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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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UVA Health

UVA Community Health, part of UVA Health, is offering two different types of grants:  Healthy Spark Grants are for organizations that focus on the needs outlined in the community health needs assessment, as well as on social determinants of health; Community Strong Grants are larger grants offered to organizations that UVA Community Health partnered with for more than two years. Must serve communities of UVA Health.

Deadline: April 10, 2025

https://newsroom.uvahealth.com/2025/03/11/uva-community-health-uva-health-grant-applications-2025/

South Asian Bar Association Foundation of North America

The Foundation is offering a Community Grants Program to support access to justice for South Asian communities in the U.S. and to advance causes important to the communities they serve.  

Deadline: April 11, 2025

https://www.sabalegalfdn.org/apply-for-a-grant

Weyerhaeuser Family Foundation

The Foundation’s Youth Initiative supports direct service programs to U.S. nonprofits that promote resilience, stability, and pyscho-social health for youth ages 14-21 who have experienced trauma by adverse childhood experiences, including mental illness in the household, emotional, sexual, or physical abuse, and others.

Deadline: June 15, 2025 (Letters of inquiry accepted beginning May 1)

https://wfamilyfoundation.org/what-we-fund/youth-initiative/

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: May 31, 2025

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

Scherman Foundation

Applications are now open for its Reproductive Rights and Justice Program in the reproductive health and rights fields. The Foundation maintains its commitment to general operating support, especially for state-based and local organizations. 

Deadline: No deadline

https://www.scherman.org/reproductive-justice

Nathan Cummings Foundation

The Foundation supports U.S. nonprofits working to address inequality, particularly for women and people of color. Apply online through one of several focus areas. 

Deadline: No deadline

https://nathancummings.org

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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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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: March 28, 2025

https://jwcouchfoundation.org/apply

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: March 31, 2025

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

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/

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.

Deadline: April 1, 2025

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

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.

Deadline: April 15, 2025 (check website for updates)

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

Burroughs Wellcome Fund

The Fund’s Climate Change and Human Health Seed Grants 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.

Deadline: April 24, 2025

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

Lawrence Foundation

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

Deadline: April 30, 2025

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

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/

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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In the dynamic world of social media, TikTok has evolved from its roots in music and dancing videos to become a global sensation, with over three billion downloads worldwide. As leaders in the nonprofit sector, it's essential for us to recognize the tremendous potential this platform holds.

TikTok is not merely a source of entertainment; it's a powerful tool for nonprofits to connect with a vast and engaged audience. The magic of TikTok lies in its ability to make content go viral. It offers unique opportunities for building awareness and raising donations, making it an attractive platform for organizations like ours.

Furthermore, TikTok has become a vibrant community, fostering creativity, meaningful connections, and opportunities for learning. It is shaping a new generation of activists, making it a prime choice for nonprofits looking to expand their reach, fundraise, and create compelling content without the need for advanced technical skills or production capabilities.

Launched in 2016, TikTok surged in popularity in the United States in June 2020 as young people sought entertainment during the pandemic. Today, it boasts a global presence in more than 150 countries, surpassing even Google and its services like Google Maps and Gmail in terms of accessibility. TikTok's popularity now rivals Instagram and is on the verge of overtaking Facebook.

While initially associated with a youthful audience, TikTok has transcended age barriers, captivating adults with its short, visually appealing content, especially videos. This is where our nonprofit organizations can make a significant impact.

Let's explore four essential steps for nonprofits to leverage this influential social media platform:

Immerse Yourself in TikTok's World

Dive into TikTok to observe emerging trends, the creative use of music, and the content that garners the most engagement. TikTok is a platform where people often follow trends, be it dances, music, or audio clips, and adding their unique twist to resonate with their audience. Additionally, voiceovers, where audio clips are overlaid onto videos, are both popular and straightforward to create. Nonprofits like the Catskills Animal Sanctuary, Jacksonville Humane Society, Nashville Humane Association, United Way, and the American Red Cross have effectively used such videos to raise awareness and tell their stories. While TikTok content is relatively easy to produce, investing in basic equipment like dedicated cellphones for video creation and different types of lighting can enhance the quality of your content.

Highlight Impactful Stories and Messages that Drive Donations

As nonprofits begin creating content on TikTok, they should integrate it into their existing social media strategy and communication campaigns. Explore ways to share your TikTok content across multiple platforms. Features like auto-captioning and text-to-speech conversion can make your videos more accessible. Consider creating challenges, providing informative videos, collaborating with marketing partners, and launching fundraising campaigns to leverage TikTok's potential. For example, the Movember Foundation has successfully used TikTok to promote its awareness campaigns, maintaining a consistent message and imagery across all marketing channels.

Explore Fundraising Opportunities

Once your nonprofit has established a following on TikTok, however modest, investigate the platform's fundraising features. TikTok offers donation stickers that can be added to videos and live streams to collect donations. You can also display "Fundraiser" tags, allowing users to link your nonprofit in their profile. To use these features, organizations need to create profiles on platforms like Tiltify and Benevity Causes to ensure that donations reach the right destination.

Engage with Millennials and Gen Z

TikTok's audience is predominantly younger, with over 50% under the age of 34. This demographic, comprising Millennials and Gen Zers, is digitally savvy, socially conscious, and passionate about various causes, including the environment, social justice, animal rights, and freedom of expression. They represent the future wave of donors. Engaging with these generations, particularly through TikTok, is an opportunity to tap into a passionate, tech-savvy, and socially active audience. For example, nonprofits like Diversability, focused on individuals with disabilities, have found success on TikTok by sharing videos created by and for people with different abilities.

These steps are just the beginning for nonprofits looking to harness the power of TikTok. It's clear that TikTok is here to stay, and investing time and effort in this platform can yield significant benefits for organizations like ours. Many nonprofit social media teams are already integrating TikTok into their strategies, alongside platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, to expand their audience, raise awareness, and thrive in the digital age.

So, you’re learning how to start a nonprofit. Or maybe you’ve been running one for a while. Either way, let’s talk about something that doesn’t always get the spotlight but is absolutely essential: bylaws. Yes, I know—bylaws aren’t exactly the sexy side of nonprofit work. They don’t tug at heartstrings or inspire viral fundraising campaigns. But trust me when I say that well-crafted bylaws can save you from a world of confusion, conflict, and legal headaches.

Think of bylaws as the operating manual for your nonprofit. They spell out how decisions get made, who’s responsible for what, and how to handle issues before they become full-blown crises. They ensure transparency, accountability, and legal compliance—three things every nonprofit needs to function smoothly.

So let’s break it down, step by step, and demystify the world of nonprofit bylaws.

Why Nonprofit Bylaws Matter

Bylaws aren’t just bureaucratic red tape. They serve as the foundation of your organization’s governance, keeping everything from board meetings to membership requirements in check. Here’s why they’re a big deal:

• They establish clarity – Everyone (board members, staff, volunteers) knows the rules of the road.
• They boost credibility – Funders, donors, and potential partners look for strong governance structures.
• They help resolve conflicts – A good set of bylaws prevents disagreements from turning into disasters.
• They ensure legal compliance – Many states and funders require bylaws, and having them protects your nonprofit from legal trouble.

Now that we’ve covered why they matter, let’s dive into the key elements every nonprofit’s bylaws should include.

The Key Elements of Nonprofit Bylaws

Your bylaws should be clear, comprehensive, and tailored to your nonprofit’s needs. Here’s what they should cover:

1. Organizational Structure

• Your nonprofit’s official name and purpose.
• The type of nonprofit (e.g., charitable, educational, religious).
• The structure of your board and leadership team.

2. Board of Directors

• How many board members you’ll have.
• Their roles, responsibilities, and term limits.
• How new board members are elected or removed.
• Meeting requirements and decision-making processes.

3. Membership (If Applicable)

• Who qualifies as a member and their rights.
• Membership dues (if any).
• How members are admitted or removed.

4. Meetings

• How often your board meets.
• Quorum requirements (the minimum number of people needed to make a decision).
• Notice requirements for meetings.

5. Voting

• How decisions get made (majority vote? two-thirds? unanimous?).
• Rules around proxy voting and absentee ballots.

6. Amendments

• How and when bylaws can be updated.
• Who has the authority to propose changes.
• The process for approval.

How to Create and Draft Effective Bylaws

Writing bylaws doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s a step-by-step process to make it manageable:

1. Research and Benchmark

• Look at the bylaws of similar nonprofits for inspiration.
• Use templates from reputable nonprofit support organizations. You can purchase a template HERE that contains a set of bylaws with the IRS 501(c)(3) required language.

2. Engage Key Stakeholders

• Get input from board members, staff, and key volunteers.
• Make sure the bylaws reflect your nonprofit’s specific needs and mission.

3. Consult a Legal Expert

• Nonprofit laws vary by state, so a lawyer can ensure compliance.
• They can also flag any language that might create legal gray areas.

4. Keep It Clear and Concise

• Avoid overly complex language—bylaws should be easy to understand.
• Focus on what’s essential; too much detail can create inflexibility.

5. Review, Finalize, and Approve

• Circulate a draft for feedback.
• Once finalized, the board should formally approve the bylaws.
• Keep them in an accessible place for easy reference.

Bylaws Aren’t Set in Stone—Review and Update as Needed

Your nonprofit will evolve, and your bylaws should, too. Regular reviews (every couple of years) ensure they stay relevant. Here’s when you might need an update:

• Changes in governance laws – Stay up to date on nonprofit legal requirements.
• Organizational growth – Expanding programs? Bringing in new leadership? Time for a review.
• Lessons learned – If your bylaws aren’t working well in practice, tweak them.
• Board transitions – New leadership brings fresh perspectives that can improve governance.

Common Bylaws Mistakes to Avoid

Even the best-intentioned nonprofit leaders can trip up when drafting bylaws. Here are some common pitfalls:

• Vague or confusing language – Be clear and specific.
• Overly rigid rules – Allow for flexibility when necessary.
• Failure to reflect mission and values – Make sure bylaws align with your nonprofit’s purpose.
• No conflict resolution process – Disputes happen. Have a plan for handling them.

Bylaws vs. Articles of Incorporation: What’s the Difference?

People often confuse bylaws with articles of incorporation, but they serve different functions:

• Articles of Incorporation – This is the legal document you file with the state to establish your nonprofit. Click HERE for suggested language from the IRS for your Articles of Incorporation.
• Bylaws – These govern how your nonprofit operates internally.

Think of it this way: Articles of incorporation get you legally recognized, bylaws keep you running smoothly.

Final Thoughts: Your Bylaws Are Your Roadmap

Nonprofit bylaws aren’t just a formality. They’re a tool to keep your organization on track, prevent unnecessary drama, and reinforce good governance. They help your nonprofit stay transparent, accountable, and mission-focused—three things that will set you up for long-term success.

So, take the time to get them right. Keep them updated. And, most importantly, use them to guide your nonprofit toward a future where your mission thrives and your impact grows.

Because when your governance is strong, your nonprofit can focus on what truly matters: changing lives.

Ready to Make Nonprofit Leadership Easier?

Bylaws, policies, fundraising templates—you name it, we’ve got it in our Etsy shop. O gives you instan access to done-for-you resources that save you time, keep you compliant, and help your nonprofit thrive. Don’t reinvent the wheel—join today and get the templates, guidance, and support you need to lead with confidence!

👉 Shop Now and start simplifying your nonprofit success!

Giving Tuesday is an excellent opportunity to boost your organization's fundraising efforts, and with the right strategies, you can make the most of this day. Here are some key tips to ensure your Giving Tuesday campaign is a success:

Countdown to Giving Tuesday:

Build anticipation and excitement by starting your campaign countdown early. Create engaging teasers to get your supporters in the giving spirit.

Develop a Compelling Story:

Storytelling is crucial in fundraising. Craft a compelling narrative that illustrates the impact of your nonprofit's work. Make sure it resonates with your target audience and elicits an emotional response. Highlight success stories, show the human faces behind your cause, and explain how donations will make a difference. Be sure to highlight the impact your nonprofit has made while making donors the heroes of your stories. 

Leverage Multichannel Marketing:

Utilize various communication channels to reach your supporters effectively. These may include email marketing, social media, your website, and even traditional media like press releases or radio spots. Coordinate your messaging across these platforms to maximize your reach.

Giving Tuesday is BIG on social media, so be sure to share compelling visuals, using catchy hashtags, and creating shareable content. Encourage your supporters to join the conversation.

Segment Your Audience:

Tailor your messages and outreach to specific donor segments. Different donors may have varying interests, preferences, and giving capacities. Personalize your communication to make your supporters feel valued and understood.

Create a Sense of Urgency:

One of the advantages of Giving Tuesday is the sense of urgency it creates. Encourage your donors to take action on this specific day by emphasizing the time-limited nature of the opportunity.

Set Fundraising Goals:

Set clear and achievable fundraising goals for Giving Tuesday. Donors like to know what their contributions will accomplish. Be transparent about how the funds will be used and what impact they will have.

Your fundraising goals should be ambitious but attainable. Let your supporters know you're aiming high and need their help to reach the stars.

Challenge and Match Excitement:

Leverage matching grants or challenges to incentivize giving. When donors know their contributions will be doubled or matched in some way, it can motivate them to give more generously.

Turn Donors into Advocates:

Encourage your donors to be advocates for your cause. Provide them with tools to share your campaign on social media and engage with their networks.

Provide Multiple Giving Options:

Make it easy for donors to give by offering various donation options, such as one-time gifts, monthly recurring donations, and the option to give in honor of or in memory of someone.

Say Thank You with Heart:

Don't forget to express your gratitude. Send thank-you emails, acknowledge donors on social media, and follow up with impact reports to show the difference their donations have made.

Maintain Post-Giving Tuesday Engagement:

Keep the momentum going by sharing updates, stories, and achievements with your supporters. Maintain their interest in your cause beyond Giving Tuesday.

Learn and Improve:

After the campaign, analyze the data to understand what worked and what didn't. Use these insights to improve your strategies for future campaigns.

Remember that Giving Tuesday is just one piece of your fundraising strategy. Building relationships with your donors, engaging them in your mission, and providing transparency are essential for long-term success. Good luck with your Giving Tuesday campaign, and I hope these tips help you raise the funds you need to make a lasting impact!

You're passionate, driven, and fueled by a desire to make a difference. You've got a big vision for your nonprofit, but translating that into a concrete plan can feel overwhelming. Enter the nonprofit business plan: your roadmap to success.

Whether your nonprofit is just starting out, facing challenges, or thriving with years of success, crafting a nonprofit business plan is an absolute must! Why, you ask?

By developing a nonprofit business plan, you're not just creating a document; you're igniting the dynamic roadmap for your organization's journey. It defines the who, what, and how of your nonprofit's operations, assigning responsibilities and charting the exhilarating course towards your ambitious goals!

With your nonprofit business plan, your team is crystal clear on your goals, challenges, and path forward. It sets achievable targets for the next few years, keeping you focused and accountable. It's also your touchstone, revisited throughout the year to ensure your actions align with your vision. No more drifting off course, unsure if you're making a real difference. This plan reminds you and your donors what you're about and, more importantly, what you're not.

Your nonprofit organization also needs a business plan to best secure support of any kind, this is true whether you are seeking monetary donations, in-kind donations, recruiting volunteers, etc. 

Why a nonprofit business plan is your secret weapon:

Unlike for-profits targeting investors, nonprofits appeal to a diverse audience: donors, volunteers, foundations, and clients - all with a vested interest in your "why" and "how." You need to understand how to speak to each of them, and building your plan will help you do that.‍

Ready to write your nonprofit business plan? Here's your 7-step guide:

1. ‍Mind your audience: Avoid jargon and acronyms. Write for everyone, not just experts.‍
2. Outline your plan: Know what information you need to gather before you start writing.‍
3. Keep it simple: 12-point font, Times New Roman, readable margins, and white space are your friends.‍
4. Divide and conquer: Use clear headings and separate pages for each section.‍
5. Data with pizazz: Charts and graphs make your facts sing.‍
6. Proofread like a pro: Even the best writers need an editor.‍
7. Stay positive: Highlight your solutions, not just the problems you tackle.
   

Now, let's dissect the sections:

Executive Summary: This is your elevator pitch, the most read section. Tell your story of change, mission, vision and goals.

Products, programs, and services: Dive deep into what you offer. Detail the need you address and your unique approach. Highlight your impact on your community, both now and in the future.

Operations: This is where you showcase your organizational muscle. Mention your nonprofit's areas of focus, your team, and how you're structured for success. Don't forget your location(s) and past accomplishments if you're established.

Marketing: It's not just about good deeds. Tell everyone about them! Explain your branding, online reach (website, social media, SEO), and how you plan to get noticed.

Operational plan: Daily duties meet long-term dreams. Show your practical side and your big-picture vision. Include daily operations, costs, expansion plans, and how you'll get there.

Finances: Be transparent. Lay out your funding projections and expected expenses. Use tables for easy reading.

Appendix: This is your catch-all for anything extra: board member bios, research papers, or anything relevant that doesn't fit elsewhere.

Remember, your plan is a living document. Use it, update it, and let it guide you towards the impact you were born to make.

Feeling inspired?  Check out our Etsy for One-pager templates and start writing! Your community is counting on your impact and success!

Have you ever felt a pang of awkwardness when reaching out to a donor after a long silence? You're not alone. But what if I told you a simple "hello" could have a bigger impact than you think?

A recent study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology explored the power of casual check-ins. Researchers found that even brief interactions – a phone call, a quick email, a thoughtful text – can significantly strengthen connections.

This might seem counterintuitive, especially with donors you haven't spoken to in a while. But the study revealed an interesting twist: the more unexpected the outreach, the greater the positive impact. So, that donor you haven't heard from in years? They might be pleasantly surprised to hear from you!

Why does this work? Remember, humans are social creatures who crave connection. Peggy Liu, the study's lead author, points out that initiating contact, even after a gap, can feel daunting because we worry about how it will be received. But the research suggests our fears are often unfounded. In most cases, people appreciate being remembered and reached out to.

So, how can you apply this to your donor relationships? Here are a few tips:

• Personalize your message: Go beyond a generic template. Mention something specific about their past support or interests.
• Keep it brief and informal: A quick email or text expressing your appreciation and curiosity about their well-being is enough.
• Focus on connection, not just fundraising: While you can mention your organization's current initiatives, prioritize rekindling the relationship.

By reaching out with genuine warmth and interest, you can remind your donors why they connected with your cause in the first place. And who knows, they might just surprise you with their renewed engagement!

Remember, every donor is worth the effort. Don't be afraid to break the silence and build bridges of understanding. You might just discover that a simple connection can pave the way for future support and lasting relationships.