I belong to a grassroots nonprofit with an annual budget of $100,000 and one employee. When the Affordable Care Act tax credits recently ended, the organization sent an emergency fundraising appeal. The details were pretty gruesome. To cover one employee and their partner, monthly premiums had jumped – I am not making this up – from … [Read more...]
If the nonprofit model is broken, who benefits?
Note: This guest post is from Jennifer Hutchins, executive director of the Maine Association of Nonprofits and board member of the National Council of Nonprofits. Thanks, Jennifer! Given what’s going on in Washington D.C., those of us working in charitable organizations have reason for concern. Recent and proposed policy changes and … [Read more...]
How to semi-retire: The sequel
More than four years ago, I shared How to Semi-Retire, which described my plan to gradually wind down my consulting, training, and facilitation business. To recap my semi-retirement strategy: avoid lengthy jobs (strategic plans, mergers, long-term consulting gigs) and focus on one-offs, such as workshops, webinars, retreats, and meeting … [Read more...]
Federal grants at risk? Three steps to improve your odds for foundation funding
Note: This guest post is from Shavonn Richardson of Think and Ink Grant Consulting. Thanks, Shavonn! The slowdown of federal grants is real. Many organizations are starting to steer clear of federal grants due to the whiplash of executive orders and the fear these orders are inflicting on those who support the poor, the marginalized, the … [Read more...]
Three survival strategies for 2025
As I write this in late January – at the somewhat surreal confluence of the MLK holiday and inauguration day – I’ve been reflecting on how my nonprofit peers are responding to this moment. Given the nature of my work, I’m connected to many organizations and the consultants who serve them, across a broad range of issues, constituencies, … [Read more...]
Beyond the 501(c)(3): Other models for social change
After 44 years of working with nonprofits, here’s my confession: I’m sort of done with the normal nonprofit structure. You know what I’m talking about, but just to be clear: These organizations … Are incorporated in their respective states and granted tax exempt status by the federal government. Are governed by a volunteer … [Read more...]
What is fundraise-ability – and how do I get some?
Many years ago, when I was employed as a development director, I would gather the program staff once a year and ask the following question: “If we had unlimited amounts of money, what work would we do – and how would we do it?” In other words, I gave them explicit permission to go crazy. To dream without limits. To speak those dreams … [Read more...]
How to be an elder
A friend of mine, who’s a generation younger, recently referred to me as an elder. When I reflected this back to her – “You might be the first person to call me an elder to my face” – she was horrified. To quote her text, “Wait, I didn’t mean elder as in old. I meant ‘movement elder,’ as in leader. I meant it as an honorific.” My … [Read more...]
Difficult conversations: Talking about climate change
Note: This guest post from Karen Strong is the first in a series about facilitating difficult conversations on challenging topics. Her guidance applies to difficult conversations on all sorts of subjects – not just the climate crisis. Thanks, Karen! When was the last time you talked about climate change for more than a minute or … [Read more...]
Three types of change — and how to manage each type
What’s your comfort level with change? Do you embrace new stuff – especially unexpected new stuff? If you’re involved with nonprofits, you’re in the change business, like it or not. Nonprofit organizations exist to heal the sick, address threats to the environment, build affordable housing, end oppression, create transformative art, … [Read more...]
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