Blog
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Should you hire for skill or spirit?
I’m not sure I’d use the term “spirit,” but I definitely think too many nonprofits hire based solely on who has the experience/skill and not enough attention is paid to…
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On the perils of chasing money
I recently had a conversation with an organizational Executive Director who was having their group round up its grassroots supporters to generate online votes to have the group selected to…
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Talking in values language
I recently was speaking to a board of a conservation organization and said that they were working to protect “environmental values.” And that we should lead with our values, not…
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How Organizations Learn
Just read a fascinating article in the Stanford Social Innovation Review on how organizations learn. It definitely has tremendous applicability to any effort to help an organization establish systems or…
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Why I do what I do
I’m about 20 months into my work as a consultant. As my day-to-day has become busier (thanks to my wonderful, fabulous clients!) I’ve started to think harder about what I’m…
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How often should your board meet?
I’ve had this question come up in conversation a few times in the last month. There is, of course, no pat answer. Here are some factors that would lead me…
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Read this. Now.
Came across the attached and thought it was so good that I’m encouraging anyone I know who cares about social change, particularly fundraising for social change, to read it. Now.…
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When do you hire a Development Director?
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the transition of organization from all-volunteer, to their first Executive Director, to the build out of additional staff. One of the recurring questions…
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The Executive Director v. the Board
I’m often asked by Executive Directors to give advice as to the division of responsibilities between the staff and board. Here’s my two cents. The traditional view is the following:…
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Mercenary vs. Missionary Donors
A mercenary donor is one who gives to you for some reason that isn’t primarily about agreement with your mission. They may give out of loyalty to a friend, out…