EOFs for Back-to-School Giving: Making an Impact

Back-to-School

The back-to-school season brings fresh notebooks, sharpened pencils, and high hopes. But for many families, it also comes with a heavy financial burden. Tuition balances, required textbooks, and even basic supplies can push tight budgets to the breaking point. Forcing students to start the year already playing catch-up. Luckily, an Education Opportunity Fund (EOF) offers … Read more

EOFs for Diversity: Empowering Underrepresented Communities

diversity

Education is one of the most powerful tools for addressing inequality and empowering underrepresented communities. Here, donors increasingly seek ways to create a lasting impact that transforms individual lives, as well as uplifts entire communities.  For many philanthropists, traditional giving channels may feel too broad or disconnected from the causes closest to their hearts.  However, … Read more

Tax Season Tips for EOF and CSF Donors

tax season

Tax laws may seem complex, but this is where one of the biggest advantages of Education Opportunity Funds (EOF) or Community Support Funds (CSF) apply. Everything needed to get tax deductions is already available through these funds. However, just to make sure that everything is covered, let’s look at some tax season tips that EOF … Read more

EOFs vs. Donor-Advised Funds: What’s the Difference?

EOFs vs. Donor-Advised Funds

Philanthropy offers multiple pathways for individuals and organizations to make a meaningful difference. Two popular vehicles are Educational Opportunity Funds (EOFs) and Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs). EOFs are actually a type of DAF, focused primarily on funding scholarships and grants in education through private giving. Traditional DAFs, in contrast, are typically used by nonprofit organizations or … Read more

5 Best Practices for successful growth

growth

Growing a cause is exhilarating—you feel the momentum, see new faces at events, and watch donation numbers tick upward. But growth and scaling also amplifies every hidden flaw. A single‑sheet donor tracker that worked when you had twenty supporters suddenly becomes a labyrinth once you pass five hundred. This article from Forbes highlights these issues, … Read more

BrightLeaf Consulting for Nonprofits is Now BrightLeaf Giving!

BrightLeaf Giving

Generosity should never feel like red tape. That conviction powered BrightLeaf Consulting for Nonprofits from its consulting roots to a full-service fundraising platform. Now, it’s the inspiration behind our new brand: BrightLeaf Giving. The updated name says what we’ve always believed—that giving should be front-and-center, transparent, and immediately impactful.  Whether you’re covering emergency medical bills, … Read more

How to Create a Scholarship Application That Attracts Top Talent

Scholarship Application

Creating a scholarship program is a powerful way to support students, promote equity, and leave a lasting impact. But designing an application that actually attracts top talent—and managing the process efficiently—can be a real challenge. Many well-meaning donors and organizations struggle to balance clarity, accessibility, and compliance, especially without dedicated infrastructure or staff. That’s why … Read more

New Year, New Goals: How to Make an Impact in 2025

make an impact 2025

A new year marks a fresh start—an opportunity to reassess our priorities and commit to meaningful change. While many of us make personal resolutions, it’s just as vital to consider how we can amplify our impact on the world around us. As 2025 gets underway, let’s shine a light on the power of philanthropic giving.  … Read more