Tag: nonprofit
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What is a Systems Evaluation and Why is it Important in the Non-Profit Sector?
Increasingly, we are told we need to design and evaluate things in systems. However, I want to take a step back this week and chat about what a system actually is and why it is important in the nonprofit context. Understanding Systems Evaluation Systems evaluations are particularly relevant in the nonprofit sector. Like putting on…
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Navigating Turbulent Times: The Crisis in Nonprofit Leadership
In the world of nonprofit leadership, the toll of burnout is a story we hear too often. Consider the case of an Executive Director, a colleague, who steered a youth-focused nonprofit from a fledgling initiative into a beacon of hope for thousands. The organization, under this leader’s guidance, became a transformative force in the community.…
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Optimizing Your Nonprofit’s Leadership: Legal Requirements and Best Practices for Board Composition Or How Many to Use and When
For any nonprofit organization, the board of directors plays a pivotal role in strategic oversight and governance. Establishing an effective board is not just about meeting legal requirements; it’s about embracing best practices that underpin the nonprofit’s success. I often used to get questions about what is the best size for my board of directors.…
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Making the Case for Better Wages in the Non-Profit.
Non-Profits need to pay better wages, specifically to their female employees. I know in the last month or so, the buzz has been around overpaid nonprofit leaders. I would argue, like so many, that these wages are very much needed and reflect the difficulty in leading large organizations. Further, I want to argue that we…
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Why is Running a Non-Profit so Hard?
Non-profits employ over 7% of the global workforce, and closer to home in the USA, they represent over 5.7% of US GDP. They earn annual revenues of $2.62B, and yet, nearly every non-profit worries about the state of operations, cash flow, and ensuring they have operational continuity year to year. Uncertain Government Funding How does…
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Why Non-Finance People Can Make the Best Treasurers…
So you can’t get a CPA or a finance person for your Board Treasurer position. Now what? In the realm of non-profit organizations, the role of a treasurer carries significant weight in managing financial affairs. Historically, Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) have been favored for this position due to their finance expertise. However, in recent years,…
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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…