Free Nonprofit Tools and Resources
to Boost Your Impact

Check out this collection of free resources for planning, fundraising, executive director leadership, and nonprofit boards. Enjoy! - From The Nonrpofit Fixer™

Nonprofits have a unique set of challenges, ranging from administrative, fundraising, board, and human resources. My job is to help you overcome these challenges so you can move forward to achieve your goals.

Explore the free tools and resources provided here to get started and keep moving forward!

“Thank you, Sean… my charity is celebrating our 10-year anniversary by starting the process of re-structuring our Board, so we'll be signing up for Sean's program!”

Victoria Carson | Fund For Horses

Most Popular Tools

FREE WEBINAR: Transform Your Board in 90 Days Using My 3-Part Framework

Tired of disengaged board members not raising money not staying in their lane? Do you want simple and useful tips to create a fully functioning board that advances your organization and goals? You’re not alone.

High-performing boards know how to use goal-setting, onboarding processes, formal agreements, committees, meetings, and organizing tools to get humming. Implementing even a few tips from this free webinar can help you turbocharge your board in 90 days.

FREE WEBINAR: Executive Director MasterClass
3 Expert Strategies to Slay Your Doubts, Boost Your Confidence and Career

Are you struggling with your confidence in running a nonprofit organization? In this free training, you will learn how to crush imposter syndrome, and isolation, with my mindset makeover. You’ll learn how to find and build a network of nonprofit leaders who'll have your back. You’ll get expert tips to protect your salary and your career while avoiding rookie mistakes. This training is very popular and has helped countless people take the next step in their leadership development.

"Sean's Executive Director Master Class reminded me that I'm not alone in the challenges we face as EDs and how important it is for the ED and Board to be "Partners." I was inspired to sign up for his 'Boot Camp' right away to learn strategies and gain more information and resources to improve that "partnership" and be an even better ED and leader for my organization."

David Bielenberg | Executive Director - Philadelphia Gay Men's Chorus

Board Fundraising Worksheet

My most popular tool! This is both a board development and fundraising template. Using a little basic psychology, this tool is designed to nudge board members to action, by giving them a guide and a list of actions they can take. Click here to grab this powerful tool that will get your board to fundraise. It’s free.

Nonprofit Fixer YouTube Channel

For short little videos about important nonprofit management and fundraising tips, visit our Nonprofit Fixer YouTube Channel now. Once there, subscribe to get updates.

Fundraising Tools

Nonprofit Storytelling Infographic

The key to engaging the public, including donors, is to be effective at telling your organizational story and the stories of those you serve. Personal consultation with the Nonprofit Fixer will help you tell your story, but check out this infographic for an accessible, executive-level view of how it works.

54 Ways to Skyrocket Your Nonprofit Email List

To build your organization’s bank account and volunteer base, you need a flourishing community of supporters. Social media platforms come and go, but emails belong to you! How can you grow your email list to activate and build your organization’s power? Click here for our free tool featuring 54 proven strategies.

The Big List (100+) of Nonprofit Board Fundraising Tasks

Many nonprofits are looking for options to engage board members in fundraising without requiring direct solicitation. This list is designed to give board members a wide range of tasks they can choose from to support the financial growth of your organization. Download the free tool.

Fundraising Wall Chart/Thermometer

There is something very satisfying about a wall chart tracking your fundraising progress. It can help inspire everyone in the organization and will serve as a reminder of your collective fundraising goals. For maximum impact, blow this up and laminate it. Put it on your wall, implement strategies you learn from the Nonprofit Fixer, and go to town!

Elements of a Grant Proposal

Don’t be intimidated by grant writing. The vast majority of grants can be effectively written by nailing these basic elements. Repurpose this language for every funder, and then customize it for each proposal. Grab the infographic by clicking on the image above or the handout here.

Elements of a Case Statement

Every nonprofit should have a well-crafted fundraising pitch. It begins with the Case for Support. When written formally, it is a Case Statement. Check out the infographic full instructions. Grab the infographic by clicking on the image or the arrow below and grab the text here.

The Big List of Sustainer Program Names (237+ and Counting)

Monthly sustaining memberships help nonprofits to stabilize their finances and better plan for the future. Are you looking for ideas to name your monthly sustainer program? We’ve got the right tool for you.

Board Fundraising Worksheet

My most popular tool, this is both a board development and fundraising template. Grab this powerful tool that will get your board to fundraise.

Free Fundraising Calendar

Snag this free fillable fundraising calendar in a spreadsheet with ready-to-use formulas, and a visual calendar, including planning and tracking by revenue source and what board member is assigned to the source, and tracking by month-to-month, and week-by-week.

8 Expert Tips For Raising $10K+ with Facebook Fundraisers

Spruce up your fundraising skills with proven tips that will help your nonprofit raise money fast.

18 Creative Metrics to Measure Organizational Effectiveness -Infographic

Level up your storytelling by adding these 18 Creative Metrics to your pitches - so you can measure your momentum and raise more money!

Fundraising Pyramid

This visual infographic helps you see how you reach your fundraising goals. By laying out how many donors are needed at each giving level it makes it far more manageable and less overwhelming.

Fundraising Assets Questionnaire

To know where to focus your fundraising, you need to know your strengths.

By having a comprehensive inventory of your assets, you can streamline your efforts, maximize your ROI, and build a strong and well-rounded organization!

Grab the questionnaire below!

List of Charity Rating Organizations and Services

Did you know that your organization can receive more online donations by showing it has met the standards of rating services?

Download my free (and newly updated) list of charity watchdog and/or rating services to see if they make sense for your organization.

How to Create a “Unique Value Proposition” (UVP)

Having an elevator pitch and a mission statement isn't enough. Nonprofits must be able to explain how they uniquely solve problems.

Use this free step-by-step guide to transform your fundraising and organizational storytelling.

Nonprofit
Resumé

Does your organization need a “2-pager” that serves as a brag sheet or "leave behind” flyer at events or when you meet with donors? Help is here.

Download my Nonprofit Resume Template for free and start creating yours today using Canva!

Development Director Hiring Matrix

Are you looking to hire a new Development Director for your nonprofit?

A hiring matrix helps logic-lead your decisions. Your interview team should have standard questions for each candidate so there is consistency in the interview process.

Grab this free tool to help you find the best candidate.

Leadership & Executive Tools

FREE WEBINAR:
Executive Director MasterClass

Whether You Are A New or Aspiring Nonprofit Executive Director, Let's Slay Your Doubts and Distractions to Become A Confident Nonprofit Leader.

How to Start
a Nonprofit

Need to know the steps in creating a 501(c)(3) organization?

I’ve spent more than 27 years building and leading nonprofits and political campaigns. I've helped grow local, national, established, and startup organizations, whether they are charitable or political.

The BIG List of Nonprofit Podcasts

Podcasts are exploding in popularity and provide a huge amount of excellent free information.

Not sure where to start to find great podcasts to listen to? I got you covered.

Grab this updated list of current nonprofit and fundraising related podcasts!

The Ultimate Nonprofit Executive Director Toolkit

Download my personal collection of 6 proven worksheets, guides, tools, and templates to elevate your career as a nonprofit leader!

Sample Sabbatical Policy

For hardworking nonprofit leaders and staff, the chance to take a sabbatical can be life-changing.

Adopting a sabbatical policy also benefits organizations – offering a boost to recruitment and retention – which means it’s a win-win.

Ultimate Guide to Nonprofit Executive Director Compensation

Do you know what salary and organizational factors are most important for your nonprofit - and are you using them to build your compensation plan?

Download my Ultimate Guide to Nonprofit Executive Director Compensation for my in-depth tips and techniques for getting paid what you’re worth!

10 Top Responsibilities of a Nonprofit Executive Director (Infographic)

Nonprofit Executive Directors have a lot of responsibilities. This infographic is a snapshot of the major areas. For more details on each area, contact us or consider taking our Executive Director Boot Camp online course.

Executive Director Salary Calculator

How much should you pay your nonprofit executive director (ED)?

With few resources out there to help - it can be hard to know!

Get my free guide on what elements to focus on when setting the salary for your ED (or negotiating your own).

25+ Tips for More Pay and Less Stress for Executive Directors

Stop the poverty mindset that teaches nonprofit leaders we should be broke, burned out, and not have nice things!

There is NOTHING about working in a nonprofit that says you can’t have a solid career with middle-class compensation and work-life balance.

Grab this guide for my top tips!

Get In
Your Lane
Infographic

For nonprofit organizations to work, there needs to be alignment about what each person does and doesn't do. This infographic spells out once and for all what each key role should do in your organization.

List of Nonprofit Executive Search Firms

Many nonprofit organizations choose to hire an executive search firm to help them identify and fill their top job.

But which firms specialize in placing nonprofit executives?

Grab this file and make a copy for yourself using Google Sheets.

5 Nonprofit Rules to Stay Out of Trouble

In exchange for being tax-exempt, donations to 501(c)(3) organizations are also tax deductible. With these incredible benefits come some big responsibilities.

You have been entrusted with this special tax status. Don’t ruin it by not following the rules.

Grab this checklist today.

Board of Directors Tools

Transform Your Board in 90 Days

FREE WEBINAR: Transform Your Board in 90 Days Using My 3-Part Framework

Tired of board members not raising money or participating they way they should? Ready for a fully functioning board that advances your organization and goals? You’re not alone.

Gift Acceptance Policy for Nonprofits

Nonprofit Gift Acceptance Policy (Sample)

What would happen if someone tried to donate art, cryptocurrency, a boat, or even a timeshare to your nonprofit? Would you accept it? You need a gift acceptance policy. Grab this free example drafted for Kidpower International.

Mission vs. Vision Statement Cheat Sheet

Mission vs. Vision Statement Cheat Sheet

I am very happy to feature this handout from my colleague Amanda Pearce at Funding For Good. The foundation of every nonprofit organization is its mission. This is what drives supporters to participate and donate. But vision statements and mission statements are not identical.

Board Fundraising Worksheet

Board Fundraising Worksheet

My most popular tool, this is both a board development and fundraising template.
Click here to access this powerful tool to harness your board as a vehicle for fundraising to achieve your organization’s mission.

Board Orientation Checklist

Board Orientation Checklist

One of the biggest complaints of board members is that they never got a proper orientation.

Use this checklist to ensure you prepare the right information for all new board members.

Strategic Planning: The First 5 Steps

Strategic Planning: The First 5 steps

Strategic planning doesn’t have to conjure images of exhausting meetings. Strategic planning can build alignment and fill a team with hope and direction. But don’t spin your wheels. Get the early steps right. This tool is from my colleague Amanda Pearce from Funding for Good.

Sample Welcome Letter from A Board Chair

Sample Welcome Letter from Board Chair to a New Board Member

It is critical that board members begin their board service feeling valued, welcomed, and prepared. Here is a sample welcome letter you could send from your board chair to a new board member before their first meeting. Add your own flair and flavor and make it a part of your orientation process.

Board Chair Trait Checklist

Board Chair Trait Checklist

The board chair may be the most important role in your nonprofit. This tool can help you make sure that when you recruit or train a chair, the most important traits are a priority. If you are a chair, use this to develop and measure your own skills.

Fun "Bad Libs" Ice Breaker (For Board Meetings)

Have fun with the classic “MAD-Lib” style icebreaker. Use this one-page form at the beginning of meetings for a goofy start to any meeting. The "Gala Gone Wild" Bad Lib was designed to bring humor to everyone's favorite fundraising frustration...Galas!

Sample Charters for 3 Board Committees (Development, Governance, Finance)

Sample charters for board committees help show what a committee is and what it is not. Download all three: Development Committee Charter, Governance Committee Charter, Finance Committee Charter.

Fun “Board BINGO” – For board meetings

At Mind the Gap we like to have fun, and now we want to help you make board meetings more fun. Download this tool to break up your board routine and stimulate a more creative gathering. Adapt it for your situation. There are 12 pages so your whole board can have a different card!

Executive Director / Board Chair Check-In Template

Every nonprofit executive director should be in regular communication with their board chair. In order to prevent surprises, create consistency and clarity, these meetings should have a standing agenda. Check out this free template.

Nonprofit Board Report Card

Are you looking for a playful (yet effective) way of evaluating your nonprofit board’s performance?

Look no further than my Nonprofit Board Report Card!

Quick and easy to complete, this tracking tool is the ultimate performance tracker that you (and your board) can use to measure effectiveness and use as a starting point for goal setting, evaluations, and more.