Nonprofit Management Blog
Why Your Board Isn’t Helping with Fundraising (and What’s Actually Missing)
If you’ve ever sat in a board meeting thinking, “We really need the board to step up with fundraising,” you’re not alone.
I hear this from Executive Directors all the time. The board cares. They believe in the mission. They show up to meetings. And yet when it comes to fundraising, things stall out. Conversations get vague. Expectations stay unspoken. Follow-through is inconsistent.
The usual conclusion is simple: they don’t know how to fundraise. That explanation is convenient. It’s also incomplete.
Grant Funding is a Governance Issue, Not Just a Development Issue
When a nonprofit decides it wants to pursue grant funding, the first instinct is often to hire a grant writer. That instinct makes sense. Grant proposals are complex, time-consuming, and highly structured. Strong writing absolutely matters. However, organizations are often surprised to discover that the factors that influence whether they win grant awards rarely begin with the writing itself.
In reality, grant outcomes are deeply connected to something many nonprofits overlook: governance.
How to Create a Fundraising Plan for a Small Nonprofit (With Example)
Many small nonprofits approach fundraising with a mix of urgency and hope. A grant opportunity appears, a donor asks how they can help, or a board member suggests hosting an event. The organization moves quickly to respond. Over time, these efforts add up to activity, but not necessarily strategy.
Should You Hire a Staff Grant Writer or a Contractor? A Strategic Decision Guide for Nonprofits
At some point in a nonprofit’s growth, this conversation shows up:
Grants are taking more time. Deadlines feel tighter. Leadership is stretched. Someone says, “Maybe it’s time to hire a grant writer.”
The question sounds straightforward. It isn’t.
How to Outsource Grant Writing Without Losing Your Organization’s Voice
Outsourcing grant writing can feel risky.
Executive Directors and development leaders often wonder: “If we hire someone external, will our proposals still sound like us?” Beneath that question is something deeper. Leaders aren’t just worried about tone. They’re worried about losing control of their story, their mission, and the integrity of their work.