Archive | February, 2009

Roundup: On Leadership

Posted on 13 February 2009

Strong leadership is essential to being successful with your fundraising goals.  There’s not just one or even a handful of leaders that are important to a nonprofit organization.  Leadership can come from staff (at all levels), donors, committee members, advocates, volunteers serving on short term projects (like fundraising events) or those that give a few […]

Finding Professional Help for Your Nonprofit

Posted on 11 February 2009

After reading Becky McCray’s great article on How to find people to help you with your business at Small Business Survival, I started thinking about the professional help that many nonprofit organizations need. Many of the same services are needed by nonprofits just as they are in the for-profit world.  Like many small businesses, small […]

A Good CPA Is Hard to Find

Posted on 10 February 2009

Your nonprofit needs professional accounting help, but a good CPA can be hard to find. You desire someone who is knowledgeable but understandable, experienced but still affordable, and professional yet interested in your mission. How to find a CPA to help your nonprofit: Tell your staff, members and volunteers of your need and request that […]

Exploring the World of Fundraising Consultants

Posted on 09 February 2009

“To consult, or not to consult” – that is the question. Or at least it would be if Hamlet were to ask it. Hamlet’s “slings and arrows of outrageous fortune” make me think of fund-raising goals too great and resources to meet them too few. His “sea of troubles” sounds like an ocean of red […]

How to Find a Lawyer for Your Nonprofit Organization

Posted on 05 February 2009

Here are some thoughts on finding, hiring, working with and firing an attorney for a nonprofit organization. A lot will depend on the issue you are addressing. If you are at the beginning of incorporating an organization the talents you need from an attorney are different than one seeking legal help for a grievance by […]

10 Common Issues With Board Members & What to Do About Them, Part I

Posted on 03 February 2009

After having spent many years working with non-profit boards, I know enough not to be personally disappointed by any one individual board member. Non-profit board service is a volunteer gig, and it’s tough to get down on someone who is giving of his or her time. Besides, as a leader of a non-profit, we are […]

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