Nonprofit leaders have specific ideas for how donors can best support them to do their most effective work, but the power imbalance means important things are often left unsaid. What do nonprofits want their donors to know that they may not be telling them directly?

Drawing on insights based on feedback from more than 100,000 nonprofit leaders, this resource outlines five things that nonprofits want their donors to know:

1. Understanding the needs of the constituents that nonprofits are serving is essential for donors and nonprofits alike.
2. Strong relationships between donors and nonprofits are grounded in understanding and openness.
3. Generous, unrestricted financial support best enables nonprofit leaders to strengthen their organizations.
4. Most nonprofits want to assess their performance so they can learn and improve, and they could use more support to do this.
5. Providing support beyond money can help nonprofit staffs strengthen their skills, make important connections, and better pursue their missions.

Donors: 5 Things Nonprofits Want You to Know expands on each of the above points and shares questions for reflection.

July 2018