Popular Articles For Nonprofits

Each of these articles has been featured in a past issue of ZimNotes, our free electronic monthly newsletter. ZimNotes features articles to help your nonprofit forge a better future. Sign up for a free subscription.

TWELVE QUESTION BOARDS SHOULD ASK TO FOSTER INCLUSIVITY

CREATING AN INCLUSIVE, DIVERSE AND EQUITABLE ENVIRONMENT: FOUR STRATEGIES Inclusivity is critical to the success of nonprofits. Here are my four best strategies, learned in part, from my policy work on gender issues with the San Francisco Department on the Status of Women. Adapted from Ann Lehman's article published in the Chronicle of Philanthropy "Need for Diversity at Nonprofits Is More Vital After Garner and Brown Cases" on what nonprofits can learn from the private sector about creating a more inclusive workforce and environment.Adapted from December 2014 Chronicle of Philanthropy NEED FOR DIVERSITY AT NONPROFITS IS MORE VITAL AFTER GARNER AND BROWN CASES.

FOUR REASONS TO DO A BOARD ASSESSMENT?
A strong and effective board of directors is a benchmark of a healthy organization. A periodic check-up can ensure that you are not just surviving but thriving in today's environment. A recent study found that Boards that do a self-assessment are 72% more likely understand the board’s roles and responsibilities as. those that don’t are only 57%. Here are four reasons why you board should self assess.

WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE BOARD AND THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Article highlights what makes for a positive relationship between the board and the executive director, and the board and staff.

ACCOUNTABILITY, TRANSPARENCY & ETHIC: QUIZ FOR NONPROFITS
"Accountability" and "transparency" are the key buzzwords for nonprofits in the 21st century and woe to those who ignore these critical responsibilities. Take the Quiz and see how you measure up.

WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE BOARD AND THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Article highlights what makes for a positive relationship between the board and the executive director, and the board and staff.

HOW DOES THE BOARD GOVERN AND EVALUATE ITSELF?
This article reviews how to run effective board meetings and how the board can do a self-evaluation on its effectiveness.

HOW CAN A BOARD MEMBER BE A STRATEGIC ADVOCATE FOR YOUR NONPROFIT?
By suggesting an advocacy perspective, we are asking board members to reframe their role to promote the mission and vision of the organization at all times.

EIGHT CHARACTERISTICS OF LEADERSHIP (Recently Updated)
This article defines leadership and outlines eight characteristics of a good leader, offering examples of both leaders and leadership style.

YOU CAN'T RAISE MONEY WITHOUT A DEVELOPMENT PLAN!
Does your nonprofit have a written development plan with a calendar that specifies the kinds of fundraising that you plan to do in the next six months to three years and the people responsible for planning and implementing your campaigns? If not, read this article.

REVISED:STRATEGIC PLANNING FOR NONPROFITS (Redux 2016) This article discusses the benefits and how to's of strategic planning.

Sexual Harassment: Frequently Asked Questions.
Ann Lehman wrote this in 1996, while working for the City and County of San Francisco, Department on the Status of Women. Sadly not much as changed with all the new #MeToo stories. This should, however, still be helpful to those in the workforce.

SAMPLE PUBLIC POLICY GUIDELINES

PUBLIC POLICY NOW MORE THAN EVER
Now more than ever, it is critical that nonprofits take a stand. In order to be effective and successful in your field, it helps to know the policies, laws and regulations that impact your nonprofit organization and the communities you serve.

A STRATEGIC APPROACH TO PROBLEM SOLVING AT BOARD MEETINGS
Board members can act as advocates for their organizations and communities by using a strategic approach to problem solving, with a focus on a collaborative method to finding the answers.

BOARD MEMBERS FIDUCIARY RESPONSIBILITIES MADE SIMPLE!
This article outlines five steps all members should follow and three standards of care trustees are expected to follow.

Capital Campaigns:

Individual Donors:

Strategic Fundraising Thinking

Grantwriting and Special Events:

THE BOARDS ROLE IN GRANTSEEKING: WHAT THE FOUNDATION FOLKS WON'T TELL YOU
Explains why you must involve your Board members in grantseeking; powerful proposals alone are not enough to get that grant.

TEN TIPS FOR GRANTWRITING
Commonsense suggestions for a successful grant application.

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