Nonprofits and grant funding programs exist for public good. But sadly, not all individuals and agencies tasked with the responsibility of safeguarding grant funds follow the rules. Ripped straight from the headlines, from college professors and nonprofit leaders to state governments and retired NFL quarterbacks, we learn that no one is above the law.

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To learn more about today’s stories, read the following articles:

CUNY Scientist Accused of Fabricating Data

U.S. levels fraud indictment at CUNY scientist who helped Alzheimer’s drug developer | Science | AAAS

Office of Public Affairs | Professor Charged for Operating Multimillion-Dollar Grant Fraud Scheme | United States Department of Justice

Co-developer of Cassava’s potential Alzheimer’s drug cited for ‘egregious misconduct’ | Science | AAAS

Minnesota Nonprofit Employees Convicted for Misuse of Funds

5 of 7 defendants convicted of misusing Covid relief money meant to feed children

Minnesota man gets 28 years for pandemic-era food fraud

Former NFL QB and State of Mississippi Welfare Scandal

Brett Favre scandal explained: Ex-NFL QB accused of misusing Mississippi state welfare funds - CBS Sports

Brett Favre and the Mississippi Welfare Scandal: Inside the Shocking Fraud Case

Many in the grant community have been calling for reform for years. We’re frustrated by inefficient processes, inequitable practices, and systems that waste time and money. But there are organizations in place to help make grant making more just and accessible. Many are highlighted here.

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More Than Grant Writers

Crappy Funding Practices

Grant Advisor

#FixTheForm

National Council of Nonprofits

You may find this hard to believe, but fundraising events aren’t always the money-making events people think they are. Let’s take a deep dive into how to run events that raise funds without destroying your budget, staff, or sanity in the process.

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It’s often a touchy subject for consultants and employees in the nonprofit sector – how much should you charge/be paid for your work? Truthfully, the answer varies based on your education, experience, and know-how. Charging less than your worth because you’re working for a nonprofit does not mean you care more for nonprofits in general or the mission of one nonprofit in particular.

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Julie’s Viral LinkedIn Post

Complete the Courageous Leadership Scorecard

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Julie Boll

Julie Boll Consulting

Leadership is vital to the success of any organization. We often talk about it. We often dream about good leadership. But who actually takes the time to study leadership and then help nonprofit leaders really think about how to develop programs that work? Stacy Fitzsimmons, CEO of SNF Writing Solutions, that’s who.

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Master Class on John C. Maxwell’s book “Sometimes You Win, Sometimes You Learn”

Code for 50% off is 25HAYDAY50

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Stacy Fitzsimmons

SNF Writing Solutions

To ensure the proper checks and balances of an organization, it takes more than one person to manage your organization’s grants, particularly when federal grant funding is involved. Even if you are the only one with “grant” in your title, it takes a team to get the job done. Let’s talk about all the elements of grant management and who should be a member of your grant management team.

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You’re the grant expert for your organization, but chances are you are not the executive director, city manager, superintendent, or other titled leader. And chances are, your boss and board do not understand the ins and outs of the grant world. That means it’s up to you to educate your organization about how it works and how it doesn’t. Educating up is an integral part of your role as a grant professional so everyone is on board for grant success.

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The Go/No Go Grant Decision Guide

What is known as the Big Beautiful Bill was signed into law on July 4, 2025. While this is not a budget bill, its legislation includes tax changes and spending policies that will significantly affect nonprofits, local government, hospitals, communities, and those we serve. It’s always better to understand the storm that is coming so we can best prepare.

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Independent Sector

Council of Nonprofits

The George Washington University, Milken Institute School of Public Health

Professional development (or learning and development as it is referred to in the UK) is often the first thing cut when budgets are tight. But what does that mean for fundraisers and grant professionals? We are joined by Cam St Omer-Donaldson with Fundraising Everywhere to learn about their study on the impacts of learning and development on job performance and job satisfaction. It’s just what you need to help educate your bosses and boards about your need for continuous learning and engagement with your peers and experts.

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The Impact of Learning and Development on Charity Staff: Performance and Job Satisfaction Research Undertaken By: Susie Mullins Presented By: Nikki Bell and Cam St -Donaldson 

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Cam St-Omer Donaldson

Fundraising Everywhere

Any experienced grant professional will tell you: if you don’t have a need for the grant, there is no need to write the grant. A needs assessment (or problem statement) requires data from reputable sources to show community need for your proposed program or project. This episode spells out where to find such data – from government agencies to your own backyard.

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U.S. Census Bureau

Fundraising HayDay S6, E6 Episode, Show Me the Data, with U.S. Census Bureau Data Dissemination Specialist, Marilyn E. Stephens

U.S. Census QuickFacts Data Tool

U.S. Census Bureau YouTube Channel

Centers for Disease Control Data Portal

Centers for Disease Control WISQARS (Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System)

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Better Data for Better Health

National Equity Atlanta

National Crime Victimization Survey from Bureau of Justice Statistics

National Center for Education Statistics

Environmental Protection Agency

Smithsonian