As nonprofit consultants, we are always looking to stay informed about the latest trends, nonprofit news and information in the sector. We read traditional nonprofit news outlets, blogs and other consultant’s websites.
Over the years, we’ve compiled a number of nonprofit news sources we regularly follow, and so we thought we would share a few of them with our community, in case you find them valuable as well.
General nonprofit sources
Chronicle of Philanthropy (subscription required)
The Chronicle of Philanthropy bills itself as the “premier source of news, information, analysis, and opinion in the rapidly growing nonprofit world.” It is our go-to resource for nonprofit news and information, regularly covering the latest trends in the nonprofit sector, major grants, people on the move and more. The Chronicle also puts out engaging webinars and topic-specific newsletters. The outlet recently transitioned from a for-profit to a nonprofit entity.
Candid
Candid is the output of the 2019 GuideStar and Foundation Center merger. The nonprofit provides data and insights about the social sector. They say, “We find out where the money comes from, where it goes, and why it matters. Through research, collaboration, and training, Candid connects people who want to change the world to the resources they need to do it.” While many leverage Candid for the Foundation Directory and GuideStar, their writers also put out regular articles and reports on trends in the nonprofit space on the Candid Blog.
Nonprofit Quarterly
Nonprofit Quarterly is another nonprofit news outlet that provides extensive coverage on racial, economic, climate and health justice. They share, “In our work, we seek to be a challenging voice that helps to advance conversations in the sector, especially, as is too often the case, when they are ‘stuck.'” To achieve this, they consciously seek out a wide range of voices, and rely heavily on contributors and volunteer writers.
The NonProfit Times
Like the Chronicle and Nonprofit Quarterly, The NonProfit Times provides breaking news, in-depth reporting and special issue coverage, and the outlet’s goal is to help nonprofit executives run their organizations more effectively. With that, they also have a bi-monthly finance magazine devoted to nonprofit financial management.
Nonprofit AF
If you’re looking for relatability and comic relief, head over to Nonprofit AF, written by Vu Le, who is a writer, speaker and former nonprofit executive director. Many times his posts cover things we’re all thinking in our heads, but may not have the guts to say out loud. Vu is also one of the Community Centric Fundraising founding council members.
Blue Avocado
Blue Avocado is a great online magazine that offers practical tools and tips “for nonprofits, by nonprofits.” The outlet publishes weekly and is delivered, free, straight to your inbox. Articles cover finance, marketing and communication, volunteers, community and culture, boards and a lot more.
National Council of Nonprofits Insights and Analyses
The National Council of Nonprofits represents state-based associations. They write, “We provide nonprofits with the tools, research, and resources needed to operate more effectively, efficiently, and ethically.” In addition to putting our sector-wide reports, such as “Nonprofit Impact Matters: How America’s Charitable Nonprofits Strengthen Communities and Improve Lives,” they cover trends, policy issues and advocacy and share articles about running a nonprofit.
The Independent Sector Blog
Independent Sector is a nonprofit advocacy organization, and they put out great content weekly about trends and issues impacting the nonprofit sector, including how Supreme Court decisions impact nonprofits, federal policy news and special reports.
Nonprofit strategic planning sources
Prosper Strategies
Well, we write about strategic planning, communications, marketing, branding, stakeholder engagement, fundraising and development, strength-based communication, leadership and more. Our Prosper Strategies Ideas page is the place where we share our biggest, greatest thinking with the nonprofit world and beyond. We also make many tools and resources – from our Shared Power StrategyTM Rulebook to Strategic Planning, Marketing, Communications Branding and Fundraising how-tos – available to nonprofits of every size.
La Piana
We think highly of fellow consulting firm, La Piana and enjoy their articles on things like diversity, equity and inclusion, nonprofit restructuring, strategic planning and succession planning. The firm’s founder, David La Piana, also authored the strategic planning must-read, The Nonprofit Strategy Revolution.
Board Sources
BoardSource
What is the role of nonprofit board members? Is our board as effective as it could be? How should board members and staff interact? Should we enact term limits? There are many questions surrounding nonprofit boards, and BoardSource is the place to go for answers. BoardSource says it provides ” leaders with an extensive range of tools, resources, and research data to increase board effectiveness and strengthen organizational impact…” The organization also offers a paid board support program (fees vary based on organization size).
Joan Garry Consulting Blog
While Joan covers more than just boards, a majority of her articles are targeted toward nonprofit leaders and their board chairs. She also runs the Nonprofit Leadership Lab, which includes resources and a community for leaders of small and mid-sized nonprofits.
Communications and Marketing Sources
Nonprofit Marketing Guide
“Nonprofit Marketing Guide helps nonprofit communicators learn their jobs, love their work, and lead their teams.” They offer free and paid content, coaching, training and community for nonprofit marketing professionals. I always love their blog articles, and of course, the annual Nonprofit Marketing Trends Report.
Big Duck
Focused on nonprofit communications and branding, Big Duck’s Insights are sure to get your wheels turning. They cover topics like how to engage stakeholders in brand development, delivering the right message to the right audiences and what you might consider before a nonprofit rebrand. In addition to their insights, they put out a regular podcast for nonprofit communicators, often inviting other nonprofit sector leaders to share their perspectives.
Fundraising sources
Inside Philanthropy
I’m a big fan of Inside Philanthropy, which covers how foundations and major donors are giving and provides trends in the sector. This is a paid outlet, accessible to members, but it is one of the best resources on giving that I have found. In addition to timely news articles, they offer content to help fundraisers build their knowledge and skills and also have a grant-finder tool for members.
NonProfit Pro
NonProfit Pro is a source for nonprofit management and strategy, and many of their articles focus on fundraising, such as developing donor journeys, tips to establish recurring giving, trends in giving, etc. The articles are often written by sector leaders who bring real-world perspectives and examples to their pieces.
M & R
M & R is an online marketing, PR and social media firm that regularly puts out great content on those same topics. I especially love their annual Benchmarks Study, based on the experience of more than 200 nonprofits using digital media.
We’re so lucky to have so many sector leaders who share nonprofit news, insights, expertise and information so regularly and transparently. I’m sure there are many outlets I’ve missed that you follow. I’d love to hear, what are you reading and listening to in order to stay up to date on the latest nonprofit news?
