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Fund Development

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

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Showing 12 of 43 insights

Nonprofit staff reviewing a grant proposal budget and pricing documents at a desk
GuideFund Development
16 min read
June 11, 2026

How Much Does a Grant Writer Cost? 2026 Nonprofit Pricing Guide (Hourly, Flat-Fee & Retainer)

How much does a grant writer cost in 2026? An honest, nonprofit-specific breakdown of hourly rates ($40-$150/hr), flat per-proposal fees ($1,000-$8,000+), monthly retainers, and in-house grant writer salary -- plus why percentage-of-grant pricing is against funder rules, a simple cost-vs-ROI framework, and the questions to ask before you hire. Written by a consultant with 30 years in the nonprofit field.

Drew Giddings
Drew Giddings
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Nonprofit board reviewing a capital campaign feasibility study report at a conference table
GuideFund Development
22 min read
April 27, 2026

Capital Campaign Feasibility Study: A Practitioner's Guide for Nonprofit Leaders

What a capital campaign feasibility study really tests, what it costs in 2026, how long it takes, and how to read the report when you get it. Practitioner guidance from more than 30 years of nonprofit fundraising consulting and 100+ campaign engagements.

Drew Giddings
Drew Giddings
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Dashboard comparison screens representing nonprofit fundraising platforms
GuideFund Development
14 min read
April 20, 2026

Best Fundraising Platforms for Nonprofits 2026: A Consultant's Honest Comparison

Nine fundraising platforms compared by a consultant who has implemented them. Honest strengths, real weaknesses, and a decision framework for choosing the right fit for your nonprofit.

Drew Giddings
Drew Giddings
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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
19 min read
May 5, 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
May 5, 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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