A Relational Grant Process.
I always enjoy the reaction among friends and family when I share with them that I am a grant writer. It is typically met with [Read more]
Making Sense Out of Chaos.
The world has turned upside down.
February experienced a record high close of the stock market. Valentine’s Day saw people dining at restaurants and freely [Read more]
Nonprofit Budgeting Basics — Part Five.
Over the last several weeks, we have discussed different elements of nonprofit budgets. Our goal is to build capacity because we often receive questions that [Read more]
Nonprofit Budgeting Basics — Part Four.
Over the last several weeks, we have discussed different elements of nonprofit budgets. Our goal is to build capacity because we often receive questions that [Read more]
Nonprofit Budgeting Basics — Part Three.
Over the next several weeks, we will discuss different elements of nonprofits budgets. Our goal is to build capacity because we often receive questions from [Read more]
Nonprofit Budgeting Basics — Part Two.
Over the next several weeks, we will discuss different elements of nonprofits budgets. Our goal is to build capacity because we often receive questions from [Read more]
Nonprofit Budgeting Basics — Part One.
Over the next several weeks, we will discuss different elements of nonprofits budgets. Our goal is to build capacity because we often receive questions from [Read more]
For Rent: Nonprofits Need Space — Part Two.
Some of the best benefits of social platforms are the ability to share ideas and make connections. My article last week on nonprofit office [Read more]
For Rent: Nonprofits Need Space — Part One.
I can name nearly a dozen nonprofits that are struggling with space.
They don’t have enough. They can’t afford more. What they can afford needs repair. [Read more]
It’s Gala Season.
From now through May, there will be dozens of nonprofit galas in Central Ohio. I had the pleasure of attending a client gala last week. [Read more]
What We Learned — Part Two.
There were many interesting insights from our recent forums with BoardSource at The Columbus Foundation and the Columbus Metropolitan Club. Last week [Read more]
What We Learned — Part One.
I’m energized and exhausted all at the same time.
Five sponsors, four panelists, three poll questions, two forums with two hosts, and one national partner speaking [Read more]
State of Nonprofits: State of the Board.
Next week, I have the privilege of participating on a panel at the Columbus Metropolitan Club’s annual State of Nonprofit Forum: The State [Read more]
Nonprofit Resolutions for 2020.
It’s that time — the annual ritual of writing resolutions for a new year. For some, the exercise is clarifying; for others, it’s frustrating. More [Read more]
Columbus and Philanthropy — Part Three.
In the next 30 years, the projected population for the Columbus metropolitan area is 3 million residents. That’s one million more than live in [Read more]
Columbus and Philanthropy — Part Two.
By many measures, Columbus is thriving. By many measures, the income disparity is, too.
Earlier this year, The Columbus Dispatch reported that while Ohio’s median [Read more]
Columbus and Philanthropy — Part One.
When we think of Columbus philanthropy, we most often think of notable families like Wexner, Wolfe, and Lazarus, or major corporations such as Nationwide, Huntington, [Read more]
National Philanthropy Day.
Every November, philanthropists, volunteers, and fundraising professionals around the country gather to celebrate National Philanthropy Day. In Central Ohio, the event is hosted the [Read more]
Gratitude and Giving.
I love a good story. Especially one that is centered around unexpected philanthropy.
It goes like this:
After a decade of neglect and damage, a 125-year old [Read more]
Succession Planning.
The two most feared words of any nonprofit board are: “search committee.”
Nonprofit boards are often loath to engage in a search because of the fear [Read more]
Nonprofit Role in Advocacy.
This week marks Election Day around the country — from school boards and township trustees to mayors and governors. Each election cycle has a big [Read more]
What Makes Good Values Statements?
Your organization’s mission is why you do what you do.
Your vision is the change you intend to make on the people and places you serve.
Your [Read more]
What Makes a Good Vision Statement?
All too often, vision statements are, “to be the best (fill in the blank) in the world.”
To build the best product… To offer the best [Read more]
What Makes a Good Mission Statement?
Question: What is 141 words (1,031 characters with spaces) that was recently updated and approved by the board?
Answer: A nonprofit organization mission statement.
While the number [Read more]
Gender Equality Call to Action.
Melinda Gates is my hero.
She is not only investing her money in gender equality issues — she is raising the topic to the highest [Read more]
The Ethics of Fundraising.
The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) recognizes October as ethics awareness month. Each day this month, the team at AFP is blogging about the [Read more]
Five Questions to Drive Strategic Planning.
Strategic planning can be an insightful, generative, and clarifying process that propels an organization forward. Or, it can be an obligatory chore that is more [Read more]
Board Governance Part Three — Funding and Finances.
If you serve on a nonprofit board, can you answer this question?
What drives the organization’s economic engine?
Is it philanthropy? Events? Fees-for-service? Third-party reimbursements? Or maybe [Read more]
Board Governance Part Two — Meetings and Committees.
What percentage of your board meeting is spent discussing the past?
Do a majority of your board members speak in a meeting? Or is it mostly [Read more]
Board Governance Part One — Top Three Roles.
While a nonprofit governing board is critical to the health of the organization, the board’s role in the work of the organization is not always [Read more]