W.K. Kellogg Foundation's 2017 Step-by-Step Guide to Evaluation: How to Become Savvy Evaluation Consumers provides a framework for evaluation as a useful program tool for grantees, nonprofits, and community leaders. "The original handbook provides a framework for thinking about evaluation as a relevant and useful program tool.
Today's environment for nonprofits is full of tempting traps that can take the organization off its core mission. Learn about the top ten traps and how to avoid them. (North Carolina Center for Nonprofits)
As the Baby Boomers edge into their 50s and 60s, nonprofit organizations will soon be making room for a new generation of leaders. Not only should organizations consider the generational differences that will impact leadership styles, but also consider that members of Generation X, now in their 20s and 30s, are a dramatically smaller group than the Baby Boom generation. Up Next: Generation Change and the Leadership of Nonprofit Organizations (The Annie E.
For many nonprofits, closing down or going out of business is the unthinkable. There may be a crisis or serious warning signs or simply a lack of energy in the organization. Whatever the long-term causes may be, it's time to look at the options (Blue Avocado).
Why Boards Don't Govern, Part 1 by CompassPoint Nonprofit Services: "In the aftermath of every “nonprofit mismanagement” news story is the question: Why didn’t the board do something? Yet the boards of the nonprofits recently headlined with scandals did not do any less than most nonprofit boards. The reality is that most nonprofit boards are ineffective in their governing function. Only when gross mismanagement occurs does a failure at governance come to the fore."&nbs
In Why Boards Don't Govern, Part 2 (CompassPoint Nonprofit Services, 2006), Jan Masaoka and Mike Allison advocate for board to receive at least part of their information from someone else besides the Executive Director, how to improve board meetings, encourage question asking, and qualities to look for when recruiting. See also Part 1 of the Board Café series on Why Boards Don't Govern.
Some organizations are reluctant to start the planning process because of vague fears about where it might lead and what it might entail. Defeat the Planning Dreads demystifies common concerns and illuminates the benefits planning can bring.
Common Ground is a publication of the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits.
Thinking ahead is key to an organization's effectiveness. Answer these key questions around strategic, operational, and evaluation planning to maximize your resources and achieve your organizational goals.
Common Ground is a publication of the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits.
In a 360-Degree Look, as outlined by Blue Avocado, the board and the staff team seek feedback from those who stand around the outside of the circle (aka: the organization) as well as inside it: clients, community members, volunteers, donors, funders, and staff. While it might seem threatening or time-consuming, it's an infrequent project that can alleviate staff fears and create a positive precedent for board-staff teams.
Candid (formerly GrantSpace) outlines the process and steps to create a business plan, which can help a nonprofit organization describe how it intends to implement its mission and achieve its set of goals. Additionally, the National Council for Nonprofits offers administration guides about Business Planning for Nonprofits.