I like to tell people I found my calling in the nonprofit field the traditional way: that is to say, completely by accident. So many of my friends in this sector are the same way. We are fueled by our desire to build stronger communities and make people’s lives better, but we often find we need a lot of on-the-job training. Professional development programs are a lifesaver for people like us! So much of what I learned came from webinars, AFP events, and one-on-one connections with people who...

Let’s be honest—fundraising is one of the hardest parts of running a nonprofit. Not because the mission isn’t strong. Not because the team doesn’t care. But because the constant pressure to secure funding can be exhausting. That’s where we come in. At Team Kat & Mouse, we believe fundraising shouldn’t feel like a scramble—it should be a system. One that works, grows, and supports your mission long-term. Raising funds is generally acknowledged as a challenge in operating a nonprofit...

When I talk to nonprofit leaders about their grant strategy, the conversation usually starts the same way: “We need more grants in the pipeline.” It sounds reasonable. More opportunities should mean more funding, right? Not necessarily. In fact, one of the biggest risks I’m seeing right now isn’t a lack of grant activity. It’s the wrong kind of grant activity. On paper, the pipeline looks full. In reality, it’s fragile. And that fragility tends to show up at the worst possible time—when...