Corporate volunteer programs: Finding the right fit for your nonprofit
Volunteers can provide critical support for nonprofits, helping organizations fill important gaps and devote more resources to their missions. But recruiting and retaining enough volunteers — especially those with the right skills and availability — can be challenging. One potential source of helping hands may be closer than you think: businesses in your community. Look […]
It’s time to start preparing your nonprofit’s annual report
Waiting until year end to plan your not-for-profit’s annual report can lead to rushed content and overlooked accomplishments. By gathering personal impact stories and financial highlights throughout the year, you can produce a compelling report that better engages donors, volunteers, grantmakers and other stakeholders. Here’s how to turn your annual report into an effective communication […]
Outsourcing HR: A smart move for many nonprofits
Today’s nonprofit HR teams often oversee a myriad of functions. These include recruiting, hiring, onboarding, training, payroll coordination, benefits administration, performance management and employee relations. HR staffers may also help address workforce planning, employee retention and organizational culture. For many nonprofits, managing these responsibilities internally can stretch already limited resources. Outsourcing selected HR functions can help. […]
Is an advisory board the right solution for your nonprofit?
Nonprofits often face challenges that require specialized expertise, broader community representation or fundraising connections beyond what their governing boards provide. An advisory board can be an effective way to strengthen leadership capacity and support strategic initiatives by bringing in outside perspectives without expanding formal governance responsibilities. Evaluate your organization’s needs One way to assess whether […]
Approaching nonprofit mergers with intentionality
A merger of nonprofit organizations can provide many benefits — but only when organizations enter the process with clear goals and conduct careful due diligence. Here’s what to consider. Why pursue a merger Your organization might consider a merger to strengthen or diversify revenue sources. This could be accomplished by combining with an organization that […]
Expand your nonprofit’s donor base with giving circles
Today’s donors increasingly want to play an active role in deciding where their charitable dollars go. That’s one reason giving circles — groups of individuals who pool their contributions and collectively choose organizations to support — continue to gain momentum. If your nonprofit isn’t building relationships with these groups, you could be overlooking a valuable […]
The pros and cons of alternative investments for nonprofits
The pros and cons of alternative investments for nonprofits As your not-for-profit looks for new ways to strengthen long-term financial performance, you might be considering alternative investments. They boost diversification and can provide higher returns than traditional investments. But they also can add complexity and risk, increase investment costs, and expand tax exposure. Before committing assets, […]
Weighing the financial impact of nonprofit mission drift
Mission drift often happens gradually, especially for nonprofits that have served their communities for many years. As community needs and funding priorities evolve, nonprofits often adapt their programs and services to stay relevant. But when those changes begin to pull your organization away from its core purpose, a formal mission change may be necessary to […]
How to respond to suspected fraud within your nonprofit
Nonprofits are built on trust — from donors, grantors and the communities they serve. When concerns about possible fraud by an employee arise, trust can be shaken quickly. How leadership responds can restore and preserve trust. It can also help reduce and recover potential losses and provide insights that can lower future employee fraud risk. Start […]
Should your nonprofit adopt (or revise) term limits for board members?
Board composition plays a critical role in a nonprofit’s governance, financial oversight and long-term sustainability. One question many organizations face is whether to have term limits for board members. While term limits aren’t legally required, they can be a sound governance practice. The right approach depends on your organization’s size, structure and strategic goals. You […]