Leading Well Means Keeping People Well: Reflections on Staff Wellbeing

Categories: Best Nonprofit Practices · Good Corporate Praactices · LeadershipTags: · · Leave a comment

I have been thinking about nonprofit staff. Times are stressful. The sector is under attack. Funding is shrinking. I know our staff are worn out. Sometimes they confide in me. Often the CEO will say something to the board. We see talented people leave because they are exhausted. We watch EDs quietly burn out while telling everyone else to practice self-care. And we board members nod and say how much we appreciate how hard the staff works. But I am not sure we really do much about it. I know we are not asking what this costs for our mission.… Read more

When the Money Disappears: Leading Through a Sudden Funding Loss

Categories: Best Nonprofit Practices · Board Member Roles · Fundraising · Good Board Practices · Good Corporate Praactices · Leadership · Nonprofit FundingTags: · · Leave a comment

I have been reflecting on what happens when nonprofits suddenly lose funding, especially as the federal government cuts so many grants right now. Years ago, I served on the board of a nonprofit where this happened with a state grant. I served on the board of another organization where a major individual donor drastically cut their funding. And I have heard stories from other organizations that had state, federal, or foundation grants they had received for years, suddenly stopped. As I think about these various cases, I am struck by how much of the outcome is determined by decisions made… Read more

Advice for Starting a Nonprofit

Categories: Best Nonprofit Practices · Good Board PracticesTags: · · 1 Comment

In the past few months, several people have asked me for advice about starting a nonprofit.. I thought I would share my thoughts more broadly. Why Before How — Structure Follows Strategy I always start by asking why they want to start a nonprofit. What problem are they trying to solve, and is a separate entity the best way to solve it? Some questions to consider: Governance You need at least two or three committed, capable founding board members. These people will be listed in your Articles of Incorporation and should be part of all the initial planning. Get them… Read more

Being Effective on a Board Requires Personal Connections

Categories: Best Nonprofit Practices · Board Member Roles · Board, Board Chair, ED/CEO Roles · Good Board PracticesTags: · Leave a comment

I spoke to a board member who had served on many nonprofit and for-profit boards. They shared that the best way to make things happen is to build strong personal relationships with all board members and the CEO. Meet One-on-One with Board Members As shared by a board member somewhere in the US. Managing a board is like managing a team. You need to build trust. You need to find the best fit for each person’s skills. You need to figure out how to get the most out of everyone. And for me, you don’t do that in a large,… Read more

When Boards Settle: A Hard Lesson in Executive Director Transitions

Categories: Best Nonprofit Practices · Board Member Roles · Hiring ED or CEOTags: · · · · · 1 Comment

I spoke to a board member who served on the search committee for a new Executive Director. When their favored candidate turned them down, they felt a lot of pressure. As a result, they settled for a candidate they had rejected – who unfortunately did not last long. This board member reflects on what could have been done differently.   A Great Transition—Until It Wasn’t As told by a nonprofit board member somewhere in the US I was a board member at an education-oriented nonprofit where, honestly, things were going well. We had a terrific Executive Director. She was strong,… Read more