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

The Organization Is Not the Mission: Moving Power

Categories: Board Member Roles · Good Board Practices · LeadershipTags: · · Leave a comment

A former COO of an international NGO reached out to me after reading my post on when to close a nonprofit (Should You Shutter Your Organization? ). That’s where her story begins—but it’s not where it ends. What she shared also reinforces something I’ve been seeing across organizations: when conflict surfaces, the most effective leaders don’t rely on process or distance—they show up. It’s the same theme I wrote about recently in Being Effective on a Board Requires Personal Connections. What We Built — And Why We Walked Away As told by a nonprofit leader somewhere in the US. I… 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

Should You Shutter Your Organization?

Categories: Board Member Roles · Board, Board Chair, ED/CEO Roles · Good Board Practices · LeadershipTags: · 2 Comments

I spoke with an individual who spent decades doing innovative work in the nonprofit sector. They shared three stories – each about an organization that closed its doors. Each experience brought new insights. They noted that sometimes the lessons were tough, but all shed light on how boards and staff interact, who really holds power, and what it means to end things well. How an Organization Is Closed Provides Insight into Power As told by a nonprofit leader somewhere in the US. I’ve had an unusual career in that I’ve been part of three nonprofits that have closed down –… Read more