Search Candid learning for free answers to your nonprofit questions

Live training
Sign up for an upcoming live webinar or special in-person event and build your nonprofit professional skills
Explore
Webinar
In-person training
JuneJuly
AugustSeptember

Introduction to Finding Grants
Discover what funders are looking for in nonprofits seeking grants and how to find potential funders in this introductory course.
1 hr 0 min
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Self-paced
Fundraising

Top Tips For Nonprofits Seeking Grants
Leverage these top grantseeking tips from our experts to help your organization find grants more efficiently and effectively.
2 min
Video
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Fundraising

How can nonprofits use their Candid profile? A conversation with Meme Styles
Find out how nonprofit organizations like Measure are leveraging their Candid nonprofit profile and seeing tangible impact.
5 min
Video
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Using Candid's products
Managing a nonprofit

Introduction to Proposal Writing
This class will provide you with an overview of how to write a standard project proposal to a foundation.
Proposal writing
auto-reg
Self-paced

Why Candid Profiles and Seals of Transparency Matter
Discover how Candid Seals of Transparency build nonprofit credibility, trust, and visibility with funders.
10 min
auto-reg
Using Candid's products
Self-paced

How to Claim Your Organization's Candid Profile
Learn how to claim your organization’s Candid profile so you can manage your information and start earning Seals of Transparency.
auto-reg
Using Candid's products
Self-paced

How to Earn a Bronze Seal of Transparency
Learn why earning a Seal of Transparency boosts visibility, builds funder trust, and opens access to powerful fundraising tools.
auto-reg
Using Candid's products
Self-paced

How to Earn a Silver Seal of Transparency
Show your nonprofit’s impact by adding program and population information to earn the Silver Seal of Transparency.
auto-reg
Using Candid's products
Self-paced

How to Earn a Gold Seal of Transparency
Build deeper trust with funders by sharing financial and demographic transparency through the Gold Seal.
auto-reg
Using Candid's products
Self-paced

How to Earn a Platinum Seal of Transparency
Demonstrate your organization’s long-term impact by sharing your goals, strategies, and outcomes through the Platinum Seal.
auto-reg
Using Candid's products
Self-paced

Share Your Seal and Plan Ahead
Learn how to promote your Seal and keep your profile up to date so you never lose your transparency status.
auto-reg
Using Candid's products
Self-paced

Make Your Major Foundation and Corporate Grant Applications Stand Out
Identify key actions needed to launch or grow your major grants program, including foundation and corporate grant applications.
1 hr 21 min
Video
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Fundraising

What Makes A Good Fundraising Proposal?
Get a funder's perspective on how to write a great fundraising proposal and stand out from other grant applicants.
7 min
Video
Proposal writing
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Measuring your impact
Help article

Three Top Tips For Writing Grant Proposals
Hear this grant writing expert's tips for how to write a grant proposal and win more funding for your organization.
3 min
Video
Proposal writing
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg

What Do Funders Look For In Grant Proposal Budgets?
Get tips for mastering one of the most important factors in grant applications: your proposal budget.
2 min
Video
Proposal writing
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Help article

Upgrade Your Grant Budget To Attract Major Foundation Funders
Maximize the potential of your grant budget and make your application stand out to funders with these tactics.
1 hr 29 min
Video
Proposal writing
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit

Introduction To Measuring Your Impact
Learn the basics of applying an outcomes thinking framework to your nonprofit’s programs in this video.
1 hour 30 mins
Video
Audience: Funder
Proposal writing
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Measuring your impact

Tips For Nonprofits Telling Their Story
Put these top storytelling tips and techniques into practice to elevate the way your nonprofit communicates with supporters online.
1 min
Video
Proposal writing
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Measuring your impact

Unlock These Benefits With A Candid Seal of Transparency
Learn how to unlock benefits with a Candid Seal of Transparency, including how to streamline your donor experience with Apple Pay.
4 min
Video
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit

What Is A Digital Strategy?
Get step-by-step guidance on how to build a digital strategy for your nonprofit organization.
1 min
Video
Proposal writing
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit
Help article

A Funder’s Perspective on Collaboration and Strategic Alliances
Understand how strategic alliances could help your nonprofit or foundation strengthenlocal impact, improve services, and build sustainability.
1 hr 28 min
Video
Audience: Funder
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit
Fundraising

Digital Storytelling: How to Engage and Activate Your Supporters Online
In this self-paced course, you will learn how to use a simple storytelling framework to enhance the clarity of your organization’s digital communications.
4 hr 0 min
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit
Self-paced
Fundraising

How Can Organizations Craft Compelling Stories?
Master these four key components of compelling storytelling to improve digital communication with your nonprofit's supporters.
1 min
Video
Proposal writing
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Measuring your impact
Managing a nonprofit

How Can I Bring My Organization's Story To Life?
Learn how your organization can utilize videos as an effective tool to tell your nonprofit story in an engaging way.
1 min
Video
Proposal writing
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Measuring your impact
Managing a nonprofit
Help article

What Is The Best Way To Connect With Your Supporters?
Hear quick tips on how your nonprofit can use digital storytelling to more deeply connect with supporters and attract new audiences.
1 min
Video
Proposal writing
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Measuring your impact
Managing a nonprofit
Help article

Transform Your Board’s Fundraising in 90 Days
Harness the collective fundraising power of your nonprofit board members and deepen overall board engagement.
1 hr 19 min
Video
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit

Boost Your Visibility & Funding By Listening To The People You Serve
Learn how to strengthen nonprofit programs and increase visibility to funders by gathering and acting on feedback from the populations you serve.
58 min
Video
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Measuring your impact
Managing a nonprofit

Before You Seek a Grant: A Checklist for New Nonprofits
Determine whether your nonprofit is ready to start seeking foundation grants in this step-by-step checklist.
0 hr 46 min
Video
Proposal writing
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Fundraising

Put Your Donor Data to Work: Five Frameworks to Develop Your Top KPIs
Learn how you can utilize existing donor data to develop key performance indicators (KPIs) and improve your decision-making.
1 hr 26 min
Video
Proposal writing
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Measuring your impact
Managing a nonprofit

Fast, Free, And Available Now: Candid's Demographics API
Discover the power of Candid's Demographics API. Learn how to access this nonprofit data and get details on the features, functionality, and benefits.
39 min
Video
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Measuring your impact
Managing a nonprofit

Practical Tips On Adding Demographic Data To Profiles
Learn the basics of gathering demographic information for your nonprofit, plus how you can use this data to boost your funding opportunities.
35 min
Video
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit

The Nonprofit Experience: Insights On Demographic Data Collection
Explore how funders can help reduce barriers and support grantees around collecting and reporting demographic data in this insightful discussion.
58 min
Video
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit

Demographics via Candid: Join the Movement
Realize how public data available through Demographics via Candid can benefit nonprofits, funders, researchers, and more.
55 min
Video
Audience: Funder
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Measuring your impact
Using Candid's products

The Makings of a Great Development Director
Uncover best practices for hiring a nonprofit development director, setting goals for their position, and evaluating their performance.
1 hr 25 min
Video
Proposal writing
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Measuring your impact
Managing a nonprofit

Engaging Your Board In Equity-Centered Fundraising
Discover strategies to ignite your board's passion for fundraising and learn the importance of equity in your approach.
1 hr 12 min
Video
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit

Nine Competencies Today’s Nonprofit Leaders Need for Success
Assess your current nonprofit leadership skills and learn how to identify opportunities for personal and professional development.
88 min
Video
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit

The Power and Challenges Of The Black-Led Nonprofit
Gain tools that can be used by Black-led nonprofits to articulate funding needs as well as strategies that funders can use to help these nonprofits thrive.
1 hr 22 min
Video
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit

Leveraging Community Assets To Enhance Your Nonprofit’s Impact
Uncover basic principles and practices of asset-based community development and how they can enhance the nonprofit sector.
1 hour 30 mins
Video
Proposal writing
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Measuring your impact
Managing a nonprofit

Rethinking Philanthropy: Indigenous-led Grantmaking
Learn how Indigenous and Native leaders are embracing traditional giving practices and introducing Indigenous-led grantmaking in their communities.
1 hr 25 min
Video
Audience: Funder
Proposal writing
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Measuring your impact
Managing a nonprofit

Inclusive Communication: An Introduction To The Vocabulary Of The Disability Community
Get an introduction to the lexicon of the disability community and appropriate language to use in the nonprofit and foundation context.
1 hr 19 min
Video
Audience: Funder
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit

Attracting, Hiring, And Retaining People With Disabilities
Discover disability inclusion best practices, including how to advance accessibility in the workplace by recruiting, hiring, and promoting people with disabilities.
1 hr 21 min
Video
Audience: Funder
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit

Reframing the Story: Investment in Black Men And Boys is Vital to Whole Community Health
Plan how to redirect philanthropic investments toward more equitable solutions, especially when considering Black men and boys.
1 hr 30 min
Video
Audience: Funder
Proposal writing
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Measuring your impact
Managing a nonprofit

Incorporating Gender Equity Into Your Nonprofit
Gain insight about the systemic challenges of gender disparity in the nonprofit sector and explore solutions to bridge this divide.
1 hr 15 min
Video
Proposal writing
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Measuring your impact
Managing a nonprofit

Incorporating an Equity Lens into Your Hiring Practices
Learn best practices for creating equitable hiring practies, including how to shape a role, set candidates up for success, and approach candidate evaluation.
1 hr 29 min
Video
Audience: Funder
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Measuring your impact
Managing a nonprofit

In Her Shoes: Stories, Insights & Perspectives from Women of Color in Philanthropy
Hear insights from this dynamic panel of nonprofit professionals, focused on women of color in fundraising and philanthropy.
1 hr 45 min
Video
Proposal writing
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit

Foster an Inclusive Culture for Your LGBTQ+ Staff and Partners
Hear tips for creating a more inclusive work environment for LGBTQ+ employees and an increased ability to serve the LGBTQ+ community.
1 hr 28 min
Video
Audience: Funder
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit

Establish an Organizational Culture That Supports Your DEI Initiatives
Get strategic advice on how nonprofit leaders can reimagine their organizational culture by grounding priorities in diversity and inclusion.
1 hr 24 min
Video
Audience: Funder
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit

Designing Equity-Centered Organizational Values
Be inspired to reimagine your organizational values and commit to a values statement that centers and promotes equity.
1 hr 27 min
Video
Audience: Funder
Proposal writing
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Measuring your impact
Managing a nonprofit

Race, Gender, And Inequity In Nonprofit Consulting
Hear from a panel of Black women on their experiences working in the nonprofit sector, including insights for those exploring a career in nonprofit consulting.
1 hr 25 min
Video
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit

Collective Power: Using Data In Your Equity Journey
Understand how Demographics via Candid can help inform equitable grantmaking decisions and reduce burdens for nonprofits.
0 hr 54 min
Video
Audience: Funder
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit

Centering Intersectional Feminism In Philanthropy And Beyond
Hear from Women’s Funding Network members on the power and importance of feminism in philanthropy. Learn how to partner with women's funds in your community.
1 hr 25 min
Video
Audience: Funder
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit

Build A More Disability-Inclusive Organization With RespectAbility
Identify ways your organization can create a more disability-inclusive workplace. Learn how to access free disability inclusion resources.
0 hr 22 min
Video
Audience: Funder
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit

Activating the Collective Power of Latino Engagement and Giving – A Virtuous Circle
Leverage the power of Latino philanthropy and apply strategies and tools to engage Latino communities in your mission.
1 hr 29 min
Video
Audience: Funder
Proposal writing
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit

Is Consulting Your Next Calling?
Uncover the top issues to consider and key questions to ask yourself when exploring a career in nonprofit consulting.
1 hr 28 min
Video
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit

From Scarcity To Abundance
Develop an understanding of how grantmakers can use abundance framing to be better champions of nonprofit organizations.
1 hr 27 min
Video
Audience: Funder
auto-reg

Get Ready For GivingTuesday
Watch this conversation between fundraising experts to get easy tips to help maximize your nonprofit's success ahead of GivingTuesday.
0 hr 51 min
Video
auto-reg
Fundraising

7 Lessons Learned from Nonprofit Leaders
Avoid mistakes commonly made by nonprofit leadership in order to foster better collaboration and internal culture.
1 hr 22 min
Video
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit

Introduction to Project Budgets
If preparing a budget for your foundation grant is holding you back, come learn the basic elements of how to draft a project budget with confidence.
Proposal writing
auto-reg
Self-paced

Catalysts for Change: Non Governing Boards as Pipelines for Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Leadership
Reach emerging leaders and pipelines of diverse talent for your nonprofit by leveraging junior boards, young professional boards, and advisory councils.
1 hr 26 min
Video
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit

Shifting the Narrative to Advance Racial Equity
Apply communication best practices at your nonprofit or foundation to advance racial equity and promote narrative change.
1 hr 29 min
Video
Audience: Funder
auto-reg
Measuring your impact
Managing a nonprofit

From Preparedness to Recovery: Fundraising for Natural Disasters
Learn how to proactively approach disaster relief fundraising by strategically positioning your organization to fundraise ahead of and after an event.
1 hr 28 min
Video
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit
Fundraising

Funding beyond federal: How to diversify funding to ensure stability in uncertain times
Learn how to diversify nonprofit funding, discover new revenue streams, and strengthen financial resilience in this three-hour virtual intensive for experienced fundraisers.
2 hr 30 min
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Fundraising

Introduction to Foundation Directory
Discover how to identify funders and find grants for your nonprofit with Foundation Directory, the most comprehensive research tool for fundraisers.
1 hour 5 mins
Video
Audience: Funder
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Using Candid's products
Fundraising

AI-powered digital storytelling
Use Candid's toolkit for tips and resources on how to leverage AI to tell your nonprofit's story more effectively and with greater reach.
auto-reg
Strengthen your foundation
Help article

Attract more funding with a new 2025 Seal of Transparency
Learn about our new profile editor and how to earn your 2025 Seal to maximize fundraising efforts.
39 min
Video
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Using Candid's products
Fundraising

Building a Race Equity Culture™ using the Awake to Woke to Work® Framework
Learn best practices for transforming policies, practice, and culture to build and sustain an equitable workplace using the Awake to Woke to Work® Framework.
1 hr 21 min
Video
Audience: Funder
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Measuring your impact
Managing a nonprofit

Can a nonprofit organization conduct fundraising activities in multiple states?
A nonprofit can operate in different states. To raise funds, the nonprofit must register in its home state and other state(s) before soliciting contributions.
Starting a nonprofit
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit
Fundraising
Help article

Can I convert my for-profit business into a nonprofit organization?
Converting a for-profit business into a nonprofit requires qualifying for IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and prioritizing board governance over personal control.
Starting a nonprofit
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit
Help article

Can I get funding for my nonprofit while I am in the process of incorporating or getting tax-exempt status?
Securing nonprofit startup funding is possible but requires careful planning. Founders must think creatively about how to finance the initial stages of growth.
Starting a nonprofit
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit
Fundraising
Help article

Can my organization have a subsidiary?
In certain situations, it may benefit an organization to establish a subsidiary. Nonprofits can create either a nonprofit subsidiary or a for-profit subsidiary.
auto-reg
Help article

Can non-501(c)(3) organizations get foundation grants?
In rare instances, some foundations may give grants to organizations that do not have 501(c)(3) status if the funds will be used for a charitable purpose.
Starting a nonprofit
auto-reg
Help article

Can nonprofit founders and staff get paid a salary?
Nonprofit salaries paid to tax-exempt organizations' founders and staff should be "reasonable and not excessive" and comply with state and federal labor laws.
Starting a nonprofit
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit
Help article

Can nonprofits engage advocacy or lobbying efforts?
Depending on their status, some nonprofits are permitted to engage in nonprofit advocacy and lobbying. 501(c)(3) nonprofits are limited in these activities.
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit
Help article

Can our international NGO raise funds in the U.S.?
International NGOs have several options for finding funding in the U.S. including corporate and foundation grants, fiscal sponsorship, and individual donors.
auto-reg
Fundraising
Help article

Can religious or faith-based organizations apply for foundation grants?
Foundations do consider grants for faith-based organizations, like churches, due to their tax exempt status. This depends on the foundation's giving interests.
auto-reg
Fundraising
Help article

Can the executive director also serve on our organization's board of directors?
Executive staff should play a role in board meetings. However, executives serving on the board of directors is a natural conflict of interest.
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit
Help article

How are nonprofits funded?
There are multiple funding sources for nonprofits, including fees for goods and services, foundation grants, corporate contributions, and individual donations.
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit
Fundraising
Help article

How can I access Foundation Directory without a subscription?
Discover two ways to gain free access to Candid’s Foundation Directory, the leading tool for researching and finding funders interested in your nonprofit.
auto-reg
Using Candid's products
Fundraising
Help article

How can I find board members for my nonprofit?
Learn steps for where and how to find nonprofit board members. Get practical tips for building diverse relationships to develop your nonprofit board.
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit
Help article

How can I find corporate sponsorship?
Finding corporate sponsors typically takes researching companies with shared audiences and conveying the business benefits of a nonprofit event sponsorship.
auto-reg
Fundraising
Help article

How can I find funders that offer a particular type of support?
Discover how to find funders and create lists of grantmakers that offer the specific types of support and funding that your nonprofit organization needs.
auto-reg
Fundraising
Help article

How can I find sources of in-kind gifts?
In-kind donations are non-cash gifts of goods and services that businesses commonly give to nonprofits, well-aligned with a company's products and priorities.
auto-reg
Fundraising
Help article

How can I find sources of pro bono expertise?
Pro bono services are typically offered by corporations in the form of volunteer programs where staff can lend their expertise to support a nonprofit's work.
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit
Help article

How can I keep my foundation’s information up to date with Candid?
Transparency benefits funders and the social sector as a whole. Learn how your foundation can easily share up-to-date information and grants data with Candid.
auto-reg
Using Candid's products
Managing a nonprofit
Strengthen your foundation
Help article

How can I learn about researching and cultivating individual donors?
Learn how to prospect, research, and cultivate individual donors to grow planned giving, major gifts, and overall support for your nonprofit organization.
auto-reg
Help article

How can I look up a 501(c)(3) nonprofit?
Use Candid to easily research and look up 501(c)(3) nonprofits by EIN, subject area, geography, or financials—and make informed charitable giving decisions.
auto-reg
Using Candid's products
Managing a nonprofit
Help article

How can I recognize and avoid grant or scholarship scams?
Get practical advice to help you recognize grant and scholarship scams and avoid falling prey to false or misleading claims that you'll receive free money.
auto-reg
Fundraising
Help article

How can my foundation find out what our peers already know about issues, program areas, and lessons learned?
Find out how Candid supports foundations' peer learning, including via our vast library of original research and free funder resources contributed by others.
auto-reg
Using Candid's products
Strengthen your foundation
Help article

How can my organization find other grantmakers or potential grantees working in our areas of interest?
Discover the many ways that Candid helps grantmakers and grantees find, collaborate, and learn from other organizations working in similar areas of interest.
Proposal writing
auto-reg
Using Candid's products
Help article

How can the public access Candid tools at partner locations?
Guide for public access to Candid tools at partner locations.
auto-reg
Help article
Community

How can you enhance your project with a nonprofit API?
Learn more about APIs and their benefits, including how nonprofits can leverage APIs to drive impact, improve decision-making, and enhance operations.
auto-reg
Strengthen your foundation
Help article

How do I approach a foundation and build a successful grantee-funder relationship?
Successfully approaching a foundation starts with doing research. Having more information about a funding prospect will make it easier to build relationships.
auto-reg
Fundraising
Help article

How do I become a nonprofit consultant or grant writer?
Learn how aspiring nonprofit consultants and grantwriters can build essential skills, strategies, and knowledge to launch a successful consulting business.
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit
Help article

How do I find a funder's application instructions?
Understanding how a funder wants to receive funding applications is crucial. There are numerous resources you can consult to find grant application instructions.
auto-reg
Fundraising
Help article

How do I find funding for my research?
Researchers can find funding and grants for research through universities, fiscal sponsorships, or by searching databases like Candid's Foundation Directory.
auto-reg
Fundraising
Help article

How do I find grants for my nonprofit?
Essential resources on how to find grants for your nonprofit, including free tools. Use these expert tips to start finding grants now.
auto-reg
Fundraising
Help article

How do I incorporate a nonprofit? Where can I find sample articles of incorporation?
Learn about the requirements and steps required to create or incorporate a nonprofit, and use our sample articles of incorporation as a template to get started.
Starting a nonprofit
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit
Help article

How do I learn about dissolving a private foundation?
When dissolving a private foundation, U.S. state Attorney General's offices and the IRS require filling documentation and the "spending down" of remaining assets.
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit
Help article

How do I learn about dissolving my nonprofit?
Dissolving or terminating a 501(c)(3) nonprofit involves thoughtful planning. It requires a vote from the board and filing with various regulatory bodies.
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit
Help article

How do I start a grantmaking foundation?
Foundations are mainly categorized as private foundations or public charities. Regional and national resources exist for starting a grantmaking foundation.
Starting a nonprofit
auto-reg
Help article

How do I start a nonprofit organization?
Starting a nonprofit may take years of effort and a great deal of determination. Understand these six key steps on how to start a nonprofit before moving forward.
Starting a nonprofit
auto-reg
Startups
Help article

How do I write a business plan for a nonprofit organization?
A nonprofit business plan will help turn mission into reality. Learn how to write a nonprofit business plan, including earning income and assessing resources.
Starting a nonprofit
auto-reg
Startups
Fundraising
Help article

How do I write a grant proposal?
Learn how to write a compelling grant proposal for your nonprofit. Get tips and sample documents to get started with grant writing or to improve your skills.
Proposal writing
auto-reg
Help article

How long does it take for Forms 990 to appear on Candid's website?
Candid receives the latest Forms 990 from the IRS every few weeks and adds them to our collection. This information is accessible through our various databases.
auto-reg
Using Candid's products
Help article

How long should nonprofit organizations retain business-related records?
Nonprofits should comply with IRS guidelines on nonprofit record retention. This will vary for different types of business records and documents.
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit
Help article

How many nonprofit organizations are there in the U.S.?
There are currently more than 1.8 million nonprofits registered in the U.S. This includes public charities, private foundations, and other 501(c) organizations.
Starting a nonprofit
auto-reg
Help article

How much does it cost to start a nonprofit?
The cost of starting a nonprofit can vary greatly by organization and state. Understand common types of costs to develop an estimate for your specific nonprofit.
Starting a nonprofit
auto-reg
Startups
Help article

How much should my nonprofit have in its operating reserve?
An operating reserve serves as a "rainy day" savings account for nonprofits. Many aim to have enough money in cash reserves to cover 3-6 months of expenses.
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit
Help article

How to use a Candid dataset
Learn how to access and use Candid datasets, including free datasets with details on nonprofit financials, demographics, and other philanthropy data.
auto-reg
Using Candid's products
Help article

National nonprofit resources
Free or discounted resources to help your nonprofit
Starting a nonprofit
auto-reg
Early stage
Startups
Help article

Should fundraisers be paid a fixed fee or a percentage of the money raised?
Many grantmakers disapprove of paying fundraisers a percentage of funds they raise. Many nonprofits also consider other fundraising commission structures.
auto-reg
Strengthen your foundation
Fundraising
Help article

Should my nonprofit or foundation have a website? If so, where do we start?
Having a foundation or nonprofit website is best practice. For those lacking a current website, a robust Candid profile can make for a good alternative.
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit
Strengthen your foundation
Help article

Startup and Early Stage Nonprofit resources overview
Nonprofits can access various resources to help them grow and connect with fellow practioneers.
auto-reg
Early stage
Help article

What activities can jeopardize a nonprofit organization's tax-exempt status?
Activities prohibited for 501(c)(3) organizations by IRS regulations include inurement and electioneering. They also put a nonprofit's tax exempt status at risk.
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit
Strengthen your foundation
Help article

What are 5 effective strategies for nonprofit marketing?
There are five effective nonprofit marketing strategies that your organization can employ to reach more donors and increase support for your cause.
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit
Help article

What are donor-advised funds and how can I research them?
Donor-advised funds (DAFs) are accounts U.S. taxpayers can use to give money to a charity. Learn about DAFs and how your nonprofit can find and solicit DAFs.
auto-reg
Fundraising
Help article

What are simple ways to get noticed by more funders?
Implement these three outreach strategies to boost your nonprofit's visibility and build strong funder relationships to secure grants.
auto-reg
Fundraising
Help article

What are the advantages/disadvantages of becoming a nonprofit organization?
There are pros and cons of filing for tax exempt status and incorporating as a nonprofit that should be carefully considered before starting a nonprofit.
Starting a nonprofit
auto-reg
Help article

What are the different types of nonprofits and foundations?
Understanding the many different types of nonprofits and foundations can be difficult. Get an overview of the organizations that make up the social sector and how they interact.
Starting a nonprofit
auto-reg
Strengthen your foundation
Help article

What do I do if I suspect that a charity is a fraud?
If you are suspicious of a nonprofit or believe you have been a victim of charity fraud, there are several public resources available for support.
auto-reg
Help article

What information should be in a gift acknowledgement letter? Where can I find samples?
Gift acknowledgement letters are a best practice for building donor relationships. Learn what to include and how to find gift acknowledgement letter samples.
auto-reg
Using Candid's products
Fundraising
Help article

What is a "payout requirement" for a private foundation?
Private foundations are required to spend part of their assets each year for charitable purposes. Understanding payout requirements can help nonprofits looking for funding.
auto-reg
Strengthen your foundation
Help article

What is a case statement? Where can I learn more about it?
A case statement outlines an organization's mission, impact, and funding needs, and clarifies the who, what, and why of fundraising campaigns and initiatives.
Proposal writing
auto-reg
Help article

What is a community foundation? Where can I learn more about them?
A community foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization that provides support from funds maintained and administered on behalf of multiple donors.
Starting a nonprofit
auto-reg
Help article

What is a fundraising audit? Why should I conduct one?
Fundraising audits can help nonprofit organizations assess the status of their fundraising efforts, identify strengths and weaknesses, and determine areas for growth.
auto-reg
Fundraising
Help article

What is a gift acceptance policy? Where can I find examples?
Understand why nonprofits should consider adopting a gift acceptance policy and find gift acceptance policy examples.
auto-reg
Fundraising
Help article

What is a giving circle?
Learn more about giving circles and how this form of collective giving enables individuals to to increase their impact and connect with their local community.
auto-reg
Fundraising
Help article

What is a program-related investment?
Program related investments (PRIs) are one way that foundations give money for charitable activities. Unlike grants, funds from PRIs must be paid back to the foundation.
auto-reg
Fundraising
Help article

What is an EIN?
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique, nine-digit number that the IRS assigns to organizations to track their tax accounts and annual returns.
Starting a nonprofit
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit
Help article

What is an NGO? What role does it play in civil society?
NGOs are non-governmental organizations. The role of NGOs in society include driving social change, delivering humanitarian aid, and promoting civic engagement.
Starting a nonprofit
auto-reg
Help article

What is an RFP?
Funders may issue a request for proposal, or RFP, for new grants or initiatives. Learn how you can find active grant RFPs and find funders who don't issue RFPs.
auto-reg
Fundraising
Help article

What is cause-related marketing?
Cause related marketing can mutually benefit nonprofits and corporations. Learn how nonprofits can find and develop cause related marketing opportunities.
auto-reg
Fundraising
Help article

What is CFRE? How can I get CFRE points for Candid's training courses?
CFRE stands for Certified Fund Raising Executive. To get and keep the certification, fundraisers must earn CFRE points from approved training courses.
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Using Candid's products
Managing a nonprofit
Fundraising
Help article

What is crowdfunding?
Crowdfunding is a way to raise funds for a cause or project by asking a large number of people to donate money, usually in small amounts.
auto-reg
Fundraising
Help article

What is Demographics via Candid? How can my nonprofit participate?
Demographics via Candid allows nonprofits to easily report demographic information to supporters. Learn how to leverage your Candid profile to share demographic data.
auto-reg
Using Candid's products
Help article

What is earned income and how do I learn more about it?
Earned income is gaining popularity among nonprofits. Learn how your nonprofit can start planning an earned income to diversify funding sources.
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit
Help article

What is fiscal sponsorship? How do I find a fiscal sponsor?
Fiscal sponsorship is one alternative to starting a nonprofit. It can open funding opportunities for individuals who can solicit grants and donations under a 501(c)(3) sponsor.
Starting a nonprofit
auto-reg
Fiscal sponsorship
Help article

What is Form 990 or 990-PF?
An IRS Form 990 or 990-PF is a tax return that tax-exempt organizations must file yearly. The various versions of Forms 990 contain different information.
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit
Help article

What is social enterprise?
Social enterprise broadly encompasses ventures of nonprofits and for-profit businesses that can yield both financial and social returns.
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit
Help article

What is strategic planning? Where can I learn more about it?
Strategic planning helps nonprofits anticipate and prepare for external factors that may impact its mission, fundraising, or operations.
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit
Help article

What is the "public support" test? How do I calculate it?
The public support test is a provision of IRS tax code that ensures a nonprofit's income comes from a diverse set of donors, rather than a single source.
Starting a nonprofit
auto-reg
Strengthen your foundation
Help article

What is the board's role in fundraising?
A key role of a nonprofit board is fundraising—soliciting funds, securing in-kind resources, and leveraging their networks to advance an organization’s mission.
auto-reg
Strengthen your foundation
Fundraising
Help article

What is the percentage of grant proposals that foundations actually fund?
The percentage of grant proposals actually funded by foundations varies greatly between foundation type and size. However, some data on this topic does exist.
Proposal writing
auto-reg
Help article

What resources are available for setting up a scholarship fund?
Learn how to set up a scholarship fund with these considerations and resources. Understand different options for starting a scholarship fund depending on your goals.
auto-reg
Strengthen your foundation
Help article

What should be included in a letter of inquiry?
Everything you need to know to write a great letter of inquiry. See letter of inquiry samples from projects that were actually funded.
Proposal writing
auto-reg
Help article

What's the difference between contingency and scenario planning? Where can I learn more about risk management?
Understand the difference between contingency and scenario planning and how risk management helps nonprofits sustain operations in times of future uncertainty.
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit
Help article

Where can I find "pro bono" tax or legal assistance for my nonprofit?
See Candid's recommendations for how to find free or low-cost legal services for nonprofits in your area, such as pro bono lawyers or pro bono tax assistance.
Starting a nonprofit
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit
Help article

Where can I find a glossary of foundation, nonprofit, and fundraising terminology?
Use our glossary to look up the definitions of common nonprofit terminology. Plus, find out the meaning of financial terms and formulas used on the Form 990.
auto-reg
Strengthen your foundation
Fundraising
Help article

Where can I find an organization's Form 990 or 990-PF?
The quickest way to find Form 990s online is through Candid's tools. These 990s are fully digitized and searchable.
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit
Help article

Where can I find demographic information about my community?
Demographic information can help nonprofits better identify community needs. This data is available through various national, regional, and local sources.
Proposal writing
auto-reg
Help article

Where can I find emergency funding for my nonprofit?
Explore the various options nonprofits have for securing emergency funding, such as emergency loan or emergency grant programs.
auto-reg
Fundraising
Help article

Where can I find examples of nonprofit budgets?
Access expert guidance on nonprofit budgeting and free nonprofit budget samples that you can use as templates for creating project budgets in grant proposals.
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit
Help article

Where can I find examples of policies, procedures, and guidelines for fiscal sponsorship agreements?
See issues typically addressed in fiscal sponsorship agreements, find examples of fiscal sponsorship agreements, and learn to prepare your project accordingly.
Starting a nonprofit
auto-reg
Fiscal sponsorship
Help article

Where can I find grants for individual artists?
Grants are one of the many ways artists can supplement their income. Candid's tools are available to help find grants for artists and individuals.
auto-reg
Fundraising
Help article

Where can I find information about collaboration and other kinds of strategic alliances?
Strategic alliances between nonprofit organizations can range from informal arrangements to formal partnerships that require shared decision-making.
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit
Help article

Where can I find information about government grants?
Learn how to find government grants, including federal, state, and local grant opportunities. Plus, see things to consider before applying for government grants.
auto-reg
Fundraising
Help article

Where can I find information about planning special events?
Special events can be an effective way for nonprofits to strengthen relationships with current donors and introduce the organization to new supporters.
auto-reg
Fundraising
Help article

Where can I find information on a board's legal duties?
A nonprofit board's legal duties and fiduciary responsibilities are commonly referred to as the, “duty of care,” “duty of loyalty,” and “duty of obedience.”
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit
Help article

Where can I find information on corporate giving? What motivates companies?
Read tips on securing funding from corporate giving programs and company foundations by appealing to businesses' interests and philanthropic motivations
auto-reg
Fundraising
Help article

Where can I find information on online fundraising?
Read tips and discover trends to help your nonprofit raise funds effectively online. Learn how transparency can boost your online fundraising.
auto-reg
Fundraising
Help article

Where can I find job listings and salary information for nonprofit jobs?
See trusted and up-to-date sources of information about nonprofit salaries. Find nonprofit salaries to aid your job search, benchmarking, or research.
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit
Help article

Where can I find out who has donated money to a particular nonprofit organization?
Find out how to research a nonprofit's individual, foundation, and corporate donors. Explore ways to identify funders and companies that donate to nonprofits.
auto-reg
Fundraising
Help article

Where can I find statistics on foundation and corporate giving?
Learn about free and trusted resources that can help you find philanthropic data and charitable giving statistics.
auto-reg
Strengthen your foundation
Help article

Where can I find technical assistance or a consultant for my nonprofit?
There are multiple ways that organizations can find nonprofit consultants that offer technical assistance and specialized services based on their needs.
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit
Help article

Where can I get help filling out my incorporation and tax-exempt 501(3)(3) paperwork?
Find resources for completing 501(c)(3) paperwork, such as incorporation forms. Discover ways to get free or low-cost help with startup nonprofit paperwork.
Starting a nonprofit
auto-reg
Help article

Where can I learn about ethics in fundraising?
Explore key principles of fundraising ethics. Find resources to help ensure your organization raises funds in a responsible, ethical manner.
auto-reg
Fundraising
Help article

Where can I learn about nonprofit mission statements?
A nonprofit mission statement is a crucial first step in defining an organization's plans and how its purpose differs from others in the same field.
Starting a nonprofit
auto-reg
Help article

Where can I learn about nonprofit program evaluation?
A program evaluation plan is crucial for measuring success. Nonprofits can benefit in many ways from accurate information gathering and reporting on results.
auto-reg
Measuring your impact
Help article

Where can I learn more about fundraising planning?
Learn the steps involved in fundraising planning, a process that outlines how a nonprofit will secure and diversify funding to further its mission-driven work.
auto-reg
Fundraising
Help article

Where can I learn more about hiring a consultant?
Hiring a consultant can help your nonprofit build capacity. Our checklist and other resources will aid you in getting started with nonprofit consulting.
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit
Help article

Where can I learn more about nonprofit audits?
Nonprofits audits are sometimes required by government agencies or grantmaking foundations. A charity also may undergo an audit process voluntarily.
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit
Help article

Where can I learn more about recruiting and managing volunteers for my nonprofit?
Get tips for how your nonprofit can find volunteers to support your work, including how to find local organizations that recruit and train volunteers.
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit
Help article

Where can I learn more about workplace giving, like employee matching gifts?
Read tips on how your organization can set up or tap into various workplace giving programs as a source of funding, such as employee matching gifts.
auto-reg
Fundraising
Help article

Where can my U.S.-based nonprofit learn about international operations?
The process of a nonprofit establishing international operations requires legal steps in both the U.S. and the country in which it plans on operating.
Starting a nonprofit
auto-reg
Help article

What are nonprofit bylaws? Where can I find samples?
Nonprofit bylaws outline rules for how an organization operates. Learn more about them and how to find sample nonprofit bylaws that will meet your specific needs.
Starting a nonprofit
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit
Help article

What are alternatives to starting a nonprofit?
Forming a new nonprofit takes thoughtful deliberation. It's often helpful to carefully weigh the alternatives to starting a nonprofit before proceeding.
Starting a nonprofit
auto-reg
Fiscal sponsorship
Startups
Help article

Where can students find information about financial aid and scholarships?
Find information and resources on student financial aid and scholarships in the U.S. to pursue before seeking grants to offset the cost of higher education.
auto-reg
Fundraising
Help article

Will foundations fund overhead or administrative costs for nonprofits? What is an acceptable overhead rate?
There is no single acceptable nonprofit overhead rate. Candid's resources can be helpful in finding funders that support general operating expenses.
Proposal writing
auto-reg
Managing a nonprofit
Help article

Cover letters
Sample cover letters to give you a head start.
auto-reg
Sample document

Full proposals
A winning collection of sample proposals.
auto-reg
Sample document

Letters of inquiry
Example letters of inquiry to help guide your approach.
auto-reg
Sample document

Other sample documents
Explore more sample documents to help build your skills.
auto-reg
Sample document

Proposal budgets
Proposal budget samples to help you plan your own
auto-reg
Sample document

Introduction to Corporate Giving
Corporate grantmakers are different from traditional foundations in many ways. Is your organization ready to seek corporate support?
1 hr 3 min
Video
auto-reg

Introduction to Finding Grants
Discover what funders are looking for in nonprofits seeking grants and how to find potential funders in this introductory course.
1 hour 28 mins
Video
auto-reg
Using Candid's products
Fundraising

Introduction to Fundraising Planning
This introductory class will provide you the basic steps for developing a fundraising plan.
1 hour 20 mins
Video
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Fundraising

Introduction to Individual Giving
In this video, we'll provide you with an overview of the fundraising landscape and walk you through the key components of an individual giving program.
60 min
Video
auto-reg

Introduction to Project Budgets
Learn the basic elements of how to draft a project budget for a grant proposal with confidence.
1 hour 26 mins
Video
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Project budgets

Introduction to Proposal Writing
Explore the essential components of a compelling proposal, including crafting a persuasive statement of need, detailing your project, budgeting smartly, and concluding with impact.
1 hour 22 mins
Video
Proposal writing
auto-reg
Fundraising

Is Starting a Nonprofit Right for You?
Are you thinking of starting a nonprofit? In this video, you'll learn the basic legal and structural steps so you can explore if starting a nonprofit is the right course of action for you.
0 hr 57 min
Video
Starting a nonprofit
auto-reg

Find and Build Relationships with Nonprofit Partners
Live webinar | October 1, 2025 at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT - Learn how to save time identifying and connecting with nonprofit partners using our enhanced search tool.
60 Minutes

Maximize Giving Season—diversify your funding with Candid and GoFundMe
Live webinar | October 15, 2025 at 12-12:45 p.m. ET / 9-9:45 a.m. PT - Giving Season is almost here. Join experts from GoFundMe and Candid for a session packed with actionable strategies to help your nonprofit diversify funding and get the most out of year-end giving. You’ll leave with practical steps to help your nonprofit attract more support this Giving Season.
auto-reg
Webinar
OctoberNovemberDecember
nonprofit
Giving Season
GoFundMe
Disability inclusion
Candid’s mission is to get you the information you need to do good. In keeping with our mission and organizational values, Candid Learning is committed to making our information and resources accessible and inclusive so that everyone can do good with what we have to offer. As such, it is our commitm

How Candid Helps Nonprofits
This orientation to Candid's nonprofit resources will help you discover tools to effectively fundraise, learn from peers, and tell your organization’s story.
1 hour 5 mins
Video
Audience: Fundraiser
Using Candid's products

Funding beyond federal: How to diversify funding to ensure stability in uncertain times
Nonprofits are facing major funding shifts as federal grants shrink or disappear. This free course helps fundraisers build a more stable, diversified revenue strategy using practical approaches for foundation, corporate, and individual support.
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Self-paced
Fundraising
next button visible
left margin remove
multi lesson course

Find and Build Relationships with Nonprofit Partners
Learn how to use advanced features to find nonprofit partners, conduct due diligence, and connect efficiently.
Video
auto-reg
Using Candid's products

Finding Nonprofits on Candid Search
Explore the new Candid search to streamline your nonprofit research with core features.
Video
auto-reg
Using Candid's products

Search for nonprofits on Candid
With Candid, you can look up nonprofits important to you based on keyword, location, populations served, and more.
Video
auto-reg
Using Candid's products

Ask Me Anything: Individual Giving
This Ask Me Anything session addresses how to raise money from individuals to diversify your funding streams.
57 mins
Video
Audience: Fundraiser
auto-reg
Individual giving