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Let’s not sugarcoat it. Things are a mess right now.

The political climate is shifting. The economy is jittery. Funding is uncertain. Nonprofits across the country are bracing for budget cuts, donor fatigue, and a whole lot of “Wait. What now?”

So if you’re feeling distracted, overwhelmed, or like your entire strategic plan got thrown into a blender… you are not alone.

But here’s the deal. In times like these, your mission matters more than ever. Your work is the steady hand. The calm in the storm. And that means you need a plan. Not a five-year plan. Not even a one-year plan. You need a clear-eyed, boots-on-the-ground, 90-day reset.

Let’s get to it.

Why a 90-Day Reset Works When the World Is on Fire

The world is unpredictable. Your nonprofit development plan shouldn’t be.

Ninety days is long enough to make real progress and short enough to stay nimble. You can set a direction, get moving, adjust as needed, and still catch your breath in the process.

Think of it like nonprofit triage. You stabilize. You prioritize. You take action.

Step 1: Pick Your Focus Areas

Before you dive in, choose the buckets that need your attention. Not everything can be top priority. Narrow it down to three or four categories that will actually move the needle.

Here are a few to choose from:

Marketing
Get your message out. Loud and clear. People need to know what you do and why it matters. Especially now.

Communications
Stay in touch with your people. That means donors, volunteers, clients, board members, and even your neighbor who’s been meaning to donate but got distracted by, well, life.

Stewardship
This is not the time to ghost your donors. It is the time to strengthen relationships and make thoughtful asks. Trust and transparency are your secret weapons.

Sustainability
Whether it is growing your team, activating your board, or outsourcing what is burning you out, now is the time to get smarter about how your organization runs.

Step 2: Begin with the End in Mind

Ask yourself this: Ninety days from now, where do you want your nonprofit to be?

Do not say “in a better place.” Get specific. Do you want to welcome new donors with a killer email series? Do you want a reliable content plan that doesn’t involve late-night panic? Do you want to stop duct-taping your operations together and actually get some support?

Start from that vision. Then walk it back.

If your goal is a donor welcome series, that means writing the emails, setting up the tech, and testing it. If your goal is a smooth event rollout, you need deadlines, roles, and clear deliverables.

It is not about dreaming. It is about reverse engineering.

Step 3: Break It Into Bite-Sized Pieces

Big goals sound impressive. “We’re going to increase donor acquisition this quarter!” But unless you break that down into actual to-do’s with dates and deliverables, it is just a well-dressed daydream.

Let’s walk through what this looks like in real life.

Say your 90-day goal is to bring in more first-time donors. Not just warm fuzzies and hand-raisers, but actual human beings who pull out their credit cards and say, “Yes. I believe in this work.”

Here is one way to break that down:

• Week 1 to 2: Define your first-time donor offer. What will you invite them to support? Be clear and specific. People do not give to general missions. They give to things that feel real. Then create a dedicated first-time donor page on your website. It should be simple, clean, and focused.
• Week 3 to 4: Build an email welcome series. Even if you do not have their gifts yet, treat your prospects like you expect them to become part of your inner circle. Show them your impact. Invite them behind the curtain. Let them feel like insiders.
• Week 5 to 6: Start your outreach campaign. Think small and mighty. A targeted social media push. A few well-placed emails. Maybe even a short, scrappy video of you or your clients saying why this work matters right now. Make it urgent. Make it matter.
• Week 7 to 8: Track everything. Who clicked. Who opened. Who gave. Who ignored you. Adjust based on what the data is telling you. Spoiler alert: the first draft of your campaign won’t be perfect. That’s not a failure. That’s feedback.
• Week 9 to 10: Follow up. Steward your new donors like they are gold. Because they are. A handwritten note. A surprise phone call. A story that connects them back to the mission. Do not let their first gift be their last.
• Week 11 to 12: Reflect. What worked? What needs to shift? How many new donors did you bring in? What are your next steps to turn them into second-time donors?

You want more first-time donors? That is how you get them. One thoughtful, intentional action at a time.

Step 4: Review and Recalibrate

At the end of each month, block off an hour. Just one. Review what worked. What did not. Where you need help. What can wait. What cannot.

The key here is not to judge. It is to learn and adjust. This is not about perfection. It is about persistence. You are building a habit of action and reflection.

Without this pause, your next review will be six months from now when you are knee-deep in another crisis wondering what happened to all your brilliant ideas.

Final Thoughts: Get Moving, Not Stuck

The world is noisy. The news is scary. And the work never ends. But you, my friend, are a nonprofit leader. You do not have the luxury of sitting this one out.

So choose your focus. Envision the outcome. Break it down. Keep going. You already know how to do hard things. This is just your reminder to aim with intention and take one solid step at a time.

A 90-day development plan will not fix everything. But it can anchor you. And when you are anchored, you can lead. Even through the chaos.

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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!

Morgan Stanley

Morgan Stanley is accepting applications for Children’s Mental Health Innovation Awards which aim to help fill the funding gap in the under-resourced children’s mental health sector. The goal is to connect nonprofits with funders to match much-needed capital with innovative projects in the field of mental healthcare for children and youth. Grants available to nonprofits with annual total revenue under $5 million.

Deadline: July 7, 2025

https://www.morganstanley.com/about-us/giving-back/childrens-mental-health-awards-faqs

Born This Way Foundation

The Foundation’s Kindness in Community Fund provides grants to community-led, youth-focused nonprofits and others supporting mental health.

Deadline: June 30, 2025

https://bornthisway.foundation/kic/

Caplan Foundation for Early Childhood

The Foundation is providing seed money to implement imaginative proposals that exhibit the greatest chance of improving the lives of young children, from infancy to 7 years, on a national scale. Areas of support include parenting education, early childhood welfare, and early childhood education and play. Submit Letter of Inquiry online.

Deadline: September 30, 2025

https://earlychildhoodfoundation.org/#application-process

Kars4Kids

Kars4Kids is supporting educational initiatives around the country from nonprofits whose work is impacting children. This grant program reaches more diverse populations by lending support to local charities doing great work for children in their communities. Focus areas include youth development, mentorship, and education. Previous grantees include Girls on the Run, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Clubs, Treasures 4 Teachers, and many more.

No Deadline

https://www.kars4kidsgrants.org/

NBA Foundation

The Foundation’s Grant Program is supporting organizations that provide skills training, mentorship, professional coaching, and pipeline development to foster employment and career advancement for under-resourced youth ages 14-24.

Applications accepted October 1 to November 14, 2025

https://nbafoundation.nba.com/grants/

W.K. Kellogg Foundation

The Foundation supports communities, children, and families as they strengthen and create conditions that propel vulnerable children to achieve success. Funding priorities include programs focused on thriving children, working families, and building equitable communities. Submit letter of inquiry.

No Deadline

www.wkkf.org

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Late last week, I picked up the phone to a familiar voice, a nonprofit leader I’ve worked with for years. But this call didn’t start with the usual hello. It started with panic. Frustration. Defeat. And a glimmer of hope, all rolled into one shaky sentence.

Their organization is currently owed three-quarters of a million dollars under a government contract. The work has been done. The reports have been submitted. But the money? Completely stalled. And from what they’re hearing, it may never come. These are funds promised before the 2024 election, and now, they’re evaporating.

Sound familiar?

If your nonprofit is watching funding dry up, contracts hang in limbo, and political winds blow in directions you never anticipated, you’re not alone. The ground has shifted for many of us. And while there’s no magic fix, there are practical, proactive steps you can take right now.

Let’s talk about it.

Step One: Name the Reality

We are in a moment of funding uncertainty. Period. Federal and state budgets are being reevaluated. Priorities are shifting. And organizations that rely on government support, especially those doing work in justice, equity and community health, are feeling the squeeze.

Your first step? Get clear. Get honest. Don’t sugarcoat what’s happening. Because you can’t plan your way out of a storm until you admit there’s thunder.

Key Questions for Nonprofit Leaders

If you’re navigating this mess, take a breath and ask yourself:

• What is our mission and what values do we refuse to compromise?
• How will these cuts impact our programs and people?
• Is our board ready to engage more deeply and advocate on our behalf?
• Have we talked with our top donors to bring them into the conversation?
• Can we back up our concerns with both data and story?

Not every nonprofit will respond the same way. Some may rally their communities with bold advocacy. Others may quietly shift messaging to preserve services. There’s no one right answer — but there is a right-for-you answer.

Messaging in the Middle of the Storm

As a person, my gut says, “Grab the megaphone. Let’s fight.”
As a nonprofit leader? I know it’s not that simple.

If your organization provides critical services like housing, mental health support, or domestic violence intervention, your mission is to keep those doors open, even if it means softening your language publicly while staying true to your values behind the scenes.

This isn’t selling out. It’s strategy. It’s survival. And it’s ok.

8 Practical Steps to Stay Steady Right Now

Whether you are riding the wave or building a raft, these tried-and-true strategies can help you stay grounded:

1. Center your mission.
Make sure every single piece of communication points back to why you exist.

2. Tell better stories.
Funders want to see outcomes. But they also want to feel them. Use real voices from the communities you serve.

3. Strengthen your marketing.
Now is not the time to go quiet. Use your website, social media, email and earned media to stay visible.

4. Show up on social.
Go beyond posting. Engage. Thank donors. Comment back. Share behind-the-scenes content. Be real.

5. Nurture your donors.
This is your moment to over communicate with the folks who already believe in you. Keep them close.

6. Ramp up fundraising.
Do not freeze. Test new appeals. Talk to lapsed donors. Run a mini campaign. Take action. Develop a nonprofit fundraising plan.

7. Diversify income.
Think corporate sponsors. Think monthly giving. Think earned revenue if it fits your model.

8. Keep your people aligned.
Make sure staff and board understand what’s happening and are rowing in the same direction. Have them undergo nonprofit board training if you must.

Take the Long View, Too

Once the immediate scramble is addressed, start looking ahead. This is not the last storm. So prepare now.

Create a crisis communications plan.
Know what you’ll say if another contract pauses or a funder pulls out.

Fix your online presence.
Make donating easy. Make your impact obvious. Make sure people know how to help.

Update your nonprofit directory profiles.
No more stale data on Candid or Charity Navigator. These platforms matter more than you think.

Get professional PR and messaging support.
When the world is loud, your message has to be smart, strong and clear. Invest in support if you can.

Re-evaluate your marketing budget.
Yes, even now. Visibility builds trust. Trust attracts support.

We’re All Feeling This

And it’s not just professional. It’s deeply personal.

For so many of us, our work is tied to our identity. So when funding is yanked, or priorities shift in ways that threaten the very heart of what we do, it hurts. It shakes us. It can feel like an attack on everything we’ve built , and everything we believe in.

So here’s your permission slip: feel it.
And then, rally. Not just for your organization. But for each other.

Pick up the phone when another nonprofit leader calls. Share what’s working. Offer your playbook. Be the kind of support you wish someone had been for you last week.

We’ll weather this storm like we always do...with purpose, persistence, and a little bit of nonprofit magic.

Need help building a response strategy or reshaping your messaging?
Success For Nonprofits is here. We’ve got tools, trainings, nonprofit development plans, and real talk to help you move forward. Reach out if you need us.

Let’s keep doing the work that matters. Together.

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Raise your hand if you’ve ever opened a blank Word doc to start a grant proposal and immediately decided to reorganize your sock drawer instead. We get it. Grant writing is one of the most necessary but mentally draining parts of nonprofit work.

Now AI is everywhere, promising to write your proposals faster than you can say “restricted funds.” So the question is not just can you use AI for nonprofit grant writing. The question is how do you use it well without losing your message, your mission, or your mind?

Let’s dig in.

What AI Can Actually Do for Grant Writers

AI is not a miracle. It cannot understand your community’s unique challenges or the heart behind your programs. But it can handle the stuff that bogs you down. Here's how smart nonprofits are using AI today:

• Writing first drafts of grant sections like mission statements, program descriptions, and community needs
• Summarizing long grant guidelines so you know what a funder really wants
• Brainstorming answers to repetitive application questions
• Editing for clarity, tone, and structure
• Rewriting content to fit a new grant with different word counts or formatting

If you have ever spent 90 minutes trying to find a more impressive way to say “we help people,” AI can help with that.

What AI Cannot Do

Let’s be clear. AI does not know your organization. It does not know what keeps your clients up at night. It does not know what makes your team special. That means AI cannot:

• Tell your impact story with any real emotion
• Build trust with a funder
• Strategically align your ask with a funder’s priorities
• Replace your judgment, your voice, or your nonprofit brain

So please do not let ChatGPT write and submit your grant proposal without you.

Using AI Well: A Success For Nonprofits Strategy

If you want to use AI the right way, here is your step-by-step:

1. Start with your real content
   Feed the tool your mission, past grant language, or program summaries. AI needs raw material. Give it something to work with.
2. Use it for structure or improvement
   Ask it to write a first draft or rewrite a section with a specific tone. For example, “Make this sound more persuasive” or “Cut this to 250 words.”
3. Layer in your voice and heart
   Always go back and revise. Add real stories, data, and insights that only you have.
4. Fact-check and personalize
   AI is confident and often wrong. Review everything before you hit submit.
5. Keep your funder in mind
   If it sounds like it could have come from anyone, it is not ready yet. Make sure it clearly speaks to that funder’s goals and values.

Our Take at Success For Nonprofits

We love tools that make nonprofit life easier. But we also know that people give to people. Funders invest in relationships, trust, and the real human work behind your mission. AI can save time. It can spark ideas. It can make a painful writing day a little smoother.

But AI will never replace your experience or your insight. That is your superpower!

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The headlines may change every hour, but your mission deserves a funding stream that doesn’t.

Between economic shifts, global challenges, and whatever curveball the news cycle throws next, it’s getting harder for nonprofits to plan ahead. Donors are pulled in a dozen directions. Funding sources are shifting. And your mission still needs to move forward.

So how do you keep your footing when everything else feels wobbly?

You build consistency. And one of the most powerful ways to do that is through monthly giving.

Monthly Giving Isn’t Flashy. It’s Foundational.

This isn’t about chasing trends. This is about stability. Monthly giving helps you create a reliable stream of support that keeps your work going, no matter what’s happening in the world.

It’s not just convenient for you. Donors love it too. Monthly donors are more committed, they give more over time, and they stay with you longer. It’s a win-win.

Why It Works

When you have a monthly giving program that runs like a well-oiled machine, you gain:

• Steady income you can actually count on
• A donor base that sticks with you year after year
• Less stress about hitting your goals in December
• More time to focus on impact instead of survival

It’s a strategy that reduces panic and increases planning. And that’s something every nonprofit needs more of right now.

How to Start Without Overhauling Everything

You don’t need a complicated rollout. You need a message that speaks to the moment. Something simple and heartfelt like:

“In times like these, dependable support means everything. Will you join our community of monthly donors and help us keep going strong?”

Make your donation form easy to use. Default to monthly giving. Create a thank-you flow that feels personal. And follow up regularly with quick updates about the impact those monthly gifts are making.

This Is About More Than Revenue

Yes, monthly giving helps your bottom line. But it also builds community. It brings people closer to your work. It gives donors a way to feel like they’re making a difference, even when the world feels uncertain.

And let’s face it. Consistency is comforting.

So if you’ve been putting off launching a monthly giving program, now is the time. Not because it’s urgent. But because it’s smart.

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A No-Fluff Guide to Grant Research That Won’t Make You Cry In Your Coffee

If you’ve worked in the nonprofit world for more than five minutes, you’ve no doubt heard someone’s great idea for funding: “Let’s just get a grant to pay for it!”

Sure, sounds easy enough… until the responsibility of finding that magical grant lands squarely in your lap.

Whether you’ve spent hours down the Google rabbit hole searching for funders or you’re staring at a blank screen wondering where to start, don’t worry, you’re not alone. The good news? You don’t need to be a pro researcher to find solid grant opportunities.

What you do need is a strategy, and a few tips on where to look. The goal isn’t to chase every dollar, it’s to find funders who actually want to support the kind of work your nonprofit does.

And that? That’s totally doable.

It might sound daunting, but with a few smart tips and tools, you’ll be uncovering potential funders faster, and with less frustration. Let’s dive into how to find the right grants without burning out.

Tip #1: Get Clear On What You Really Need (Before You Start Searching)

Before you jump into the world of grant research, take a step back and get clear on what you actually need funding for. Are you launching a new program? Expanding an existing service? Supporting work with a specific population, like youth or older adults?

Grants aren’t one-size-fits-all. Some fund programs, others fund capital projects, and many are targeted to specific issues or communities. That’s why it’s crucial to know your own goals before you start searching. Don’t just wing it. Write your needs down. Be specific.

Once you start exploring potential funders, check their eligibility requirements and funding priorities. Do they align with what you’re doing? If yes, great! Dig a little deeper into their application guidelines and make sure you can meet all the criteria.

One of the best ways to narrow your focus is to start small by targeting local funders. Tackling large government grants or national corporate requests can be overwhelming if you’re new to grant applications. Smaller local grants are often easier to achieve and less time-consuming, making them a smart place to get your foot in the door.

Local foundations and corporations often understand your community and its needs, and they may already know your nonprofit. Building relationships with these funders helps you establish a history of grant success, which can open doors to bigger opportunities later.

Getting clear on your needs will save you hours chasing the wrong leads and gives you a much better shot at finding the right match.

Tip #2: Work Smarter With Online Tools

Save yourself time by leaning on online tools to guide your grant search. Start with good old Google. Use specific keywords based on your goals and try the “advanced search” feature to narrow topics and limit your results even further.

Check free government sites like grants.gov and your city or state’s official pages. Grants.gov alone lists thousands of federal grants, many perfect for small nonprofits. Again, that search feature with key words will help narrow your search and save you from poring through thousands of opportunities.

See if your local library or nonprofit association partners offer free access to subscription-based databases like Foundation Directory Online, GrantStation, GrantWatch, Grant Gopher, or any of the many other paid databases that provide detailed information on funders. You can narrow by areas of interest, type of grant maker, types of support, geographic location, and other terms. Purchasing these databases may be expensive, so finding free access is a great way to get started.

Signing up for grant newsletters which provide ongoing lists of available grants is another great way to stay on top of current opportunities without hunting for them yourself.

And here’s a tip: don’t just stop at the basic search results. Go beyond the surface. Look at who’s funding nonprofits in your community and in your field. For example, if you’re a small arts group, check which local arts organizations are getting grants.

Community foundations are also great sources of support. They are often less competitive and really focused on local impact, so they’re worth a look.

Big retailers like Walmart also run local grant programs that fund neighborhood projects, another good place to explore.

Don’t forget about Google Ad Grants, either. If you qualify, Google will give you up to $10,000 a month in free search advertising. Think of the visibility boost that could bring without spending a dime!

Finally, pay attention to past deadlines and grant cycles. Many funders repeat similar deadlines every year, especially government programs. If you spot a good fit but missed this year’s deadline, mark your calendar and be ready to apply next time around.

Starting local and combining these tools with some thoughtful digging will help you find better matches faster, and set you up for success.

Tip #3: Keep Track – Don’t Let Leads Slip Away

Stay organized so you don’t lose valuable leads. Develop a system to track your research and follow-ups.

Here’s how:

• Log key info—record funder names, deadlines, requirements, and contact info.
• Use a spreadsheet—an Excel or Google Sheet works well for most organizations.
• Explore tools—consider grant tracking software if you want more features.
• Stay current—update your list regularly with new leads and status updates.
• Review often—revisit your list to prioritize strong matches and plan ahead.

A well-kept list can reveal more good opportunities than you expect.

The bottom line is that grant making is match making. It all starts with focused research, finding the funders whose goals align with yours and who are most likely to support your mission.

The key is having a clear strategy, knowing what you need, and targeting your efforts wisely. By following these steps, you’ll quickly identify the best funding matches for your nonprofit.

Then, when someone says, “Let’s get a grant for that new program,” you won’t have to lose your mind or cry in your coffee. You’ll already know where to go, and how to get that money.

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Ready to stop guessing and start winning grants? Download our free grant-writing checklist below and write your best proposal yet!

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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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Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation

The Foundation is supporting local nonprofits serving the mental health of those in need, including increasing awareness and education, improving access to care, and building protective factors.

Deadline: July 1, 2025

https://www.saksfifthavenue.com/c/content/saks-foundation

Maude’s Ventures

Nonprofits with innovative ideas for dementia care that are new, scalable, and in need of early funding are invited to apply for the Maude’s Ventures Funding Program.

Deadline: July 7, 2025

https://maudesventures.org/apply-coming-soon/

U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation

The Foundation’s Program Grants help disadvantaged individuals, improve the quality of people’s lives, and strengthen our communities. The Foundation supports the following areas: psychological health and addiction, physical health, family support and social connectedness, and others.

Deadline: July 25, 2025

https://www.usventure.com/giving-back/us-venture-schmidt-family-foundation/program-grants/

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.

Deadline: September 26, 2025

https://jwcouchfoundation.org/apply

Howe Foundation

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

Deadline: August 1, 2025

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

DWF Foundation

Foundation grants provide funds, resources and mentoring support to help individuals, groups and communities achieve their full potential. Areas of support for nonprofits include Health and Wellbeing, Education, Homelessness, Employability, and more.

Deadline: September 30, 2025

https://dwfgroup.com/about-us/dwf-foundation

(Some browsers may require you to copy and paste the link in another tab)

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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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Burroughs Wellcome Fund

The Fund’s Climate Change and Human Health Seed Grants Program promotes 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. Applications must be submitted by nonprofits or degree-granting institutions.

Deadline: July 24, 2025

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

Clif Family Foundation

The Foundation’s Grants Program supports general operating costs or specific projects. Priorities for funding: healthy food access, climate justice, environment, regenerative and organic farming, food production, workers’ health and safety, among others.

Deadline: August 1, 2025

https://cliffamilyfoundation.org/grants-program

Earth Rising Foundation

The Foundation’s Funding Program promotes bold, bottom-up action on climate change. Focus areas include indigenous voices, regenerative agriculture, climate intersections, sustainable visions, and youth activism.

Deadline: June 30, 2025

https://earthrisingfoundation.org/apply

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

The USDA and Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) offer the Regional Food System Partnerships grant program to support partnerships that connect public and private resources to plan and develop local and regional food systems. Partners may include nonprofits.

Deadline: June 27, 2025

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/358904

TC Energy

TC Energy is accepting applications for its Social Impact Program in focus areas including: safety, education, environment, and resilient communities.

Deadline: November 7, 2025

https://www.tcenergy.com/community-giving/apply-for-funding/

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

New Earth Foundation

The Foundation funds innovative projects that enhance life 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: July 1, 2025

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

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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 Humanities (NEH)

The NEH is accepting applications for the Public Impact Projects Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary Program. This program supports cultural nonprofits in creating and developing public programs that celebrate the people, events, ideas, and legacies related to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 

 Deadline: July 9, 2025

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/355125

Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation

The Foundation’s grant program supports nonprofits for which a relatively small amount of funding might make a large difference. The Foundation supports museums, cultural and performing arts programs; schools and hospitals; educational and skills-training programs; and other community-based organizations and programs. 

Deadline: November 10, 2025

https://www.mvdreyfusfoundation.org/

Hearst Foundations

The 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. Focus fields include culture, education, health, and social service.

No deadlines

https://www.hearstfdn.org/faq

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: July 1 and October 1, 2025

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

National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH)

The NEH is accepting applications for the Preservation and Access Education and Training Grant Program. This program supports training that develops knowledge and skills among professionals responsible for preserving and establishing access to humanities collections.

Deadline: June 17, 2025

https://www.neh.gov/grants/preservation/preservation-and-access-education-and-training

Barnes & Noble Charitable Donations Program

Barnes & Noble, a bookstore chain with stores throughout the U.S., supports nonprofits that focus on literacy, the arts, or education (pre-K-12), at both local and national levels. The company also funds 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/

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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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U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)

DOJ’s Office on Violence Against Women has launched the Training and Services to End Abuse in Later Life Program to support a comprehensive approach to addressing abuse in later life, including domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, neglect, abandonment, economic abuse, or willful harm committed against victims who are 50 years of age or older. Nonprofits eligible to apply.

Deadline: July 8, 2025

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/359053

Together Women Rise

Through the Featured Grants Program, Together Women Rise provides funding to organizations that empower and support women and girls in low-income and marginalized communities in the Global South.

Deadline: June 6, 2025

 https://togetherwomenrise.org/featured-grant-guidelines/

Good Relatives Collaborative

The grants program supports the development of new and exploring Native-led and serving organizations who need guidance in their stage of growth. The program also supports more established and mature Native-led and serving organizations through their ongoing growth and encourage sharing of knowledge and wisdom. 

Deadline: June 16, 2025

https://goodrelativescollaborative.org/grants-opportunities/good-relatives-collaborative-grants/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKRB7NleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEzeE5iOVlNYkNhaDJiU2laAR6Xj4pkBgxCxTz1X-1sAvXy3VbJWam4MjJV8jUV6NOgUvfJAvGYMtBjrdLzeQ_aem_Lee1VRQMPpwZor9SRSWA8g

Office on Violence Against Women (OVW)

The OVW Transitional Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Program funds programs that provide 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: June 9, 2025

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/358846

Black Migrant Power Fund

The Fund is a new grant making fund focused on supporting and building power with Black trans and gender non-conforming migrants in the U.S.

Deadline: June 13, 2025

 https://portal.justfund.us/p/rfps/b9f4fa68-90e1-4ff8-9e2b-458380d9b7f1

 Hanger Foundation

The Foundation supports nonprofits that directly and positively impact people with physical challenges in need in the U.S. that fit within their focus areas, including rehabilitation and support services for trauma, and athletic programs, social activities, and events for individuals with physical challenges.

Deadline: June 9, 2025

https://hangerfoundation.org/impact/grants/

Office on Violence Against Women (OVW)

The OVW is accepting applications for the Rural Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Program. The Rural Program enhances the safety of rural victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking by supporting projects uniquely designed to address and prevent these crimes in rural areas. 

Deadline: July 8, 2025

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/358847

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Too many nonprofit leaders treat strategic planning like flossing, something they know they should do but somehow never get around to. The truth? A well-done strategic plan isn’t just a “nice to have.” It’s a powerhouse tool that can clarify your direction, fire up your team, and make fundraising a heck of a lot easier (and more successful).

Here are seven ways strategic planning can level-up your fundraising game, and how to get the most out of the process.

1. Prioritize What Actually Needs Funding

There’s nothing more chaotic than a fundraising team with no clear roadmap. You’ve got board members tossing out shiny new project ideas with zero budget, program staff lobbying for their own needs, and someone trying to pitch a “game-changing” new initiative that isn’t even real yet. Sound familiar?

A solid strategic developoment plan for nonprofits puts the brakes on this madness. It brings everyone together to co-create a shared vision and, more importantly, to prioritize what you’re raising money for and why. Once that’s clear, your fundraising team can stop chasing the shiny squirrels and start raising money with focus and confidence.

2. Design Programs Worth Funding

Donors are smart. They want to fund programs that deliver actual results, not just busywork in a pretty brochure. Strategic fundraising planning for nonpprofits forces you to step back and evaluate: Which programs are really moving the needle? Which are just...moving?

This process gives you the space to fine-tune or even overhaul your offerings so that everything you’re running aligns with your mission, delivers impact, and is fundraising-friendly. Strong programs = stronger case for support. Simple math.

3. Strengthen Operations That Support Fundraising

You can't raise major gifts on a foundation of chaos. If your database is a mess, your systems are duct-taped together, and no one knows where the latest donor report lives, you’re not set up for success.

Strategic planning shines a light on those internal operational gaps that are silently sabotaging your fundraising. It gives you the green light (and the plan!) to invest in infrastructure, like better donor management software, stronger reporting tools, and staff training, that makes fundraisers’ lives easier and donors more confident in your professionalism.

4. Get Your Board and Staff Aligned Around Fundraising

Fundraising is a team sport. If your development staff are working in a vacuum, you're leaving money on the table and probably burning them out.

A strong strategic planning process brings your board, staff, and leadership team into alignment around your mission, goals, and the role fundraising plays in achieving them. When everyone buys in, you can tap into your whole team for donor cultivation, outreach, and storytelling. Suddenly, it’s not just the development director asking for money, it’s a full-court press.

5. Cut Grant Writing and Pitch Time in Half

If you’ve ever found yourself rewriting the same mission paragraph for the 47th time, this one’s for you.

Strategic plans are gold mines when it comes to creating grant templates and donor pitch decks. Your vision, goals, and program strategy are all baked in saving your team hours of scrambling to piece things together from scattered documents and conflicting narratives. With a well-crafted plan, you can copy, paste, tweak, and hit send. Efficiency for the win.

6. Create a Culture of Accountability

We’ve all seen beautiful fundraising plans for nonprofits that go straight into a drawer and stay there until the next five-year cycle rolls around. That’s not the goal.

The real magic happens when strategic planning leads to clear, measurable goals and a developoment plan to actually track them. With an eye on implementation, your team knows what success looks like, how they’re progressing, and where they need to adjust. This kind of accountability is a gift for fundraisers. It gives them the data and confidence they need to report outcomes to funders and show that your nonprofit delivers.

7. Future-Proof Your Fundraising

Strategic planning isn’t just about fixing what’s broken today, it’s about setting your organization up to thrive tomorrow.

By scanning the landscape, exploring emerging trends, and thinking long-term, you’ll position your organization to stay ahead of the curve. Whether it’s diversifying revenue streams, experimenting with digital campaigns, or building a planned giving program, a strategic plan gives your fundraising team a roadmap for what’s next so they’re not just reacting to change but leading it.

Tips for Making Strategic Planning Count

Now that we’ve made the case, here are some quick tips to get the most out of your planning process:

• Focus on the process, not just the paper. The magic happens during the conversations, not in the final PDF.
• Invite fundraisers to the table. They bring critical insights on donor expectations, data realities, and revenue trends.
• Get perspectives from every level. Program staff, board members, volunteers, and even clients can help shape a more grounded, relevant plan.
• Be brave enough to kill your darlings. If something’s not working—even if you love it—it might be time to pivot.
• Plan for implementation. Build in checkpoints, align department goals, and make sure the plan actually gets used.

Strategic fundraising planning for nonprofits doesn’t have to be a dusty, painful process. Done right, it’s energizing, clarifying, and transformational, especially when it comes to fundraising. If you’re ready to raise more, stress less, and finally get everyone rowing in the same direction, this is the move. Your fundraisers will thank you. So will your bank account.

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Want more actionable strategies? Download the board diagnostics and development fundraising plan template below!

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Let’s just call it like it is: nonprofit boards can be glorious, maddening, mission-saving, or mission-sinking sometimes all in the same quarter.

You’ve got the micromanager who rewrites staff reports at midnight.
The ghoster who hasn’t shown up since the “Welcome!” email.
And the well-meaning cheerleader who claps for everything… but never lifts a finger.

Sound familiar?

If your board is more “chaotic neutral” than “governance dream team,” you’re not alone, and you’re not stuck. Dysfunction doesn’t mean defeat. It means it’s time for a reset.

Here’s how.

Step 1: Define the Actual Job

Be honest: have you really told your board what you expect from them?

If you’re hoping they’ll fundraise, attend every event, read the financials, and serve as a strategic brain trust—have you said that out loud? In writing?

Start with a clear, no-fluff board member job description. Include expectations like:

• Attend X% of meetings
• Make a personal financial contribution (whatever “meaningful” means to your org)
• Participate on at least one committee
• Support fundraising in specific, bite-sized ways (calls, intros, thank-you notes)
• Act as an ambassador in the community

No more vague “support the mission” language. Be specific. Then share it with every current board member. Yes, even that one.

Step 2: Assess the Current Reality (Gently)

Now that the job is clear… how’s everyone doing?

Use a nonprofit board self-assessment tool to let folks reflect on their engagement anonymously. Ask things like:

• Do you feel clear on your role and responsibilities?
• Are board meetings productive?
• Do you feel your skills are being used?
• Are you comfortable speaking up?

You may be shocked by how many people are frustrated, but don’t know how to say it. Or think you should just be grateful they’re there.

Spoiler alert: you don’t have time to manage egos. You’re here to serve a mission.

Step 3: Reset the Culture, Not Just the People

This is the big one. Dysfunction isn’t just about individuals, it’s about culture. And culture is what you allow to happen.

So, start fresh:

• Name the reset: “We’re entering a new season as a board. Let’s revisit what we need from each other to thrive.”
• Make meetings matter: Set intentional agendas, assign timekeepers, and keep reports brief. Use the bulk of your time for real conversation and decisions.
• Celebrate progress: Did someone follow through on donor calls? Showed up to an event? Name it. Normalize engagement.
• Enforce boundaries: Micromanaging staff? Politely redirect to the Executive Director. Missing three meetings in a row? Have the “Are you still interested?” conversation.

Step 4: Don’t Be Afraid of the Exit Door

Here’s a secret: your nonprofit deserves an engaged, aligned board. And not everyone fits that bill.

You are allowed to rotate people off. You are allowed to enforce term limits. You are allowed to ask the “sleeping” board members to step down gracefully so you can bring in new energy.

Say it with me: You are not stuck with your current board forever.

Final Thought: Dysfunction Is a Symptom, Not a Diagnosis

You don’t need to burn the whole board down and start over (though hey, sometimes…).
You just need clarity, communication, and a little courage.

So if your nonprofit board is feeling more Real Housewives than Harvard Business Review, take a breath.

Reset. Reengage. And remember, leadership isn’t always smooth. But with the right tools and a clear path forward, you can absolutely steer the ship.

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