Almost every new leader remembers a moment early in their tenure when they were asked to respond to a need, problem, or other external force, and they felt like they were in a whirlwind with no clear path forward. And most people who have led for a long time know that they are able to make a decision regarding a similar situation fairly easily, with little anxiety. Why is that? Is it because the seasoned leader has had longer to learn and has gained wisdom and knowledge? Yes,

“It’s a lonely job, isn’t it?” Late in my first year as an Executive Director, after navigating a particularly difficult staffing issue,...

It’s a lazy Sunday after a week spent with nature center colleagues from across the country, sharing stories, learning, and uplifting...

Change is inevitable in every organization, but in nonprofits, it often comes with higher stakes. You’re not just adjusting workflows or...

When you’re steering a nonprofit organization, the future can feel like a foggy horizon, unpredictable, full of both opportunities and challenges. That’s why long-term budget planning is a strategic imperative. It aligns resources with mission priorities, prevents financial crises, and provides clarity for both staff and board members. Without it, even the most passionate and impactful nonprofits can stumble. I’m in the middle of this work right now for Ijams Nature Center. W

One of the best compliments I can give a board meeting is to call it “boring.” I like boring board meetings. That means the hard work has...

Humans are storytellers by nature. It’s in our DNA. We evolved by telling and listening to stories. It's how we made sense of the world, passed down knowledge, and built community. We are, quite literally, made of stories. I heard so many family stories as I was growing up. Tales of dress making, of gardens, of fishing, of hardship, of laughter around the table. These stories weren’t just entertainment; they were how I learned where I came from and who I was. They’re still wo

Economic uncertainty is an ever-present challenge for nonprofits, making financial resilience essential for long-term sustainability....

Being a nonprofit leader is often difficult. I won’t sugarcoat that. You may have limited resources (money, staff, etc.), or you may inherit an organization with a bad work culture or one that is struggling in all ways. Or you may walk into a great organization that is thriving. No matter what the situation, your work and mental health will be elevated by incorporating a few or all of the tools below. The Basics and/or If You or Your Organization Has Limited Resources Close

Executive Director (ED) transitions are inevitable in the lifecycle of any nonprofit organization. However, how a board manages this transition, both internally and externally, can significantly impact the organization’s stability, reputation, and future leadership. Whether the departure is amicable or contentious, the board’s actions during this time set the tone for the organization moving forward. How can a board handle an ED’s departure with professionalism and grace thro

Strong governance is the backbone of any successful nonprofit. A well-structured board provides direction, advice, oversight, and...

A strong, financially stable nonprofit is built on more than just passion—it requires planning, oversight, and strategy. One of the key...

Strong governance is essential to an organization’s success. However, I’m seeing more and more organizations facing challenges due to...

In the nonprofit world, mission drives us...or is what SHOULD drive us. Whether it’s conserving natural spaces, providing critical...

When operating a nonprofit, compliance with federal and state regulations is essential, but local ordinances can be just as crucial....

For some, the only thing they know about a nonprofit organization is that it doesn’t have to pay taxes…which is correct in some instances...

Recently, I heard of a prominent nonprofit organization that told their staff they couldn’t afford to pay them. This organization has...

Nonprofits dedicate their time and resources to making a positive impact, but many may be overlooking a critical step that could protect...

In the nonprofit world, the relationship between the board of directors and the organization's leadership team is crucial for long-term...

An Executive Director or CEO is often viewed as one who requires unwavering strength, resilience, and an ability to solve complex...