Accepting non-cash assets can unlock a whole new pool of donors, yet many nonprofits still rely entirely on credit cards, cash, and checks. This reliance leaves transformational funds on the table and limits your organization’s long-term sustainability.

In fact, research shows that organizations accepting complex assets grow their overall revenue much faster than cash-only nonprofits. According to a landmark study by Dr. Russell James, nonprofits that accepted only cash gifts experienced an average 11% increase in contributions over five years, barely keeping up with inflation. Meanwhile, those accepting any non-cash gift experienced 50% growth, and those accepting appreciated securities (like stock and real estate) experienced 66% growth.

Some of your donors have money coming out of their retirement accounts this year that they didn’t ask for and may not need. The IRS requires it. It shows up on their tax return either way.

Unless they give it to you.

Required Minimum Distributions are predictable, recurring, and often overlooked by nonprofits. For donors who don’t need the income, a Qualified Charitable Distribution lets them send it straight to a charity instead, satisfying the requirement without adding to their taxable income.

In this article, we’ll explain how RMDs work, why they matter to your donors, and how to make sure your organization is the one they choose.

Every year, many Americans are required by law to withdraw money they have no immediate need for. This leaves a great opportunity for nonprofits to increase their revenue by tapping into money already on the table.

In this article, we’ll explain what Qualified Charitable Distributions are, how they benefit your organization, and how to attract more of them. We’ll even share a free QCD Appeal Letter Template for you to send to your donors and raise more money!

Ask a development director how their endowment is doing, and they'll usually tell you about performance: the latest return, how the market's been treating the fund, what the investment committee said last quarter.

It's rarer for them to mention the donors they are stewarding and prospecting to support this long-term initiative.

Once an endowment is established, many nonprofits shift into maintenance mode. The fund exists, it's invested, and growth becomes something the market handles rather than something the fundraising team actively pursues. But an endowment doesn't have to grow through investment returns alone. It can grow because donors keep choosing to grow it. One of the keys, however, is knowing who to ask and how to have that conversation.

Revenue and expense data tell you how money has moved in and out of your organization. However, this information doesn’t tell you what your organization is worth overall. For that, you need to look at net assets: the nonprofit equivalent of equity in the for-profit world, and often considered a measure of your organization’s true financial standing.

This metric is critical for capacity-building, reporting, strategic planning, and many other financial activities at your nonprofit. Strong donor stewardship and impact reporting play a role here, too. Supporters and grantmakers who understand where their gifts landed are more likely to trust your organization long-term.

In this article, we’ll discuss the three major net asset classifications, where they show up on your financial statements, and some habits to promote accurate reporting.

As a nonprofit leader, you have probably heard of the Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act (UPMIFA). But are you familiar with what it includes and who needs to follow it? Don’t let your organization pay the penalty of being noncompliant with this important act. This post covers the key components of the law and its goals, who it applies to, an overview of steps organizations should take to ensure compliance with the act, and potential penalties for noncompliance.

While membership dues alone used to be enough to power many associations’ operations, economic and industry shifts have made this strategy riskier. Association executives must intentionally expand alternative income streams to build long-term sustainability.

Your foundation’s brand is not defined by a polished logo or a catchy tagline. It typically rests on its reputation. As the philanthropic landscape evolves, communities and stakeholders are asking for more from funding institutions. Specifically, greater authenticity and open communication.

Managing your association’s finances may feel like an ongoing battle against inefficient, disconnected systems and pressure to make data-backed decisions. To ensure long-term financial health, your organization will need to shift away from day-to-day survival. This process involves shoring up the foundational elements of your financial activities, gaining deeper data insights, and working with skilled experts when necessary.

Enhancing your financial management practices depends on having the right digital infrastructure. For associations, implementing robust membership management software that centralizes member data, tracks dues, and monitors revenue provides your team with the data you need to turn conceptual financial strategies into tangible stability.

Let’s explore top tips for improving your association’s financial management processes, starting with the fundamentals.

Receiving an endowment gift is a milestone. It signals that a donor believes in your mission enough to fund it, permanently. But that check arriving is the beginning of a serious set of responsibilities, not the end of the conversation. And many nonprofit leaders are not handed a roadmap when it happens.