Fundraising

Most charitable nonprofits rely upon the generosity of donors for some or all of their funding. Consequently, fundraising is an activity of major importance to the nonprofit sector. Many fundraising focused businesses and consultants help nonprofits identify and cultivate individual donor prospects, others offer special databases for tracking gifts, and yet others match nonprofits with corporate sponsors. Additionally, some  organizations, such as the Association of Fundraising Professionals, (“AFP”), focus on individuals and businesses that offer their services to assist nonprofits with their fundraising activities.

The National Council of Nonprofits does not provide funding for nonprofits, nor does it provide special expertise in such matters. However, so that nonprofits can stay informed about ‘best’ practices and compliance issues, the National Council tracks trends in fundraising activities, such as the focus on accountability and ethical practices, and also engages in advocacy work relating to regulations and government policies that impact fundraising. In turn, the National Council of Nonprofits encourages nonprofits to inform their partners in government and philanthropy about the challenges posed by fundraising regulations or various practices engaged in by government and private funders that can erect barriers to the efficient and effective use of a nonprofit’s resources. 

To help nonprofits understand some of the major issues that shape the landscape of fundraising today, including some of the challenges and regulatory requirements that even the smallest nonprofit should be aware of, we suggest familiarity with the following topics:

• Accountability Practices in Fundraising  
• Acknowledging Gifts and Contributions
• Charitable Registration
• Corporate Sponsorships
• Ethical Practices in Fundraising
• Fiscal Sponsors
• Gift Acceptance Policies
• Laws That Regulate Fundraising
• Professional Fundraising Consultants and Grant Writers
• Unrelated Business Income
• Other Resources on Fundraising