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.
Donor Acquisition Is Hard. Here's How to Think About It Strategically
Acquiring new donors takes strategy, not luck. Access Philanthropy breaks down how nonprofits can approach donor acquisition thoughtfully and where to focus first.
What New Nonprofit Organizations Need to Know Before They Start Fundraising
Starting a new nonprofit? Access Philanthropy shares what emerging organizations need to know about fundraising, funders, and organizational readiness before they make their first ask.
Tips for Grant Proposal Development To Actually Get Results
Writing a strong grant proposal takes more than good writing. Access Philanthropy shares 7 practical tips for nonprofit grant proposal development that increase your chances of getting funded.
How to Choose the Right Fundraising Consultant for Your Nonprofit
Not all fundraising consultants are created equal. Learn what to look for when choosing a nonprofit fundraising consultant and what questions to ask before you hire.
Nonprofit Leadership for Beginners: What No One Tells You
New to nonprofit leadership? Access Philanthropy shares honest, practical guidance for emerging nonprofit leaders navigating fundraising, boards, and organizational growth for the first time.
Cold Outreach to Funders: What to Remember Before You Reach Out
Cold outreach to foundation funders is possible but it has to be done right. Access Philanthropy shares what nonprofit fundraisers need to know before making first contact.
7 Tips for Writing an LOI That Actually Gets Read
Learn how to write a Letter of Inquiry that gets results. We’re sharing seven practical tips for nonprofit grant writers to craft compelling, funder-ready LOIs.
What Nonprofit Leaders Need to Know About Philanthropy Right Now
The philanthropic landscape is always changing — but some of the shifts happening right now are more significant than most. Here's what we're seeing, and what it means for your fundraising strategy.
7 Grant Writing Mistakes That Are Costing Your Nonprofit Funding
A strong proposal isn't just well-written. It's well-positioned, well-researched, and submitted to the right funder at the right time. Here are seven mistakes that even experienced grant writers make and how to avoid them.
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.
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.
Tips on Reaching Corporate Funders
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Funds take a unique approach. Two experts look at how to customize your message to reach them.
Eight free promotional trainings on using LinkedIn for fundraising.
Check out eight free promotional trainings for you and your team.
Is the Grant Worth Going For? & What do Funders Want to Know?
Grant writing takes time — and time is one resource most nonprofits don't have enough of. Before you invest hours researching, writing, and compiling attachments, it's worth asking a simple question: is this grant actually worth pursuing?
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).
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.
A Look at Impact Investing
A trend among some funders at the national, regional & local level is the adoption of impact investing strategies. Foundations and large funders still provide grants, but are blending the “investment” model with traditional grants.
Trends In MN Arts Funding
We’ve rounded up trends in top trends by the numbers in MN Arts Grantmaking.
Is There Any Trust in Trust-based Philanthropy?
A Special Access Philanthropy Research Piece Do Foundations Trust Trust-Based Philanthropy? (download) In January of this year, the Chronicle of Philanthropy published an opinion piece by Dan Goldenberg, executive director of Call of Duty Endowment, on his organization’s choice to back off from trust-based philanthropy.