(In case you missed it, this originally appeared on NonProfitPro) As a wise colleague once told me years ago, philanthropy is a team sport. More hands on deck means more money raised. Makes sense. It’s fair to expect every board member to be involved in fundraising and be accountable for their part. But too often [...]
One of the top complaints of nonprofit board members is that board meetings aren’t productive or interesting or otherwise effective. And yet, I bet you haven’t changed things up much. Your post-pandemic meetings may be hybrid or virtual but when was the last time you really looked at your agendas? I mean really assessed them [...]
Seriously, on the most basic level, if you’re doing this to your board members, I have to ask – what are you thinking? Board members are donors. Do you tell your other donors how much they have to give in order to participate with your organization? No. You state your case, tell your story of [...]
I recently had a client ask me to explain to his board why they need to be engaged. I tried not to be surprised. Then I realized this was a bigger deal than I may have realized. As I talked to his volunteers, I got a mix of perspectives: * One thought they should be [...]
When it comes to board meetings, this is one of the fastest ways to make me nuts. I'm begging you....please don't. Let’s think about why you have board meetings: * To build relationships amongst board members so they work well together * To focus their attention on the most important priorities of the organization * [...]
It’s been invigorating to see so many nonprofits focusing on planning now that we’re seeing light at the end of the pandemic tunnel. And yet I’m surprised when I ask how they are engaging the community and getting feedback from stakeholders and influencers. Most haven’t thought about it. It’s a grave error to try to [...]