I’ve watched too many nonprofit boards make fear-based decisions in moments of crisis because they waited until the pressure was on to have the hard conversation. The time to decide how your reserve should be used isn’t during the tsunami. It’s long before the storm arrives.
Every board has one. The member who dominates every meeting, talks past the agenda, and leaves everyone else no room to breathe. Here’s what great board chairs do about it – before it’s too late.
A give/get policy isn’t just about money — it’s about mindset. It affirms that every board member has a role to play in increasing the organization’s resources, in ways that are both meaningful and equitable. How can you help the board see the impact of having one?
When everything felt like it might fall apart—cash flow crises, public firestorms, uncharted leadership moments—it wasn’t just my staff or instincts that saved me. It was my board. When engaged strategically and treated like true partners, your board can be your greatest source of strength, insight, and support. Here’s how to activate your board like the future depends on it.
For years, I was firmly anti-SWAG—convinced donor dollars should never fund mugs, totes, or tchotchkes. But then a surprise gift arrived: a simple pair of socks from an animal welfare org I love. That small gesture completely changed my perspective on what great SWAG can do. Here is why..
I’ve spent over a decade nurturing a meaningful friendship with Beth Kanter, entirely through electronic communication, proving that authentic connections can thrive in the digital world. In this piece, I share strategies for building and sustaining impactful relationships electronically, with humor, intention, and a touch of creativity.
Through planning and communication, any nonprofit leader can ensure that staff members feel included and valued during board meetings. In this blog post, I offer strategies to avoid creating conditions where staff members are unintentionally marginalized so nonprofit leaders can foster stronger partnerships and a sense of belonging within the organization.
Allison Fine and I discuss the need to transform nonprofit fundraising from a transactional to a relational model, leverage technology to build meaningful donor relationships, and create a more sustainable and joyful fundraising environment.
Reflecting on my unexpected journey into the nonprofit sector, I’ve learned that this path demands a unique set of attributes and profound commitment. Today, I offer insights and a ‘fit sniff test’ to help you evaluate your readiness for a nonprofit career.
Discover the three deadly sins that make nonprofit boards dysfunctional and get my tips to transform your board into a powerhouse.
Dealing with difficult board members? Before you throw in the towel, take a deep breath and read on. In this post, I reveal how to deal with dead weight on your board so you can focus your energy on loving up your Grade A leaders!
Congrats! A funder is considering donating to your nonprofit and they have questions. For some, this request instills panic. Here is how to prepare!