The Power of Women and Vision
As I reflect on Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, I’d like to recognize just a few of the women who inspire me with their intellect, hard work, and vision. Thank you to all the women who have led the way, to the women highlighted here, and to the next generation of women and […]
How to Build a Better Board
As you begin planning your board calendar for 2025, one key aspect of that planning process is to consider who will be the board candidates that your organization will recruit, nominate, and onboard. Using a comprehensive board matrix – that includes demographics, skills, affiliations, and other measures – guides the work of your governance committee and can impact your […]
Partnerships Anchor Our Past and will Unlock Our Future
Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio is in the business of connecting people to hope and opportunity through obtaining and maintaining affordable housing. This reason for existence has never been so critical or urgent. The work of a nonprofit affordable housing provider during an affordable housing crisis can feel exciting and inspiring while also overwhelming and nearly impossible. […]
Donor Motivations
Understanding why your donors give is a fundamental aspect of a fundraising strategy, but we must remember that donors as a group are not a monolith. The individuals and institutions who support your organization are as diverse as their reasons for giving. A client recently shared that her board members keep searching for a fundraising […]
Power + Nonprofit Boards – Part Two
Last week, we reviewed the power dynamics of nonprofit boards and donors, the larger cultural context at play, and how those challenges impact chief executives and the sector. This week, we highlight a study commissioned by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) with the research of two professors — Drs. Erynn Beaton and Megan LePere-Schloop […]
Power + Nonprofit Boards – Part One
“Over the door to the nonprofit’s boardroom there should be an inscription in big letters that says: ‘Membership on this board is not power, it is responsibility.’” – Peter F. Drucker[1] There is nothing new about nonprofit board members acting as power brokers or donors using their affluence for influence. There is also nothing new […]
How Do You Know if You’re Ready to Launch a Campaign?
Are we ready for a campaign? How much can we raise? What do our donors think about our organization and the campaign vision? Where will our lead gift come from? These questions are the reason our team conducts feasibility studies for nonprofits. When we embark on a feasibility study, we look at two primary areas: […]
To Executive Committee or Not to Executive Committee?
To executive committee or not to executive committee? That is the question. It tends to be conventional wisdom that: 1) an executive committee is an essential facet of nonprofit board governance, and 2) that it’s easier to make decisions with a small group than it is with the larger board. There is also a universal […]
Board Operations Part Three — Meeting Topics
This column continues a series on board operations. Over the last few weeks, we have explored various topics on board governance to build the capacity of the sector. Of all the conversations that we have with nonprofit leaders, board governance issues always rise to the top. Today we focus on the importance of strategic initiatives […]
Board Operations Part Two — Improving the Board Agenda
This column continues a series we started last week on board operations. Over the next several weeks, we will explore various topics on board governance to build the capacity of the sector. Of all the conversations that we have with nonprofit leaders, board governance issues always rise to the top. Today we focus on how […]