Zimmerman Lehman: What We Do

Zimmerman Lehman has served the nonprofit community since 1988, offering a broad range of services to help nonprofit organizations maximize their board, volunteer, financial and staff resources. The energetic approach of Zimmerman Lehman's consulting team is appropriate for all types of agencies, from large to grassroots organizations, regardless of the area of focus. We'll show you that board of director's work can be exciting, empowering and fun. Our array of specialized services includes board assessments, training and recruitment, coaching, planning and facilitation, and fundraising, all of which build the foundation for a healthy nonprofit.

Zimmerman Lehman acts as a catalyst for boards and organizations. We motivate board members, staff and other volunteers, teaching them the art and science of board governance, planning and fundraising, while offering timely, expert assistance to success. The end product will be a sturdy and prosperous agency.

Zimmerman Lehman can craft your nonprofit into a well-run organization through our expertise in:

BOARD ONLINE ASSESSMENT

A process of board self-assessment is not only worthwhile, but a critical component to ensure your board is functioning at its highest level, and efficiently directing its efforts to accomplish its mission. If you have added or are about to add new members, a board assessment can double as a good introduction to, and reminder for all members of, what it means to be an effective board member. While evaluation is considered a worthwhile process, how many boards do this themselves?

The Zimmerman Lehman Online Assessment is a survey consisting of questions, such as those set out below, that each board member answer confidentially. The questions are geared to a set of benchmarks developed by Zimmerman Lehman in the field of board governance. The Survey consists of approximately 80 questions covering the following topics: planning–policy, program implementation & monitoring, board meeting logistics, board meeting operations, committees, recruitment–orientation, fiduciary/conflicts of interest, financial-accountable & transparent, management–personnel, fundraising & marketing. It between 15 and 20 minutes to fill out.

See ZimNotes January issue "Four Reasons To Do Board Assessments." If you would like more information about Zimmerman Lehman's online assessment please contact Ann Lehman email us or call 510.755.5701.

Zimmerman Lehman has provided valuable services to numerous and diverse organizations. See our Client List.

Enhancing Board Effectiveness
Zimmerman Lehman assists organizations in developing and strengthening their boards. With years of experience working with small and large organizations we are very familiar with the myriad challenges board's face. Our assistance and training will help board members increase their effectiveness, governance, board and staff relations, diversity, recruitment, accountability, planning, transparency, fiduciary, fundraising capacity and advocacy skills.

Training and Facilitation: Effective training and facilitation for the board of directors keeps an organization on the leading edge of quality service. We combine our passion and can-do attitude with practical and straightforward methods. Zimmerman Lehman's interactive sessions draw on our combined experience working in the nonprofit sector variously as staff, executive director, board members and consultants. Our insightful facilitation skills ensure all are heard and are joined with proven adult learning techniques. Whether it is basic board training on roles and responsibilities, developing a plan or vision, discussing a new program or endeavor, brainstorming ideas, or reviewing a mission statement, Zimmerman Lehman combines extensive knowledge and awareness of the nonprofit sector with intuitive and skilled assistance.

Recruitment: We provide advice in assembling boards of directors that will provide financial, administrative, and programmatic leadership for their organizations. We can assist with developing strategic recruitment plans that focus on your nonprofit's mission and vision. This will guarantee that your organization takes an organized rather than episodic approach to recruitment, ensuring that you have all the necessary skills and diversity on your board to be truly effective.

Board Assessment and Evaluation: 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. To check your board’s vital signs, or to put in place practices and strategies for a healthy and energized board, the best place to start is with a board self-assessment. To help make this easy for board members we recently launched a new online self-assessment tool that board members can access easily from their home or office. The process of developing benchmarks for board evaluation helps identify the standards for peak performance and can energize members and improves relationships by encouraging open discussion of the results. This helps board members make certain they are functioning at their highest level and working to implement your mission and vision.

Executive Director, Staff and Board Coaching
Zimmerman Lehman offers effective, friendly coaching for your staff and board and those interested in entering the nonprofit world. Leadership positions are always demanding and often isolating. New executive directors have a huge learning curve. Staff new to the nonprofit world need to navigate the waters, Board presidents need a sympathetic ear and sound advice. As coaches we offer years of expertise in the nonprofit world with strategic questions, sage advice, mentoring, planning expertise and accountable check-ins to help you move forward. We provide coaching on a regular basis or as needed, in-person, phone conversations, or email or text sessions.

Strategic Planning
Creating a solid vision and plan for the future is an essential step for molding a successful organization. Zimmerman Lehman helps strengthen organizations by examining their planning needs, benchmarking and identifying areas that require attention. We will conduct effective strategic and program planning to ensure a focused mission, stimulating vision, and strategies to turn your objectives into realities. We emphasize the process in addition to the end product. For more information, see our article Strategic Planning for Nonprofits

Fundraising & Marketing
Zimmerman Lehman guarantees successful fundraising by imparting a systematic approach. We offer techniques to package your organization in such a way that donors can't help but be proud to invest in your nonprofit. Our methods will rejuvenate your organization and give it the inside track in the battle to secure funding. Whether it is a grantwriting or major donor training our team members will offer timely, expert assistance to help you succeed. The end product will be a sturdy and prosperous agency.

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