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You drafted an appeal email at 9:30 p.m. because cash flow is tight. Again. And there still aren’t enough hours in the day for everything on your plate. If you’ve been there, you’re not alone. For leaders of small and growing nonprofits, fundraising can feel constant, uncomfortable, and unclear. So, we do what we know to do. A quick email. A push before payroll. A campaign when cash gets tight. It keeps things moving, but it’s hard to build sustainability that way. Organizati

By Andra Ingalls, MPA If I could grab you by the shoulders, look you square in the eye, and speak one truth about funding in 2026, it would be this: Grants. Won’t. Fix. Everything. Did you know that about 60% of nonprofit funding came from individual donors last year? And according to industry experts, about 30% of foundation grant proposals were awarded last year. I don’t share this to dissuade you from pursuing grant funding, but to offer some practical insight. I’ve seen

By Andra Ingalls, MPA An acquaintance reached out to me recently for advice on grant funding. Our paths have crossed for years. This gentleman is full of compassion; a true champion for the underdog, especially young men who are struggling to find their way forward. He asked if we could meet for coffee so he could share what was on his heart, and before I took the first sip, he launched into his passionate description of a multi-phase program designed to help these young men

by Andra Ingalls, MPA Have you ever been “served” by a pushy salesperson? You can feel it in the pressure and the lack of listening. The exchange feels transactional, like you’re a number instead of a person. A salesperson who pushes for the biggest sale is focused on their own gain. As faith-based nonprofit leaders tasked with fundraising, we can sometimes act like that pushy salesperson. Be advised, if it feels like we are trying to get something from a potential donor, we'