How often do you find yourself working puzzles and thinking of life metaphors that go along with the puzzling process? Call me nerdy, but it occurred to me over the holidays, as I attempted this challenging puzzle with some friends, that there are several lessons for nonprofits in the art of doing puzzles…
Read MoreThe announcement of an executive director’s departure can catch even well-governed boards off guard. Yet the months between learning of an impending transition and welcoming a new leader represent a critical window that often determines whether the change strengthens or destabilizes an organization. Preparation is what separates organizations that emerge from transitions stronger from those […]
Read MoreWhat the New USPS Postmark Rule Means for End-of-Year Giving By Stephanie Flores de Valgaz On December 24, 2025, a new United States Postal Service rule took effect that will affect mailings, which, while for most things is a minor change, could have a significant impact on year-end giving. Under the new rule, a […]
Read MoreNonprofits hustle for that roughly one-third of all giving that occurs in December. And then what? Here are a few questions to ask yourself and help your team to stay connected with year-end donors– both new and loyal givers – year-round…
Read MoreThe most consequential decision a nonprofit board will ever make is hiring its executive director. Yet in moments of transition, some boards instinctively defer to staff members who seem more familiar with day-to-day operations. This approach, while well-intentioned, fundamentally misunderstands where the responsibility for nonprofit board hiring lies and often sets both the organization and […]
Read MoreA wrong executive hire costs more than money. It costs momentum, staff morale, donor confidence, and sometimes years of organizational progress. Nonprofit boards invest significant time and resources into finding their next executive director, yet many organizations repeat the same avoidable errors. These mistakes often stem from good intentions: moving quickly to fill a vacancy, […]
Read MoreRetained Search vs. Contingent: What Nonprofits Need The decision between retained and contingent search isn’t just about payment structure. It’s about whether your nonprofit has access to leaders who aren’t actively seeking jobs, or only to those who happen to be browsing job boards. When your board decides to engage professional help for an executive […]
Read MoreWhen your executive director announces a departure, even the most experienced boards feel the weight of what comes next. The decisions you make in the months ahead will shape your organization’s direction for years to come, influencing everything from staff morale to donor confidence and mission impact. You’re not alone if your board is feeling […]
Read MoreThe Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) observes National Philanthropy Day around the country every November. We have listed this year’s award winners in the chapters in our region here:
Read More
