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...]
The rule of three: Parties and pitches
Note: This guest post is from Alyson Molloy Hussey. Thanks, Alyson! I had the great pleasure of attending a nonprofit house party over the winter. It was hosted by two of the most wonderful philanthropists on the planet. Given my work as a consultant, I’m invited to a lot of nonprofit events and can’t attend them all. However, whenever … [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...]
Co-Directors: The right leadership model for your organization?
Note: This post is based on a webinar I co-facilitated with Erin De Vries and Kassia Randzio of Vermont River Conservancy. Thanks Erin and Kassia! A few months back, I was approached by the Nonprofit Association of Oregon to lead a session for their Co-Director Learning Cohort. The goal of the program is to gather organizations that are … [Read more...]
The facilitator’s secret superpower
Note: Thanks to Stephanie Lahar for helping to develop this post – and for modeling this skill so effectively. Imagine the following situation. You’re sitting through a long board meeting or planning retreat. Colleagues offer ideas and suggestions; others dispute those ideas and add more layers to the suggestions. Words are literally … [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...]
A capital campaign … for a for-profit business
Located in my small Vermont town, the Plainfield Cooperative grocery store is more than fifty years old. A visit to its current location – a small-ish room in the former grange hall – is like a visit to the 1970s. Uneven wooden floors, narrow aisles, aging equipment. An interesting assortment of products, ranging from uber-local produce … [Read more...]
Core elements of fundraising success: Trust, engagement, impact (part 3)
Note: This post – the third in a three-part series – is by Train Your Board partner Laurel McCombs. Thanks, Laurel! I’m excited to share the latest installment on how you can engage your supporters in authentic and meaningful ways. Since my last post, the 2023 Giving USA results were released. The data demonstrates what we’ve been … [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...]
Board meetings can be fabulous
Note: This guest post is from Heather Yandow and Meredith Emmett of Third Space Studio. Thank you! Picture this: It's 6:30pm on a Tuesday evening and time for your board meeting. Board members drift in late, two join via Zoom, while others are spread around a large conference table. Same old, same old Once a quorum is present, the … [Read more...]
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