The LinkedIn for Nonprofits Weekly Digest

As you wave goodbye to another week, the LinkedIn for Nonprofits Weekly Digest is here to give you plenty of food for thought as you head into the weekend. 

This week, you’ll find an insightful discussion on the importance of partnerships in advancing equity work, as well as tips for having effective conversations with funders about shifts in program expenses. We’ve also compiled some great reads on cryptocurrency gifts, the dangers of perfectionism in fundraising, and more.

Here are five must-read articles for nonprofits this week:

1. Functional Expenses Decreased During Covid-19? How to Prepare for Conversations with Funders (Blue Avocado)

The devastating impact of the pandemic has led many nonprofits to prepare for future disruptions by increasing their cash reserves. But since this approach has resulted in a lower percentage of overall expenses going toward programs, some organizations are understandably concerned that it will lead to increased scrutiny from funders. Nonprofit accounting and financial management expert Douglas Cook shares a few thoughts on how to prepare for these conversations. 

2. Nonprofits Get a New Type of Donation: Cryptocurrency (The New York Times)

The question of whether nonprofits should accept donations in cryptocurrency has been floating around for a few years now, but a lot of uncertainty and hesitancy remains. The New York Times weighs up the pros and cons of accepting cryptocurrency gifts, from the ease of transferring and monitoring these funds internationally to the potential environmental impact and risk of volatility. 

3. A mindset shift among young American nonprofit employees (Philanthropy News Digest)

The financial uncertainty caused by the pandemic caused many young people to reevaluate their career plans. But how did this impact decisions about joining the nonprofit sector? Derrick Feldmann, lead researcher at Cause and Social Influence, highlights some key findings from the program’s latest report. 

4. Stepping Up: Early Foundation Learnings about Partnerships from COVID-19 (Nonprofit Quarterly)

At the outset of the pandemic, many nonprofits and foundations sought to forge partnerships that would allow them to build critical capacity when they needed it most. Katie Allan Zobel, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, discusses why continued partnerships may be an essential element of equity work moving forward. 

5. Perfectionism Is Hurting Your Fundraising (Veritus Group)

You want every message sent to donors to be meaningful—but that doesn’t mean they have to be perfect. Veritus Group outlines why perfectionism may ultimately make your communication feel less authentic, and a few practical steps for overcoming this habit and setting more attainable standards.

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