EOF vs. CSF: Which is Best for Your Cause?

EOF Vs CSF

Choosing between BrightLeaf Giving’s Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) and a Community Support Fund (CSF) isn’t semantics—it’s strategy. If you’re underwriting scholarships, tuition, or training, you’re solving for individual outcomes and rigorous eligibility. So, let’s cut through the noise with this guide. You’ll get clear definitions of EOFs and CSFs. This includes the practical differences that … Read more

Creative Back to School Campaigns Powered by Community Support Funds

school

Back to school season is more than a retail milestone—it’s a catalytic moment for community impact. As students prepare to re‑enter the classroom, donors are uniquely receptive to campaigns that transform first‑day jitters into long‑term opportunity. Community Support Funds (CSFs) give mission‑driven leaders a turnkey, IRS‑compliant framework via Rekonect to then seize this momentum.  By … 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

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

5 Reasons Small Causes Should Switch to CSFs

small cause

Small community-focused causes often begin with a strong sense of purpose. A few neighbors might band together to address a local problem, like a shortage of youth activities or a public space that needs renovations. In the early stages, it can feel as though the passion of volunteers and a few well-timed donations will be … Read more

How CSFs Bridge the Gap Between Grassroots and Nonprofits

Bridge the Gap Between Grassroots and Nonprofits

Grassroots projects are often the spark that ignites community change. They begin as small, locally driven initiatives—groups of neighbors coming together to clean parks, support food drives, mentor youth, or address other urgent local issues. However, as these projects gain momentum, many organizers encounter a significant challenge: how can they scale their impact, secure more … Read more

Best Ways to Make an Impact Without Starting a Nonprofit

Best Ways to Make an Impact Without Starting a Nonprofit

Philanthropy has never been more dynamic or impactful. Today’s donors and organizers are driven by a shared desire: to make a meaningful difference in the causes they care about. Yet, navigating the complexities of traditional nonprofit structures can feel daunting, leaving many potential changemakers searching for simpler, more effective avenues to achieve their goals. For … Read more