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!
What is the well-kept secret of a high-functioning board? Joan shares the hidden ingredient and why every board needs it.
These are the 5 biggest lessons I had to learn when I first became a nonprofit executive director. And understanding how to implement them changed everything.
Conservative and risk-averse boards tend to lower expectations and pull back on fundraising during an election year. In this episode with Tom Kissane, Vice Chairman of CCS Fundraising, he shares compelling reasons to go boldly forward with your organization’s fundraising efforts in 2024.