Mendi Nieters
Can I Hug You?
It was a good night! Friends we have not seen in over 18 months called and asked us over for dinner. We have been holding out, but now that all of us had our COVID-19 vaccines it was GO time! The food was fantastic, but the company and conversation were spectacular. That moment getting out …
Read MoreMaximizing Your Development Committee
Last Friday, when meeting with nine development directors in a monthly development networking call, I shared a list created by BoardSource that states 10 tasks every development committee should be doing. They include: Help develop policies for board and staff actions related to gift soli…
Read MoreWelcome
It is a personal goal of mine that people feel comfortable and welcomed in my home. Don’t be surprised, if you drop by, that you are offered a snack, something to drink, or fresh eggs to carry home. Some of the best compliments I have received are “it always smells like you pulle…
Read More#GivingTuesdayNow and COVID-19
Giving Tuesday has announced May 5, 2020 to be #GivingTuesdayNow as an emergency response to COVID-19. It is designed to create a movement for unity and drive generosity for nonprofits. Many leaders, foundations, corporations, and online platforms have signed up showing their support for the…
Read MoreYour Next Hire: A Strategic Investment
One of the largest pain points inside nonprofits is bandwidth. We feel it nearly every time we walk into a client. And one of the largest investments for a nonprofit is normally personnel. Every dollar counts and is a strategic investment in your mission. Your next hire is important, whether…
Read MoreWhat’s Your Why?
‘Tis the season to be game on! Thanksgiving is behind us. Giving Tuesday is in the books. 30% of annual giving occurs in December and 10% in the last three days of the year. Many nonprofits have been planning for this season for months. There are now three and a half weeks left in 2019…
Read MoreYou Have A Strategic Plan. Now What?
Creating a strategic plan, if done right, involves stakeholders and requires time and thoughtful work. It builds consensus around shared goals, provides direction, and hopefully creates excitement. So then why do some nonprofits do nothing with it when finished? Is it time? Effo…
Read MoreTeam Up
The 2019 soccer season is in the books! It was a rough season for our household. Luckily, we ended on a high note with our first win in the last game of play of the tournament weekend. Yep, it was a long season of practices, rainouts, near wins, total defeats, and bruised egos. But that last…
Read MoreHow Much Does It Really Cost?
I comparison shop at a moment’s notice. You might have caught me in Costco or Target on my phone checking prices. Or you might have seen me looking for reviews on the product in hand. Intuitively we know that while cost matters, quality or desired impact also matters. When looking to…
Read MoreCan You Say No?
On Monday night I had requests to be three places, all at once. It’s happened to us all, especially in this Fall season when we are gearing up for many great things. I agonized over one of the requests. It was to fill in for another leader who …
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