In the ever-evolving landscape of nonprofit funding, federal grants remain a crucial lifeline for organizations striving to make a difference. Recently, a significant shift has occurred in how these funding opportunities are presented, with the introduction of simplified Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs). This change promises to reshape the way nonprofits approach and secure federal funding, potentially opening doors for a more diverse range of organizations.
A nonprofit capital campaign can transform your mission, but only with proper planning. Learn the phases, readiness factors, and financial infrastructure nonprofits need before launching a campaign.
Nonprofit organizations are navigating an evolving landscape of audit requirements and best practices. Effective nonprofit audit preparation remains crucial for ensuring compliance, enhancing transparency, and maintaining stakeholder trust. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore key aspects of preparing for your nonprofit audit, including lessons learned from recently implemented standards, emerging best practices, and strategies to navigate common challenges.
Survey data only creates value when it leads to action. In Part III of our survey series, we show nonprofits how to avoid the “collect and forget” trap by turning stakeholder feedback into clear decisions, visible improvements, and measurable impact.
For many nonprofit leaders, receiving the annual financial statement audit report can feel like opening a complex book written in accounting jargon. But understanding this report is essential—it’s not just a compliance requirement; it’s a powerful tool for transparency, accountability, and strategic decision-making.
Many nonprofits collect survey feedback without a clear plan for how it will be used, resulting in data that rarely leads to action. Effective surveys start with intentional design — identifying the decision the survey will inform and structuring questions to deliver usable insight. In this second installment of our survey design series, we outline a practical framework nonprofits can use to gather meaningful feedback, improve programs, and make data‑informed decisions that strengthen impact and stakeholder trust.
This guide explores the full lifecycle of effective nonprofit surveys, from initial design through implementation and action planning, demonstrating that meaningful change requires three interconnected elements: thoughtful design, strategic implementation, and committed follow-through.
Technology adoption separates thriving nonprofits from struggling ones. Organizations that effectively integrate technology across fundraising, service delivery, and operations are significantly more likely to report revenue growth. Yet many nonprofits remain woefully behind in their use of technology, creating both operational inefficiencies and missed opportunities.
A well-structured cash reserve policy is an essential element of strong financial stewardship in the nonprofit sector. Reserves give organizations the stability to weather revenue fluctuations, address unforeseen expenses, and invest strategically in mission-driven initiatives. Developing a clear, board-approved policy ensures consistency, transparency, and accountability in how reserves are built and used.
The nonprofit sector is entering 2026 facing its most challenging financial environment in a decade. If you're a nonprofit executive director, board member, or financial officer feeling the squeeze, you're not alone. Recent data reveals that 36% of nonprofits ended 2024 with operating deficits—the highest rate in ten years. Meanwhile, 84% of organizations that receive government funding anticipate cuts in the coming year, and 86% report that inflation continues to have a significant impact on their operations.
