by Lauren Brownstein | Mar 28, 2024 | Fundraising, grants, Nonprofit
The opportunity to apply for a big grant for your nonprofit organization can be more than just tempting… it can be positively mouth-watering. But just because that big juicy steak is on the menu, it doesn’t mean you should necessarily order it. How do you...
by Lauren Brownstein | Mar 7, 2024 | Fundraising, grants, Nonprofit, Philanthropy
I’ve completed hundreds of Prospect Research Reports, and probably reviewed thousands of foundation giving lists, over the 30+ years that I’ve been a fundraiser. When I started doing this work, most of the information was embedded in foundations’ IRS...
by Lauren Brownstein | Dec 5, 2023 | Fundraising, Inspiration, Nonprofit, Uncategorized, wellness
Introduction Whether it’s a declined grant application, a potential donor saying “no,” or a campaign that falls short of expectations, rejection is part of the fundraising process. It’s not easy to deal with it! Rejection can leave us feeling...
by Lauren Brownstein | Sep 29, 2023 | Fundraising, Nonprofit, Uncategorized, Writing
I’m finally coming around to the inevitable question: How should Artificial Intelligence (AI) be part of my work as a nonprofit professional, especially in the fundraising space? AI is certainly not new in the fundraising world, but its profile seems to have...
by Lauren Brownstein | Aug 3, 2023 | Fundraising, grants
I’ve been working in the nonprofit sector (eek!) for nearly 30 years; writing grant proposals and creating foundation relations strategies for nearly as long. I’ve crafted proposals that have brought in six- and seven-figure gifts. I’ve crafted proposals that have...
by Lauren Brownstein | Dec 9, 2022 | Fundraising, Inspiration, Nonprofit
As I write this post during the final few weeks of the calendar year, my thoughts turn to evaluation. This is a time of year when many organizations evaluate their fundraising success. It can also be a time to evaluate program success, board and staff success, and...