Philanthropy insights, trends, and guidance

The latest thinking from the Access Philanthropy team on fundraising strategy, philanthropic trends, nonprofit leadership, and what we're seeing in the field right now.

Natalia Daies Natalia Daies

Why Your Nonprofit's Fundraising Strategy Isn't Working (And How to Fix It)

Most nonprofits don't have a fundraising problem. They have a strategy problem. There's a difference between fundraising activity and fundraising strategy — and confusing the two is one of the most common reasons development programs stall. You can write grants, host events, and send appeals all year long and still end the fiscal year short of goal if those efforts aren't connected to a coherent plan.

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Advice for Funders

Equitable Grantmaking Assessment Guide
Vu Le (of "Crappy Fundraising Practices") teamed up with RVC, an organization he founded in Seattle to promote social justice, to create “Making Philanthropy More Equitable: Introducing the Equitable Grantmaking Continuum.” It outlines funding practices ranging from the most equitable to the most inequitable.

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What is the definition of a Donor Advised Fund?

Donor Advised Funds (DAF) are pools of money ($10,000 or more) created and financially sustained by individuals, families, businesses, or organizations (the Donors). These DAFs are managed and technically owned by non-profit organizations such as community foundations, colleges, and investment companies (such as Fidelity, Vanguard or Charles Schwab).

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Uncategorized Uncategorized

Low Wages, Employee Burnout Hamstring Nonprofits

Locally and nationally, there has been recent sobering news about the state of the nonprofit workforce. Overwork, burnout, low wages, lack of benefits, and an inability to meet a surging need for programs and services are all making the sector a demanding place to work. When coupled with shifts in funding patterns and priorities and grantmakers’ reluctance to fully fund operating and administrative costs—a gap has developed and increased.

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