Text reading 'Carpenter Nonprofit Consulting' in white cursive font on a black background.

Nonprofit Management Blog

Creating Logic Models for Nonprofit Programs
Grant Writing & Strategy Morgan Carpenter Grant Writing & Strategy Morgan Carpenter

Creating Logic Models for Nonprofit Programs

Logic models are one of the most practical tools nonprofits can use to strengthen programs, improve grant readiness, and communicate impact more clearly. Unfortunately, they’re also one of the most misunderstood.

In nearly a decade of grant work, I’ve rarely seen funders require formal logic model attachments. Even so, logic models remain one of the most useful internal planning tools nonprofits can use.

Read More
Measuring Success: Outcomes and Evaluation Techniques for Nonprofits
Morgan Carpenter Morgan Carpenter

Measuring Success: Outcomes and Evaluation Techniques for Nonprofits

In the nonprofit sector, measuring success goes beyond just financial metrics. It's about understanding and demonstrating the impact of your work. This post delves into the various outcomes and evaluation techniques that nonprofits can use to effectively measure their success.

Read More
Should You Pay a Grant Writer a Percentage of the Grant?
Grant Writing & Strategy Morgan Carpenter Grant Writing & Strategy Morgan Carpenter

Should You Pay a Grant Writer a Percentage of the Grant?

Hiring a grant writer can feel like a big investment, especially when your nonprofit is operating with limited staff capacity and an already-stretched budget. It’s understandable that commission-based or contingency-based payment can sound appealing at first: pay the grant writer only if the funding comes through.

The problem is that grant funding doesn’t work like sales. A strong proposal matters, but grant awards are not won by writing skill alone. Funders also consider their own priorities, organizational readiness, program fit, budget clarity, available funding, geography, timing, competition, and many other factors outside the grant writer’s control.

Read More
Navigating Ethical Challenges in Grant Writing
Morgan Carpenter Morgan Carpenter

Navigating Ethical Challenges in Grant Writing

In the complex world of nonprofit management, ethical considerations are not just a cornerstone of success, but a fundamental necessity. This first post in our series on Grant Writing Ethics explores the critical importance of maintaining integrity, transparency, and honesty throughout the grant writing process.

Read More