Welcome to NPQ’s inaugural cohort of civic columns—ongoing conversations led by practitioners exploring what’s broken, what’s possible, and how we build stronger civic infrastructure together.
Launched in July 2025 as part of our public #WeTheCivic commitment, these recurring spaces embody NPQ’s mission: to advance conversations and practice in civil society—as manifested in nonprofits, social movements, and philanthropy—to advance an active democracy grounded in human rights, economic and social justice, racial equity, and thriving communities.
Each column creates room for the complex, critical thinking our sector needs—brave dialogue that moves us beyond easy answers or quick hot takes toward real transformation.
Welcome to “Ask a Nonprofit Expert,” our sector’s go-to advice column for the toughest nonprofit challenges. Read personalized advice from seasoned field leaders who have built thriving, equitable, justice-centered organizations.
As a special benefit, our Leading Edge members can submit anonymous questions. We’ll publish answers to common questions to strengthen our entire community’s capacity.
Ask Rhea! is a monthly fundraising advice column for nonprofit sector leaders, boards, and workers struggling to make their work sustainable. Rhea Wong is a fundraising expert, professional coach, the author of Get That Money, Honey!, and host of the Nonprofit Lowdown podcast.
Since 2019, Economy Remix at NPQ, authored by senior editor of economic justice Steve Dubb, has highlighted community-based democratic economic practices, while also demystifying mainstream practices. In this column, you’ll learn about everything from public banking to community land trusts to employee ownership, and more.
Gathering in Support of Democracy is a column exploring the essential connections between gathering, community, and democracy building. Because a strong democracy requires strong connections—and also, strong friendships. Venu Gupta is the CEO and founder of Solidarity Futures. She has been energized by the power of collective action since high school.
From AI to data privacy, The Impact Algorithm offers bold, practical insights on how nonprofits can use technology responsibly and effectively. Afua Bruce, an engineer and data ethics leader, shares tools and strategies to help mission-driven organizations innovate with integrity.
Humans of Nonprofits tells stories from the front lines of crisis that reveal how nonprofits—and the people who power them—anchor civil society when it matters most.
From wildfire response to pandemic recovery, these human-centered narratives make the invisible work of the sector visible, tangible, and unforgettable.
Nonprofit leadership is filled with unknowns—funding gaps, shifting community needs, board questions, and so many moments when answers aren’t clear, but are still demanded of you. Living the Question explores real stories of how we nonprofit leaders are navigating ambiguity, making impossible decisions, and finding meaning in the mess—without losing ourselves in the process or the perpetual uncertainty. Dr. Sara Hudson is a public servant, philanthropy advisor, executive writer, and the Interim CEO and Editor-in-Chief at Nonprofit Quarterly.
Nonprofit Hiring Trends and Tactics gives you insider strategies to hire—and get hired—in today’s competitive social impact sector. From navigating leadership searches to crafting standout applications, Molly Brennan uses her two decades of expertise as a nonprofit recruiter to deliver behind-the-scenes advice. Molly Brennan is Global Managing Partner, Nonprofit and Social Impact Practice, at Diversified Search Group.
State of the Movements tracks the heartbeat of social movements—offering frontline stories, strategies, and tools for building power. From worker organizing to climate justice, it shares stories and strategies of movements shaping our future—and shows you how to stay engaged, connected, and powerful.
In Notes from the Frontlines, Deepa Iyer highlights the stories, needs, and solidarity of organizations on the frontlines of the struggle for a multiracial and equitable democracy in the United States.
Deepa Iyer is a South Asian American writer, lawyer, and activist. Each column explores how organizations are responding to crises in the current political landscape—and what the entire nonprofit and philanthropic ecosystem can do to support them.
Blending climate reporting with creative storytelling, Alison Stine uncovers how art, culture, and imagination can drive bold climate action—and inspire us to envision new worlds. Dr. Alison Stine is an author and a Senior Editor at Nonprofit Quarterly, covering climate, health, disability, caregiving, arts, and education.
From grassroots organizers to everyday changemakers, We Stood Up powerful first-person stories of resistance, resilience, and collective wins for justice. In an era of continued challenges, may this series offer you inspiration and hope for a more just future.