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Resource + Fund Development
Nonprofit organizations play an important societal role in serving as the vehicle by which philanthropy occurs. They act as the intermediary between donors and beneficiaries and have an ethical obligation to ensure proper handling of funds to carry out their missions. Nonprofit fundraising should be conducted according to the highest ethical standards with regard to solicitation, acceptance, recording, reporting and use of funds. Nonprofits should adopt clear policies for fundraising activities to ensure responsible use of funds for designated purposes, and open, transparent communication with donors and other constituents.
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A Board Member’s Guide to Nonprofit Overhead
Blue Avocado
Article/Blog, Guide/Tool
A helpful overview of key issues related to nonprofit overhead, including what counts as overhead, how different charity watchdogs report overhead, tips for allocating expenses appropriately so you don't over-represent your true overhead costs and more.
Appeal Letters: Tips & Samples
Article/Blog, Guide/Tool, Sample/Template
For many nonprofits, a direct mail appeal is an important part of their annual fundraising strategy. The following articles have tips, tools and samples for writing effective fundraising letters and annual appeals.
- Here's a Real Live Donor-Centered Appeal Letter (Fired Up Fundraising)
- 10 Steps to Create a Fundraising Appeal Letter That Brings in the Money (Fired Up Fundraising)
- How to Write a Donation Letter (Wild Apricot)
- Fundraising Letters (Fundly)
- Tips & Tools to Maximize Year-End Giving (Chronicle of Philanthropy)
- 7 Tips for Drafting Fundraising Letters (Guidestar)
Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)
Organization/Agency
Fundraising support organization and the best source for legal and ethical fundraising information which provides resources including guides, articles, job board, publications, discussion boards and consultant directory.
Beyond Cash: A Guide for How Nonprofit Boards Can Tap Pro Bono and In-kind Resources.
BoardSource
Guide/Tool
A user-friendly guide with how-tos for CEOs, board members and potential members on making the most of in-kind and pro bono resources.
Beyond Financial Oversight: Expanding the Board’s Role in the Pursuit of Sustainability
Nonprofit Quarterly
Article/Blog
This article examines the role of the board of directors in establishing organizational sustainability.
Board Giving Expectations
Article/Blog, Guide/Tool, Sample/Template
It is often considered a strong indicator of board engagement and support if 100% of board members donate (even a nominal amount). Some grant applications will even ask for the percentage of board members who give. What is absolutely essential is that organizations set clear expectations for board members about their role in giving and raising money. The following resources offer advice and samples for structuring board giving expectations.
Boards That Love Fundraising: Specific Responsibilities
Zimmerman Lehman
Article/Blog
Strategies for involving board in resource and fund development activities.
Capital Campaigns
Article/Blog, Video/Tutorial
These resources help answer frequently asked questions about capital campaigns so you can put together a fundraising plan that works.
Charity Auctions
Guide/Tool, Sample/Template
A thorough overview of issues to consider when planning an auction, including charitable solicitation rules, risk and insurance issues, tax and reporting considerations, and donor acknowledgements.
Chronicle of Philanthropy
Periodical
National newspaper connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs and ideas.
Code of Ethical Online Philanthropic Practices
ePhilanthropy
Guide/Tool
This resource outlines ethical practices related to online fundraising.
Staff Recommended
Code of Ethical Principles and Standards of Professional Practice
Association of Fundraising Professionals
Guide/Tool
Widely accepted ethics and standards of fundraising.
Code of Ethics
Guide/Tool, Sample/Template
Many nonprofits and foundations develop a statement of values and code of ethics to help guide their policies, decision making and operations. The process of developing values and a code of ethics can prompt rich conversation. The following resource provide a suggested process as well as samples from other organizations that can be used as a starting point.
Creating a Culture of Fundraising in Your Organization
Grassroots Fundraising Journal
Article/Blog
10 tips for creating a fundraising culture.
Crowdfunding for Nonprofits
Guide/Tool
Crowdfunding can be a valuable tool for nonprofits, but there are important factors to consider before launching a peer-to-peer online fundraiser, from choosing the right tool to legal requirements related to charitable solicitation.
Don’t be Bedeviled by These Fundraising Mistakes
Guidestar
Article/Blog
Learn about common fundraising mistakes and how to avoid them.
Staff Recommended
Donor Bill of Rights
Association for Fundraising Professionals
Guide/Tool
A widely accepted declaration of donor rights from the Association for Fundraising Professionals.
Donor Direction: How Much is Too Much?
Association of Fundraising Professionals
Article/Blog
This article provides guidance on how to avoid undue donor influence.
Donor Management Software
Article/Blog
These articles will help you assess the donor management software options available to you, and navigate discounted options through TechSoup.
Donor Stewardship + Retention
Article/Blog, Guide/Tool
Relationship-building is a critical element of fundraising. How do you not just attract donors, but build that relationship over time, ensuring that they continue to support your mission? This collection of articles provides suggestions on how to bring a philosophy of donor stewardship to your fundraising efforts.
- You Had Me at Hello: The Importance of Donor Stewardship (TSNE)
- 21 Ideas to Refresh Your Donor Stewardship (The Storytelling Nonprofit)
- Donor Retention Tips from Experts (npEngage)
- 8 Step Donor Stewardship Guide for Nonprofits (GiveGab)
- Cultivating Lifelong Donors (BlackBaud)
- Tips for Effective Stewardship of Individual Donors (Nonprofit Marketing Guide)
Endowments
Article/Blog, Guide/Tool, Sample/Template
Is your organization considering creating an endowment? Endowments are one way to create sustainability for your organization to continue its mission, but are not the right fit for everyone. These articles outline common myths, and provide suggestions organizations should consider when creating and managing endowments.
- All About Endowments (National Council of Nonprofits)
- 5 Steps to Starting an Endowment for a Smaller Nonprofit (Guidestar)
- The Truth About Endowments (Chronicle of Philanthropy)
- Sample Agency Endowment Agreement (Chronicle of Philanthropy)
- When Endowments are a Bad Idea (Chronicle of Philanthropy)
- Managing Your Charity's Endowments Responsibly (BaderMartin)
eNonprofit Benchmarks Study
NTEN, M+R Strategic Services
Research/Report
An annually produced analysis of online messaging, fundraising, advocacy, social media and mobile metrics for nonprofit organizations.
Finding and Managing Consultants and Vendors
Guide/Tool
The following resources will help you find and manage consultants and vendors, whether for a defined project, or ongoing support. If you need a referral for support on fundraising, strategic planning, legal issues, accounting issues, meeting facilitation, technology, or any other outside support, start here. (Many of the consultants and vendors in MANP's Yellow Pages offer nonprofit rates.)
Fired Up Fundraising
Gail Perry
Guide/Tool
Find free fundraising tools, sign up for free weekly tips by email, access webinars, and find many blog posts and articles about engaging your board in fundraising.
Foundation Center
Organization/Agency
Foundation directory and fundraising management support organization providing resources such as a foundation directory, knowledge center, and newsletters.
Fund Development + Strategy Planning
Nonprofit Quarterly
Article/Blog
These articles outline a fund development planning process and what to include in a fund development plan, including how to decide on which fundraising strategies make most sense for your organization's goals and capacity.
Funding Them to Fish: The Case for Supporting the Earned Income Activities of Nonprofits
Social Enterprise Alliance
Article/Blog
Arguments for the merits of nonprofit earned income strategies, as well as an overview of key terms related to social enterprise.
Staff Recommended
Fundraising
National Council of Nonprofits
Guide/Tool
Helpful information and links, including information on fundraising ethics, legal requirements, government partnerships, fundraising and gift acknowledgement policies, and email and online fundraising.
Staff Recommended
Fundraising and Charitable Solicitations Guidelines
MANP
Guide/Tool, Video/Tutorial
These resources provide an overview of the rules and regulations governing the solicitation of charitable donations, including Maine's definition of "charitable organization," what organizations are exempt from registration, how to register as a charitable solicitor, online fundraising, reporting requirements and more. The white paper was updated in July 2014 to reflect changes to Maine law in effect as of August 1, 2014.
- Charitable Solicitation Registration (National Council of Nonprofits)
- 007: Licensed to Fundraise (MANP) Recorded Webinar)
- 50-state Fundraising Compliance Guide (Harbor Compliance)
- Charitable Solicitation Compliance: An explanation of state charitable registration requirements (National Council of Nonprofits)
- Charitable Solicitations Licensing Program (State of Maine)
- Fundraising Events: What Is Deductible (massnonprofit news--note that some advice is particular to Massachusetts)
Fundraising Appeal Speech Template
Alyson Ball, BoardsThatExcel.com
Sample/Template
A tool to help board members prepare for fundraising appeals and presentations.
Fundraising Communications Toolkit for Board Members
BoardSource
Guide/Tool
Fundraising is a key responsibility of nonprofit board members, but in order to be successful, they must have the appropriate tools. This toolkit helps board members communicate with potential donors by providing concise, easily-digestible information about the organization, including:
talking points about the organization
key selling points of the organization
outcomes, evaluation, and effectiveness
stories and testimonials
talking points about the organization
key selling points of the organization
outcomes, evaluation, and effectiveness
stories and testimonials
Getting Started with Planned Gifts
Guide/Tool
Planned gifts, which combine estate-planning concepts with what are often major charitable gifts, come in many shapes and forms. Some planned gifts are made to organizations after a donor’s death, while others provide a charity with assets while allowing donors to earn an income for a period of time during their life. Sometimes called legacy gifts, these donations have the potential to help sustain organizations’ budgets and futures. Successful planned-giving programs enable nonprofits to generate significant gifts from donors who may not have the ability to give sizable amounts of cash right away.
Gift Acceptance Policies
Article/Blog, Sample/Template
Form 990 asks organizations to indicate whether they have adopted a gift acceptance policy, and while it is not required, the IRS may increase their scrutiny of returns from organizations that have not adopted recommended policies. These resources provide a thorough overview of the importance of gift acceptance policies, what to consider when drafting one, and sample policies for organizations to use as a starting point.
Giving Days
Guide/Tool, Sample/Template
These resources provide information about different models for these types of fundraising events, as well as practical advice, examples and ready-to-use tools such as checklists and templates to help nonprofit organizations host their own one day fundraiser or "giving day", including ways to provide giving incentives such as prizes and games. Resources include planning, marketing and outreach, implementation and evaluation.
GrantCraft
Organization/Agency
Support organization created by the Ford Foundation providing resources to both grantmakers and grantseekers including guides, case studies, videos, and tools.
Grantsmanship Center
Organization/Agency
Grantseeker support organization providing resources such as an extensive list of publications for grant writers and nonprofit managers, funder listings, and periodic trainings.
GrantStation
Organization/Agency
Grantseeker support organization providing resources such as weekly feature article, searchable database of grantmakers, and good membership benefits (e.g. grantseeker's toolkit). MANP members can access a GrantStation membership at a significant discount!
IRS Publication 1771: Charitable Contributions Substantiation & Disclosure Requirements
IRS
Guide/Tool
This guide explains the federal tax law for charities that receive tax-deductible charitable contributions and for taxpayers who make contributions. The guide includes includes the rules pertaining to, and helpful examples of, quid pro quo donations.
IRS Publication 557: Tax Exempt Status for Your Organization
IRS
Guide/Tool
Detailed guide with information on most types of tax exemption, including rules and restrictions related to fundraising and lobbying.
IRS Publication 561: Determining Value of Donated Property
IRS
Guide/Tool
This IRS publication outlines how to determine the value of various kinds of donated property for the purposes of determining tax deductions.
Lisa Simpson for Nonprofits: What Science Can Teach You About Fundraising, Marketing and Making Social Change
Network for Good, SeaChange Strategies
Guide/Tool
A thought-provoking and accessible publication to help you increase the impact of your fundraising and marketing efforts.
Staff Recommended
Maine Charitable Solicitations Act
State of Maine
Statute
All nonprofits should be familiar with this law governing fundraising in Maine.
Maine Data Scan
Data Innovation Project
Research/Report
The Data Scan is a repository of accessible, free, reputable, and relevant data sources from around the State of Maine to help nonprofit organizations find data to inform their program planning, strategic planning and grant writing.
Staff Recommended
Maine Philanthropy Center
Organization/Agency
Maine's primary grantmaking and grantseeking support organization. Nation-wide and Maine-specific resources include: library of grants, foundations, and corporate giving programs. A member of the Foundation Center, MPC receives annual updates on the most extensive philanthropy data in the world.
Maine Planned Giving Council
Organization/Agency
The Maine Planned Giving Council (MPGC) is a statewide, independent, public charity created to encourage charitable giving in Maine through planned giving. The organization offers events & webinars, suggested resources, and information on ethics & standards.
Maine Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act
State of Maine
Statute
As outlined in our Guiding Principles + Practices, nonprofits have a legal and ethical obligation to expend grant and donor funds responsibly (including those managed through an endowment) and to ensure that funds are dispensed according to the funders’ wishes and requirements, in accordance with the Maine Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act.
Major Donor Development
Guide/Tool
The following resources provide suggestions on starting a major donor program, asking for major gifts, and stewarding relationships with major donors.
- Missing Attachment
Measuring Fundraising Effectiveness
This free toolkit provides nonprofits with a framework for measuring their fundraising effectiveness. The framework outlines three primary measures, which together, provide a much more complete picture of an organization’s fundraising health. The toolkit includes a summary, discussion guide for boards, and tools for applying the measures to your organization.
National Association of State Charity Officials (NASCO)
Organization/Agency
Association of state offices charged with oversight of charitable organizations in the United States. Federal and state-specific information available on this site.
Network for Good
Organization/Agency
Fundraising support organization that aims to increase fundraising effectiveness through technology. Resources include: online fundraising tools and strategies, technology frequently asked questions, and volunteer recruitment assistance.
Nonprofit Earned Income Strategies: Where to Start
Social Enterprise Associates
Guide/Tool
This guide outlines a process for assessing whether earned income is an appropriate strategy for your nonprofit and how to get started.
Nonprofit Raffles
Guide/Tool
Information about the legal requirements and restrictions for raffles and games of chance, which are popular formats for fundraisers. Familiarize yourself with these rules, regulations and laws before you plan a fundraiser of this type.
Online Donation Tools
Guide/Tool, Research/Report
What tools can help you collect donations via credit card through your existing website? This article breaks down the options, what features are available, and a set of software tools that might work well for you.
OnPhilanthropy
Organization/Agency
Nonprofit information organization providing articles, reports, and an e-newsletter.
Peer-to-Peer Fundraising
Idealware
Learn how to mobilize your constituents to become fundraisers through a peer-to-peer campaign that makes use of their own wide networks of personal and professional contacts. Peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns act as multipliers by tapping into your supporters' enthusiasm to grow your list of new donors. They can also strengthen your relationships with current donors. And as such campaigns become more common, so do online tools to facilitate them--but they can’t do the hard work for you. You still need to plan and run the campaign, teach participants how to act as fundraisers, and keep them engaged throughout the process.
Philanthropy Journal
Periodical
The Philanthropy Journal is a program of the Institute for Nonprofits at NC State University in Raleigh, N.C. delivering news, resources, announcements and job listings via daily website updates and free, weekly email bulletins.
Pricing Guide: A Resource For Community-Based Organizations to Value and Price Services
SCAN Foundation
Guide/Tool
With increased pressure for nonprofits to diversify funding sources, many are exploring earned income strategies. This guide was developed to help organizations understanding different pricing models and set the prices and rates on their products and services.
Risk Management Strategies for Serving Alcohol at Events
21 Reasons
Guide/Tool
Many nonprofits host fundraising, recognition or networking events. This guide is designed to help manage the risk of serving alcohol at your event by recommending policies/practices which will protect attendees and your organization. The guide includes details about Maine law and a helpful planning checklist.
Sample Final Financial Report for Grant Awards
William A. Bayreuther Grantwriting
Sample/Template
Most grantors require a final project report, including a financial report. The attached sample illustrates a final financial report outlining budgeted expenses, actual expenses and the expenses allocated to that particular funding source.
Sample Organizational Operating Budget
William A. Bayreuther Grantwriting
Sample/Template
This Excel spreadsheet provides a sample and template for outlining a nonprofit annual operating budget for grant request purposes.
Sample Project Proposal Budgets
William. A. Bayreuther Grantwriting
Sample/Template
Most foundations and corporate funders require organizations to submit a project budget with their grant application. William A. Bayreuther Grantwriting has provided complementary samples of proposal budgets for a 1 year project, 2 year project and a capacity building request.
Staff Recommended
Self-Declared 501(c)(3) Nonprofits
MANP
Guide/Tool
A self-declared 501(c)(3) nonprofit is a qualifying charitable organization that chooses not to seek official recognition of its tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). These qualifying charitable organizations receive all the benefits of tax-exempt status if they operate in compliance with all rules and regulations that govern other tax-exempt organizations under IRS code 501(c)(3). If your organization is wondering whether or not to apply for official tax-exemption and has annual gross receipts less than $5,000, this white paper is a must-read.
Serving Alcohol at Special Events
Guide/Tool
These resources provide information about state liquor laws as well as frequently asked question when planning an event where alcohol will be served.
Sound Advice for Functions + Events
Alliance of Nonprofits for Insurance, and Nonprofits Insurance Alliance of California
Guide/Tool
This guide outlines tips to help nonprofits have safer events, including tips on event planning, legal considerations, and how to handle the situation should an accident occur. The guide also includes sample planning checklists and forms, such as a sample waiver.
Stanford Social Innovation Review
Organization/Agency
Management support organization for nonprofits, foundations, and socially responsible businesses which provides articles, strategies, tools, podcasts and training.
Starting Off Right: What New 501(c)(3) Organizations Need to Know
IRS
Video/Tutorial
This recorded IRS webinar helps new nonprofits stay legally compliant. It covers annual filing requirements, what records to maintain, what to do to meet the "operational test", how to avoid jeopardizing 501(c)(3) status, and what tools are available for tax compliance as an organization grows.
Thanking Donors & Substantiating Charitable Contributions
Article/Blog, Guide/Tool
It is best practice, and in some cases a legal requirement, that nonprofits acknowledge donations. Compliant and effect thank you letters are an essential component of building relationships with donors.
- Charitable Contribution Substantiation & Disclosure Requirements (IRS)
- Saying thank you to donors (National Council of Nonprofits)
- Recorded Webinar: Accepting Charitable Gifts: Thank You Notes to Donors & Gift Acceptance Policies (MANP)
- Quid Pro Quo Contributions (IRS)
- Sample Disclosure of Amount Deductible in Ticket Purchase (Blue Avocado)
- Advice & Tips on Thank You Letters (Nonprofit Marketing Guide)
- 9 Mistakes Nonprofits Make When Thanking Donors (NPEngage)
The Limitations of Social Enterprise
Seedco Policy Center
Research/Report
Report on the downsides to social enterprise initiatives and the over-promotion of these entities.
The Overhead Myth
Guidestar
Guide/Tool
A great compilation of frequently asked questions related to nonprofit overhead. Addresses topics such as "overhead ratio," fundraising vs. administrative costs, executive pay, and messaging/communications about nonprofit overhead.
Vehicle Donations
IRS
Guide/Tool
These resources outline the implications for your nonprofit's tax exemption when accepting a donated used car, as well as tips for determining whether to accept a vehicle donation.
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