Nonprofit YEAH!

Are you building your board with an eye to the next 2 - 7 years? What programs do you have coming up? What growth? A capital campaign maybe? This is a story about an organization that started with a vision on the back of a napkin eight years ago, that is now proactively building their board for future success. Strategic planning, governance, leadership, and followership all play a part.

The first time you become the chair of an organization can be daunting. You've watched someone else manage the nonprofit, so should you just do it that way? This episode talks about the wide range of chair styles, and how you can make a difference. You were chosen to lead, so do it the way that feels right to you. Don't be afraid to stir it up!

We are involved in nonprofit work usually because we're passionate about a cause. Because of that, one might think we'd speak passionately. With verve and style, not with terror and sweat. But public speaking is still... speaking in front of large groups. In this episode I'll help with a few tips on how to get up and seize the moment, pace your presentation, and assure people leave with a good impression.

Nonprofits are usually filled with all kinds of excitement, because we do it from passion. Action without some kinds of procedural overlay, however, can lead to messy or even disastrous unintended consequences. We need both process and procedure thinkers and action figures to get it all done. How do they work together? Listen to this episode to get some ideas.

This episode is a mix of good things. Partly it's about when to get stuff done - don't fundraise when people aren't in a giving mood, but do throw parties when people can attend! It's also about the Big Ask - timing, remembering past promises, and making sure you have another person from your board and staff to keep you on track. Check it out!

Tough question: have you outlived your usefulness on a board? Have you lost the passion as a staff member? Nonprofit is different from for-profit in yet another way: if you've lost the thrill, it's time to step aside and make room for new blood, for others excited to carry the organization to the next level. This episode deals with endings, loss, beginnings, and bright futures. Figure out when it's time to make some space.

Two scoops in one cone! This is two topics in one episode, both dealing with your board and money. First is the issue of the old term Give, Get, or Get OFF! Your board should be involved in not just getting gifts, but giving every year as well. We dive into the nuance. Second is setting a gift policy for your board and organization. Check it out!

Your board seats have terms. I presume. But do you have term limits? Should you have term limits? This podcast is a look at why term limits may or may not be a good thing for your board. Believe it or not, there are really good reasons not to have term limits... for some organizations.

The only thing that's "the same" about every nonprofit is that we all must adhere to IRS requirements, and rules laid down by the Secretary of State. Every organization branches out from there because people - you, me - get involved. We bring our own personalities to the organization.

Can this personality be changed? Yes! Should it? Your organization might want to look at what it is you like about your personality, and what you don't. You can change, and the first step is to talk about it.

When you make the "Ask" for a nonprofit, there are two responses. There's "yes!" and it means your donor has moved from prospect to donor. If your prospect says "no" it's usually a nuanced answer. It's either "no," or it's "no... I need to think about it." There are lots of meanings to 'no,' and it's your job make it an opportunity. You can learn and become stronger. And by treating the 'no' as a possibility, you might even get this donor prospect to become a donor in the future.