Outside Resource

Do your foundation's strategies and practices: 

Articles in a two part series discuss the legal and risk implications of seeking charitable contributions during the giving season. They can also give the reader some idea of how to address the recent trend of institutional funders asking their grantees to describe general and project-specific risk management strategies in their reports or proposals. (Nonprofit Risk Management Center)

Originally written by consultant Barbara Davis as a part of MCF's Guide to Minnesota Grantmakers, "Writing a Successful Grant Proposal" gives an excellent overview of the key components of a grant proposal with tips on how to present your case effectively. (Minnesota Council on Foundations)

Even with a clear fundraising plan in place, nonprofits sometimes can find themselves temporarily short of cash, due to unforeseen circumstances like disasters or delays in payments. The Foundation Center does not provide grants, recommend specific funders, or approach them on your behalf, but they can point you to resources to find possible funders and useful advice. (Grantspace)

In this article Dianne Chipps Bailey discusses the legal, ethical, and practical reasons why individuals soliciting charitable contributions for nonprofit organizations should not be compensated based on fundraising results. (Robinson Bradshaw)

The Legal, Ethical and Practical Pitfalls of Incentive Compensation for Fundraising Professionals

Blue Avocado contributor and CPA, Dennis Walsh, gives us a complete handy compliance guide, and even better: five sample forms to make sure your wording is right. (Blue Avocado)

Nonprofit Auctions: A Complete Compliance Guide and Sample Forms

Find answers to your questions about Charitable Solicitation License (CSL), who needs it, and how to apply.

Basic licensing information:

Crowdfunding is a great way to raise funds for a specific project or campaign, but it is not always a long-term solution for every organization. Before you join the crowdfunding frenzy, it is important to ask yourself the following question: Is crowdfunding right for your nonprofit? (CauseVox)

Is Crowdfunding Right for Your Nonprofit?

Of all the innovative advances in online fundraising over the past decade, one of the most impressive has to be the rise of crowd-funding websites. Let's talk about crowd-funding websites for non-profits: what they are, and how your organization can use them to raise more money quickly and efficiently. (The Fundraising Authority)

Nonprofit Board Orientation Checklist - This checklist is a general outline to guide the orientation of new board members. Your organization should modify it as you see fit to ensure that all new board members are provided with the information necessary to fulfill their responsibilities. (BoardSource, 2016)