A commitment. It’s the moment where passion meets purpose. But here’s the kicker: being a board member in a nonprofit leadership program isn’t just about sitting in on quarterly meetings, nodding in agreement, and then heading home. It’s about rolling up your sleeves and getting to work for the cause you believe in. So, let’s take a deep dive into what that work actually looks like.

1. The Duty of Care

Your nonprofit’s mission? You’re in charge of safeguarding it. Board members have a duty of care, which means you’ve got to be hands-on. Know what’s happening in the organization. Ask tough questions. Read the financials before the meeting, not during. If something seems off, speak up. Care isn’t passive. It’s action-oriented. If the ship goes down, you should have been the one steering to avoid the iceberg in the first place. This hands-on approach is a cornerstone of effective nonprofit leadership programs.

2. The Duty of Loyalty

Loyalty goes beyond just showing up and smiling for the group photo. It means being all in. Your loyalty should lie squarely with the nonprofit, not your personal agenda or side hustle. Conflicts of interest? They need to be called out, addressed, and avoided. Loyalty also means putting the nonprofit’s best interests above your own and making decisions with integrity. Understanding this duty is essential for those who aspire to become a board member.

3. The Duty of Obedience

Now, I get it—no one likes the word “obedience.” It feels too much like a dog following orders, right? But this is important. Obedience, in this context, means keeping the nonprofit on track with its mission. As a board member in a nonprofit leadership program, you’re there to ensure the organization doesn’t drift. That means knowing the bylaws, keeping an eye on the mission, and ensuring the nonprofit’s activities align with both.

4. Fundraising

Let's tackle the elephant in the room. Fundraising. Yes, it's your job when you become a board member. Yes, it's important. I know, I know—people don't join nonprofit leadership programs because they want to ask their friends for money. But here's the thing: you believe in this mission, right? So why wouldn't you want to share it with others and ask them to support it? Fundraising isn't just shaking a tin cup. It's opening doors, making introductions, leveraging your network, and yes, sometimes writing a check yourself. It's part of your duty as a board member, and there's no way around it.

5. Financial Oversight

The financials aren’t just for the accountants. Board members are tasked with overseeing the nonprofit’s finances, ensuring the organization is fiscally sound and responsible. This doesn’t mean you need to be a financial wizard, but you do need to understand the basics: budget, cash flow, income sources, expenses. If something doesn’t add up, it’s your job to ask questions, dig deeper, and protect the nonprofit’s resources.

6. Strategic Planning

A nonprofit can’t survive on passion alone. It needs direction, goals, and a clear plan for the future. That’s where strategic planning comes into play. Board members help chart the course, ensuring that the nonprofit is moving toward long-term sustainability. This isn’t just about what’s happening now—it’s about vision. Are you thinking about the next five, ten years? Where is the nonprofit headed? It’s your job to make sure there’s a roadmap to get there.

7. Hiring and Evaluating Leadership

A nonprofit is only as strong as its leadership, and hiring an executive director is one of the most critical roles a board plays in its nonprofit leadership program. Once the leader is in place, it's not a "set it and forget it" situation. Evaluating their performance, supporting their development, and holding them accountable is key. But remember: this doesn't mean micromanaging. There's a balance. The board hires, guides, and supports, but it doesn't run the day-to-day operations.

8. Advocacy and Ambassadorship

You’ve got the nonprofit’s name behind yours, and that comes with a responsibility to be an ambassador. This means championing the organization, promoting its work, and raising awareness. Whether you’re at a cocktail party, community event, or on social media, your role as a board member is to be a constant advocate. Your voice is powerful—use it.

9. Compliance and Legal Responsibility

Nonprofits are subject to laws and regulations, and when you become a board member, it's your job to ensure the organization stays compliant. This can be everything from filing tax forms on time to adhering to nonprofit laws in your state. Ignoring these responsibilities can put your nonprofit at risk—and nobody wants that.  Understanding these legal aspects is crucial for those who want to become a board member and is a key focus in many nonprofit leadership programs so stay on top of it.

10. Fostering Organizational Culture

Lastly, but certainly not least, board members help shape the culture of the organization. It starts with the boardroom. Are you fostering collaboration, transparency, and respect? The tone you set trickles down to staff and volunteers. A healthy organizational culture is the bedrock of a successful nonprofit, and the board plays a significant role in maintaining it.

In Conclusion: Being a Board Member Is a Privilege—Treat It That Way

When you become a board member, you’re not just filling a seat. You’re holding the reins of an organization's nonprofit leadership program that’s trying to make the world better in some way. Don’t take that lightly. Understand your duties, embrace your responsibilities, and remember why you’re there: to serve a mission greater than yourself. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about you—it’s about the work, the impact, and the people who rely on the nonprofit to make a difference.

So go ahead, roll up your sleeves. There’s work to be done, and you’re just the person to do it.

Here’s a question that can spark some serious debate: should nonprofit board members get paid a salary? At first glance, it seems like the answer should be simple—nonprofit boards are volunteer-based, right? But hold on. The nonprofit world isn’t always black and white, and this is one of those gray areas where you’ve got to ask yourself: what’s really best for the organization? Before you jump to conclusions, let’s dig a little deeper into the pros, cons, and what it all really means for your nonprofit.

The Traditional View: No Pay, All Heart

Traditionally, nonprofit boards consist of volunteer board members who serve without compensation. And that’s for good reason. Serving on a board is supposed to be a labor of love, a way to give back to a cause you’re passionate about. It’s a role of stewardship, not a gig to make a quick buck or earn a board member salary.

Here’s the deal: the nonprofit sector thrives on people who are willing to give their time, talents, and yes, even treasure (we’re looking at you, fundraising duty). Paying board members could shift that dynamic. If you start cutting checks, does the motivation change? Are people still serving because they care, or because they’re looking for some extra income? These are real questions nonprofits wrestle with when considering whether to pay their boards.

The Case For Paying Board Members: Time Is Money

Now, let’s flip the script for a second. Nonprofit board members put in serious work—strategic planning, financial oversight, fundraising, hiring executive leadership. Sometimes, it feels like a part-time job. So why shouldn’t they get compensated with a board member salary for their time and effort?

Paying board members could attract highly qualified individuals who might otherwise pass on the opportunity because they simply can’t afford to be volunteer board members. In fact, some larger nonprofits with complex financial structures or significant fundraising goals do pay their board members. These organizations argue that it helps them recruit top-tier talent and keeps their boards engaged and accountable.

But here’s the kicker—if you pay board members, you’ve got to be really clear about what that means. Are you paying for their expertise? Their time? Their leadership? If you’re going to write a check, you’d better have crystal-clear expectations in place for the board member salary.

The IRS, State Laws, and All That Fun Legal Stuff

Of course, it wouldn’t be a nonprofit topic if we didn’t talk about regulations, right? Whether or not board members can receive a salary—and how much—varies depending on state laws and IRS regulations. The IRS doesn’t flat-out forbid nonprofits from paying board members, but it has some pretty strict rules about what’s considered “reasonable compensation.”

In plain English? If you’re paying board members, the amount has to be justifiable and not excessive. The IRS frowns upon paying nonprofit boards too much because, let’s face it, that’s money that could be going toward the mission. Plus, there’s always the risk of damaging the public’s trust. People want to know that their donations are going toward making a difference, not lining the pockets of board members with hefty salaries.

The Cons: Losing Sight of the Mission

Here’s a big concern that gets tossed around when you talk about paying nonprofit board members: mission drift. Will paying your board shift the focus from the cause to compensation? Nonprofits run on heart. They’re fueled by passion, dedication, and a deep commitment to solving real-world problems. There’s a worry that once you introduce financial compensation, you start running the risk of attracting folks who are in it for the wrong reasons rather than dedicated volunteer board members.

And then there’s the budget. Every dollar spent on board member salaries is a dollar not spent on programs, services, or staff. Can your nonprofit afford to pay board members, or is that money better used elsewhere? It’s a tough call, and one that has to be weighed carefully.

What’s Right For Your Nonprofit?

At the end of the day, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to whether or not nonprofit board members should get paid. For some organizations, especially small grassroots groups, it would feel downright strange to offer board compensation. For larger organizations with complex structures and big budgets, paying board members might make sense.

The key is transparency. Whatever decision you make, it has to be above-board (pun intended). You’ve got to be clear about why you’re doing it, how much you’re paying, and what you expect in return. And, of course, you need to stay compliant with state laws and IRS guidelines regarding board member salaries.

My Two Cents

If you ask me, nonprofit board members should serve out of passion for the mission, often as volunteer board members. But I also get that sometimes, a nonprofit needs to compensate board members to attract the talent and expertise it needs to thrive. If you go the route of paying your board, make sure it’s done thoughtfully, legally, and with the nonprofit’s best interest at heart. After all, the mission is what matters most.

So, should nonprofit board members get paid? It depends. What works for one organization might not work for another. Just make sure that whatever you decide about board member salaries, it helps your nonprofit stay mission-driven, financially sound, and focused on doing good in the world. Because that’s why we’re all here, right?

Every nonprofit needs a solid foundation, and one of the cornerstones of that foundation is your bylaws. Think of bylaws as your organization’s rulebook—a document that keeps everything running smoothly and helps your board navigate tricky situations with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re starting a new nonprofit or revisiting your existing bylaws, having a well-crafted template can make this daunting task much more manageable.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the key components of nonprofit bylaws and offer a template to help you get started. Let’s ensure your organization is set up for long-term success.

What Are Nonprofit Bylaws, and Why Do They Matter?

‍Bylaws are the internal rules that govern your nonprofit—from how decisions are made to how conflicts are resolved. They:

• Provide Structure: Bylaws define roles, responsibilities, and processes, ensuring everyone understands their part in the organization.
• Ensure Compliance: Most states require nonprofits to have bylaws, and they’re often needed for tax-exempt status with the IRS.
• Prevent Conflicts: When disagreements arise, your bylaws act as the final word, reducing confusion and potential power struggles.

Think of your bylaws as both a roadmap and a safety net—they keep your organization on track while protecting it from avoidable pitfalls.

Key Sections to Include in Your Bylaws

Here are the essential components to cover when drafting or updating your nonprofit bylaws:

1. Name and Purpose
   • Clearly state your organization’s name and its mission or purpose. Keep this section concise but impactful.
2. Membership
   • Specify whether your nonprofit will have members. If so, outline eligibility criteria, rights, and responsibilities.
3. Board of Directors
   • Detail the composition, roles, and responsibilities of your board. Include:
     • Minimum and maximum number of directors
     • Length of terms and term limits
     • Election and removal processes
     • Officer roles (e.g., president, secretary, treasurer)
4. Meetings
   • Define how and when meetings will be held, including:
     • Frequency (e.g., monthly, quarterly)
     • Quorum requirements
     • Rules for special or emergency meetings
5. Committees
   • Describe any standing or ad hoc committees, their purposes, and how members are appointed.
6. Conflict of Interest Policy
   • Include guidelines for identifying and managing conflicts of interest to ensure transparency and integrity.
7. Fiscal Matters
   • Address financial management practices, such as:
     • Fiscal year designation
     • Budget approval
     • Requirements for audits or financial reviews
8. Amendments
   • Outline the process for making changes to the bylaws, including who can propose amendments and how they are approved.
9. Dissolution
   • Include a plan for what happens to the organization’s assets if it ceases operations, ensuring compliance with state and federal laws.

A Template for Nonprofit Bylaws

Here’s a simple template to guide you as you draft or revise your bylaws:

[Your Nonprofit’s Name] Bylaws

Article I: Name and Purpose
This organization shall be known as [Name of Nonprofit]. The purpose of [Name] is to [state mission/purpose].

Article II: Membership
[Specify membership details or state “This organization shall not have members.”]

Article III: Board of Directors

• The Board of Directors shall consist of [minimum/maximum number] members.
• Directors shall serve [length of term] and may serve no more than [term limits, if applicable].
• Elections will be held [frequency and method].

Article IV: Meetings

• Regular meetings shall be held [frequency].
• A quorum shall consist of [number or percentage].

Article V: Committees

• Standing committees include [list committees]. Additional committees may be established as needed.

Article VI: Conflict of Interest Policy
[Include conflict of interest language.]

Article VII: Fiscal Matters

• The fiscal year of the organization shall begin on [start date] and end on [end date].
• An annual budget shall be approved by the Board.

Article VIII: Amendments

• These bylaws may be amended by [process for amendments].

Article IX: Dissolution

• Upon dissolution, assets shall be distributed to [recipient organization or purpose].

Final Thoughts‍

Your nonprofit bylaws should reflect your organization’s unique mission and values. While templates like this are helpful starting points, remember to tailor them to fit your specific needs. And don’t hesitate to consult with an attorney or nonprofit expert to ensure your bylaws comply with state and federal requirements.

By taking the time to create thoughtful, comprehensive bylaws, you’re setting your nonprofit up for smooth operations and sustainable success—and that’s a win for everyone.

If you want to get a more complete nonprofit bylaws template that contain the IRS 501(c)(3) required language, visit my Etsy shop! You can see the listing here:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1541223489/nonprofit-bylaws-template-editable

You know what makes a donor feel like they’re truly part of your mission? A killer thank-you letter. Not the kind that sounds like it came from a tax receipt, but one that makes your supporters feel like heroes. A well-crafted thank-you note isn’t just a formality; it’s your chance to show your donors the incredible impact they’re making and to build the kind of connection that keeps them coming back.

Let’s break it down, piece by piece.

1. Start Strong: The Introduction
Think of the introduction as your warm, heartfelt hug through words. This is where you grab your donor’s attention and make them feel like the hero they are.

Here’s how to nail it:

• Personalized Salutation: No “Dear Friend” nonsense here. Use their name! It’s a simple way to show they’re more than just a number to you.
• Gratitude That Shines: Dive into a specific example that connects their gift to real-life impact. For example:
  • Compelling: “Thanks to your generosity, little Lucy finally got the life-saving surgery she needed. Your $100 gift didn’t just help a child; it gave her a chance at a bright future.”
  • Less Compelling: “Thank you for your $100 donation. Please keep this letter for your records.”

See the difference? One feels like a hug, the other feels like a bill.

2. Build Connection: The Body
Now that you’ve got their attention, it’s time to deepen the connection. This is where you get specific and show your donor the true impact of their gift.

• Tell a Story: Forget the generic “your donation helps our mission” lines. Instead, share a powerful, personal story. Talk about one family, one animal, or one individual whose life has been changed because of their support. People remember stories, not stats.
• Make It Easy to Read:
  • Use a clean, simple font and plenty of white space.
  • Add bolded text, bullet points, or quotes to highlight key points.
• Add Impact Data: Wrap up your story with a relevant stat that shows the bigger picture. For example: “Last year, thanks to supporters like you, we served over 5,000 meals to families in need.”

3. End with Gratitude: The Conclusion
Wrap up your letter by doubling down on your gratitude and leaving your donor with a warm, fuzzy feeling. Here’s how:

• Restate Your Thanks: Reiterate the incredible difference their gift made. Make it personal and heartfelt.
• Soft Call to Action: Instead of asking for more money, invite them to engage further. For instance: “Check out our Instagram to see more stories of lives you’ve changed.”
• Contact Info: Let them know how they can reach you if they have questions or want to get involved.

4. Don’t Skip the Signature and P.S.
Did you know that most donors skim your letter, heading straight for the signature and postscript? Use these areas to shine.

• Signature: Choose someone relatable and recognizable, like your executive director or a program leader. Bonus points if you include a small photo to add a personal touch.
• Postscript (P.S.): This is prime real estate. Use it to share a final heartfelt note or invite them to an event. For example: “P.S. We’d love to meet you! Join us for our annual open house on March 15 to see your impact in action.”

A great thank-you letter isn’t just about saying thanks. It’s about showing your donors they’re an essential part of your mission. By personalizing your message, telling impactful stories, and leaving them with an open invitation to stay connected, you’ll transform a simple note into a relationship-building powerhouse.

Take Your Donor Communications to the Next Level!

‍Want to make donor stewardship a breeze? Check out our Etsy Shop for exclusive resources, templates, and insider tips that save you time and boost donor retention.

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Let’s talk about something deeply personal and incredibly powerful: memorial giving.

When someone loses a loved one, they often want to do something—anything—that feels meaningful in the face of grief. And for many, that means giving back. A well-structured memorial giving program allows people to honor their loved ones while supporting a cause they believe in. It’s a win-win—heartfelt philanthropy meets the vital needs of your nonprofit.

So, if your nonprofit hasn’t tapped into memorial giving yet, it’s time. Let’s walk through how to do it with heart, intention, and impact.

What Is Memorial Giving?

Memorial giving (sometimes called tribute giving) is when people make donations in honor of someone who has passed away. It can take different forms:

• One-time gifts made in memory of a loved one.
• Recurring donations—a lasting tribute that continues year after year.
• Legacy funds set up in someone’s name to support a cause they loved.
• Peer-to-peer fundraising where friends and family raise money collectively.
• Memorial events like charity walks, scholarship funds, or annual giving days dedicated to a lost loved one.

Nonprofits that do this well make it easy for grieving families to direct donations their way—and provide meaningful recognition in return.

Why Memorial Giving Matters

Memorial gifts are not just donations. They are acts of remembrance, love, and legacy. When done thoughtfully, they:

• Provide comfort to grieving families by giving them a way to channel their loss into impact.
• Build long-term donor relationships—many people who give in memory of a loved one become lifelong supporters.
• Create a deeper connection between donors and your cause. A tribute gift isn’t just another transaction—it’s a heartfelt act that strengthens donor loyalty.
• Encourage legacy giving. Someone who donates in memory of a loved one may eventually decide to leave a bequest or establish a named fund.

The potential here is enormous—but only if your nonprofit sets up the right framework.

How to Set Up a Memorial Giving Program That Works

1. Make It Easy to Give

Grieving families don’t have time to dig through your website looking for donation options. They need a simple, clear pathway.

• Create a dedicated memorial giving page. Include an easy-to-use donation form and instructions on how to set up tribute gifts.
• Offer suggested wording so families can include donation instructions in obituaries and memorial announcements. Example:

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to [Nonprofit Name] in memory of [Loved One’s Name]. Visit [yourwebsite.org/memorialgiving] to donate.

• Make sure it’s mobile-friendly. When someone reads an obituary and clicks the link, your site should work seamlessly on their phone.

2. Recognize Memorial Gifts Thoughtfully

A standard donation receipt? Not enough. These gifts are deeply personal, and your acknowledgment should be, too.

• Send a personalized thank-you note. Mention the loved one by name and share how the gift will make a difference.
• Notify the family (if appropriate). Offer to send them a list of donors who gave in memory of their loved one.
• Consider permanent recognition. A memorial wall, digital tribute page, or named fund can offer long-lasting acknowledgment.

3. Offer Families a Personalized Giving Experience

Some donors may want to do more than just make a one-time gift. Give them options.

• Set up tribute funds. This allows families to create a legacy in their loved one’s name.
• Encourage peer-to-peer fundraising. Let friends and family set up personal fundraising pages to collect donations.
• Offer a way to give annually. Some people may want to make a memorial gift every year on their loved one’s birthday or anniversary.

4. Spread the Word (With Sensitivity!)

Memorial giving should feel personal, not like a marketing campaign. That said, you need to make sure people know it’s an option.

• Share stories. If a family is comfortable, highlight their loved one’s story on your website or in a newsletter.
• Include memorial giving in your annual appeal. Mention it as a meaningful way to give.
• Partner with local funeral homes. Some will include your nonprofit in their suggested charities for memorial gifts.

5. Build Relationships With Memorial Donors

These donors have given in an incredibly personal way—don’t let the relationship end with a tax receipt.

• Check in with the family later. A simple note on the anniversary of their loved one’s passing can mean a lot.
• Invite them to events. Whether it’s a remembrance gathering or just an annual donor appreciation event, keep them connected.
• Offer legacy giving opportunities. Many memorial donors are open to discussing long-term giving when the time is right.

Final Thoughts

Memorial giving isn’t just about fundraising—it’s about honoring lives, strengthening donor relationships, and offering a meaningful way for people to support your cause.

If you don’t have a structured tribute giving program yet, start small. Create a dedicated webpage, refine your acknowledgment process, and make sure families know this is an option. Over time, this will grow into a deeply impactful part of your nonprofit’s fundraising strategy.

And who knows? That one gift in memory of a loved one could be the start of a lifelong partnership with your nonprofit.

Need Help Setting Up a Memorial Giving Program?

If you’re wondering how to integrate memorial giving into your fundraising strategy, we’ve got you covered. Check out our Etsy Shop for exclusive resources and expert guidance from a nonprofit professional who gets it. Get access to trainings, templates, and strategies to help you grow, engage, and fundraise effectively.

Visit us today!

Scroll down to explore this week's grants. Deadlines are always approaching, so take a look and see which ones might be the right fit for your nonprofit.

Happy grant writing!

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John and Maria Laffin Trust

The Trust provides grants to qualified nonprofits supporting education, animal welfare, medical research, and human services. No geographical limitations for medical research or human services grants. Grants for education and animal welfare are restricted to Los Angeles and LA County.

Deadline: July 31, 2025

https://www.wellsfargo.com/private-foundations/laffin-trust/

 Gamma Mu Foundation

The Foundation is committed to empowering LGBTQ+ communities by supporting organizations and initiatives that create lasting, positive change. Applications are now open for the grant program to address the unique challenges faced by rural and underserved populations, funding programs that promote health, education, social support, and equality.

Deadline: March 31, 2025

https://www.gammamufoundation.org/grant-proposal-guidelines---application-info

Sparkplug Foundation

The Foundation prioritizes grassroots organizing and innovation as the key for creating change and supports projects that engage individuals who have been excluded or marginalized. Funding supports U.S.nonprofits for community organizing projects, education initiatives, and music.

Deadline: May 2, 2025

https://www.sparkplugfoundation.org/apply/

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J.W. Couch Foundation

The Foundation supports U.S. nonprofits for programs to combat various mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, bi-polar, PTSD, and more. Other funding areas available.

Next Deadline: March 28, 2025

https://jwcouchfoundation.org/apply

Howe Foundation

The Foundation’s Grant Program makes contributions to U.S. charitable organizations whose principal purposes are in the areas of health, education, or medical advancements.

 Deadline: August 1, 2025

https://www.wellsfargo.com/private-foundations/howe-foundation/

Pfizer Healthcare Charitable Contributions Program

Pfizer supports U.S. nonprofits that provide broad public benefit, advance medical care, and improve patient outcomes. Grant making areas of interest include patient education, including health screening; patient advocacy for disease awareness; and improving patient access to care.

Next deadline: April 15, 2025 (check website for updates)

https://www.pfizer.com/about/responsibility/global-impact/charitable-contributions

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Scroll down to explore this week's grants. Deadlines are always approaching, so take a look and see which ones might be the right fit for your nonprofit.

Happy grant writing!

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National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)

The NEA’s Grants for Arts Projects provides funding for public engagement with the arts and arts education, the integration of the arts in communities, and for the improvement of capacity of organizations. Grants available for Artist Communities, Arts Education, Dance, Design, Film & Media Arts, Folk & Traditional Arts, Literary Arts, Local Arts Agencies, Museums, Music, Musical Theater, Opera, Presenting & Multidisciplinary Works, Theater, and Visual Arts.

Deadline: March 11, 2025

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/358418

ProLiteracy

ProLiteracy is seeking applications for its Literacy Opportunity Fund to meet the needs of U.S. nonprofits that are doing direct work with adult students. Funded by the Nora Roberts Foundation.

Upcoming quarterly deadlines: April 1 and July 1, 2025

https://www.proliteracy.org/Literacy-Opportunity-Fund

Hearst Foundations

The Hearst Foundations fund cultural institutions that offer meaningful programs in the arts and sciences, prioritizing those that enable engagement by young people and create a lasting and measurable impact. Supported organizations include arts schools, ballets, museums, operas, performing arts centers, symphonies and theaters.

No Deadline

https://www.hearstfdn.org/faq

Barnes & Noble Charitable Donations Program

Barnes & Noble, the bookstore chain with stores throughout the U.S., supports nonprofit organizations that focus on literacy, the arts, or education (pre-K-12), at both local and national levels. The company also considers sponsorship opportunities with organizations that focus on higher learning, literacy, and the arts. Barnes & Noble funds nonprofits in communities with company stores.

No Deadline

https://www.barnesandnobleinc.com/about-bn/sponsorships-charitable-donations/

Wish You Well Foundation

The Foundation supports U.S. nonprofits that teach adults the literacy skills they need to communicate, grow, and thrive within their communities. The focus is on fostering new and promoting existing adult literacy and educational programs.

No Deadline

https://www.wishyouwellfoundation.org/apply-for-funding

National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)

The Research Grants in the Arts Program supports research studies that investigate the value and/or impact of the arts, either as individual components of the U.S. arts ecosystem or as they interact with each other and/or with other domains of American life.

Deadline: March 24, 2025

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/358398

National Film Preservation Foundation

The Foundation’s Matching Grant Program funds preservation, reconstruction, or restoration projects involving a single film or film collection of special cultural, historic, or artistic significance.

Deadline: March 21, 2025

https://www.filmpreservation.org/nfpf-grants/matching-grants

Dennis Schuman Charitable Foundation

The Foundation awards grants predominantly to qualified U.S. Jewish organizations and charities exclusively for charitable, religious, scientific, arts and cultural, literary or educational purposes.

Deadline: May 1, 2025

https://www.wellsfargo.com/private-foundations/schuman-charitable-foundation/

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Scroll down to explore this week's grants. Deadlines are always approaching, so take a look and see which ones might be the right fit for your nonprofit.

Happy grant writing!

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Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

DHS is seeking applications for theBuilding Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Grant program that provide funding for hazard mitigation activities and climate adaptation measures.

Deadline: April 18, 2025

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/358006

New Earth Foundation

The Foundation funds innovative projects that enhancel ife on the planet, including environmental initiatives working to help eliminate pollution and to save ecosystems, community efforts that create models of social sustainability, and more. 

Deadline: Letter of Inquiry by July 1, 2025

https://www.newearthfoundation.org/apply.html

Cisco

The Cisco Technology Grant Program focuses on disaster relief, shelter, water, and food; education; economic empowerment; and climatei mpact and regeneration. Through this program, Cisco donates networking technology to nonprofits to help them realize significant gains in productivity, scalability, and cost efficiency. 

No Deadline

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/about/csr/community/nonprofits/product-grant-program.html#~overview

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US Fish and Wildlife Service

The Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program provides technical help and financial support to restore and conserve fish and wildlifehabitats for the benefit of federal trust resources. Areas: species conservation, habitat connectivity, resilient ecosystems.

Deadline: On a rolling basis until May 30, 2025 for FY25funding 

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/358381

Quadratec

 Quadratec Cares ‘Energize the Environment’ Grant Program supports nonprofit programs or initiatives to benefit our environment,including trail improvements, litter prevention, park beautification, community environmental efforts, and more.

Next deadline: June 30, 2025

 https://www.quadratec.com/page/quadratec-cares-grant-program

T-Mobile Hometown Grants Program

Grants support community projects in small towns(population less than 50,000 people) across the U.S. Projects can occur in all fields of interest, including the environment and animal welfare, and are open to nonprofits to lead projects.

 Deadline: Quarterly, with next deadline of March 31, 2025

https://www.t-mobile.com/brand/hometown-grants

Federal Emergency Management Assistance (FEMA)

FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides supplemental grants to nonprofits, state, tribal, territorial, and local governments, so communities help to cover their costs for debris removal, life-saving emergency protective measures, and restoring public infrastructure. Online application and tutorials.

No deadline

https://www.fema.gov/assistance/public

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Scroll down to explore this week's grants. Deadlines are always approaching, so take a look and see which ones might be the right fit for your nonprofit.

Happy grant writing!

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Mosaic

The Building Bridges Grant Program supports projects that expand the reach and influence of climate, conservation, and environmental health and justice movements by bridging across sectoral, political, ideological, demographic, and geographic divides.

Deadline: March 5, 2025

https://mosaicmomentum.org/2025-grant-cycle/

Internet Society

The Society’s Connecting the Unconnected funding program supports communities and local organizations working to build and expand Internet infrastructure to connect people living in rural, remote, and low-income areas.

Deadline: March 31, 2025

https://www.internetsociety.org/funding-areas/connecting-the-unconnected/

Lawrence Foundation

The Foundation is offering its grant funding to US nonprofits in the following areas of interest: environment, human services, disaster relief, and more.

Deadline: April 30, 2025

https://thelawrencefoundation.org/application-process/

Wildlife Acoustics

The quarterly Scientific Product Grant Program supports the advancement of environmental conservation, wildlife research, and habitat monitoring.

Deadline: May 15, 2025

https://www.wildlifeacoustics.com/grant-program

American Water Charitable Foundation

The Foundation’s Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program supports three pillars of giving: Water, People, and Communities. Nonprofit applicants must either operate within, or directly benefit, an American Water service territory.

Deadline: March 7, 2025

https://www.amwater.com/awcfgrants

Burroughs Wellcome Fund

The Fund’s Climate Change and Human Health Seed Grants promote growth of new connections between scholars, practitioners, educators, and/or communicators working to understand, spread the word about, and mitigate the impacts of climate change on human health.

Deadline: April 24, 2025

https://www.bwfund.org/funding-opportunities/climate-change-and-human-health/climate-change-and-human-health-seed-grants/

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Scroll down to explore this week's grants. Deadlines are always approaching, so take a look and see which ones might be the right fit for your nonprofit.

Happy grant writing!

Office on Violence Against Women

The Transitional Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Program funds transitional housing and support services for victims who are homeless or in need of transitional housing or other housing assistance as a result of a situation of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

Deadline: March 18, 2025 

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/358334

Bureau of Justice Assistance

The Collaborative Crisis Response and Intervention Training Program seeks to support state, local, and tribal law enforcement and correctional entities to develop and implement crisis response training programs.‍

Deadline: March 25, 2025

https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/o-bja-2025-172338

Administration for Children and Families

Apply now for the Child Welfare and Domestic Violence Agency Collaborations Program to help improve community responses to incidents of domestic violence where a child is present in the household. If awarded, you will develop or enhance collaborations between domestic violence agencies, child welfare agencies, and other partners to reduce the likelihood of child abuse and neglect. ‍

Deadline: March 21, 2025

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/355692

Impact Fund‍

The Impact Fund is providing grants to nonprofits who seek to confront social, economic, and environmental injustice. The Fund supports social, economic and environmental justice cases that affect groups including LGBT rights, human and civil rights, gender equity, and more.

No Deadline: Submit Letter of Inquiry

https://www.impactfund.org/legal-grants/application-requirements

AJ Muste Foundation for Peace and Justice‍

The Foundation’s Social Justice Fund supports grassroots activist projects, giving priority to those with small budgets and little access to more mainstream funding sources. The Fund is especially interested in confronting institutionalized violence against racial, ethnic, gender-based, and LGBTQ communities, ending criminalization of immigrants, ending economic exploitation, and more.

Deadline: April 21, 2025

https://ajmuste.org/apply/organizing-grants

Bureau of Justice Assistance ‍

The Bureau’s Connect and Protect: Law Enforcement Behavioral Health Response Program seeks to fund programs that support collaborations between law enforcement and behavioral health agencies to improve public safety responses and outcomes for people who qualify with behavioral health needs.

Deadline: April 3, 2025

https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/o-bja-2025-172325

Not seeing the types of grants you need? Let us know, and we’ll include them in an upcoming search! If you want more grant writing resources, click HERE to join our nonprofit membership program today. We have time-saving resources you cannot find anywhere else!

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Creating a development plan can feel like trying to build a house without blueprints—you're grabbing tools and materials, but there’s no clear path to the finished product. A well-crafted plan is your nonprofit’s roadmap to fundraising success, helping you focus your efforts, allocate resources wisely, and hit your revenue goals. Let’s dive into how you can create a nonprofit development plan that works for your nonprofit, all while avoiding the overwhelm.

Why Your Nonprofit Needs a Development Plan

If your nonprofit is operating without a clear development plan, you’re not alone. Many nonprofits find themselves in reactive fundraising mode, constantly hustling to catch up on revenue needs without a strategic path forward. But here’s the reality: a nonprofit development plan isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s essential for sustained growth. A good plan will keep your team aligned, your board engaged, and your mission moving forward.

1. Set Clear and Specific Goals

The first step in creating your fundraising plan is setting clear, specific, and measurable goals. This isn’t just about saying, “We want to raise $100,000.” Be intentional:

• Annual Revenue Goals: What’s your target revenue for the year? Break it down by each fundraising source—grants, individual giving, events, corporate sponsorships, etc.
• Program Goals: Are there specific programs that need funding? How much is required to fully fund them?
• Donor Acquisition and Retention: How many new donors do you want to acquire? What’s your retention goal?

Pro Tip: Use SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to ensure your objectives are not just wishful thinking but actionable targets.

2. Identify Your Key Fundraising Strategies

Once your goals are in place, it’s time to outline the strategies you’ll use to meet them. This section of your nonprofit development plan is your playbook—it defines the key fundraising activities your nonprofit will focus on.

Here’s a look at some common strategies you might include:

• Individual Giving: Appeal campaigns, major gifts, monthly giving programs, and peer-to-peer fundraising.
• Grants: Researching opportunities, writing proposals, and maintaining funder relationships.
• Events: In-person galas, virtual fundraisers, and community events.
• Corporate Partnerships: Sponsorships, cause marketing, and employee giving programs.
• Planned Giving: Cultivating legacy gifts through wills, trusts, and bequests.

Pro Tip: Diversify your revenue streams to avoid becoming overly dependent on one source of funding. A healthy mix of individual giving, grants, and events can help stabilize your nonprofit’s finances.

3. Define Action Steps and Assign Roles

The success of your fundraising plan depends on execution, which means every strategy needs a set of action steps and assigned roles. This section is all about breaking down each fundraising strategy into manageable tasks and determining who will be responsible for what.

• Action Steps: List each specific action required to implement the strategy. For example, if one of your strategies is major gift solicitation, your action steps might include identifying prospects, crafting personalized pitches, and scheduling meetings.
• Roles and Responsibilities: Assign each task to a specific person—whether it’s your development director, an enthusiastic board member, or a volunteer. This helps ensure accountability and keeps your plan from gathering dust on the shelf.

Pro Tip: Be realistic about your team’s capacity. If you’re a small nonprofit, prioritize the strategies that have the highest return on investment and are achievable with your current resources.

4. Create a Fundraising Calendar

A nonprofit development plan without a timeline is like a GPS with no directions. A fundraising calendar is your roadmap, laying out when each fundraising activity will happen throughout the year.

• Monthly Giving Push in January: Kick off the year by promoting monthly giving. Set up a campaign that runs for 4 weeks.
• Grant Deadlines in Q2: List all grant application deadlines for the year. Be sure to include time for writing, review, and submission.
• Fall Appeal Campaign in October: Plan your direct mail or digital campaign to coincide with end-of-year giving.

Pro Tip: A well-thought-out calendar will help you avoid the dreaded “feast or famine” cycle of fundraising by ensuring consistent revenue throughout the year.

5. Develop a Budget for Your Plan

Don’t skip this step. Your nonprofit development plan isn’t just about raising money; it’s also about understanding what it costs to raise that money. Outline the expenses associated with each strategy, including staff time, marketing materials, event costs, and more.

• Direct Mail Costs: Printing, postage, and design fees.
• Event Expenses: Venue rentals, catering, and decor.
• Software Subscriptions: CRM, email marketing, and donor management tools.

Pro Tip: Calculate the return on investment (ROI) for each fundraising strategy to ensure you’re maximizing your dollars spent.

6. Measure Success and Adjust as Needed

Last but not least, make sure your fundraising plan includes a system for tracking progress and evaluating results. Regularly review your fundraising performance against your goals, and don’t be afraid to adjust your plan if something isn’t working.

• Key Metrics: Track metrics like donor retention rate, average gift size, and fundraising ROI.
• Review Meetings: Schedule quarterly reviews with your team to assess progress and make necessary adjustments.

Pro Tip: Use data to drive your decisions. If a strategy isn’t performing as expected, analyze why and tweak your approach. Flexibility is key to a successful development plan.

Bringing It All Together

Your nonprofit development plan is more than just a document—it’s your strategic partner in fundraising. By taking the time to outline your goals, strategies, and action steps, you’re setting your organization up for success. And remember, your plan isn’t set in stone. It’s a living, breathing guide that should evolve alongside your nonprofit’s needs. So get started today, and watch as your fundraising takes off in new and exciting directions.

Ready to create a winning fundraising plan without starting from scratch? Grab our comprehensive Development Plan Template, designed specifically for nonprofits like yours. It includes easy-to-follow steps, action-packed strategies, and all the tools you need to map out your fundraising success. Don’t miss this opportunity to simplify your planning process and boost your fundraising efforts. Get your Development Plan Template today and take the first step toward a more sustainable future for your nonprofit!