Executive Issues

A successful nonprofit merger looks a lot like a successful marriage. Stick with me for a minute here. In both instances, there is an initial "getting-to-know-you" period. You’re both trying to determine if you’re a good fit. After you both agree there’s mutual chemistry, you move into the dating phase, sharing more information and growing in understanding of each other...

Years ago, when we were crafting our firm’s mission statement, there was a lot of discussion over one word: respect. Our mission statement says that we “partner with respected nonprofit organizations.” Unfortunately, organizations sometimes stray, and honesty and integrity are compromised...

In the nonprofit world, every organization needs one thing in order to survive: a strong nonprofit leadership team. The sector is becoming more and more competitive by the day—just look at the numbers. We push out this statistic a lot, and that’s because we want to educate the sector on what they’re up against...

Earlier this year, we released our very first research study focused on nonprofit leadership, the “2018 Nonprofit Leadership Impact Study.” In it, we looked into the challenges facing nonprofit leadership teams and how they can address those challenges...

The average chief development officer moves on after 12 to 18 months in the role. This nonprofit leadership “churn” can be enormously detrimental to a nonprofit’s ability to raise funds and achieve its mission. Nonprofits need continuity and consistency in order to keep staff motivated, engage stakeholders and represent the organization to their key constituencies...

Last week I made a quick trip to New York City for the memorial service for fundraising legend Jerry Panas. I am sure that Jerry was smiling down on the gathering at the Century Club. Seeing Felicity, Jerry and others was heartwarming. It was a pleasure meeting new friends and learning nonprofit lessons from a fundraising leader...

On my last day as interim executive director of Slide Ranch, my team threw me a heartfelt going-away party. I was touched and moved by their outpouring of love, and the feeling was very much mutual. I cared deeply about their wellbeing, not only as employees but as individuals...

Passion for the mission has always been a critical quality that boards or search committees seek in a new leader, but today's nonprofits cannot afford to run solely on passion alone. As organizations seek new executive directors or CEOs, they look to identify a nonprofit leader who can build a brand...

Recently, I took part in a LIVE call in which is part of our nonprofit leaders and managers course for major gifts. It gave me such hope because the leaders that are taking this course are doing it because they want to learn about major gifts and, even more importantly, lead their nonprofit to be supportive of the major gift team...

Education and communication are vital attributes when working in the nonprofit arena. All of us work with a variety of nonprofit constituents. It is imperative that various players in the nonprofit universe continually learn the same language and grow as professionals...