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