Blog

EYES WIDE OPEN: A LOOK AHEAD TO 2025

by Joan Garry

I’ve learned that the key to a meaningful year ahead is focus. Focus on what truly matters—your health, your family, your mission. Here are 10 recommendations for navigating the year ahead with clarity and purpose.

The Road to Refueling My Leadership Every 275 Miles

by Glennda Testone

Nonprofit Leadership Lab CEO, Glennda Testone, reflects on how she found unexpected inspiration and deepened her leadership skills by participating in an annual 275-mile AIDS bike ride. She highlights the power of community, personal connection, and staying grounded in her “why” as key elements of refueling her leadership.

What Drives How You Lead?

by Joan Garry

I’m so passionate about nonprofit leadership—because it’s grounded in values. I believe that staying true to one’s core values is what makes a leader truly great. Here is how and why the time is now for every nonprofit leader to take a stand…

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.

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.

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.