Bedrocks & Beacons

We all know the power of focus, the magical results when we can remain single-minded in our effort. Sometimes you’ll hear someone brag about how great they are at multitasking. For most of us, that is a fallacy. Research shows that’s not how we’re wired.

While some major donors are helping to boost overall giving in terms of dollars, the number of donors is shrinking. There are some nonprofit leaders who take shortcuts. Some shortcuts include not building capacity — the fuel to fund their mission and the people to whom they serve.

Here are 10 steps to help ensure that your organization – and you and your team – finish 2021 on a high note.

Expert research is essential for a nonprofit to achieve its potential for both a major fundraising campaigns and strategic planning...

The great composer Leonard Bernstein has been quoted as saying, “To accomplish great things, two things are needed: a plan, and not quite enough time.” Bernstein would have been aghast — as we were — to read this proclamation on the website of a particular independent school about its strategic planning process...

Every time we finish a client engagement, we review the experience to see what we can learn from it. In every case, one major theme is clear: The quality and engagement of the board is a critical factor in the nonprofit’s success. Here are eight key tips for building and engaging your most successful board...