MW Strategies LLC

We've gathered tools and guides to support your organization's mission across fundraising, governance, and operations. We update this collection as the sector shifts and as nonprofits tell us what's working.

Nonprofit Management

• Blue Avocado - Practical, accessible advice for small and medium nonprofits - https://blueavocado.org/

• BoardSource - Comprehensive resources for nonprofit boards, including sample policies, assessment tools, and training materials - https://boardsource.org/

• Candid - Research tools for nonprofit data, funders, and sector trends. Combines the former Foundation Center and GuideStar  - https://candid.org/

• National Council of Nonprofits - Current information on nonprofit management, advocacy, and compliance issues - https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Database of tax returns and financial information for tax-exempt organizations - https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/

• Stanford Social Innovation Review - Strategic thinking and practical guidance for social sector leaders - https://ssir.org/

Fundraising Resources

We help small and mid-sized nonprofits build sustainable fundraising programs.

• Donor Participation Project - Monthly educational sessions and resources focused on increasing donor participation rates - https://joindpp.org/

• Fundraising Effectiveness Project - Research-based strategies for improving fundraising results - https://afpfep.org/

• SOFII (Showcase of Fundraising Innovation and Inspiration) - Examples of effective fundraising campaigns and tactics - https://sofii.org/

• The Chronicle of Philanthropy - News and resources for nonprofit leaders and fundraisers - https://www.philanthropy.com/

Leadership Transitions & Succession Planning

These tools support boards through executive change. We also provide hands-on transition assistance for organizations navigating a leadership change.

• 501 Commons - The five stages of leadership change, with tools and templates - https://www.501commons.org/learn/career-resources/leadership-transition-and-succession

• Maine Association of Nonprofits - Mission-Driven Executive Transition toolkit, with templates for each stage - https://www.nonprofitmaine.org/leadership-transition

• National Council of Nonprofits - Guidance on planned and unexpected leadership change, plus emergency transition planning - https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/running-nonprofit/governance-leadership/succession-planning-nonprofits-managing-leadership

Financial Management

• Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) - Accounting standards for nonprofit organizations - https://www.fasb.org/

• Internal Revenue Service Exempt Organizations - Official guidance on nonprofit tax compliance - https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits

• Nonprofit Accounting Basics - Educational resources from the Greater Washington Society of CPAs - https://www.nonprofitaccountingbasics.org/

• Nonprofit Finance Fund - Financial management resources and consulting services - https://nff.org/

Grant Research

• Candid Foundation Directory - Searchable database of foundations and grants, now part of Candid Search - https://candid.org/find-funding

• GrantStation - Database and resources for grant seekers - https://grantstation.com/

• Instrumentl - Matching tool for grant opportunities - https://www.instrumentl.com/

Free Nonprofit Tools

• Canva for Nonprofits - Free access to premium design tools - https://www.canva.com/canva-for-nonprofits/

• Google for Nonprofits - Free access to Google Workspace, Google Ad Grants, and other tools - https://www.google.com/nonprofits/

• TechSoup - Discounted and donated technology for nonprofits - https://www.techsoup.org/

Wealth Screening Resources

• DonorSearch - Prospect research and wealth screening tools to identify giving capacity - https://www.donorsearch.net/

• iWave - Fundraising intelligence platform with detailed wealth and philanthropic indicators - https://www.iwave.com/

• LexisNexis for Development Professionals - Comprehensive screening and relationship mapping tools - https://www.lexisnexis.com/en-us/products/lexisnexis-for-development-professionals.page

• Wealth Engine - AI-powered wealth intelligence platform for prospect research - https://www.wealthengine.com/

• Windfall - Net worth intelligence focused on affluent households - https://www.windfall.com/

Communications & Marketing

• Constant Contact - Email marketing and campaign management platform for nonprofits - https://www.constantcontact.com/nonprofit-email-marketing

• MailChimp - Email marketing, automation, and campaign management tools - https://mailchimp.com/help/about-mailchimp-for-nonprofits/

• Nonprofit Marketing Guide - Training and resources for nonprofit communicators - https://www.nonprofitmarketingguide.com/

CRMs and Database Solutions

• Bloomerang - Donor management software focused on donor retention - https://bloomerang.co/

• DonorPerfect - Comprehensive fundraising and donor management system - https://www.donorperfect.com/

• Eleo - Affordable donor management software designed for small nonprofits - https://www.eleoonline.com/

• Little Green Light - User-friendly donor management platform - https://www.littlegreenlight.com/

• NeonCRM - All-in-one cloud solution for nonprofit management - https://neonone.com/products/crm/

Strategic Planning & Organizational Assessment

• Propel Nonprofits - Free library covering planning, financial strategy, governance, and succession templates - https://propelnonprofits.org/resources/