Category: Blog
-
Difficult Board and ED Relationships…
Nearly every ED has had at least one “difficult” board and by contrast nearly every board has had times when they have difficulties with an ED.What happens when a relationship like this goes sour? Before you are ready to throw in the towel, it helps to take a step back and reassess. In the heat…
-
Why Standardized Grant Reporting Metrics Don’t Always Work…
One of the things I hated most when I used to work with and in the non-profit sector, was completing reports for funders. Some post-project reports were easy. You’d answer a few questions on impact, submit your expenses and report some metrics. We’d always include copies of evaluation reports, photos of the program in action…
-
The North Star: How to Create Measurable Passion in Our Organizations
More than a decade ago, I remember being in a strategic planning session, and we were tasked with crafting mission and vision statements for the organization. In the midst of this session, a challenge emerged in the form of a board member who staunchly advocated for longer mission and vision statements. He believed that extended…
-
Why Non-Profits Need an Organizational North Star
In my past life as a Consultant, I remember often working with organizations to develop and implement strategic plans, to identify metrics and to develop tracking tools. Often times, I would get resistance from some organizations stating” we don’t have time for all of this”, or ” there are too many metrics to track across…
-
I’m a Treasurer on a Non-Profit Board. Now What???
Early on in my career, I was asked to be a treasurer of a nonprofit board of directors. At the time, I was on maternity leave, worked in the finance space, and thought this organization, near my home, was a good place to stay involved and make some friends while I stayed home for a…
-
Why Stopping Your Program Intake May Be The Best Way to Help Others (and your Organization)…
A recent conversation with a nonprofit colleague struck a chord deep inside me. We were talking about a recent program that he had funded by a government agency. He was stating how demand was so over the top that they were nearly doubling the number of individuals they were serving, compared to what the number…
-
Unleashing the Potential of Segmented Volunteer Recruitment:
A More Strategic Approach Recruitment Success Yesterday, we chatted about the dangers of a uniform approach to volunteer recruitment. Whether this is for your board or your volunteer program, recruiting today is becoming more challenging. One strategy has emerged as a game-changer: segmentation. By tailoring recruitment efforts to specific groups based on demographics, interests, skills,…
-
Checklist for your Volunteer Orientation (Not Training) Package
Crafting the Perfect Volunteer Orientation Package: A Comprehensive Guide Volunteering is a cornerstone of community service, and the hearts that choose to give their time and energy deserve a warm welcome. The initial interaction between an organization and its volunteers sets the tone for the entire experience. That’s why creating an ideal volunteer orientation package…
-
What Your Volunteers Really Want….
The Changing Landscape of Volunteerism One of the certainties of the nonprofit sector used to be volunteers. If you were a good organization, you could attract volunteers. However, times have changed. Traditional volunteering has begun its decline, leaving organizations with scores of unfilled positions. The questions on different forums and in discussion groups are filled…
-
Navigating Legal Structures: A Guide to Choosing the Right Framework for Your Social Enterprise
Embarking on the journey of launching a social enterprise is akin to navigating a maze of legal frameworks, each offering its own set of rules, benefits, and challenges. From the bustling streets of Toronto to the bustling startup scene of Silicon Valley, entrepreneurs with a passion for social change find themselves faced with a crucial…