Educational Institutions Articles

View the 2025 Exempt Conference resources here.

Successful fundraising events should balance enjoyment with profitability. Start by setting realistic financial goals, create a detailed budget, and look for cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality. Secure strategic sponsors and follow the 30% rule to ensure expenses don’t exceed 30% of net proceeds, making your event both impactful and financially sustainable.

Emerging technologies like AI offer nonprofits powerful tools to improve efficiency, but they also introduce new cybersecurity risks. Engaging IT teams, tech-savvy board members, and expert advisors can help nonprofits strengthen controls while maximizing tech benefits.

Nonprofit boards typically follow one of three models: policy, working, or hybrid. Policy boards focus on governance and strategic oversight, working boards handle hands-on tasks for early-stage organizations, and hybrid boards combine both approaches for flexibility during growth or transitions. Choosing the right structure ensures effective leadership and alignment with your nonprofit’s mission.

For nonprofit organizations, matching gifts represent a powerful opportunity to boost fundraising and hit ambitious goals. Here’s how to make the most of it.

Development directors can boost recruitment by using social media platforms, mapping neighborhood resources, showcasing real volunteer stories, and creating easy pathways to get involved. Continued efforts during the holiday season can turn short-term volunteers into long-term supporters, building a sustainable network for your mission.

Nonprofits occasionally receive donations of tangible property such as real estate, jewelry, or business inventory. What's important about these donations, is knowing how to value these gifts for compliance and accurate reporting. Most items are valued at fair market value, but factors like restrictions, unrelated use, and donor cost basis can affect the calculation. 

Giving Tuesday is a global movement that inspires generosity during the holiday season, encouraging nonprofits, businesses, and individuals to give back through donations, advocacy, and volunteerism. It offers organizations a powerful opportunity to raise funds, build awareness, and engage their communities. With participation growing each year, planning ahead and setting clear goals can help maximize impact and strengthen connections with supporters.

Borrowing can help nonprofits fund major projects or manage cash flow gaps, but it comes with higher interest rates, strict lender requirements, and added risk. Understanding loan types—such as lines of credit, bridge loans, and long-term financing—and preparing detailed financial documentation are essential steps before applying. Careful planning ensures your organization avoids costly mistakes and secures funding that aligns with its mission.

Creating an effective nonprofit budget requires more than adjusting last year’s numbers. A collaborative approach, accurate forecasting, and scenario planning can help organizations stay agile and prepared for uncertainty. Building reserves and aligning budgets with strategic goals ensures long-term sustainability and mission success.