The Three-Legged Stool: A Nonprofit Leadership Reminder We Can’t Ignore

Back in the early days of Armstrong McGuire, we used to laugh about Bert’s favorite metaphor: the three-legged stool. Ask him the secret to a thriving nonprofit, and he’d go right to it—strong leadership, a clear vision, and sustainable funding. The image was so persistent that someone even bought him an actual stool as a joke.

But in recent weeks, that metaphor hasn’t felt so funny. It’s felt true.

As I’ve walked alongside a variety of organizations—statewide networks navigating delayed government payments, grassroots nonprofits facing drops in philanthropic giving, and teams paralyzed by strategic uncertainty—I’ve found myself picturing that stool again and again. Because when one leg is shaky, everything wobbles.

Some organizations are asking: Do we cast a bold new vision first? Or invest in leadership capacity? Or do we secure funding and then build around it? The truth is, those questions don’t have easy answers—especially when real people’s jobs, livelihoods, and access to critical services are on the line.

What I’ve noticed is this: organizations that have built strong relationships with their funders and practiced consistent stewardship seem to have a longer runway. They aren’t scrambling to make reactive decisions. They have the flexibility to weigh options, communicate transparently, and move forward deliberately.

So, yes—Bert was right all along. Strong leadership, strong vision, and the funding to match are not optional. They are foundational. Without all three, the mission you’re called to live into will struggle to stand.

If your team is wrestling with similar challenges, here area few questions I’ve been posing to leadership teams lately:

• Which leg of your stool is currently the strongest? Which needs the most attention?
• Are you trying to grow from a place of imbalance?
• How transparent are you being with funders and partners about the challenges you're facing? Even your board?
• Are your current decisions aligned with the long-term mission you are called to fulfill?
• Could slowing leadership decisions now prolong uncertainty and impact stability?
• How do we balance immediate financial concerns with a rising demand with need?

Let me know if these are helpful—or if you’re wrestling with a stool that’s seen better days. We’re all in this together!

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Mendi Nieters is a Senior Advisor with Armstrong McGuire who specializes in strategic planning, fund development, and leadership development. Learn more about Mendi and check out her other musings in her bio.