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Fund Development

Strategies for sustainable fundraising, donor cultivation, and building diversified revenue streams.

Showing 12 of 40 insights

Chart showing diverse nonprofit revenue streams
ArticleFund Development
15 min read
April 11, 2026

How Do Nonprofits Make Money? Revenue Models Explained

Nonprofits generated $3.7 trillion in revenue last year. This guide breaks down exactly how — from individual donations and grants to earned income, government contracts, and investment strategies.

Drew Giddings
Drew Giddings
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Person reviewing charitable donation tax deduction documents
ArticleFund Development
18 min read
April 11, 2026

Charitable Donation Tax Deductions: The Complete Guide

Everything donors need to know about tax deductions for charitable contributions — what qualifies, how much you can deduct, documentation requirements, and common mistakes.

Drew Giddings
Drew Giddings
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Business professional shaking hands with nonprofit leader at corporate sponsorship event
ArticleFund Development
16 min read
April 11, 2026

Corporate Sponsorship for Nonprofits: How to Find and Secure Sponsors

A practical guide to building corporate sponsorship programs — identifying prospects, creating sponsorship packages, pricing, negotiation, activation, and long-term relationship management.

Drew Giddings
Drew Giddings
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Nonprofit team planning Giving Tuesday campaign strategy
ArticleFund Development
15 min read
April 11, 2026

Giving Tuesday Campaign Guide: Strategy, Timeline & Ideas

Plan and execute a successful Giving Tuesday campaign — from setting goals and crafting messaging to email sequences, social media strategy, and day-of execution.

Drew Giddings
Drew Giddings
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Grant writer working on a nonprofit funding proposal
ArticleFund Development
18 min read
April 11, 2026

Grant Proposal Template for Nonprofits (Free Download)

A professional grant proposal template with section-by-section guidance — cover letter, executive summary, needs statement, program design, evaluation plan, budget, and organizational capacity.

Drew Giddings
Drew Giddings
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Nonprofit staff thanking donor at stewardship event
ArticleFund Development
16 min read
April 11, 2026

Donor Stewardship: Building a Plan That Keeps Donors for Life

A strategic guide to donor stewardship — why it matters, how to build a stewardship plan, tiered stewardship by giving level, and specific tactics that retain donors.

Drew Giddings
Drew Giddings
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Employee submitting corporate matching gift to nonprofit
ArticleFund Development
14 min read
April 11, 2026

Matching Gift Programs: How Nonprofits Can Unlock Employer Matches

Billions in corporate matching gift funds go unclaimed every year. This guide explains how matching gift programs work and how nonprofits can help donors unlock employer matches.

Drew Giddings
Drew Giddings
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Elegant event setup representing silent auction fundraiser preparation
TemplateFund Development
14 min read
April 7, 2026

Silent Auction Bid Sheet Template: Free Download and Complete Guide

Download a free, professional silent auction bid sheet template and learn exactly how to customize it for your nonprofit event. Includes formatting tips, item description best practices, and the bid increment strategy that maximizes revenue.

Drew Giddings
Drew Giddings
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Elegant event display with curated items representing silent auction fundraiser setup
GuideFund Development
16 min read
April 7, 2026

Silent Auction Ideas That Raise Big Money: 75+ Proven Items and Themes

Seventy-five silent auction ideas organized by category, with realistic revenue expectations and procurement tips. Skip the generic lists -- these are the items and themes that consistently outperform at nonprofit fundraisers based on 30+ years of event experience.

Drew Giddings
Drew Giddings
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Professional event setup with tables and decorations representing silent auction fundraiser
GuideFund Development
18 min read
April 7, 2026

How to Run a Silent Auction: Step-by-Step Planning Guide

A step-by-step guide to planning and executing a successful silent auction for your nonprofit. Covers timeline, budgeting, item procurement, event logistics, volunteer coordination, and post-event follow-up from three decades of nonprofit fundraising experience.

Drew Giddings
Drew Giddings
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Curated display of premium items representing silent auction item selection and procurement
GuideFund Development
15 min read
April 7, 2026

Best Silent Auction Items That Actually Sell: A Procurement Guide

A procurement-focused guide to the silent auction items that consistently generate the highest bids. Organized by category with revenue expectations, sourcing strategies, and the items to avoid that waste table space at every nonprofit fundraiser.

Drew Giddings
Drew Giddings
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Professional reviewing documents representing silent auction rules and compliance planning
GuideFund Development
15 min read
April 7, 2026

Silent Auction Rules and Best Practices: The Complete Compliance Guide

Every rule your nonprofit needs for a legally compliant, smoothly run silent auction. Covers bidding rules, tax implications, state regulations, dispute resolution, and the best practices that prevent problems before they start.

Drew Giddings
Drew Giddings
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