A Theory of Change (ToC) isn’t just a statement about the approach you will take to achieve your organization’s ultimate goals; it’s a vehicle for driving systemic change as it describes how you’re going to get it done. It’s the fuel for focusing your organization’s programming and an accelerator for an enduring fundraising strategy. As…
Vanessa Bright, MBA, LMSW, is the founder and executive director of Maryland Reentry Resource Center, a nonprofit that provides support services to individuals returning from incarceration. “We are very passionate about our mission. We really want to help our clients. We don’t do things just to check off a box, we actually try to meet…
Fundraising isn’t what it used to be. With new legislative developments and economic changes shaking things up, nonprofits are facing tough challenges. And add on to that, funders are shifting their priorities or donors are changing the ways they’re giving. This means many organizations are scrambling to keep up, dealing with layoffs, cutbacks, and a…
Monica Wiley is a Voter Engagement Specialist at the National Disability Rights Network, a nonprofit that provides legal advocacy services to improve the lives and protect the rights of all people with disabilities. As a person with a physical disability, this cause is personal to Monica. She has dedicated her career to making sure people…
Welcome to 2025! While the phrase “new year, new you” is inspiring, we believe in celebrating the work and growth you’ve already achieved — and reducing the chaos. This year, let’s focus on intention-setting, because let’s be honest, it may be a New Year, but you’re the same fabulous you! We’ve Got You! Resources for…
Malauna Steele is the Principal of Oversight Management, a company that helps nonprofits with financial management, accounting, and operations. This organization builds and sustains successful nonprofits that support Black and Brown communities. “I think all of this was really born out of a desire to help people. My parents were helpers in our community and…
Chelsea Brown is the Founder and Principal Strategist at The Black Mill, a Black woman-owned firm that supports grassroots organizations and minority-led nonprofits, businesses, and individuals in need of strategic nonprofit management. “This is the brainchild of being a little frustrated with philanthropy and the ways that minority-led organizations and grassroots organizations were or were…
As we celebrate the fourth anniversary of the Black Women Spark Change series, we reflect on an incredible journey that is shining a spotlight on the transformative work of dozens of Black women leaders from across the country. These remarkable women are making waves in multiple sectors, from education and health care to environmental justice…
Hi friend! As busy grant submission months approach, it’s the perfect time to set yourself up for success. Researching funders who share your mission, organizing deadlines in a grants calendar, and setting phased goals can make a big difference in streamlining the application process When budgeting, ensure every program expense aligns with grant requirements, including indirect…
Désirée Nzamba is a sustainable development advisor at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vallée-du-Richelieu – Rouville in Quebec, Canada. Désirée has always loved nature. Growing up in Gabon, she fondly remembers visiting natural sights and wildlife parks with her family. She would admire the breathtaking views as they took the train to places like…
Sierra Morris is the Manager of Programming at Live It Learn It, a DC-based nonprofit dedicated to creating experiential learning opportunities for students. “We work with Title I schools, which means that about 90% of the students are having free or reduced lunch,” Sierra says. “We take them to different historical sites, museums, and nature…
Precious Freeman is the Vice President of National Engagement at Measures for Justice, a nonprofit organization leading the movement to reimagine the criminal justice system by developing data tools that help communities reform the system. “I am obsessed with making things better for the next generation,” Precious shares. Precious was always drawn to community engagement…
Crafting an effective fundraising strategy is challenging enough without the right organizational tools. That’s why a detailed program budget spreadsheet is essential for any nonprofit. Breaking down program expenses in a spreadsheet clarifies your funding needs for each initiative. With the right budget figures in hand, you can craft a focused campaign to keep your…
In your pursuit of change, you have a lot of to-dos. Among them may be to apply for a grant (or several). Maybe you’ve never done this before and don’t know where to start. Or you need a refresher and some new ideas to make an impact. No matter where you are in your grant-seeking…
Jerilyn Johnson is the Chief of Staff of Greenpeace USA, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness of global environmental problems and creating transformational change. Promoting social good was a core value for Jerilyn from a young age. Growing up in rural Texas, Jerilyn spent a lot of time playing outside. “I was raised in nature,”…
Deidre Johnson is the CEO and Executive Director of the Center for African American Health, a community-based nonprofit in Denver that empowers the Black community to make informed health decisions. “I have learned so much and I’ve really grown and enjoyed being in this role,” Deidre shares. Since taking over the role 8 years ago,…
Paula Brown is the director of operations at the Center for African American Health, a nonprofit based in Denver that empowers the Black community to make informed health decisions and achieve whole-person wellness. Paula’s extensive portfolio includes human resources, facilities and property management, development and implementation of strategic plans, vendor relations, and driving improved performance…
Winter Holidays Spark Point knows the value of rest, so every year we give our staff the last week of the year off to spend with their loved ones. Check out some of the ways we spent our break! Below you can see a beautiful gingerbread house made by Hannah’s (Senior Grant Writer) child Jaime,…
Whether direct mail or DMs, it’s important to know how to communicate with donors of different generations. The individual giving market is the largest and most flexible segment of philanthropy available to nonprofits, with the Silent Generation (born 1925-1945) and Baby Boomers (1946-1964) making up 70% of giving. That means there are multitudes of ways…
Position Title: Fundraising Strategy Apprentice – Paid Time Commitment: 20 hours/week; Part-time or contracted Reports To: Director of Fundraising Strategy Core Work Hours: Spark Point’s core working hours are Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 6 PM ET, with client-facing meetings occurring, primarily, Tuesdays through Thursdays. This position is part-time and a work schedule…
Position Title: Grant Writer Time Commitment: 35 hour work week at minimum Reports To: Senior Grant Writer, Director of Foundation Strategy Spark Point Fundraising is seeking a Grant Writer to support clients with grant writing, reporting, cultivation of new funders, and stewardship of current funders. The ideal candidate is someone who thrives in a fast-paced…
Trinice McNally is a nationally-recognized activist, creative and educator who wears many hats. She is a founding director of the Center for Diversity, Inclusion & Multicultural Affairs at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) and founding director of the Envisioning Safety On Our Campuses Now Project (ESOC NOW). She is also an Ifá…
There are two constants on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving: Leftover turkey sandwiches and Giving Tuesday. Do you know which one is hurting your nonprofit’s fundraising efforts? At first glance, Giving Tuesday, seems like a powerful engagement tool for nonprofits to activate online donors at a time when consumers already have their wallets out, right? Unfortunately,…
Navigating uncertain times in the nonprofit sector, especially during transitions and evolving economic or political shifts, can be daunting. The pandemic’s impact on funding availability has placed strain on nonprofit development teams, hindering their ability to achieve programmatic goals, expand staff, address community needs, and serve clients. It’s akin to navigating a storm, but it…
Jamese Carey Beauford is the 1st Vice-President of Programs, and former President, of the Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter of The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., a nonprofit organization advocating for Black women and girls in the areas of health, education and economic empowerment. “When I was younger I didn’t know that this is the…
Karina Nelson is the Volunteer Manager at the Invest in Girls program of CEE, a nonprofit working to build financial literacy and confidence in high school girls. This program offers online and in-person workshops to help girls become financially confident and even pursue a career in finance. “I love what I do because I know…
As a development director, chances are high that you have a prospect research spreadsheet that’s beautifully color-coded, categorized, and diligently updated. You’ve put in the time to find foundations likely to support your mission, but despite the intense labor of love, you’re no closer to detangling the web of prospect research — or securing meaningful…
Tiara Nicole Riley is a life coach, motivational speaker, author and HR manager. She also serves as a board member for Stillborn And Infant Loss Support (SAILS), a nonprofit dedicated to helping people who have been affected by the loss of a baby. She began working as a life coach, motivational speaker, and published author…
A donor has a range of motivations for giving to a particular cause. If you can identify what type of donor aligns with your mission, you can make your fundraising strategy much more efficient because you know exactly who to target. Enter: The Appeal Spectrum, a concept from author Tom Ralser’s book, ROI for Nonprofits:…