I recently wrote about the benefits of data as a public relations tool – especially when the IRS Form 990 is available to the public. I would be remiss if I didn’t address the possibility of such data being hacked. “The philanthropy community is still catching up to the digital security needs faced […]
5 Traits of Effective Bylaws
Bylaws can be intimidating and complicated. Benjamin Miller from the Community Legal Education Group,Ontario, Canada writes a very concise and pragmatic article on the topic.He has given me permission to reproduce this article. No matter how good your bylaws are in theory, if they don’t get used, they aren’t effective. Here is a list […]
A Guide to Succession Planning
Succession planning is one of the hardest activities that non-profits take the time to consider. I was recently given a document that I feel every non-profit leader should read. This is because it provides every single consideration, every step, and many resources for completing the task. It is called, ‘Building the Organizations:Succession Planning […]
“One Minute Mentoring” Book Review
“One Minute Mentoring” Ken Blanchard & Claire Diaz-Ortiz, Harper Collins (2017) This small and simple book packs a punch. Ken Blanchard, author of the best-selling “One Minute Manager”, and Claire Diaz-Oritz bring much wisdom to the table for managers and prospective mentors to take in. This book is for both mentors and mentees. Mentoring […]
Managing Conflict Between Direct Reports
One of the most worrisome tasks of a manager is managing conflict between direct reports – especially when it spills over into the staff. Rather than ignoring the situation, here are some steps to take to lessen the toll on everyone, and it is a manager’s responsibility to be held accountable. Step 1: Setting […]
Nonprofit Budgets and Forecasts
Is the way your organization budgets and makes projections getting the job done? If not take a look at zero based budgeting and rolling forecasts to improve the accuracy of your results. Zero-based budgeting (ZBB) is the idea of looking at your expenses from the ground up rather than using your existing figures and […]
Can Your Data Tell a Story?
How many of us input data, and never see it again, lacking an effective way to use it? What if the data could tell a compelling story that might inspire others to support the mission? An article on the Stanford Social Innovation Review website provides some recommendations for helping your data tell […]
An Executive Director Describes Her Coaching Experience as Transformational
At a recent ECofOC meeting, BB Maboby shared information about her organization and coaching experience with John Benner, an ECofOC Coach. She is the ED of the non-profit called SmileOnU (https://www.smileonu.org).The mission is: “Beyond the basic act of eating, dental health is vital to a person’s overall health and appearance. Knowing that there are […]
The Glossary for Nonprofit Governance
Many of us in the nonprofit world use terms and acronyms that may be confusing to newcomers – especially young employees trying to learn about the nonprofit as a business. I recently ran across a very useful tool for educating everyone in this business. The glossary should probably be in every manager’s office. […]
Writing Effective E-mails
In this age of increasing technology, e-mail communication has become front and center. I found a terrific mini course on this subject at nonprofitready.org. It is 8 minutes long. The takeaways are: (a) avoid vague subject lines (b) Be personal (c) Be visual (d) Be structured (e) No big blocks of text (f) Is […]