What Drives How You Lead?
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The Day After: Finding Balance
by Joan Garry
In this piece, I reflect on the 2024 election and the overwhelming sense of imbalance it triggered for me, personally and as a nonprofit leader. Through time spent with my family, my nonprofit community, and the right book, I rediscovered the importance of balance—not just in my life but as a crucial component for healing the polarization in our world, inspiring nonprofit leaders to bring balance and hope to our communities.
Why I Donated a Portion Of My Salary. And Why I Donated Nothing.
by Joan Garry
In this blog post, I share personal stories of being on the receiving end of donation requests and the valuable lessons they’ve taught me. From asking for the right amount to understanding the donor’s personal experiences, I offer cautionary tales highlighting common fundraising mistakes and how to avoid them.
I Asked For $10,000. He Donated $25,000.
by Joan Garry
Fundraising is both an art and a science, where preparation and authenticity play key roles. These are my real-life failures in fundraising and the lessons that you can learn from them.
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not enough money.
too many cooks.
an abundance of passion.
The 3 Secrets to Effective Presentations
by Glennda Testone
Effective leadership is not just about delivering the right information; it’s about how you communicate it. In my experience leading nonprofit leaders, it is the “soft skills” that create a lasting impact that goes beyond words and actions, ensuring your message resonates deeply with your audience.
A Seat at the Table: Why (Some) Staff Should Be Present At Board Meetings
by Joan Garry
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.
Increase Online Donations In Four Steps
by Scott Paley
Here are 4 website improvements that, combined with a smart digital marketing plan, almost guarantee you an increase in online donations.
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Executive Coach & Strategic Advisor
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As a distinguished authority on nonprofit leadership, Joan Garry brings wit and humor into the room. Her keynotes are substantive, engaging, and transformative.
Virtual Trainings & Workshops
Bring a Joan Garry consultant in for a 90-minute virtual presentation with your board, customize a workshop for board/staff, or add a workshop to a keynote presentation.
Not Enough Money.
Too Many Cooks.
An Abundance Of Passion.
About Joan Garry
Joan Garry is the Principal of Joan Garry Consulting. Her team works to build and cultivate leadership at the board and staff level in the service of strengthening the nonprofit sector. She is a consultant, author, blogger and a highly sought after public speaker and media spokesperson.
Is Nonprofit Work Right For You?
by Joan Garry
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.
Should I Start a Nonprofit?
by Joan Garry
Essential advice for aspiring nonprofit founders, including key questions to ask before filing for 501(c)(3) status, how to avoid common pitfalls, and create a strong, impactful beginning.
The 3 Deadly Sins Of Dysfunctional Boards
by Joan Garry
Discover the three deadly sins that make nonprofit boards dysfunctional and get my tips to transform your board into a powerhouse.
“Her many lessons for non-profit leaders are helpful any time; they are absolutely essential in the midst of crises. This book is a humorous, high-energy read, filled with great stories and profound insights. Highly recommended!”
Michael Watkins.
Bestselling author. The First 90 Days and Your Next Move
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