Nonprofit Toolkits and Guides
Free fundraising, budgeting, media, and strategic planning resources.
The UAFS Center for Nonprofits provides practical nonprofit toolkits designed to strengthen fundraising strategy, financial communication, media outreach, and strategic planning.
These resources are built for nonprofit executive directors, board members and development staff as well as community leaders who want structured tools they can use immediately. Each guide focuses on clarity, sustainability, and measurable progress.
Fundraising & Development
Nonprofit Fundraising Strategy Workbook
Build a Clear, Diversified Fundraising Plan
A nonprofit fundraising strategy is a structured plan that outlines how your organization will generate revenue through donors, events, grants, and partnerships.
Instead of reacting to financial pressure, this tool helps you lead with intention and long-term focus.
This helps you:
- evaluate your current fundraising efforts.
- identify strengths, risks, and opportunities.
- strengthen donor stewardship and major gift engagement.
- improve online fundraising and marketing alignment.
- diversify income streams.
- set measurable fundraising goals.
Nonprofit Funding Strategy
Develop a Sustainable Funding Strategy
A sustainable funding strategy helps your organization move beyond short-term fundraising and plan for long-term success.
This resource guides you through evaluating your current funding mix, identifying new opportunities, and aligning your approach with your mission and capacity.
This helps you:
- assess your current funding mix and indentify gaps or risks
- diversity revenue sources to improve financial stability
- understand donor behavior and funding motivations
- develop a clear case for support and engagement strategy
- build systems that support long-term sustainability and scale
Matching Grant Campaign Guide
Increase Donor Engagement and Fundraising Momentum
A matching grant campaign is a fundraising strategy that uses pledged funds to match donor contributions, increasing urgency and participation.
Matching grants do not need to be large to be effective. When used strategically, they motivate giving and expand reach.
This outlines how to:
- identify potential matching donors.
- structure a clear and time-bound campaign.
- communicate the match effectively.
- track progress and report results.
- steward and thank your matching partner.
Arkansas Nonprofit Raffle Reference Sheet
Plan and manage a Compliant Nonproft Raffle
Raffles can be a valuable fundraising tool for Arkansas nonprofits, but they are governed by specific state laws.
This reference sheet outlines key requirements, including licensing, prize limits, ticket sales, and volunteer roles, so your organization can move forward with clarity.
This helps you:
- understand Arkansas raffle laws and eligiblity requirements
- determine if your organization needs a raffle license
- stay within prize value and ticket sale limitations
- follow rules for ticket sales, including restricted methods
- maintain proper records and documentation for compliance
Financial Management & Budgeting
Narrative Budget Template for Nonprofits
Connect Financial Data to Mission Impact
A narrative budget explains how your organization's expenses support programs and outcomes. It translates line-item costs into mission-focused language that donors, board members, and partners quickly understand.
A well-developed narrative budget builds trust and reinforces your organization's purposes.
This helps you:
- align expenses with program areas.
- clearly communicate impact.
- strengthen transparency and accountability.
- support grant and donor conversations.
Marketing & Communication
Nonprofit Media Coverage Guide
Share Your Work with Clarity and Credibility
Media outreach helps nonprofits build visibility, strengthen credibility, and expand community awareness.
Consistent and professional communication supports fundraising, partnerships, and long-term reputation.
A framework for:
- types of nonprofit media releases.
- key elements of a strong announcement.
- clear structure for headlines and messaging.
- guidance on promoting events, milestones, and partnerships.
Governance & Leadership
Board Governance
Strengthen Your Board Governance Practices
Strong board governance is essential for maintaining compliance, building trust, and ensuring long-term organizational success.
This resource outlines the core policies and practices nonprofits should have in place to support ethical decision-making, financial oversight, and effective leadership.
This helps you:
- identify essential governance policies required or recommended for nonprofits
- strengthen oversight through financial and risk management practices
- establish clear expectations for board roles, conduct, and accountability
- protect your organization through ethical and compliance safeguards
- plan for leadership continuity and organizational stability
Strategic Planning
Nonprofit Strategic Planning Worksheet
Turn Vision into Measurable Action
Strategic planning for nonprofits requires more than broad objectives. It requires specific, measurable goals tied to responsibility and timelines.
Whether preparing for a board retreat or building an annual operation plan, this resource supports disciplined execution.
This helps leadership teams:
- Align goals with mission and core values.
- define measurable outcomes.
- assign accountability.
- track quarterly or annual progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
A nonprofit fundraising strategy is a written plan that outlines how an organization will generate revenue through donors, grants, events, corporate partnerships, and other funding sources.
A narrative budget explains how an organization's financial resources support programs and impact, translating expenses into mission-centered language.
Matching grants provide pledged funds that match donations raised during a defined campaign period, encouraging donors to give and often increasing total contributions.
Strategic planning ensures that goals align with mission and values while assigning measurable steps and accountability to leadership and staff.