From self-driving cars to artificial intelligence, we live in a period marked by rapid innovation and change. Now couple the accelerating pace of change with increasing pressures from funders to spend fewer dollars on overhead, and the fact becomes clear: we need to find new ways of doing things! Efficiency Drives New Ways of Thinking […]
Management
The 5 ½ Principles of Effective Donor Surveys
Do you know why your donors give? Is there consensus within your organization about the reasons they dip into their pockets to fund your mission? Or are there simply “best guesses” floating around that may or may not accurately answer that question? Unless you ask your donors directly, your gut instincts are merely opinions. And research kills opinions. […]
7 Articles to Improve Your Workplace Culture
A reading list to help your organization look inward and examine how to better foster a culture where employees are empowered to thrive, collaborate, and innovate for maximum social impact. The internal operations of social sector organizations can make or break their impact. “Toxic” workplace cultures make headlines for failing to support employees’ personal and […]
The 7 Deadly Sins of Asking for Donations
Even after loads of practice, asking for donations can make our palms sweat and our hair stand up. It’s not easy, and it shouldn’t be—after all, you’re asking people to part with their hard-earned money. But don’t worry: as long as you avoid these common mistakes, your fundraising efforts will be just fine—even if your palms are still […]
Three Roles of the Nonprofit CFO that Lead to Mission Success
Over the years, my experience in a variety of financial leadership roles has led me to the following hypothesis: nonprofit finance is critical to mission success. Whether determining how financial resources are spent or raised, clarifying organizational priorities, or building leadership—in many ways, finance determines mission success and impact. Completing the Circle With mission success […]
Nonprofit Spring Cleaning: Getting Rid of Unwanted Clutter
Ah, Spring. Finally, the sun is shining, the flowers are blooming, our allergies are resurging. And, if you’re like me, your office has become something of a warzone: papers, notes, books and old coffee cups crowding your desk, allowing just enough room to rest your arms. Even if your desk isn’t as disastrous as mine, […]
3 Easy Ways to Cut Nonprofit Costs
Your nonprofit likely has an idealistic mission statement—one that doesn’t mention anything about overhead costs. And while finding ways to lower your nonprofit costs may not inspire the kind of enthusiasm your purpose does, every dollar you save contributes to those you serve. There’s nothing wrong with spending money on overhead—au contraire. But, at the end […]
The 4 Questions Nonprofits Need to Address as They Make 2018 Tech Plans
As 2017 draws to a close and 2018 comes into focus, nonprofit organizations planning for next year should be thinking through their technology priorities. That can be a daunting task, but the most successful nonprofits have defined processes for making technology decisions. According to the Nonprofit Technology Network’s (NTEN) 10th annual “Nonprofit Technology Staffing and Investments Report,” 65 […]
How to Find Your Next Great Board Member
Each board is unique, so its members must be too. The right dynamic between a board and its leadership will ensure the success of the organization, satisfaction of those who drive that success, and realization of your unique and powerful vision. Who is your dream board member? Quantitative research has shown that board giving has […]