A thank-you letter is more than a polite response — it is a defining moment in a donor’s journey. Done well, it transforms generosity into belonging, and a one-time gift into an ongoing relationship rooted in trust. In this piece, we explore how expert-level donor communication begins with gratitude, offering a full case study in writing thank-you letters that do more than close a gift. They open the door to lasting partnership, deeper investment, and shared vision. A single letter, crafted with care, can become the first step in building the kind of support that sustains a mission for years to come.

There’s a quiet pressure in the nonprofit world that most of us have internalized without realizing it: the sense that whatever we’re already doing isn’t quite enough. Not bold enough, not shiny enough, not new enough to land the grant, excite the donor, or keep pace with what feels like a moving target. And so we adapt. We layer on new programs, reframe existing work in trendier language, or invent value where there’s already plenty, just to stay in the game. But what if that instinct, especially right now, is pulling us in the wrong direction?

At first, the urgency is energizing. You run on passion, on belief, on the undeniable need that fuels the work. But then the cracks appear - slowly, then all at once. Staff members burn out. Volunteers lose interest. Programs that should run like clockwork stumble instead, bottlenecked by miscommunication, missed deadlines, and a never-ending game of catch-up. This is where most nonprofits find themselves - not because they lack dedication, but because the way they operate is unsustainable. And yet, when they ask what’s needed, the answer is almost always the same: more money. But what if that isn’t the only way forward?

Today, President Trump hosted a Black History Month event at the White House, recognizing the contributions of Black Americans. At the same time, his administration has rapidly moved to dismantle DEI initiatives across the federal government, including policies that have historically aimed to address racial inequities in hiring, funding, and decision-making.

Funding for environmental justice work isn’t always easy to find, especially for grassroots organizations doing the heavy lifting. This list highlights five grants to have on your radar for 2025 if you’re working on clean air, safe water, or climate resilience in New England or Upstate New York. Each grant includes key details like eligibility, deadlines, and tips to strengthen your application so you can spend less time searching and more time making an impact.

Rep. Rich McCormick (R-Ga.) recently suggested that kids should take jobs at fast-food restaurants instead of receiving free school meals. His comments ignore the realities of food insecurity, economic inequality, and childhood development. In our latest journal entry, Harvey & Smith Impact Principal Consultant Larry Blake Harvey responds to McCormick’s remarks, outlining why universal free meal (UFM) programs are a proven investment in children’s health, education, and future success.

The Trump administration’s recent rollback of federal DEI programs is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges to advancing equity in this political climate. Federal agencies have been instructed to terminate DEI initiatives, and private sectors are being encouraged to follow suit. These changes don’t just signal a shift in priorities - they demand a recalibration of how nonprofits advocate for and sustain their DEI efforts.

For example: Federal housing policies may shift under the new administration, affecting programs that support affordable housing and tenant protections. Nonprofits involved in housing should pay close attention to HUD announcements and explore partnerships to address local needs.

For small nonprofits, tracking progress and measuring success can feel overwhelming. Take Maria, for example, a nonprofit leader who secured her first grant to launch a STEM program for kids in rural communities. She quickly realized she needed a clear plan to meet funder expectations and show the impact of her work.

What sets How to Tell a Story apart is its accessibility. It doesn’t require any prior knowledge of storytelling theory or literary techniques. Instead, it distills complex ideas into practical steps that anyone can follow, making it an essential resource for nonprofit professionals, local leaders, and anyone aiming to create meaningful connections through their words.

A nonprofit in Saratoga Springs recently asked us: ‘How do we partner with local government to secure grants for community projects?’ Here’s what worked for them: They noticed the city’s focus on sustainability and proposed a partnership to expand their urban garden program. By aligning their mission with the city’s goals and co-applying for a state grant, they not only secured funding but also strengthened their relationship with local leaders.

When people think about grants, they tend to focus on the application itself—the narrative, the data, the deadlines. But ask any seasoned grant writer, and they’ll tell you: the most successful proposals are built on a foundation that’s laid well in advance.