Most nonprofits skim past grant announcements. That's a missed opportunity. A funder's past awards reveal what they actually fund, how much they give, and the language they respond to, often more clearly than their own guidelines. Here's how to read grant announcements as intelligence and use them to sharpen your prospecting.

More and more, funders aren't just backing causes, they're investing in places. Downtown funds, regional initiatives, and community partnerships are drawing a growing share of philanthropic dollars. Here's why place-based giving is on the rise, and how nonprofits can position themselves to be part of it.

When a major foundation names a new president, it's not just sector news, it's an actionable fundraising signal. New leadership often means new priorities and a fresh window to make your case. Our Who's New in Philanthropy report tracks the leadership changes reshaping national philanthropy, and here's how to use that intelligence in your strategy.

Nonprofits spend a lot of energy trying to crack the Gen Z code. A recent Chronicle of Philanthropy essay by a Gen Z fundraiser suggests that's the whole problem. Building on his six myths, we look at the pattern underneath them: Gen Z can spot inauthenticity instantly, and reaches the organizations willing to drop the tactics and be real.

A roundup of the news, ideas, and tools shaping philanthropy this month, from the latest annual DAF report and McKnight's $6 million rural investment to provocative perspectives on philanthropic power, what nonprofits get wrong about Gen Z donors, and a set of practical fundraising tools worth bookmarking.

If your organization serves rural Minnesota, the funding landscape looks different than it does in the Twin Cities. Here's where to look, from the regional foundations built for Greater Minnesota to community foundations, the rural priorities hidden inside larger funders, and the overlooked small sources most prospecting misses.

Somewhere in your donor database are people ready to give far more than they do now. A wealth screening helps you find them. Here's what it actually reveals about donor capacity and propensity, what it can't tell you, and how to turn a long donor list into a clear set of priorities.

You have a board full of committed people who go quiet the moment fundraising comes up. You're not alone, and your board isn't broken. Here's how to move your board from passive supporters to active partners, through clear expectations, a broader definition of "help," the right tools, and a culture that makes participation feel possible.

You could probably prospect funders yourself, and we'll be the first to say so. Here are the four things Access Philanthropy does differently: knowing how funders actually listen, going deeper with better tools and relationships, diversifying your funding on purpose, and spending the time your team doesn't have.

Most nonprofits don't have a fundraising problem. They have a strategy problem. We break down the five most common mistakes that hold development programs back, from chasing dollars instead of building a system to waiting until you're "ready" to invest, and how to build fundraising that lasts.

A roundup of the latest funding news, policy shifts, and sector conversations shaping philanthropy this month, from the 40-year impact of Minnesota's Initiative Foundations to how proposed federal tax changes could reshape private foundation giving.

A tribute to the 21 kindergarten graduates of Gateway STEM Academy, Class of 2026, and the Somali community that stood behind them with dignity and strength. A reminder of what these children truly accomplished: taking their first step in a lifetime of learning.

Four perspectives from across the sector on what makes fundraising work, from why the ask is never a single moment to how donor-advised funds are changing donor relationships, plus practical guidance on grant systems and navigating organizational crisis.

Acquiring new donors takes strategy, not luck. Access Philanthropy breaks down how nonprofits can approach donor acquisition thoughtfully and where to focus first.

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.

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.

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.

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 foundation funders is possible but it has to be done right. Access Philanthropy shares what nonprofit fundraisers need to know before making first contact.

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.