𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐇𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 | 501 Consultants in Cashmere, WA is seeking a full-time 𝐋𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 to support the fulfillment of nonprofit client objectives in a broad range of event, governance, and development planning and execution tasks.
For more information, visit our job posting on Indeed: https://www.indeed.com/job/logistics-and-projects-specialist-96bb915a36b40e91
Am I a Good Board Member?
There you are, sitting in a room of mostly strangers; each as bewildered as the next. How do we best help this organization? You think you have a handle on what the group does but the board’s role is a little unclear. Well, OK, it’s a lot unclear.
There are countless books, guides, consultants, and specialists telling you how to be a board member. After reading many of them, here’s some favorite tips on how to ensure that your stay as a board member of a non-profit is appropriate and productive.
What does an annual work plan look like?
Your board has determined your organization’s strategic direction, cue your work to develop an annual work plan to advance in that direction! But what does this look like and where do you start?
As we shared in our last article, an annual work plan breaks down the strategic plan into a measurable, step-by-step process for accomplishing targeted work.
First, start with the strategic goals your board set. These are the goals you and your team now need to break down into bite-sized pieces. These pieces are objectives and tactics.
Implementing the Board’s Direction – What is An Annual Work Plan?
Getting Excited to Plan...Strategically – But, How?
Strategic planning may have a reputation for being just another “to-do” – some even go as far as arguing against the merits of a strategic plan – but it’s time to flip that misconception on its head and get excited about your organization’s future!
“If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” – Benjamin Franklin
Let’s assume that failure isn’t what your organization is seeking, but rather success and reinvigoration. Last month you read about why planning is important and that yes, it DOES matter.
But how do you actually do it? What does planning look like? Who needs to be involved? How long should it take? When should it be applied? What’s the process?
Planning—It really doesn’t matter, does it?
The Board's Role in Fundraising
“I’m no good at asking for money.” “I’m not comfortable asking for money.” “Fundraising is the staff’s job.” “How about if I just write a check and be done with it?” Sound familiar? Despite the integral role fundraising has in a nonprofit’s operations, for many board members, the thought of actually having to DO the fundraising can cause great anxiety and reveal steadfast resistance. Here’s a frank dose of reality as well as an approach to lessen the unease and struggle.
Leadership Transition
Leadership transition, whether on the board or in senior management, can prove challenging in any circumstance but a transition within an unprepared organization can be a threat to sustainability. Proactively addressing inevitable transitions paves a smoother way for new leadership and organizational success. Succession planning will also help develop positive relationships with new leadership.
Dissolution: It's in the Details
Who does what?
Hiring an Executive Director
In the hiring process, boards often face the challenging and reoccurring dilemma of choosing between a candidate with trade experience specific to the organization's field and a candidate with leadership experience, albeit unrelated to the organization's field. As you sit on the board of a non-profit, which would you choose: trade or leadership experience?
Essentials for Board Meetings
As a board member for a nonprofit, you have a fiduciary duty. During board meetings, you participate in decision-making that significantly impacts the organization, as well as volunteers, staff, clients, and the community served by the group. But what information is essential to make important decisions with confidence?
Event Planning
Internal Controls
The National Council of Nonprofits, neatly defines "internal controls" as: "Financial management practices that are systematically used to prevent misuse and misappropriation of assets, such as occur through theft or embezzlement." - Source
Transition Planning
Several months ago, our blog focused on succession planning; the process of preparing for a change in leadership. This month, let's revisit the topic of transition from a broader perspective. Proactively addressing inevitable transitions, whether in leadership or other significant organizational change, paves a smoother way for organizational success.