At the end of each year, we take a moment to look back at the stories, insights, and voices that resonated most with our readers in the previous 12 months. This annual roundup helps us learn what matters to you and improve the effectiveness of our commitment to sharing weekly content that strengthens the nonprofit sector.
As we welcome 2026, we’re pleased to highlight the ten articles that sparked the most engagement in 2025. These blog posts reflect the challenges, growth, and opportunities nonprofits navigated this year.
Without further ado, here are the top articles of 2025:
1. Why Board Volunteerism Is a Win-Win
Our most-read article of the year came from Matthew Goldstein, founder and CEO of Besa. Matthew highlights the powerful impact one committed board director can have on an organization, and the meaningful benefits board service offers in return. From meeting mission-driven peers to strengthening leadership skills and finding deeper personal fulfillment, individuals who serve on a board benefit both their own lives and their community.
2. Focus on Storytelling: Making Your Events Unique
The second most-read article of the year came from Lisa Wein, CEO of LW Events, who shares her perspective on rethinking nonprofit events. This piece encourages organizations to move beyond traditional “wine and dine” models and instead center events around meaningful storytelling. By creating opportunities for donors to engage with mission-driven staff, learn something new, and understand their impact, nonprofits can build stronger relationships and stand out in a crowded landscape.
3. Nonprofits Bringing Holiday Hope
Our third most-read article highlights the many ways Central Ohio nonprofits support children, families, and individuals during the holiday season. This list offers a closer look at local giving programs, from toy drives to senior wish lists to volunteer opportunities, and celebrates the organizations creating connection and relief during what can be a difficult time of year.
4. Vision, Hope, and Healing: Franklin County’s New Crisis Care Center
The fourth most-read article applauds the opening of the Franklin County Crisis Care Center, a project years in the making. The piece reflects on the community partners who came together to reimagine crisis care and highlights the intentional design, compassionate staffing model, and impact the center will have for residents seeking support in the community.
5. Effective Nonprofits Start with Good Governance
The fifth most-read article underscores a core truth in nonprofit work: strong governance is the foundation of organizational success. This column examines how healthy relationships between board members and the chief executive shape everything from fundraising to strategy. It also reflects on the sector’s shift toward better governance practices in the wake of the pandemic, as well as the policy challenges nonprofits now face. The article previews a new Mollard Consulting service designed to support stronger, more effective boards: learn more about Board Building today!
6. Standing with Nonprofits: A Call for Compassion and Advocacy
The sixth most-read article responds to the uncertainty created by the federal funding freeze and its potential impact on nonprofits. The column lifts up the realities organizations face as they work with limited resources and increasing demand, and affirms Mollard Consulting’s belief in the essential role nonprofits play in caring for communities. It also encourages readers to strengthen their advocacy efforts and support the missions they value most during a challenging moment for the sector.
7. Celebrating Generosity and Impact
The seventh most-read article reflects on National Philanthropy Day and the annual AFP Central Ohio awards luncheon. The column honors this year’s recipients and highlights how their leadership and service strengthens the Central Ohio community. It encourages readers to celebrate generosity in all its forms and support the causes that matter most to them.
This article celebrates smaller nonprofits that bring joy and comfort to families facing serious illness. It highlights the Glitter Girls Guild, the Karen Wellington Foundation, and NC4K, honoring the simple but powerful ways they lift spirits and support families. The piece reminds us that kindness is at the heart of community.
9. How Nonprofits Can Track Real Change
This article came from Sheri Chaney Jones, founder and CEO of SureImpact. It explores how nonprofits can measure real impact beyond counting activities, highlighting the importance of following a clear logic model; tracking demographics, outputs, and outcomes; and building a strong data culture. The piece emphasizes using practical tools to make data collection easier, accurate, and meaningful for showing how lives are truly changed.
10. “Teacher, May I Have Two Packs of Crayons?”
The tenth most-read article was written by Brandon Feller, president of United Way of Delaware County, and celebrates the 12th season of Supplies for Scholars. Each year, nearly 2,500 students receive the supplies they need to start school strong. Beyond providing essentials, the program creates moments of joy, hope, and choice for families. The piece highlights the importance of showing up with enthusiasm, even in challenging times.
As we look back on the most-read articles of 2025, we are grateful for our readers, nonprofit leaders, and community partners who make this work possible. Each blog highlights lessons, stories, and insights that strengthen the nonprofit sector. We look forward to sharing more in 2026 and invite you to share the topics and stories you want to see from us next.
