The fundraising landscape has never been static but one recent shift has been impossible to ignore: the explosive growth of donor-advised funds (DAFs). These used to be niche vehicles reserved for high-net-worth individuals and family foundations and have gone mainstream. With billions in charitable assets sitting in DAFs across the country, it’s fair to ask: are DAFs a fleeting trend, or are they the next pillar of fundraising strategy?

Nonprofits are powered by people—their passion, creativity, and dedication. While mission statements may capture the purpose of an organization, it’s the staff and volunteers who bring that purpose to life. But with limited resources, rising costs, and increasing demands, nonprofit leaders face unique challenges when it comes to HR and staffing.

Let’s face it, design can feel intimidating if it’s not your background. But here’s the thing: your nonprofit’s design isn’t just about looking polished. It plays a big role in whether people trust your organization, understand your message, and feel compelled to act.

Capital campaigns aren’t just for higher education or multi-million-dollar hospital systems. Today, organizations of all sizes, from grassroots groups to growing community nonprofits, are launching ambitious campaigns to fund buildings, endowments, and bold new programs. If you’re reading this, chances are you’re either planning your first capital campaign or thinking about how to make your next one better. Wherever you are in the capital campaign journey, let’s talk strategy.

Peer-to-peer (P2P) fundraising is a popular method for nonprofits to raise money and expand their donor base. This approach allows organizations to tap into their supporters' personal networks to leverage social networks to drive engagement and increase donations. In this post, we'll discuss the pros and cons of this fundraising strategy, explore recent research on its effectiveness, and walk you through the steps to plan and execute a successful P2P fundraising campaign.

With over 87,000 grantmaking foundations in the United States, the potential for securing funds to fuel your nonprofit’s mission is vast. With individual fundraising up and down over the last few years, it’s important to diversify funding streams. That’s where grants come in. 

Data might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about nonprofit success, but it should be high on the list. Clean, organized, and up-to-date donor data is the foundation of strong relationships, effective fundraising, and meaningful impact measurement.

For nonprofits, the mantra “do more with less” defines everyday operations. Whether juggling tight budgets, limited staff, or a growing list of priorities, nonprofits focus on one critical goal: advancing their mission. But there’s a growing threat that can derail these efforts—cyberattacks. 

Federal grants have long been a lifeline for nonprofits, supporting vital programs in healthcare, education, social services, and the arts. But with shifting political priorities, administrative changes, and budget cuts, nonprofits can no longer rely solely on government funding.

The nonprofit world is evolving, but not all trends are positive. Declining donors and volunteer rates signal a crisis for organizations that depend on community support to achieve their missions. While new forms of altruism are emerging, traditional volunteering and charitable giving remain essential for building strong communities and lasting relationships.

Did you know that over 26% of Americans live with a disability? Yet, many nonprofits unintentionally exclude this significant audience by overlooking digital accessibility. In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, your digital presence is a lifeline to connect with donors, volunteers, and clients. But is your nonprofit truly inclusive?

In 2025, nonprofit fundraising continues to evolve, driven by both challenges and innovative strategies that promise to reshape the way organizations operate and engage with donors. Drawing on the latest data and studies, here are the top 10 trends and strategic recommendations that can help nonprofits navigate the evolving landscape of philanthropy.

Email remains one of the most effective fundraising channels for nonprofits, offering a direct line to supporters. According to the 2023 Nonprofit Tech for Good Report, 68% of nonprofits actively use email marketing, demonstrating its importance. This is especially true given that donors feel 71% more engaged with nonprofits when they receive personalized communications according to Abila.

With Giving Tuesday just around the corner, nonprofits across the country are gearing up for one of the most critical fundraising days of the year. With up to 4% of annual fundraising happening in just one day, it’s essential to have the right tools in place. Are you ready to make the most of it? Julep is here to help you succeed!

As the year draws to a close, nonprofits everywhere prepare for what is arguably the most critical time for fundraising—year-end giving season. The holiday spirit, combined with the urgency of tax deadlines, means that donors are often more inclined to give during this period. In fact, up to one-third of annual donations are made in December, with a significant portion coming in the final days of the year. If your nonprofit isn’t fully maximizing this opportunity, you could be leaving essential revenue on the table, limiting your organization's impact and mission advancement.

While spreadsheets may feel familiar and cost-effective, they can quickly become inefficient, prone to errors, challenging to scale as your organization grows, and high-risk if a staff member leaves or hard drive dies. Transitioning from spreadsheets to a CRM, like Julep, can transform your nonprofit’s operations, improving donor relationships, data management, and decision-making.

In the bustling world of nonprofit fundraising, where the race to attract new donors is often highlighted by dazzling social media campaigns and large-scale events, the significance of retaining existing donors can sometimes be overshadowed. The journey doesn't end with a donation. In fact, that's where it truly begins. At its heart, donor retention is about recognizing that donors are not mere transactional figures but individuals craving genuine interaction.

In today’s world, corporate philanthropy has become a cornerstone of responsible business practices, offering a powerful avenue for companies to positively impact society while enhancing their brand and workplace culture. It’s an integral part of modern business strategies, blending corporate goals with social responsibility.

Joining a nonprofit board isn't just about filling a seat—it's about driving the organization toward its mission and making a tangible impact in the community. While passion for the cause often brings individuals to the boardroom, effective board membership requires a commitment to learning, oversight, and strategic decision-making.