By David A. Mersky You just finished your year-end rush and have begun planning for 2023. But before you turn the calendar page to February, one important question remains: Who were the people, no matter how many times you asked, who gave in 2021… [Read more…]
By David A. Mersky The year is nearly over. At this point, you have done absolutely everything you can for your direct response and mid-range donors. So, what do most organizations do? They send everybody home between Christmas and New Year’s. Yes, you may… [Read more…]
Nonprofit strategic planning is sexy in the same way nonprofit governance, feasibility study reports and finding the perfect candidate is sexy. Oh wait, I didn’t mean sexy. I meant amazing for my nonprofit or energizing for my organization. The title of this piece… [Read more…]
I recently offered to help a friend, Jen, plan her nonprofit’s retreat. We met for coffee and she explained that she had decided to start off her term as board president by holding a 3-hour strategic planning board retreat (replacing the second board… [Read more…]
In the past week, I have spoken with two organizations who have realized they need a new strategy to accomplish their vision. They both have a clear understanding of what they want to achieve – growth in one case and an increased endowment… [Read more…]
What is the difference between Netflix and Blockbuster? Cirque de Soleil and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Baiiley Circus? Amazon and Barnes & Noble? In all three cases, they started out with a very similar product, or at least a similar product offering. … [Read more…]
Is the leadership excited by the potential? A nonprofit strategic plan is not something that can be accomplished without the support and excitement of the board and staff. It will take additional time, energy and focus as well as buy-in from the leadership.… [Read more…]
Nonprofit strategic planning is often used when organizations are: In a strong place and looking to stay that way; Introducing new leadership and want to ensure the organization continues to work towards unified goals; Creating a shared vision as to the future direction… [Read more…]
My children do not go for a yearly doctor’s appointment. They, in fact go for annual wellness checkups. This idea that they are seeing a professional to ensure they are growing, developing and staying on a healthy path is a better message and… [Read more…]
by Sam Frank, Principal, Synthesis Partnership New facilities, while exciting, are an extraordinarily expensive commitment, with a variety of hidden costs, and budgets that can easily balloon out of control. If you need to build—or think you might—there are ways to reduce your… [Read more…]