Blog Editorial Guidelines
These guidelines apply to all blog contributors: members, featured experts, and corporate partners alike. Follow them to create content that serves our community, supports our mission, and meets our editorial standards.
1. Blog Objectives
Our blog supports the goals set out in our 2024-2027 Strategic Plan:
- Goal 1: Amplify the Voice of Lean Funders
- Goal 2: Enhance the Impact of Lean Funders
- Goal 3: Accelerate Racial Equity & Disability Inclusion Among Lean Funders
- Goal 4: Expedite a Sustainable Organizational Future
2. Understanding Our Audience
Our primary readers are lean funders—those who practice philanthropy with few or no staff. This includes:
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3. Blog Topics
All blog posts should address a compelling topic within one of the following subject areas:
When possible, time your post to coincide with a relevant event, report launch, or timely topic. Examples:
- People Are Hungry to Connect. Here’s How Funders Can Lead the Way.
- If Our Investments Undermine Our Mission, What Are We Really Funding?
- Designing a Grant Application Process That Works for Everyone
4. Writing and Formatting Standards
All posts, regardless of author type, should follow these standards to ensure consistency and readability.
4.1 Length
Blog posts should range from 600 to 1,000 words. Posts outside this range may be returned for revision.
4.2 Style
- Write in short, clear sentences
- Use active voice
- Keep paragraphs to no more than 4 sentences
- Add bulleted lists wherever they aid clarity
- Always include an introduction and a conclusion
4.3 Structure and Headers
Use heading levels (H2, H3, H4) to organize your content and help readers scan the post. Do not skip heading levels.
4.4 Media
Posts may include images, videos, infographics, and charts. When using images from external sources, cite them as “Image source” and hyperlink the text to the original page.
4.5 Titles
A strong title grabs attention and features target keywords. Aim for a title that is specific, descriptive, and search-friendly. Your focus keyphrase should appear near the beginning of the title.
5. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Every post should be written with SEO in mind to help readers find your content through search engines.
- Choose a focus keyphrase—the main term readers would search to find your post
- Include the focus keyphrase in the title (near the beginning), in your opening paragraph, and in at least two subheadings
- Write naturally; do not force keywords in a way that reads awkwardly
6. Outlining Your Post
A strong outline saves time and produces a better final post. Here is a recommended five-step approach:
- Start with a hook. Open with an eye-catching sentence, a key question, or a description of the problem you’re addressing. Use a working title during drafting.
- State your purpose. Tell readers early what they will learn or take away. The introduction sets expectations and provides context.
- Establish your credibility. Briefly introduce yourself and your relevant experience. Readers want to know why you’re qualified to write on this topic.
- Outline key points with bullets. Organize your main ideas before writing. This helps you sequence information logically and avoid filler content.
- End with a strong conclusion. Offer a key takeaway, a call to action, or a memorable closing line that ties the post together.
7. Promotion and Re-Publishing
We will promote all published posts on our LinkedIn and in email newsletters. We encourage all contributors to share the post through their own channels as well.
Contributors are welcome to re-publish their post on their own blog one week after it appears on our site. Please include the following note at the top of any re-published post:
“This post originally appeared on Exponent Philanthropy’s blog.” (hyperlinked to the original post)
