Philanthropy 101: Explainers
Inside Philanthropy helps you build knowledge about philanthropy through key terms and central debates. Our Explainers examine the definitions and ideas that animate philanthropy with easy to understand language in order to help you become a more informed and effective grant seeker, fundraiser or donor.
New to philanthropy? Start with our Philanthropy Primer. Not your first time? Test your knowledge below.
Topics
What’s the difference between a gift and a grant?
What is the difference between solicited and unsolicited requests?
How to write a letter of inquiry (LOI)
How to get corporate funding for nonprofits
What is general operating support?
What is program or project support?
What is capacity-building support?
What are in-kind contributions?
What is a philanthropic intermediary?
How to find new donors for your nonprofit organization
Major donors: A guide to securing major gifts
What is a capital campaign for nonprofits?
What is a crowdfunding platform?
What Is “naming” in philanthropy?
What’s the difference between a 501c3 and 501c4?
What do the terms “perpetuity” and “spend down” mean?
What can—and can’t—philanthropy do in terms of advocacy, policy, and politics?
Key Debate: Who should decide what gets funded?
Key Debate: Should foundation payout be higher?
Key Debate: Multi-year general operating support vs. project support
