Many nonprofit boards approach fundraising through a transactional lens, focused primarily on numbers, dashboards, and revenue targets. But true fundraising leadership begins when boards shift toward a relational, mission-centered mindset.

In this article, I outline three strategic ways boards can move from transactional to transformational in 2026. From reordering the structure of board meetings to prioritizing donor listening and rethinking the language used in development materials, these small but intentional shifts can significantly strengthen board engagement and long-term fundraising success.

Collaborative grants are becoming one of the most strategic ways for nonprofits to scale impact and access larger funding pools. But funders are looking for more than a handshake agreement. They want to see strong, equitable partnerships with shared leadership, clear roles, and a track record of working together.

If your organization is exploring joint proposals, preparation matters. From choosing the right partners to building a unified budget, the strength of your collaboration can make or break your grant application.

As Q4 approaches, most nonprofit boards focus on end-of-year appeals and closing fundraising gaps. But one of the most strategic ways a board can add value during this season is by strengthening the organization’s readiness for grants.

From demonstrating 100 percent board giving to amplifying visibility online and guiding long-term strategy, board members have a critical role to play behind the scenes of a competitive proposal. Their engagement in these final months can signal to funders that your organization is not only impactful, but also well-governed and sustainable.

This article outlines practical, high-impact actions board members can take right now to improve grant outcomes in the new year.

Grant writing is rarely a one-person task. Behind every successful proposal is a network of systems, relationships, and funding that make the work possible. One often overlooked source of support? Giving circles.

Giving circles offer more than pooled donations. When structured intentionally, they can provide flexible funding, demonstrate community buy-in, and even help fulfill match requirements, making your grant proposals stronger and more competitive. Some also engage in advocacy and community education, deepening your organization’s reach and credibility.

Missed deadlines, outdated attachments, and last-minute document searches can seriously undermine your organization's grant readiness.

This article explores why digital asset management is not just an operational convenience but a strategic necessity. For nonprofits pursuing grant funding, a centralized, secure, and searchable system for storing essential materials can make the difference between a rushed submission and a competitive proposal.

From safeguarding donor communications to ensuring continuity during staff transitions, digital asset systems are becoming a vital tool for development teams committed to sustainability, compliance, and funder confidence.

Many nonprofits approach grant funding with strong stories and solid intentions, but that alone is no longer enough. Funders are evaluating more than eligibility. They are looking at internal capacity, governance, financial transparency, and alignment with their values. This article outlines a strategic approach to grant readiness, offering practical insights for fundraisers, executive leaders, and board members. Whether your organization is preparing for a major opportunity or seeking to understand why proposals have fallen short, this framework can help you move from reactive grant seeking to intentional, sustainable growth.

In the fast-paced world of grant writing, it is easy to move from one deadline to the next without pausing to reflect. But gratitude is not just good manners. It is a discipline that grounds the work, strengthens relationships, and sustains purpose. This article explores how intentional expressions of thanks, before and after the grant process, can build trust, boost team morale, and deepen the impact of your fundraising practice. Whether you are writing reports, engaging program officers, or stewarding board partners, gratitude is more than a courtesy. It is a strategic asset.

Stewardship is not a task to complete. It is a long-term strategy rooted in trust, transparency, and thoughtful engagement. This article explores why meaningful donor relationships require more than timely thank-you notes or annual reports. From individual supporters to institutional funders, long-term partnership depends on patience, consistency, and authentic connection. If your organization is ready to deepen donor loyalty and strengthen funder relationships, this is where the long game begins.

Grants and events are important, but without a strong major gifts strategy, many nonprofits struggle to sustain momentum. Major gifts not only provide reliable funding, they also enhance grant competitiveness by demonstrating financial stability, meeting match requirements, and expanding internal capacity. This article explores how integrating major gifts into your fundraising plan can reduce uncertainty, increase funder confidence, and support long-term impact. If your grant strategy feels reactive, this may be the missing piece.

Strong grant proposals follow a clear structure that reflects both strategy and alignment. From the executive summary to the sustainability plan, each section plays a critical role in demonstrating your organization’s readiness and capacity to deliver results. This article breaks down the essential components of a compelling grant proposal, including how to frame your need, define measurable objectives, justify your budget, and communicate long-term impact. Whether you are refining a proposal or building one from scratch, these elements cannot be overlooked.

End-of-year giving plays a vital role in sustaining nonprofit organizations and the communities they serve. As individuals reflect on the year and consider how to make a meaningful impact, charitable donations offer a way to support mission-driven work, unlock potential tax benefits, and foster a culture of generosity. This article outlines why year-end contributions matter, how they help nonprofits plan for the future, and how donors can maximize their impact during the most critical giving season of the year.

Measuring impact is one of the most critical yet challenging aspects of nonprofit work. Funders, donors, and communities need more than activity counts—they need evidence of change. This article outlines a practical approach to developing meaningful metrics, including how to set SMART goals, establish key performance indicators, select data collection methods, and report outcomes effectively. Whether you are preparing a grant report or building a long-term evaluation strategy, this guide will help you demonstrate the value of your work and strengthen future funding opportunities.

As traditional funding streams continue to decline, nonprofit organizations must adopt strategies that strengthen financial resilience and long-term sustainability. This article explores how revenue diversification and intentional succession planning can protect organizations from economic volatility, prevent program disruption, and support leadership continuity. From expanding donor portfolios to preparing for leadership transitions, these practices are essential for building adaptive, mission-driven organizations equipped to thrive in an evolving philanthropic landscape.